PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE? - TU Berlin

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contradictions of EU decision-making objectives. By contrast, I use the term “spatial
storylines” to I discuss notions that are second-order concepts which more specifically
impact transport infrastructure decision-making and investments.
Generally speaking, EU decision-making is always torn between the twin forces
of enlargement and integration, i.e. decisions aiming at extending the borders of the
current union on one hand, and decisions that foster a deepening of the Union and the
completion of the Single Market on the other hand. EU transport policy is also torn
between these objectives. More recently, there has been the addition of (environmental)
sustainability Leitbild, which competes with development objectives related to
enlargement and integration.
6.2.2 Integration (Deepening)
Manuel Castells (1998:338) observed that “European integration is, at the same
time, a reaction to the process of globalization and its most advanced expression.” The
Treaty on European Union (TEU) marked “a new stage in the process of creating an ever
closer union among the peoples of Europe” (Article 1, TEU). 5
This ever closer union is
envisioned as a progressive force that has been present since the earliest beginnings of
European unification. As the EU Glossary on Institutions, Policies and Enlargement of
the European Union 6 notes:
Deepening refers to the integration dynamic present from the outset of the European
venture. Through the customs union, the common market, and then the Euro zone, the
5 Unless otherwise noted, quotes from the TEU are taken from the consolidated version that includes
provisions included in the Treaty of Amsterdam. See http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/treaties/index.html for
an overview and changes in organizational structure and content in the Treaty of Amsterdam compared to
the Maastricht version.
6 The Glossary is available online: http://europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/cig/g4000i.htm (last accessed on
September 3, 2002).