Region Aachen (D)

The institutional representation of the Aachen Region is provided by the Region Aachen Zweckverband (RAZV), which brings together the five local authorities. It pools their interests and works with them to advance regional development. As the representative of the German part of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), it shapes cross-border cooperation with the Belgian and Dutch partners.

Relations with the neighbouring countries go far beyond geographical proximity. For centuries, shared trade routes, shifting political borders and close economic, cultural and personal ties have shaped the area between the Meuse, the Rhine and the Eifel. Today, many people live on one side of the border and work on the other, attend higher education institutions or schools in the neighbouring country and enjoy its cultural, leisure and shopping facilities.

Municipalities, associations, educational institutions, businesses and civil society initiatives also work together across borders. Multilingualism and the exchange of different perspectives are an integral part of the regional identity. The RAZV strengthens these ties, supports the cross-border labour market and helps to remove border obstacles.

Aachen Region - innovative, liveable, straightforward, European

• Town and country complement each other - the dynamic regional centre of Aachen, strong medium-sized towns and rural municipalities offer many opportunities for housing, working and living.
• Knowledge shapes the future - exchanges between science and business give impetus to new technologies and to the region’s development as a business location.
• Nature and culture enrich everyday life - historic towns and a diverse cultural offering sit alongside the landscapes of the Eifel, the Eifel National Park and the High Fens.
• Openness creates connections - people and institutions shape their European way of living together and create a space for new ideas.

This shared attitude shapes the economy, science, culture and way of life. It is summed up in the Aachen Region’s new slogan: Simply the West - We make it easy for newcomers!