The exercise is now regular, since August 1, 2024, the date of validation of the merger between the agglomeration communities of Val de Fensch and Portes de France – Thionville. The only one of this order in France, since we are talking about two communities similar in terms of size which come together to form one, going from 80,000 to 160,000 inhabitants [et pas d’absorption d’une petite par une grande collectivité].
Behind the desk, we find the two presidents Michel Liebgott [Val de Fensch] and Pierre Cuny [Portes de France – Thionville] who respond to different political sensitivities but have been able to unite to advance their territory. The idea of coming together to face the challenges of northern Moselle has been in people's minds for a while, the first connections were made in 2018 for a large Thionville-Fensch agglomeration which must be operational at least on an administrative and human level, the 1is January 2026, at the dawn of new municipal elections which will define its composition in more detail.
A positive reception
Small subtlety of this conference on Tuesday, November 5: it is being held at the Moselle Open, one of the most attractive events in the region and in the presence of its economic players. Its objective: to paint the portrait of a large urban area that is stronger in terms of mobility, cross-border, ecological transition, attractiveness, economic development, higher education and health. A merger of urban areas seen as a first step for the entity which wishes to further develop in the years to come and build a border metropolis due to its proximity to Luxembourg.
The ambition was welcomed by economic players in the region. “We are both admiring and enthusiastic and what matters to us is also the approach: getting to know the other, their different facets and combining their differences. It completely permeates your project and you express it well. “, underlined Fabrice Genter, president of the Moselle Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Feeling shared by the day's assembly.
France
