The Administrative-Territorial Boundaries Available for a Multiscalar Analysis of EU Port Cities

Using various administrative-territorial boundaries, inhabitants, and businesses as nodes, port cities in the European Union (EU) could be analysed on multiple scales using a network method that takes into account the most important criteria (transport, population, and economy) for measuring the urban and port functions. The possible beneficiaries of such a methodology are policymakers who can aid municipalities in resolving problems in port cities. Thus, this study aimed to pinpoint existing port city policy domains that can be impacted by such a methodology and make corresponding recommendations. The policy domains identified in most port cities (port, port-city, and transportation policies) were matched with the three criteria established by the methodology. Study findings indicate that the proposed network methodological approach can impact upon the internal and external configuration urban and spatial policies. Also, it can impact their related policy instruments because they should be selected in light of the port city’s current state.