The specific characteristics of each group of regions suggest that the problems may be grouped primarily under three headings: - development of transport infrastructure and, in particular, of telecommunications, in order to reduce remoteness and imbalances between regions. An example is the work in progress on upgrading the rail link between Bordeaux and Santander; - introduction of policies to protect the environment and improve the quality of life. Such policies range from the reduction of toxic discharges into the atmosphere in heavily urbanized areas to the management of maritime areas (the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean); - cros ...[+++]s-border cooperation to draw up development plans in the context of these public policies, cooperation within the Community and cooperation with neighbouring non-member countries. 4. Planning systems and public transfers in the Member States This part deals with the planning systems and instruments in the Member States and their territorial divisions.