Over recent decades, Geneva has extended its influence beyond its own cantonal borders and into neighbouring areas: Pays de Gex, Bassin Bellegardien, Genevois Haut-Savoyard, Annemasse metropolitan area, Bas Chablais and the Nyon District.

A cross-border residential area is under construction and taking shape. The job market is expanding. At the heart of Europe and in an outstanding environment, the area is attracting new types of residents. There is increased overlapping of socio-economic links. A cross-border town is becoming established.

To mark the arrival of the CEVA rail link, Annemasse Agglo is restoring the area around Annemasse railway station to develop the Etoile Annemasse-Genève business centre.

From 2011, this exclusively tertiary district will be home to companies, institutions and international NGOs in the future premises of the Cité de la Solidarité Internationale.

A sophisticated package of services is also planned, including a conference centre, hotel complex with some 200 rooms, quality catering in a tasteful environment, shops and an administrative centre.

Guaranteeing a strong link between urban development and mobility, the Etoile Annemasse-Genève project is both recognised and supported cross-border as a major development site of the France-Vaud-Geneva conurbation project.