Urban Hierarchy in Spain & European Integration

**Spanish Urban Hierarchy**

The Metropolis

Cities at the top of the urban hierarchy are considered metropolises. Their population exceeds 250,000. They perform specialized functions related to the tertiary sector and industry. Within the metropolis, there is a hierarchy of functions based on size and scope of its area of influence.

National Metropolis

Madrid and Barcelona are considered national metropolises. Their population exceeds 4 million. Their area of influence extends throughout the country, acting as a liaison between the European urban system on a global scale and the local Spanish system.

Regional Metropolises

These are the metropolitan areas of Malaga, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, and Zaragoza. They have a population between 500,000 and 1.5 million and offer specialized services, especially in senior administration and trade. They maintain intense relations with the national metropolises.

Sub-Metropolis or Second Order Cities

Cities like Valladolid, Oviedo, Alicante, Murcia, and A Coruña fall into this category. They have between 250,000 and 500,000 inhabitants. They possess capabilities and some highly specialized services. Their area of influence is sub-regional or regional. They have strong relations with relevant regional capitals.

Medium-Sized Cities

These are provincial capitals. Their population ranges from 50,000 to 250,000, but their roles are less specialized in the tertiary sector, trade, and services.

Small Towns or *Villas*

These have a population of less than 50,000. Their functions are much less specialized in commerce and administration. While some may have a certain specialization, their area of influence is typically district-level.

**Map of Europe: Path to European Integration**

The first steps towards the building of Europe started after the Second World War. In the 1950s, the Treaty of Paris and Rome laid the foundations for economic integration. The initial group consisted of the German Republic, Benelux, France, and Italy. In the Treaty of Rome, these states agreed on the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC).

The EEC established the single market, or free movement of people, goods, services, and funds between member states. In the 1970s, European construction continued with the accession of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. In the 1980s, it expanded further with the accession of Greece, followed by Spain and Portugal.

The Single European Act came into force, with objectives including institutional reform to increase the power of the European Parliament, the full realization of the EU single market, and a reduction of the development gap among members for proper functioning.

In 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed. The EEC changed its name to the European Union (EU) and established three pillars: the European Community, foreign policy and common security, and cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs. In 1993, the single market was implemented permanently.