The Atlantic Area covers a surface of 856 420 km2 and has a population of 76.1 million. This geographical area, which is on the periphery in comparison to the geographical and economic centres of Europe, is characterized by certain heterogeneity in geographical and economic terms . Similarly it presents a level of development and economic integration weak in comparison to the "centre" of Europe. However the existence of common cultural and historical elements, connected inter alia with the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, creates a unity amongst the area , which makes co-operation an essential factor.

The Atlantic trans-national area consists of territory relating to five European Member States. T he geographical area includes the following regions :