ESPON UK Network Bulletin 1/2012

Network news

Eurostat regional yearbook published

Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, has produced its 2011 regional yearbook which gives an overview of the most recent economic, social and demographic developments in the 271 NUTS Level 2 regions of the 27 Member States (plus EFTA countries and candidate countries, where data is available). The yearbook also contains more detailed NUTS 3 level data for certain indicators and includes a new chapter on land cover and land use, as well as densely and sparsely populated areas.

Energy roadmap 2050

The European Commission adopted the Energy Roadmap 2050 in December last year. The document explores the challenges of delivering the EUs objectives for reducing carbon emissions (80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050), while at the same time ensuring security of energy supply and competitiveness.

New blog for European cityzens

The European Metropolitan Network Institute has set up a new blog in which inhabitants of European cities give their personal views and knowledge on urban issues. Talking Cityzen allows policy-makers and researchers an insight into what really matters to the inhabitants of a particular city. Recent blogs highlight the cities of Bucharest and Istanbul.

Eye on earth web tool launched

A new tool set up by Microsoft and the European Environment Agency has been launched which brings together scientific information and feedback from individuals. The Eye on Earth tool currently includes information on water quality, air pollution and noise pollution, but information on other environmental topics will be added to make a global observatory for environmental change.

Best city time lapse videos of 2011

Eric Jaffe at Atlantic Cities has put together the top ten time lapse videos of cities from around the world. The videos give viewers an insight into what each city is like its people, buildings, and traffic! Included in the list are videos of Barcelona and Paris, as well as Abu Dhabi, Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul. Watch the videos.

Calls for papers

Networked regions and cities

The Regional Studies Association's European conference is focused on networked regions and cities in times of fragmentation. The event is taking place in Delft, The Netherlands, from 13-16 May 2012 and papers on a number of themes can still be submitted until 10 February 2012.

Association of European Schools of Planning PhD workshop

AESOP's PhD workshop is being held in Izmir, Turkey, from 6-9 July 2012. PhD students from Europe and elsewhere studying subjects related to planning and spatial development are invited to share their research ideas, experiences, methods and concerns at this event. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 29 February 2012.

Other publications

Euroscope analysis the EU crisis

The Sussex European Institute has published a number of articles for a special edition of its Euroscope newsletter which focuses on the EU crisis. Articles consider issues such as whats next for the EU after Camerons veto, the EUs legitimacy and the politics of the Euro crisis.

Investing in growth cities

The Centre for Cities has produced a report on how cities in the Greater South East have grown over the past ten years. Investing in Growth Cities reviews how these cities have performed, and suggests that their future performance will be fundamental to the UKs future growth prospects.

European research area for the environment

This report reviews the progress of the European Research Area (ERA) on the environment, and recommends measures to further promote and develop a Europe-wide open space for environmental knowledge. It concludes that more structured public-private collaboration is needed to further exploit the potential of eco-innovation. Read the report.

Other events

European identities policy and research

This conference will address two main issues: whether there is a common European identity, or several diverging European identities, and what policy and research implications the development of a European identity has for the EU. The event is being held in Brussels on 9 February. Find out more.

Water management in Europe

The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is holding an international event on water management in Europe from 22-23 February 2012. The conference is being held in Lille, France, and will support future policy development and share examples of best practice in the sector.

Driving the UK economy

The Skills Employment and Growth conference takes place in London on 1 March 2012. The event will bring together decision-makers and practitioners involved with improving the UKs economic growth and competitiveness. Sessions will consider issues such as employment and skills, entrepreneurship, social exclusion and unemployment. 

Delivering infrastructure through planning

This RTPI Yorkshire event will provide an update on the challenges of delivering infrastructure through the planning process. The event will examine examples of Community Infrastructure Levy in practice and the planning and delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects. The event is being held in Leeds on 26 April 2012. Book a place online.

BISA-ISA international conference

The British International Studies Association and International Studies Associations joint conference will focus on the theme of tension or opportunity in responding to global challenges. Topics including the EUs global position, energy security, and global economic governance will be discussed at the conference, which takes place in Edinburgh from 20-22 June 2012. Register to attend.

AESOP annual congress

AESOPs 26th Annual Congress is being held in Ankara, Turkey, from 11-15 July 2012. The conference theme is planning to achieve/planning to avoid and the need for new discourses and practices in spatial development and planning will be considered.

The inclusive city in a global world

The International Federation for Housing and Plannings 56th World Congress is being held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 16-19 September 2012. The theme of the conference is the inclusive city in a global world, and will include sessions on handling uncertainty in urban development issues, and identifying useful tools of the future.