Knowledge

Territorial Cohesion

Since 1986, the objective of cohesion policy has been to strengthen economic and social cohesion. The Lisbon Treaty and the EU's new high level strategy (Europe 2020) introduced the third dimension of territorial cohesion. Territorial cohesion implies that the EU should promote more balanced economic development across its regions.

The EU's Cohesion Policy provides a framework for promoting sustainable economic growth in EU Member States. The policy is reviewed by the EU institutions every seven years - the next round of programmes is due to be launched in 2014.

Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion

The Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion (2008) signalled the start of a major consultation with regional and local authorities, associations, NGOs and the EU's population as a whole. The Paper built on the adoption of the Territorial Agenda (2007) and its Action Plan.

Cliff Hague from the UK ESPON Contact Point wrote an article on the Green Paper for the Innovation Circle Network where, amongst other things, he discusses the concept of territorial cohesion.

Olivier Sykes, Lecturer at the University of Liverpool also wrote an article on the green paper entitled 'Strength from diversity?' which was published in Town & Country Planning magazine (October 2008, pages 430-433).

Download list of recommended references for Territorial Cohesion

The December 2008 edition of Panorama Magazine takes an in-depth look at the subject of territorial cohesion and provides an overview of the current debate.