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Introduction
ESPON (European Spatial Planning Observation Network) is an organization that provides information, observation, analysis, and research on European territorial development and spatial planning. ESPON 3158 was a research project that aimed to provide a European perspective on territorial scenarios and related impact analyses. Recently, ESPON shifted its focus to a new project named ESPON 2710, which aims to develop methodologies for the analysis of territorial impact of EU policies and scenarios. This article will discuss the transition from ESPON 3158 to ESPON 2710 and the impact it will have on European spatial planning.
ESPON 3158: Overview
ESPON 3158 was launched in 2007 and was active until 2010. The project aimed to provide support for the development of effective spatial planning policies in European regions. The project involved 21 partners from various countries across Europe, and it resulted in various reports analyzing the territorial development of European regions. The project was intended to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to territorial analysis, including demographic, economic, and social factors.
ESPON 2710: Development
ESPON 2710 is the successor of ESPON 3158 and aims to provide methodologies for the analysis of the territorial impact of EU policies and scenarios. The new project started in 2018 and will continue until 2021. ESPON 2710 has been designed to complement the current policy-making cycle of the EU, taking into account the challenges of the next programming period, which will cover the years 2021-2027. The project will focus on providing methodologies for analyzing territorial impacts of various EU policies, such as cohesion policy, rural development, transport, etc. ESPON 2710 also aims to increase stakeholders' participation in the territorial impact assessment of EU policies.
Implications for European Spatial Planning
ESPON 2710 will have significant implications for European spatial planning. The project will provide methodologies for the analysis of the territorial impact of EU policies, which will help policymakers to make informed decisions that consider the territorial diversity of European regions. This shift towards policy impact analysis and methodology development reflects a more practical approach to spatial planning, which can improve the implementation of EU policies, making them more effective and efficient. The provision of evidence-based analysis will help to build a solid basis for the revision of EU policies across various domains.
Conclusion
ESPON 2710 signifies a shift in focus for ESPON, moving from territorial scenarios to territorial impacts of EU policies. The project will provide methodologies for territorial impact assessment, making it easier for policymakers to consider the territorial diversity of European regions. This approach will lead to more effective and efficient policy-making, better spatial planning, and improved implementation of EU policies. ESPON 2710 reflects a more practical approach to European spatial planning, aiming to ensure the best possible outcome for European regions and citizens.
