The European Spatial Development Perspective

Abstract

Chapter 2 explained the emergence of the European Commission's remit in relation to spatial planning. Europe's interest in planning matters has increased significantly since the Maastricht Treaty even though, legally, the European Commission officially possesses no legal mandate to develop pan-European directives and policies in relation to spatial planning. The development of environmental policy, transportation policies in respect of Euro-corridors, and regional economic policy in the form of Structural Funds, have all created a lasting impact on member states and have influenced the context of member states’ planning systems. This context is particularly notable for providing financial backing for projects and for addressing the issue of sustainability. Over the last decade the establishment of the INTERREG initiative, intended to foster transnational cooperation in relation to planning between different European regions across traditional member states’ boundaries, has enhanced the European spatial polity further by relying on voluntary interregional agreements between planning institutions. This chapter explores the further development of European interest in planning matters since the formulation of the framework document for the spatial development of the European Union as a whole, the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP). Although the research discussed later in the book antedates the development of the Spatial Development Perspective, this discussion is included here to provide a complete picture of the emergence of European spatial policy and planning. Following an introduction to the history of the preparation of the document, the chapter explores the themes of the European Spatial Development Perspective and assesses how they may potentially impact upon urban and rural areas. This discussion is framed by a debate on what this might mean for member states’ policy- and decision-making systems, and for the institutions of governance within member states that are responsible for formulating and implementing spatial planning processes.

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