The first issue of EcoRegion Perspectives on Sustainable Tourism was published early this year. Now the Spatial Planning sector is preparing the next issue on Territorial Cohesion.
EcoRegion Perspectives shall include articles on EU and BSR policy level, and also regional and local level as well as sector contributions: this means that half of the content is reserved to EcoRegion project partners ( = regions and sectors).
Thus we would very much welcome your contribution in form of a 1 page article by the deadline of 30th September.
The aim of the upcoming issue on Territorial Cohesion is to show how Territorial Cohesion has been implemented in practice and how it has contributed to sustainable development. We are convinced that regions and sectors have many examples of such implementation and would be happy to promote single cases, methodologies, lessons learned in the upcoming publication!
What is Territorial Cohesion?
The EU is characterized by a large territorial diversity. Territorial Cohesion aims at a balanced and sustainable development of such territories. No European citizen should be disadvantaged e.g. in terms of access to public services, housing, or employment opportunities simply by living in one region rather than another.
Territorial Cohesion implies better coordination between sectoral policies at each level, from local to European. It also entails closer cooperation and improved connections. Many issues - climate change, migration - do not respect standard boundaries and could be better addressed through a more tailored response from several regions or countries.
The concept is set to become one of the fundamental objectives of the Cohesion Policy of the EU standing alongside / reinforcing Social and Economic cohesion.
To understand the ongoing debate on Territorial Cohesion please read the first Green paper on Territorial Cohesion (pdf-file).
Contributions by EcoRegion partners:
* Most EcoRegion regions might not always be totally aware of their involvement in Territorial Cohesion – but it generally is already part of their daily routine and decision-making. As an example, all following issues are related to the pursuit of Territorial Cohesion: addressing social exclusion in larger regions or deprived urban neighbourhoods, improving access to public services, transport, reliable energy, creating urban networks & urban–rural partnerships, developing regional strategies that promote the specific territorial capital of individual regions.
* The same applies to EcoRegion sectors: Sector policies have significant territorial impacts and can strengthen a territory’s development or reduce its fragility. The Green Paper (see link above) explicitly mentions Agriculture, Transport, Energy, ICT, Education, Research and Innovation, State Aid.
For more information please contact Lyudmyla Babak.
