ESPON started in 2002 and has continued since then, building a pan-European knowledge base related to territorial dynamics. 
In order to improve the efficiency and quality delivery of ESPON, an EGTC (European Grouping on Territorial Cooperation) has been established in 2006 according to European law to act as a Single Beneficiary for the ESPON Cooperation Programme. 
The ESPON EGTC is established in Luxembourg and has an Assembly composed of the three Belgian regions of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels Capital as well as Luxembourg. The ESPON EGTC consists of permanent staff, temporary staff and trainees.