Territorial Observation No. 9 - Gateway Functions in Cities

In a globalised world, gateway cities are important focal points of social and economic development and receive considerable policy attention. This ESPON Territorial Observation gives some insights into different types of gateway functions including major economic and business gateways, knowledge gateways, transport gateways and gateways with particular attractiveness. Furthermore, it shows where in the territory which types of gateway functions are to be found.

This evidence can support policy decisions about investments to strengthen gateways, smart growth and Europe’s global competitiveness. More

Evidence Brief “Post-crisis migration trends: challenges and opportunities for Europe’s competitiveness”

Free movement of people is one of the cornerstones of European integration. Increasing mobility of people brings with it both territorial development opportunities and challenges. As a consequence of the global economic crisis migration flows have changed, with territorial impacts on European countries, its regions and cities.

In the light of the Europe 2020 Strategy, migration and mobility is seen as contributing to the competitiveness of the EU, ensuring a labour force with the necessary skills to reinforce the EU’s long-term economic develop¬ment.

More

Evidence Brief “Services of General Interest: a European Issue”

Services of general interest cover important arrangements, tasks and functions related to citizen`s welfare and participation. They also refer to the supply of basic infrastructure and services for businesses.

On that respect, they are not only preconditions of growth and job creation, but also a fundamental pillar for the achievement of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Moreover, the access to services of general interest represents an important dimension of social and territorial cohesion.

ESPON has analysed the access to and provision of services of general interest across the European territory. More

Evidence Brief “Territories with Geographic Specificities”

Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that ”the Union shall aim at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions” and that ”among the regions concerned, particular attention shall be paid to […] regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.”

Based on this, ESPON has carried out research and analysis to identify the geographically specific territories in Europe and their development potentials and challenges. These findings clearly show that, besides seeing the geographic particularities of these territories as “handicaps” as stated in the Treaty, policy-makers also need to consider their unique development assets. More

Vacancy at the ESPON Coordination Unit

The ESPON Coordination Unit is looking for two trainees for a period of 5 months. University students are invited to apply. The deadline for applying is 26 January 2014. More

Latest Reports from Projects

• Indicators for Territorial Cohesion Draft Final Report of KITCASP - Key Indicators for Territorial Cohesion and Spatial Planning
• TOWN Interim Report of TOWN - Small and Medium Sized Town.

OPEN DAYS 2014 kick-off meeting

Brussels, 10 January 2014 - The Committee of the Regions and the European Commission DG REGIO invite regional offices, associations and EU institutions to the OPEN DAYS 2014 kick-off meeting on 10 January 2014.

Secretary-General Gerhard Stahl (CoR) and Director-General Walter Deffaa (DG REGIO) will present together lessons learned from the 2013 edition and the themes for 2014. Furthermore, DG REGIO and the CoR will inform about other "regional and urban" events planned for 2014.

For further information visit the Open Days website www.opendays.europa.eu

The meeting can be followed live between 11:00 and 12:30 CET at http://new.livestream.com/corlive1/events/2630755