The Stocktaking Review of the Territorial Agenda 2030 (TA2030) is aimed at evaluating the implementation, governance, and effectiveness of TA2030, which was adopted in December 2020. TA2030 is a political framework that promotes territorial cohesion across Europe, ensuring spatial development and sustainability. The review is required by 2024 as per TA2030’s mandate and will assess its progress, challenges, and future direction.

During the French Presidency of the European Council, the Director Generals for Territorial Cohesion agreed to task ESPON EGTC together with Interact; in view of their combined expertise and competencies in territorial analysis, networking and cooperation, with providing support and advice for undertaking this stocktaking review, including in respect of its scope, methods, added value and how it might best meet the needs of stakeholders. The review will focus on:

• Assessing the impact of TA2030 on policies and governance structures.
• Identifying barriers to its implementation.
• Providing recommendations for improving TA2030’s effectiveness, particularly for the EU Cohesion Policy post-2027.

The review is structured around four key thematic strands:

• Translating TA2030 into practice – Evaluating its application in policies and projects.
• Added value of TA2030 – Assessing its relevance and effectiveness compared to other EU strategies.
• Trends and challenges – Analyzing how TA2030 aligns with current and emerging territorial trends.
• Governance & implementation – Reviewing coordination, resources, and institutional engagement.

The findings will be presented to EU policymakers, contributing to an informal ministerial conference under the Polish EU Presidency in 2025, which will decide on a potential renewal of TA2030.

Expected Results

The main outputs of the review include:

• Recommendations for post-2027 Cohesion Policy based on TA2030’s strengths and gaps.
• Guidance on future governance improvements, including communication strategies to enhance TA2030’s visibility.
• Case studies and best practices showcasing successful implementation of TA2030 principles.

Stakeholders

The key stakeholders involved in this review include:

• EU Member States & Partner States – Providing feedback on TA2030’s effectiveness.
• Directors General for Territorial Cohesion (DGTC) – The primary decision-makers on TA2030’s future.
• Network of Territorial Cohesion Contact Points (NTCCP) – Advising on review implementation.
• Territorial Agenda Working Group (TAWG) – Providing technical guidance.
• EU Institutions (European Commission, Council, Parliament, Committee of the Regions) – Potential users of the findings.
• TA2030 Pilot Action Leaders – Contributing insights from on-the-ground implementations.
• Interact Programme – Supporting with territorial analysis and networking.

Contractor

Spatial Foresight (LU)

Contact

Gavin Daly (Research & Policy Manager); 
Caroline Clause (Financial & Budget Manager)