Supporting Territorial Cohesion

ESPON underpins a green and just transition for territorial cohesion in Europe. Our research informs the Territorial Agenda of the EU 2030 and empowers EU Council Presidencies, and supports policymakers at all levels across Europe to better understand the territorial impacts of the policies they implement. ESPON Territorial Impact Assessments are a powerful tool in this direction, allowing policymakers to directly project the impact of their new policies at the regional level.

Shaping TA2030

ESPON's research informs TA2030 by providing data and analysis on European territorial challenges and opportunities. This evidence base supports intergovernmental cooperation in the field of territorial cohesion and policies that promote balanced and sustainable development for all regions (e.g. through TA pilot actions)

Empowering Presidencies

ESPON offers expertise and resources to EU Council Presidencies during their term in the field of territorial cohesion. Presidencies can leverage ESPON's research and data to set priorities, inform policy discussions, and organise events aligned with their territorial development goals.

Advancing TIAs

ESPON keeps on pioneering with the development of innovative Territorial Impact Assessment, a vital tool for assessing the territorial impacts of policies at different territorial levels. These assessments ensure policies consider the diverse situations across regions, minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones.  ESPON already supports EU institutions in building their capacity to use these tools and will invest in new methodologies to answer the needs of policymakers at other territorial levels (countries, regions).

ESPON acts as a bridge between research and policy and contributes to successfully implementing the EU Cohesion Policy that supports all European territories.