This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of the research project ESPON DESIRE "Delivery of Essential Services in Lagging Regions", focusing in particular on the synthesis of findings, the clarification of key concepts and the formulation of principles of good practice. The aim of this analysis is to provide actionable insights that can support policy development aimed at improving public service delivery in lagging regions, which often face unique socio-economic and geographical challenges.

This case report seeks evidence of how strategic planning in rural areas may respond to complex demographic changes that would not have happened without the successful cooperation of three interested and relevant parties. The Albula region in the Graubünden Canton of Switzerland, Malung-Sälen Municipality in Dalarna County in Sweden, and Os Municipality in Innlandet County in Norway have proved to be the best cases we could hope for in a fast-moving project like this.

Currently, 40% of the population in Europe lives in a shrinking region, which means they experience a declining and/or ageing population. This especially impacts rural regions, where natural decline, continued urbanisation, and accompanying centralisation are expected to accelerate shrinking in these regional areas. Policy challenges are evident in, for example, labour market shortages, fiscal sustainability, infrastructure provision and access to services. Local planning is crucial to meet these changes and identify new and innovative strategies and solutions.

RURALPLAN project provides a theoretical and practical framework for innovative strategic planning for development without (population) growth. This perspective constructively addresses the complex challenges of such areas without placing the stigma of ‘failing to grow’ on local and regional entities and societies. Such a change of mindset is challenging in traditional planning terms when development equals growth.

The ESPON InTerAlp project is part of a larger effort to improve the understanding and support territorial governance and spatial development across the Alpine region. The Alpine region is home to several major European cities (among others: Munich, Milan, and Vienna) and is traversed by key transport corridors that connect Northern Europe with the Mediterranean. It is also a region of significant environmental importance, as it provides vital ecosystem services, such as water supply and biodiversity conservation, to the rest of Europe.

The ESPON InTerAlp project provides a systematic exploration of the specific spatial dynamics, challenges and opportunities associated with Alpine interface territories. The analysis addresses a number of key questions, including the definition and delineation of Alpine interface territories, the identification of common challenges and opportunities, and the review of governance frameworks and instruments for Alpine spatial planning and development.

The InTerAlp project zooms into a number of relevant case studies to examine specific interface regions in more detail. These cases serve to provide an in-depth exploration of different regional settings. The selection of case study regions covers a wide range of geographical locations and territorial characteristics. In general, interface territories are spread all across the Alps – some are more urbanised, others are predominately rural. There are interface territories with cross-border characteristics, and some are directly linked to national capitals.

Alpine interface territories link mountainous and inner-Alpine areas with pre-Alpine lowlands and, thus, are a very specific territorial type: Highly dynamic flows and interdependencies as well as controversial stakeholder interests meet in a rather limited spatial framework. Organising sustainable spatial development in this geographical context is a challenge. These challenges extend beyond administrative boundaries and require pan-Alpine strategies and cross-border spatial planning and development instruments.

The case studies of the project TERRA-RES (Territorial Exaptive Resilience along EU Eastern Borders) were purposively selected to represent a diverse range of border regions in the EU's eastern borderlands, each facing unique challenges and opportunities in the context of geopolitical changes, environmental crises, and social and economic disruptions. The selection criteria included:

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of territorial exaptive resilience along the EU's eastern borders, examining how regions mobilise and repurpose existing assets and capabilities in response to external challenges or shocks. Through rigorous quantitative analysis and detailed case studies, the research advances our understanding of regional adaptation and transformation in peripheral areas, contributing to both theoretical discourse and policy development.