Thinking towards the future is an essential precondition for investigating where policies are necessary and how they should be shaped. Development has its own momentum, but policies can make a difference. The future can create different conditions for the citizens in different parts of Europe, for economic development and competitiveness and for cohesion within the European territory, its regions and cities.

The ESPON Briefing 1 presents a selection of 10 European maps on different spatial development issues, proving a comprehensive picture of the new Europe.