1. Continuing the territorial cohesion agenda: Towards a more coherent approach to EU territorial development
Derek Martin
Open Days, October 11, 2005

2. Political context: back to the future
Ratification EU constitution uncertain
Territorial Cohesion reduced in cohesion policy frameworks
Challenge of territorial cohesion remains
“Territory is a strategic factor in any integrated approach to sustainable development. It forms the best framework for reconciling the three aspects: competitiveness, social cohesion and the environment.”

3. Territorial dimension of Lisbon challenge
Territorial capital as focus for development of cities/regions
Increased territorial competition
EU policies should facilitate, not impede territorial developments: more coherence!

4. Implementing territorial cohesion
Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials + positioning/connectivity

5. Implementing territorial cohesion
Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials + positionering/connectivity
Strengthening trans-European /-national territorial structures (infra, ICT, ecological, water, development axes)

6. Implementing territorial cohesion
Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials
Strengthening trans-European /-national territorial structures (infra, ICT, ecological, water, development axes)
Better territorial governance in EU

7. The agenda for territorial cohesion
“Territorial cohesion is ready to be put into operation, since the political will has already rendered possible the coordination required for its implementation”
ESPON => insights, indicators, evidence based assessment “territorial state”
Identifying territorial potential & position
Sustainable communities / urban dimension
Territorial impact
European Territorial Cooperation

8. In conclusion......
Territorial cohesion is alive & beginning to kick again
Balanced, competitive and sustainable = territorial dimension
Objective 3 (transnational):
=> strategic
=> strengthen territorial structures
=> flexibility for regional/local diversity