Territorial Cohesion [Hardcover]

Territorial cohesion strives for a more balanced spatial development and seeks to improve integration throughout the EU. The scientific articles in this volume examine the interpretations of this term, the challenges of European spatial development policy, and the problems and concepts involved in achieving territorial cohesion. Two short reports illustrate the implementation of territorial cohesion on the basis of two research projects.

PrefaceIntroduction 1 Dietmar Scholich The various regions within the European Union are marked by a high degree of disparity with regard to economic performance and productivity, and with respect to their labour markets. The intention underlying the EUs concept of territorial cohesion is to reduce these differences and imbalances and, at the same time, to ensure more balanced spatial development throughout the EU. Territorial cohesion  for which the German language uses two slightly different terms, territoriale Koh?sion and territorialer Zusammenhalt  has to be seen as a general term encompassing a number of different components. In addition to redressing disparities and spatial imbalances, this concept aims to improve territorial integration and to promote co-operation among EU regions. In striving to bring about territorial cohesion, due account must be taken of the diversity of the European continent, and consideration should be given to the advantages and disadvantages each area exhibits. Among the special challenges to be faced are the concentration of population and economic activity in what has come to be known as the Pentagon, the process of EU enlargement, and the severe imbalances which exist between the major centres of population and other parts of the EU territory. Against this background, it was only right and proper that territorial cohesion should be included in the draft of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (Article I-3), which lists economic, social, and territorial clc§