From smart growth to European spatial planning: a new paradigm for EU cohesion policy post-2020

Abstract

Formally initiated in 1989, European Union (EU) cohesion policy (ECP) has since passed through a series of metamorphoses, along its five programming periods, while becoming the most financed EU policy. As its name indicates, its initial goals were earmarked for promoting economic and social cohesion, following the intentions expressed in the Single European Act. Since then, from a policy strategy intervention point of view, ECP has shifted into a financial tool to promote investment for growth and jobs. In the meantime, European spatial planning (ESP), which had its debating pinnacle with the release of the European Spatial Development Perspective, by 1999, has declined in interest and narrowed into a novel notion of Territorial Cohesion. In this challenging context, this article analyses the implementation and main impacts of ECP and proposes a new strategic paradigm, built around a novel 'ESP' vision, backed by the main pillars and dimensions of territorial development and cohesion. More particularly, we suggest that the current rationale for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth could instead fuel an alternative strategic design based on a cohesive and sustainable development vision: green economy, balanced territory, good governance and social cohesion. ARTICLE HISTORY

Place-based development and spatial justice

“…On the other hand, it is thought to open up opportunities to revitalize notions of balanced territorial development, spatial solidarity and justice, and place them more prominently within EU cohesion policy in general (e.g. Medeiros 2017;Lüer and Böhme 2020). This is the debate where a place-based approach is expected to make a contribution, promoting a strategic shift in making EU cohesion policy more place-sensitive, cross-sectoral and socially inclusive.…”

Cohesion Performance and Sustainable Development Progress in EU States

“…The existing discrepancies between these regions underline the need to intensify the process of economic integration through measures to promote economic cohesion between territories between Member States. In other words, after a decade of reforms and measures, it is imperative to assess regional issues, the disparities associated with the transition process, but also the regional sustainable development policy challenges identified at the level of regional, national and European decision makers (Medeiros, 2017(Medeiros, : 1856(Medeiros, -1875.…”

Fake or real EU Territorialicy? Debating the territorial universe of EU policies

“…In almost every way, the TA content was built upon the ESDP rationale, aiming at promoting a polycentric territorial development of the EU and ultimately at supporting a territorial cohesion (more harmonious and balanced development) policy goal. Instead, in recent programming periods, EU cohesion policy has generically followed a broad neoliberal policy orientation: the growth vs. the development and cohesion rationales (Medeiros, 2017b). However, this palpable neoliberal trend, justified by an economic context dominated by a deep financial crisis (2008), can hold far-reaching negative implications for the implementation of the TA goals.…”