Spatial Planning at the National Level: Comparison of Legal and Strategic Instruments in a Case Study of Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland

Abstract

Comparisons of spatial planning systems still require in-depth reflection, especially in Central and Eastern European countries. This article compares national (central) government approaches to spatial planning in Belarus, Ukraine and Poland, answering the following research questions: (1) How are spatial planning issues regulated nationally? Which topics do laws focus on? What values and objectives are laws particularly emphasizing? (2) Are there any central/national strategic documents dealing with spatial planning, and which spatial issues do they address mostly? The article covers two key issues: comparing national approaches to spatial planning systems and comparing spatial planning issues in the three countries. We focus on statutory approaches and those contained in central-level strategic acts. In each country, spatial planning issues are covered by numerous laws, generating confusion when interpreting individual provisions. Our study makes an important, innovative contribution to the academic discussion by proposing a way of comparing and analyzing approaches of national authorities to spatial planning.

Integration of Climate Change Strategies into Policy and Planning for Regional Development: A Case Study of Greece

“…The Basque Country's experience demonstrates how a clear long-term vision, combined with supportive financial mechanisms, can facilitate the integration of climate change strategies into regional development [64]. Similar conclusions for other European member states are reached by [66] and M. Nowak et al [67]. The same is the case with cities in China [68].…”

“…The strategy is characterized by its integration across different sectors, including industry, transportation, and urban planning [49]. Nowak et al (2023) praised the region's use of innovative financial instruments and public-private partnerships to support green investments. The Basque Country's experience demonstrates how a clear long-term vision, combined with supportive financial mechanisms, can facilitate the integration of climate change strategies into regional development [64].…”