European Spatial Development Perspective

The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) is a document approved by the Informal Council of Ministers of Spatial Planning of European Commission in Potsdam in 1999. It is a legally non-binding document forming a policy framework with 60 policy options for all tiers of administration with a planning responsibility. The strategic aim is to achieve a balanced and sustainable spatial development strategy.

Key concepts

With the aim to provide an integrated, multi-sectoral and indicative strategy for the spatial development, the key ideas of ESDP are:

* an integrated approach - Not just to look at specific sectors of development activity (e.g. environment, economic development, or transport), but to recognise that they all affect each other;

* spatial development - a much wider view of the development, vital for integrative approach;

* strategic aspects - interlinked actions to achieve balanced and sustainable territorial development;

* indicative views - the responsibility lies with the developed regions and territories to implement the development principals.

Spatial policy guidelines

# Development of a polycentric and balanced urban system, and strengthening of the partnership between urban and rural areas, so as to create a new urban-rural relationship.
# Promotion of integrated transport and communication concepts, which support the polycentric development of the EU territory, so that there is gradual progress towards parity of access to infrastructure and knowledge.
# Wise management of the natural and cultural heritage, which will help conserve regional identities and cultural diversity in the face of globalisation.

See also

* European Research Networks
* ESPRID
* DEMOLOGOS
* KATARSIS
* Interreg

External links

* [http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/som_en.htm ESDP Report] , Potsdam, May 1999