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Based on the findings of the international research on the complex development potential of Europe's Great Lakes (ESPON LAKES), the authors examine the environmental, social, economic and governance challenges of Europe's great-lake regions and their potential for feeding into European policy. Statistical analysis of the Lake Balaton, Lake Constance and Lake Vänern regions has shown that they have significant differences in natural, social and economic terms, but also commonalities that link them. These include their significant but fragile ecological values and their peripheral, partly border location in social and administrative terms. For these reasons, it is worth developing the great-lake regions in an integrated way, while taking into account the challenges of the given region. The results of the study are also useful for national spatial policy, as they illustrate the role and development potential of regions facing specific challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]