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Despite being one of the main European Union (EU) policy goals, expressed in the EU treaty and expected to be fostered by EU Cohesion Policy, territorial cohesion is still an under-researched scientific concept and policy process. Against this background, this special issue provides novel theoretical and practical perspectives on the relationship between EU Cohesion Policy and territorial cohesion, particularly through the analysis of EU Cohesion Policy impacts and its contribution to territorial cooperation processes, regional and urban development strategies, as well as sustainable transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rozwój Regionalny & Polityka Regionalna is the property of Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza (IH UAM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, a growing number of institutional mapping approaches has reflected on border regions' development. These approaches visualise the relationship between institutional and spatial patterns. In parallel, the quality and quantity of cooperation-related information in the EU KEEP database (DB) is continuously increasing. The aim of our paper is two-fold. Firstly, we aim to understand the cooperation dynamics and funding geographies of the recent INTERREG A period. We do so with the example of cross-border programmes with German participation. More concretely, we scrutinise the relationships that exist between the spatial configurations of funded project cooperation, the involved thematic topics and the role of territorial contexts, particularly in terms of the degree of urbanisation and distance to a border. Secondly, we reflect on the potential and limitations of institutional mapping based on KEEP data. Specifically, we explore the explanatory capacity of institutional mappings based on KEEP data and discuss the blind spots that must be considered and how these could be addressed. The general conclusion from our paper is that institutional mapping based on the KEEP DB proves to be a strong data exploration tool with potential for comparative analyses. However, it has clear limitations with regard to causality testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Territorial cooperation has a long history in the UK. Numerous stakeholders in the UK have a long-standing and active engagement in the EU's Territorial Cooperation Programmes (also known as ETC and Interreg). Launched in 1990, Interreg is the EU's framework for territorial cooperation, enabling joint actions and policy exchanges between national, regional and local actors from different Member States. Brexit led to the decision on the part of the UK Government not to participate in EU territorial cooperation programmes after 2021, except for the PEACE Plus programme covering Northern Ireland. This article examines what will be lost because of this decision, especially in terms of what, where and what types of organisations are impacted, and what will be 'missed' in terms of the added value associated with territorial cooperation. At a time when cooperation is seen as a key lever to support efforts in addressing major economic, political, social and environmental challenges, and border relations, the article examines what, if anything, is being/can be done to fill the gaps? The article is based on documentary analysis, programme data and engagement with policy, programme and project stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration processes taking place in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) are contributing to the sustainable development of this unique territory. Intensive cooperation financed from EU funds under the cohesion policy and the neighborhood policy have provided an opportunity for the development of ethnic and national minorities, who are important but still marginalized stakeholders. The theoretical aim of the article is to identify the attributes of national and ethnic minorities and to indicate key determinants of their sustainable development. The authors seek to answer whether territorial cooperation in the BSR contributes to the development of national and ethnic minorities, and if so, how. In the article, concepts and definitions related to the term "minority" are verified, classifications are developed and a model of sustainable development of ethnic and national minorities is built. Official statistical data are used to present the national and ethnic structure of the BSR countries. Then, 22 national minorities and 17 ethnic minorities are identified and described. Quantitative and qualitative research was carried out on 126 territorial cooperation projects supporting the development of national and ethnic minorities totaling EUR 85.25 million in value and implemented within 38 BSR programs in 2000–2020. The Sami minority were the greatest beneficiaries of the cooperation. Territorial cooperation projects have been shown to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of education, social support and political empowerment. Territorial cooperation is a powerful instrument of sustainable development. Unfortunately, it still contributes only moderately to the development of national and ethnic minorities. There is a need to strengthen this issue in future programs of the cohesion policy and the neighborhood policy and to develop systemic solutions enabling national and ethnic minorities to participate more actively in the implementation of territorial cooperation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of different ethnicities are forced to live within artificial borders, being separated by fences that mutilate their national feeling as well as their future prospects. In recent years, the European Union has tried to overcome the difficulties of the past, creating real bridges between neighbouring states, which divide regions on both sides of the border. The approach serves the need for balance, peace and relaxation in areas that have been in difficulty as a result of past conflicts. The initiative of the countries in Western Europe initially started in Germany, the area being hardly tried in the last world conflagration. In establishing cross-border collaborations, economic-financial support is essential for raising the standard of living and expectations of cross-border communities. In the contemporary context of cross-border cooperation, Romania presents itself as extremely open to cooperation, in its 12 Euroregions. The economic factor is the most important for the future success of the Euroregions, as a decisive parameter of real integration.

This paper aims to retrace the evolution of Brazil/French Guiana/Surinam cross-border cooperation. Initially focused on questions of border control and surveillance, this cooperation has gradually extended to the economic, social and cultural fields. Through various instruments (Joint Cross-border Commissions, River Councils, INTERREG Amazonia cooperation program), integrating public and private actors operating at different territorial levels, this cooperation aims to promote the process of integration between border territories and contributes to the emergence of a coordinated strategy around the shared development needs of states separated from French Guiana by a common international border.

This paper intends to fill a gap in available literature by debating the role of human geography in the elaboration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More particularly, it elaborates on the relevance of spatial planning and territorial cohesion processes to implement sustainable development. This paper explores potential points of intersection and complementarity between several human geography related policy goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, it identifies promising directions for delving more deeply into fundamental policy goals associated with spatial planning and territorial cohesion. Inspired by the advantages associated with the holistic and interdisciplinary approach of human geography, the paper proposes two additional SDGs for the 2030 Agenda to reinforce territorial cohesion and planning processes. It concludes that the identification of SDGs is excessively predicated on a prevailing conceptual triad (economy + society + environment). Thereby, it undercuts a common assumption that crucial human geography related policy arenas are not seen as essential pillars of sustainability processes. In particular, the research intends to fuel the clamour for more holistic approaches to sustainable development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article was written to inform the author's presentation to the SEER Journal online workshop on the Dayton Agreement held on 2 July 2021. Focusing on the issues of de-consolidation and de-democratisation which are inhibiting Bosnia and Herzegovina (among other western Balkan states) from becoming a credible EU accession candidate, the article locates the question of 'othering' within the need to rethink international relations given the global issues which are shaping today's world. Drawing on recently published work in the areas of philosophy and international relations, the author identifies three approaches in the failures of cotransformation and transition, concluding that new democratic vistas may be opened for BiH up by the pursuit of interregional programmes as well as, in response to the climate emergency and its impact on flooding and other natural disasters, within a revitalised bioregional paradigm. None of the maps which arise out of the risks of natural disasters bear any resemblance to the 'logic' of the map drawn at Dayton and, in peacetime, may represent a viable way forward although time is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Small schools’, characterized by a low number of pupils and located in ‘difficult’ territories, represent an important phenomenon of Italian school, especially as regards the first cycle of education. They are particularly frequent in mountain areas, small islands and in all those inland areas characterized by low population density, often presenting critical socio-economic situations and difficulties linked to isolation and distance from services. For these territories, they represent an important cultural protection and a wall against depopulation. Small schools often develop close ties with the relevant communities, playing an important role in the formation of place identity. From an educational and organizational point of view, the link with territories allows them to develop innovative solutions able to cope with difficulties. This article presents the results of a qualitative/quantitative survey carried out by INDIRE, Movimento delle Piccole scuole and ANCI pointed at investigating the existing forms of collaboration between small schools, municipalities and economic players in the area and identifying which conditions may favour an effective and sustainable functioning of small schools. A complex picture emerges, not always easy to interpret, where, in the light of evident critical issues, there are encouraging signs for the development of a fruitful dialogue among school, community and territory.

Copyright of TESAM Academy Journal is the property of Tesam Academy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scienze del Territorio is the property of Firenze University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Populations of different ethnicities have to live in different states, separated by borders that mutilate the national feeling and the perspective of the populations. In the relatively recent period, the European Union has proceeded to overcome the sequelae of the past, switching to creating bridges between neighbouring states, which have populations living on both sides of the border The approach serves the need for balance, peace and detente in areas that have been difficult for conflict in the past The initiative came from the West, mainly due to German concerns, the space being severely tested during the last world conflagrations. In the established cross-border collaborations, the most important is the economic-financial support for raising the standard of living and expectation in the poor communities. In this context, regarding the cross-border collaboration in the area bordering the national territory, Romania presents itself as extremely constructive, being part of 12 Euroregions, across all the borders of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue d'Économie Régionale & urbaine is the property of Librairie Armand Colin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Energy transition is a multi-dimensional process of developing sustainable economies by seeking renewable energy sources, saving energy, and improving energy efficiency. This process follows the rules of sustainable development. The article presents an analysis of energy transition in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) enjoying long-term and intensive territorial cooperation. The region embraces 11 countries diversified in terms of their economic development level and the use of renewable energy sources. The article strives to answer the question of whether territorial cooperation contributes to BSR energy transition, and if so, in what way. Another goal is to identify the transition drivers that arise from the Baltic Sea Region’s unique characteristics. The authors applied the system analysis methodology. The performed literature studies allowed the researchers to identify the attributes of energy transition. Empirical research relied on secondary sources, including the European Union (EU) statistics, The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), and related documents. The key role in the conducted research can be attributed to the EU projects database (keep.eu), which enabled identifying the 2016–2020 programmes and projects. The research identified 14 BSR territorial cooperation programmes and 1471 projects conducted under the programmes, including 137 energy transition-related projects. The project results were presented in quantitative and qualitative terms.

The article presents a current doctoral research led within the framework of an Industrial Agreements for Training through research alongside four public authorities situated in the Bordeaux Metropolis. The thesis is based on the support of a landscape project aiming to set up the management of a series of parks and gardens grouped under the term « Parc des Coteaux » (The Hillside Parks) – 240 ha. This experience reveals the interrelations in the work between the various stakeholders of this project (elected representatives, department heads, city gardeners, landscape architects, urban planners, ecologists and users). These articles enabled the deconstruction of the underlying representations in landscaping policies and bring to light the necessity of a territorial cooperation based on the long-term implication of the concerned stakeholders and to propose to structure a solutions research plan.

In the central plateau of Iran, the climatic and geographical conditions promoted the technology of qanat which on its turn underlay the production systems in this region. A qanat consists of a series of shaft wells interconnected by a subterranean tunnel into a hill slope that drains out the groundwater seepage and conveys it onto the earth surface. This paper takes up the qanat of Hassan Abad and its peculiarities from which a model of common benefit has been abstracted. This model explains how several territories with similar economic structure could have developed a cooperative water management system that ensures sustainable water equality. The Hasan Abad qanat originates from Ebrahim Abad valley near the town of Mehriz and travels 40 km to Yazd. The water of this qanat is shared between the town of Mehriz and the villages of Dehno and Hasan Abad. One of the most important properties of this qanat is its territorial cooperation which relates to the qanat's dynamics. The paper argues that dormant territorial behavior can pave the way for a high sense of cooperation and social capital, which are all associated with the peculiarities of qanat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ius et Praxis (07172877) is the property of Universidad de Talca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article proposes to explore territorial cooperation using a political geographical approach as part of the broader field of “geography of peace.” In line with ongoing paradigm shifts in the branch of political geography concerned with territorial reconfigurations, it examines the scope of territorial cooperation via two emblematic figures: transnational regions, in the form of European macro-regions, and city networks, as exemplified by town twinning. Lastly, it opens new avenues of research on the articulation between the weak and discreet ties of territorial cooperation and the strong ties characteristic of the territorial divisions and administrative structures inherited from political modernity.

The aim of this paper is to assess the contribution of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes operating in the Mediterranean area as a supporting way to achieve the renewable energy objectives established in European Union Directive 2009/28/EC. It addresses a combination of impact and thematic assessment applied to projects tackling solar energy over the period 2007–13. Observations indicate that although not always measurable, ETC contributions to the use and promotion of solar energy in the Mediterranean represent a key step forward in higher deployment. The paper also suggest alternatives to improve projects’ outputs to be delivered in the new cycle 2014–20.

One of the strategies indicated in academic research on regional development corresponds to geographically concentrated productive agglomerations, based on the organization of network agents to obtain competitive advantages through territorial cooperation practices. In this sense, the article aimed to analyze the social capital and the conduction of local governance in the context of the Cluster of Furniture of the Southwest of Paraná. The present research is classified as exploratory descriptive, with a quanti-qualitative approach, based on the method of documental analysis and structured interviews. The questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection in a research with the set of agents of the productive arrangement, including nineteen cluster business owners, five support agents and local governance. The results of the research pointed to good levels of social capital in the analyzed cluster, with positive indicators regarding the degree of contribution in the relationship, trust and cooperation between the agents, in the quality and usefulness of the information exchanged. The metrics of the social network (density and reciprocity) resulted in median values, while the question of participation in meetings obtained the worst results. Regarding the evaluation of local governance, all elements analyzed resulted in values considered to be weak. In summary, the evaluation of the binomial social capital and local governance has shown that for the effective execution of joint actions in line with territorial cooperation practices, it is fundamental to have a more active local governance in the management of cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the issue of territorial cooperation as a necessary principle and requisite for a better local and regional development. It is argued that as important as the design of policies with the objective of sustainable territorial development is the way in which these are decided, designed and implemented. As important as 'What' is 'How'. The text is divided into three large blocks. The first one deals with cooperation as a transversal category that applies from three approaches: government and State administration, theories of regional and local economic development, and from the point of view of spatial planning and territorial cohesion; at several scales, therefore with multilevel nature and diverse geographical coverage (international, European, Spanish and Valencian). In the following two sections, examples of cooperation experiences and results obtained (at different scales and between different subjects) are presented as a tool for territorial development in rural areas, first, and tourism, afterwards. The text closes with a brief final synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dealing with the territorial cooperation, the paper enshrines its political geography perspective in the field of ‘geography of peace’. On the basis of new paradigmatic issues concerning territorial reconfigurations, the author adresses the meaning of the territorial cooperation with two emblematic cases : on the one hand, transnational regions with the specific case of the European macroregional strategies and, on the other hand, city networks through the example of town twnnings. She concludes with a new research agenda on the way to study the weak ties of territorial cooperation in a world of flows and discontinuities where strong ties of administrative structures inherited from the political modernity are still in action.

Historic developments that occurred in the last centuries have affected the barrier effect of national borders in Europe and, consequently, the degree and the intensity of the cooperation between neighbouring countries. However, the establishment of the European Single Market, in the last three decades, has deepened the cross-border cooperation inside the EU Territory. In this respect, the INTERREG-A initiative has played a major role, since 1990. This article intends to shed some light on the progress of the cross-border cooperation in the Swedish-Norwegian border region, and the territorial effects of the INTERREG-A programme in the reduction of the barrier effect along the border in five dimensions (institutional-urban, accessibility, culture-social, environmental-heritage and economy-technology).

In this paper we try to analyze the extent to which economic and social cohesion of the enlarged European Union in order to develop a harmonious, balanced and sustainable community has been achieved with the Funds, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and other financial instruments and how Romania attracts or not such funds. We analyzed using the statistical data, the absorption and implementation of funds in Romania. Consequently, we present only the results. Conclusions outlined the reducing of the economic, social and territorial disparities which have arisen particularly in regions with developmental delays and in relation to economic and social reorganization. The most important benefits of funding (in general) are the growth, the competitive advantage, the employment and improvement of the environment.

Copyright of Regional Studies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the cultural actions developed in the context of euroregions and transposes the “creative territories” issue to the European cross border scale. It focuses, in particular, on two contemporary case studies : Pyrénées-Méditerranée euroregion, located at the Eastern franco-spanish border, and Greater Region that comprises Luxemburg and sub-state entities from Belgium, France and Germany. The first part discusses the notion of cultural developement, as well as the parallelisms between the models of euroregional cultural development and more general models : “Creative” vs. “Participatory” City, functional vs. cultural identity in the geo-strategic construction of territories, and the different uses of territories as cultural resources in a context of economic competition and territorial differentiation. Furthermore, the analysis shows how the evolution of cultural development impacts the euroregional cultural action, through a certain renewal of the role of cultural and artistic actions within broader issues : sustainability and environmental responsibility of tourism policies, cultural diversity and multiculturalism, construction of territoriality. Finally, euroregional cultural action relates to the construction of a European cultural and territorial polity.

This paper examines the role and importance of the territorial dimension of EU Cohesion Policy, during its five programming phases (1989‑2020), by relating this implementation process with several territorial elements, and by assessing their constant changes, namely in three main components and related elements: (i) the ‘policy strategy’ designed to include an integrated territorial perspective; (ii) the ‘policy impacts’ in territorial development and territorial cohesion, together with the use of territorial impact assessment procedures; and (iii) the focus on one or several ‘territorial scales’, specifically through the support to multilevel‑governance, territorial cooperation, and place‑based strategies. Paradoxically, despite the continuous attempts to detach EU Cohesion Policy from its initial goals of promoting a more cohesive Europe into a more neoliberalist paradigm type of ‘investment Policy’, our analysis showed that the territorial dimension is still very much anchored with this Policy, and even gaining importance in several territorial related elements, such as the support to territorial cooperation and governance processes, and the use of territorial impact assessment procedures.

This article addresses the concept of Territorial Cohesion, which has been gaining increasing interest within academia and the EU policy circles. In particular, this article examines its relevance and main dimensions, and also suggests a comprehensive definition based on those dimensions. Additionally, this paper proposes a methodology which can be used to measure Territorial Cohesion in a given territory. Furthermore, the article also highlights the importance of the territorial dimension as a key topic in the EU political agenda and, at the same time, gives a contribution to answer several questions for debate expressed in the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion.

This article deals with the cooperation between regional authorities, or interregional cooperation and is based on the case of the French regions. The main questions are : the influence of the geographical arguments on the institutional initiatives of cooperation ; the concrete impact of these initiatives on the regional development and on the institutionalisation of new territorial forms. The article first presents the issues and characteritics of interregional cooperation and then focuses on the development of this cooperation in France, in particular through the actions of the State services. The analysis emphasizes that interregional cooperation is most of all relevant within a European framework, as shown by the numerous cooperation projects set up in the frame of euroregions, while European law provides new instruments to structure territorial cooperation organizations.

The European Community has provided financial support for cross-border territorial cooperation since 1990. The justification of the European Union (EU)’s current territorial cooperation policy for cross-border contiguous regions lies in its capacity to promote functional economic links between them. This capacity is based on two assumptions, namely that there is a relation between the degree of institutional cooperation achieved and the financial support provided by the EU, and that there is a relationship between the degree of institutional cooperation achieved and the development of functional economic links. This article attempts to measure both the impact of Community support on territorial institutional cooperation intensity and the impact of institutional cooperation intensity on economic functional links. This is done using primary data for EU-15 regions for the period between1992 and 2007.

The Danube strategy can only constitute a step forward regarding the stated intentions, via the Black Sea Synergy program of the European Union towards the boosting of economic development, democratic governance, security etc., in the Black Sea region. Even more, this implies the warranty of sustainable development considering that the purposes of the Danube strategy call for more effective transports and environmental protection. First of all, the advantages for the Black Sea area derive from the complexity and large scale of the strategy plan for the Danube, which implies a surface of over 800.000 km2, a population of over 100 million inhabitants, 10 European countries and 4 European capitals. Although this time, because of the ongoing economic crisis, the European Commission has declared its full support for this cause while unable to cover any of its expenses, we should not forget that the idea of this project has been derived from the success of another macro region project, the Baltic Sea strategy. This model mainly implies the possibility of real benefits for the countries which are included in the Danube strategy and which are also near the Black Sea: Romania, Bulgaria, and, in a broader perspective, Moldova as well as Ukraine. The detailing of this feature is the main objective of the current paper, an objective which, we trust, can be accomplished by the careful extrapolation of the advantages offered by past macro region projects of the European Union, and the theoretical approach of their implementation in the regional context of the Black Sea. The method used is the analysis of official EU Inforegio documents, but the current article also relies on the recent literature on this subject.