The Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020 – A turning point in striving for Territorial Cohesion ?

With Nordregio research as a strong basis, each issue will provide multiple perspectives on a specific theme of regional development. In this first issue of Nordregio News we aim to provide a better understanding of the ongoing discussion on the future European Territorial Cohesion policy; and specifically the role of the Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020 (TA 2020). The TA 2020 was adopted in May 2011 by the ministers responsible for Spatial Planning and Territorial Development in the 27 EU Member States. It is developed by the Member States in cooperation with the EU Commission and is intended as a ’territorial’ supplement for the Europe 2020 Strategy. Consequently, it is viewed as the road map for alignment of the EU Cohesion policies for the next decade. Peter Schmitt’s contribution to this issue, The Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020 – A turning point in striving for Territorial Cohesion?, discusses how the concept of Territorial Cohesion is addressed in the TA 2020. It also elaborates on the specific context and complex policy framework in which it is embedded and highlights some of the key messages communicated by the TA 2020. Further, the question of what can be expected in terms of policy implementation is discussed.