The Territorial Agenda 2030 for places and a more cohesive European territory?

Abstract

ABSTRACTEurope faces the challenge of ensuring positive perspectives for all places and people. This requires rethinking cohesion, and the way cohesion is delivered. The Territorial Agenda 2030 offers a strategic reference point that sets priorities towards a more balanced, harmonious and cohesive development. Previously, the Territorial Agenda has been limited in implementing these ambitions. The article argues that, despite persisting limitations, the Territorial Agenda 2030 has moved towards making changes on two levels: A renewed cohesion understanding and an active implementation of it. However, the question remains whether it could generate enough momentum to move beyond keeping the intergovernmental policy process alive.KEYWORDS: Territorial AgendaCohesion Spiritterritorial cohesionEuropeeighth Cohesion Report Disclosure statementThe authors are professionally involved in the work with the Territorial Agenda. The article expresses the authors’ personal observations and opinions.