Preface — Introduction

Abstract

The various regions within the European Union are marked by a high degree of disparity with regard to economic performance and productivity, and with respect to their labour markets. The intention underlying the EU’s concept of ‘territorial cohesion’ is to reduce these differences and imbalances and, at the same time, to ensure more balanced spatial development throughout the EU. Territorial cohesion — for which the German language uses two slightly different terms, “territoriale Kohäsion” and “territorialer Zusammenhalt” — has to be seen as a general term encompassing a number of different components. In addition to redressing disparities and spatial imbalances, this concept aims to improve territorial integration and to promote co-operation among EU regions. In striving to bring about territorial cohesion, due account must be taken of the diversity of the European continent, and consideration should be given to the advantages and disadvantages each area exhibits. Among the special challenges to be faced are the concentration of population and economic activity in what has come to be known as the Pentagon, the process of EU enlargement, and the severe imbalances which exist between the major centres of population and other parts of the EU territory. Against this background, it was only right and proper that territorial cohesion should be included in the draft of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (Article I-3), which lists economic, social, and territorial cohesion as being among the Union’s objectives.