The European Spatial Planning Gateway (ESP Gateway) is one of the three main strands within the project to stimulate a cross-sectoral dialogue between EU Member, EU Candidate and EU Neighbouring Countries. The common learning process, established in this work package, functions as a "Gateway" that connects national and EU wide spatial development perspectives on a transnational platform. Two types of information transfers are activated by ESP Gateway.
On the one hand, there is a transfer of information and knowledge from EU to national level, i.e. the application of European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) approaches and concepts of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) by countries in CenSE. The converse flow implements on the other hand an influence of the national level on the EU level, i.e. an evaluation and further development of ESDP and ESPON by new EU Member, Candidate and Neighbouring countries.

According to the two pilot projects of PlaNet CenSE, "Metropolitan Networks" and "North-South Corridor", ESP Gateway concentrates its information and knowledge transfer on transnational spatial development issues with regard to urban systems and transport networks. By means of a common learning process, the ESP Working Team discusses selected approaches, concepts and research results gained from ESDP and ESPON. Findings and approaches are reflected and developed further from a CenSE point of view.

The main aim of ESP Gateway is to translate the common understanding into a strategic spatial development document with objectives for future development of the urban system and transport infrastructure in Central and South East Europe. The strategic document should both provide a framework for national spatial development perspectives and place the urban system and transport network in CenSE into a wider European context. Thus, it might also serve as contribution for a revised ESDP.

For further information please contact:

Jens Kurnol   
Tel: 0049 (0)228 401 23 04
Jens.Kurnol@bbr.bund.de

Petra Pelster
Tel: 0049 (0)228 401 12 16
Petra.Pelster@bbr.bund.de

Peter Schön
Tel: 0049 (0)228 401 23 29
Peter.Schoen@bbr.bund.de