Anna Hellings

ESPON Programme

Since 2002 ESPON is the provider of territorial evidence at European level. ESPON supports an evidence-based policy development in relation to the aim of territorial cohesion and a harmonious development of the European territory. ESPON produces (1) comparable, pan-European territorial evidence on regions, cities and larger territories, (2) offer stakeholders targeted analyses and (3) provide data and tools for policy making. Moreover, ESPON stimulates the use of European territorial evidence in policy making and programming through (4) wide outreach activities and policy briefs tailor made to the ongoing policy discourse. On 12 February 2015 the European Commisison adopted the ESPON 2020 Cooperation Programme which includes two Priority Axes: Priority Axis 1 covers all activities related to the development of territorial evidence, applied research activities, targeted analyses, monitoring, tools and outreach activities; Priority Axis 2 covers Technical Assistance and is overseen by the ESPON Managing Authority. The ESPON Managing Authority has commissioned a Single Beneficiary, the ESPON EGTC, established as part of the renewal of ESPON, as a bespoke vehicle to undertake the implementation of the Priority Axis 1. ESPON is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the EU Member States and the Partner States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.