European Territorial Cooperation and Learning

Abstract

European territorial cooperation is the third objective of the EU Cohesion Policy for 2007–2013, as well as being the new umbrella under which ESDP follow-ups, such as INTERREG and ESPON, can continue. Cooperation is inherent to planning, and so is learning, and this is even more the case for European planning. Learning in itself can become a source of change, such as when ESPON gave rise to the Territorial Agenda. The papers in this issue cast light upon the various aspects of European territorial cooperation and learning, both within the mainstream instigated by the European Cohesion Policy as well as cross-border and bilateral projects. This introduction also speculates on the wider implications of cooperation and learning: the emergence of a transnational group of experts who promote change.