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Abstract
The Interreg IIIB Community Initiative Programme (2000–2006) is considered one of the main instruments to promote the application of the European Spatial Development Perspectives (ESDP), realizing in a concrete way the integrated approach to spatial development, also making effective the so-called Community spatial planning approach. Also important is the involvement of regions, public administrations and actors having direct competence for territorial planning and management. Taking into account the above, the aim of the article is to give a realistic perspective on the application of the ESDP through this Community initiative and, moreover, how it is interpreted and managed in south Europe. The state of the art of Interreg IIIB programmes relevant to south Europe will be presented and investigated, analysing the coherence of their goals with the ESDP political aims. Moreover, the innovative and central role played by the regions involved in the process of the application of the ESDP principles will be highlighted.