Investigating Sub-state Interpretations of European Territorial Cohesion: The Case of the United Kingdom

Abstract

In recent years the meaning and different dimensions and implications of European territorial cohesion have been a matter of debate in some academic circles, amongst elements of the European Commission and in certain Member States and regions. In 2008, the European Commission published its ‘Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion’, launching a debate on the meaning of territorial cohesion and potential implications for European, Member State and sub-state policies. Informed by this context, this paper considers how the concept of territorial cohesion is being interpreted, and its meaning (re)constructed, by sub-state territories and actors in the United Kingdom.

Notes

See responses to the consultation on the EU Green Paper on TC (2008). Available at http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/consultation/terco/contrib_en.htm.

For a discussion of the variety of views about the focus of (territorial) cohesion policy, see Mirwaldt et al. (2009:12–23).

Excluding submissions by transnational networks with UK members; for example, the ‘Cities for Cohesion Network’, which includes West of Scotland, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and London Councils.

Material and quotes are drawn primarily from the contributions to the consultation from different organizations. These can be viewed at http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/consultation/terco/contrib_en.htm.