Spatial Planning Systems in Europe – Comparison and Trajectories

In the context of post-pandemic recovery and the urgent need for more resilient cities and regions to combat climate change, there has never been a more important time for spatial planning. This comprehensive account of the current state and trajectories of spatial planning in 32 European countries offers a systematic comparison of its characteristics, position in government and implementation. There is an emphasis on the role of spatial planning in coordinating the spatial impacts of sectoral policies.

Chapters by experts in the field explain how governments are reforming spatial planning to meet new challenges, and how the European Union and its cohesion policy shape change through the Europeanisation of territorial governance. Although the capacity of nations, regions and cities to effectively govern the transformation of their territories remains as diverse as ever, this book identifies common trends towards a more responsive and inclusive spatial planning.

Scholars and students of comparative spatial planning will value cross-country insights from the analysis. Planning professionals and policy makers will benefit from the knowledge of trends and policy reforms in other countries.

Edited by Vincent Nadin, Emeritus Professor of Spatial Planning and Strategy, Department of Urbanism, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, Giancarlo Cotella, Professor of Spatial Planning, Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning, Politecnico di Torino, Italy and Peter Schmitt, Professor of Human Geography with focus on Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Human Geography, Stockholm University, Sweden