Three studies on European spatial planning
The European Commission, DG XVI, has published an invitation to tender concerning the study programme on European spatial planning, to be carried out by a network of specialized research institutes. These studies are to be carried out within the context of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP), and will produce the technical elements needed for the finalization of the first ESDP, a draft of which was adopted in June 1997 by the Ministers responsible for spatial planning in the EU. The first study will involve an analysis of the components (regions, cities, axes, etc.) of the European territory and will develop indicators reflecting the criteria for spatial differentiation and prepare maps relating to these criteria. The second study will aim at providing the necessary materials for the refinement of sections of the first official draft ESDP dealing with the system of cities and the urban-rural relationship. It will provide a compilation of the various updated sources available, and structure them to correlate with the relevant sections of the ESDP. The overall aim of this study is to provide the analytical background for an improvement of the policy aims and options of the draft ESDP. The third study will be addressed in a cartographic exercise of an experimental nature, which will cover the following headings: - Diversity, complementarity and cooperation in an urban system; - Rural-urban relationship; - Natural assets and water management. These studies must be based on existing research and will have to be reported at several stages during 1998 and 1999 in order to influence the first European Spatial Development Perspective in spring 1999. A separate invitation to tender concerning the coordination of these studies has also been published by the Commission (OJ No S 100 of 26.5.1998 p. 35). Tender documents are available on request by fax, from: European Commission DG XVI - Regional policy and cohesion Unit A/3 - ESDP study programme 200 rue de la Loi (CSM-2 2/25) B-1049 Brussels Fax +32-2-2963271