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The '''European Spatial Development Perspective''' ('''ESDP''') is a document approved by the Informal Council of Ministers of Spatial Planning of [[European Commission]] in [[Potsdam]] in 1999. It is a legally non-binding document forming a policy framework with 60 policy options for all tiers of [[Business administration|administration]] with a planning responsibility. The [[strategic]] aim is to achieve a balanced and [[sustainable]] [[spatial development]] strategy.
== Key concepts == With the aim to provide an [[Regional integration|integrated]], multi-sectoral and indicative [[strategy]] for the [[spatial development]], the key ideas of ESDP are: * an integrated approach - Not just to look at specific sectors of development activity (e.g. environment, economic development, or transport), but to recognise that they all affect each other; * spatial development - a much wider view of the development, vital for integrative approach; * strategic aspects - interlinked actions to achieve balanced and sustainable territorial development; * indicative views - the responsibility lies with the developed regions and territories to implement the development principals. * Inclusive growth - regional approach to address disparities.
== Spatial policy guidelines == # Development of a [[wikt:polycentric|polycentric]] and balanced urban system, and strengthening of the partnership between urban and rural areas, so as to create a new urban-rural relationship. # Promotion of integrated transport and communication concepts, which support the polycentric development of the EU territory, so that there is gradual progress towards parity of access to infrastructure and knowledge. # Wise management of the natural and cultural heritage, which will help conserve regional identities and cultural diversity in the face of globalisation.
== See also == * [[ESPRID]] * [[Interreg]]
==Further reading== * Andreas Faludi, Bas Waterhout: ''The making of the European spatial development perspective: no masterplan'', Routledge, 2002
== External links == *[http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/som_en.htm ESDP Report], [[Potsdam]], May 1999
[[Category:Urban planning by region]] [[Category:Urban economics]] [[Category:Regional science]] [[Category:European Commission projects]] [[Category:Geography of the European Union]]