From European spatial development to territorial cohesion policy

The European Constitution defines territorial cohesion as a competence shared between the Union and the Member States. What does this stand for, and how is territorial cohesion policy going to take shape? Answering these questions, the paper deals with the European Spatial Development Perspective's advocacy of polycentrism and how territorial cohesion has given new impetus to pursuing this agenda. It also deals with French roots of territorial cohesion thinking and French endorsement of the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC). Based on recent Communications, the paper shows that the European Commission intends territorial cohesion policy to take shape following not OMC but the 'Community Method'. However, it is argued that Member State involvement in its formulation following OMC is essential.