For a South European and Italian perspective in the "next ESDP"

This contribution is divided in two parts, dealing with the “European Spatial Development Perspective” (ESDP) from two different sides. In the first part, the meaning of “spatial development” is analysed and discussed in relation to the concept of territorial cohesion, as it has been recently developed in the Community Treaties and policy’s documents. The analysis is then widened to the modalities and policies of development, as they are currently present, especially in Southern Europe, in terms of polycentrism and of local development. They are seen as means for a valorisation of diversified territorial and human resources, which are the essential elements of European competitiveness. In the second part, the meaning of “European perspective” is treated and discussed in relation to the shared objective of territorial cohesion. A comparison between the emerging perspectives on European spatial planning and, in particular, the experience from Southern Europe suggest that a possible next ESDP should not be limited to represent a common perspective of spatial development, but it could and should rather aspire to indicate shared principles of territorial governance in the scope of cohesion.