Published on 19 May 2012

European observation network for territorial development and cohesion (ESPON)

ESPON is an EU-funded programme that links research and policy. The programme provides territorial analyses, data and maps
to support EU development policies and to help public authorities assess their territory, identify new challenges and potentials and draw up development policies for the future. In addition to the Member States of the European Union, the ESPON programme also includes neighbouring countries such as Switzerland. ESPON aims to establish a permanent European territorial observation system. The Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE represents Switzerland and is the national contact point.