Global trends and developments serve as impetus for collaboration beyond individual regions and cities. Such cooperation, especially at macro-regional level, enhances methods to tackle challenges outside of regular administrative structures. The macro-regional approach is well acknowledged, yet it is rarely practised in spatial planning.
One example is VASAB – intergovernmental ministerial cooperation on spatial planning, and on preparing visions and strategies for balanced territorial development in the Baltic Sea Region. It is a joint effort being carried out in a highly diverse region among EU and non-EU countries. Recently, VASAB updated its Long-Term Perspective for the Territorial Development of the Baltic Sea Region, which is a strategic spatial planning document targeting territorial cohesion by 2040.
The workshop will discuss the prospects and benefits of macro-regional spatial planning for European regions and cities, and what can be transferred to other areas beyond existing practice in the Baltic Sea Region. The workshop will also discuss how strong visions and territorial perspectives can help tackle global challenges (e.g. the effects of the pandemic, climate resilience, digital transformation) at macro-regional/cross-border level.
12 Oct 2021
CEST
Agenda item
14:30
Connection to the platform
Opening & welcome by moderator Dr Kai Böhme
14:40
What is VASAB cooperation?
Alda Nikodemusa, Head of the VASAB Secretariat
14:50
Update of the VASAB Long-Term Perspective
Maria Toptsidou, analyst at Spatial Foresight GmbH, coordinator of the Update of the VASAB Long-Term Perspective
15:05
From Vision to Rail Baltica: case study of Estonia
Tiit Oidjärv, Deputy Head of the Spatial Planning Department at the Estonian Ministry of Finance
15:20
Long-Term Perspective and regional development: case study of the Rostock Region in Germany
Holger Janssen, Head of the Office for Regional Planning for the Rostock Region, Germany
15:30
Discussion:
- How can macro-regional visions (such as the LTP) be applied at different levels – national, regional and local? What role can cooperation play in highly diverse European regions? Who needs to be on board?
- What are territorial perspectives and visions for the sustainable and prosperous development of European regions and cities, considering global trends, such as the effects of the pandemic, decarbonisation/climate resilience, digital transformation, etc.? What is missing/what has been overlooked?
15:55
Wrapping up & conclusions by the moderator
16:00
End of the workshop
