Cross-fertilisation between spatial planning and territorial cohesion: lessons from the Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper contributes to the literature on the territorial dimension of EU Cohesion Policy and spatial planning in EU Member States. It offers a perspective on these debates by focusing on the case study of the Czech Republic which exemplifies the group of countries being the main beneficiaries of Cohesion Policy. Building on interviews, document analyses and interactive workshops, the barriers and potentials for cross-fertilisation between Cohesion Policy and spatial planning are identified. Upon this background, concrete policies are recommended. Therefore, the paper goes a step further by explaining why the problem occurs and what can be done about it.