Central Europe is highly heterogeneous both in territorial as well as in socio-economic terms. A multitude of challenges and barriers hinders the economic, social and territorial development in central Europe, which are not necessarily bound to specific administrative units. They rather relate to areas with functional ties that are characterised by economic, social, and environmental linkages. Addressing these territorial development challenges calls for integrated multi-level and multi-sectoral governance processes that consider functional linkages at the territorial level. There is a need to improve capacities of public authorities on all territorial levels for setting up and implementing integrated territorial development strategies. Cooperation should be encouraged within and between territories that are sharing functional ties.
Potential fields to be addressed
Reduction of administrative barriers, better policymaking & cooperation beyond borders
Multi-level & multi-sector governance among areas with functional ties beyond borders
Digital governance
Participatory decision-making processes (e.g. citizen involvement)
Integrated territorial development strategies, e.g. addressing demographic change, public services of general interest (such as health, education, social services) and tourism and culture