The Seminar will address three policy themes as follows: 1) Territorial aspects of refugee migration to Europe; 2) Cross-border cooperation; 3) European macro-regional strategies.

Territorial aspects of refugee migration to Europe - The first theme is certainly the most topical at the very moment for many regions and cities across Europe. The ESPON seminar would like to launch a discussion among stakeholders and scientists to look into the territorial consequences of the current movement of refugees across Europe. That is why the first day of the seminar will kick-off with a key note speech about the current influx of refugees to Europe. Following this introduction, a panel of scientists and stakeholders will discuss the likely territorial aspects of the ongoing refugee migration. The outcome of that discussion could also give important hints to the ESPON EGTC for future research activities.

Cross-border cooperation - With the second topic, the seminar takes up one of the priorities of the current Luxembourgish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Key stakeholders engaged in cross-border cooperation activities and research will discuss what ESPON could do concretely to support cross-border cooperation in the future.

European macro-regional strategies - The development and implementation of macro-regional strategies has gathered a lot of momentum over the past couple of years. ESPON now offers the opportunity to European macro-regions to develop custom-made territorial monitoring systems. The morning slot on the second day of the seminar will offer an opportunity for the existing macro-regional strategies to express their need for territorial evidence.

To round off, the European Commission and the ESPON EGTC will inform about the details of the implementation of the ESPON 2020 Cooperation Programme, including the envisaged timing for future calls. The Luxembourgish Presidency will reflect upon the outcome of its term and the future two EU Presidency countries will give an outlook on their ambitions.

Audience - A warm welcome is extended to policy makers, stakeholders, practitioners, scientists and experts, who are interested in the topics addressed at the seminar and who want to influence the further European policy processes on territorial issues and support the use of European territorial evidence for policy development and ESIF programmes’ implementation.

The seminar has a maximum capacity of 150 participants. It is free of charge but participants have to cover expenses for their own travel arrangements and accommodation.

*********

Seminar organised in cooperation with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU within the framework of the ESPON 2020 Cooperation Programme.