What is ESPON 2013 ?

The ESPON 2013 Programme - the European observation network for territorial development and cohesion covers all EU member states and four partner states: Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The Romanian National Authority is the Ministry of Regional Development and Housing. The Programme is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under Objective 3 for European Territorial Cooperation and part-financed by the contribution of ESPON states.

The overall aim of the ESPON 2013 Programme is to support policy development in relation to the aim of territorial cohesion and a harmonious development of the European territory by:

• providing comparable information, evidence, analyses and scenarios on territorial dynamics
• revealing territorial capital and potentials for the development of regions and larger territories contributing to European competitiveness, territorial cooperation and a sustainable and balanced development”.

What is financed by ESPON 2013 ?

The ESPON 2013 Programme finances the following types of actions/projects: 

• Applied research on territorial development, competitiveness and cohesion: evidence on territorial trends, perspectives and on the territorial impact of sectoral policies (thematic studies, etc) – Priority 1
• Scientific expertise through the Knowledge Support System (experts/researchers from the ESPON states are selected in Sounding Boards that provide scientific guidance to the research teams)
• Targeted analyses based on user demand (elaboration of development models of different types of territories taking into account their situation in European context) – Priority 2
• Scientific platform and tools (setting out comparable territorial indicators and analytical tools) – Priority 3
• Awareness raising, empowerment and involvement (aiming the stimulation of dialogue and the development of networking between research institutions and public authorities responsible for territorial development) – Priority 4
• Communication and technical assistance (technical support for the implementation of the Programme) – Priority 5

Who are the beneficiaries eligible for ESPON 2013 funding ?

Recently private partners have been included as eligible beneficiaries. Therefore, at the following ESPON call for proposals, private partners can apply for projects within Priorities 1, 2 and 3.

Currently the following institutions are eligible for ESPON 2013 funding:

• Public or public equivalent bodies and
• Private institutions.

The call for proposals and call for expression of interest are open mainly for:

• universities;
• research institutions with expertise in territorial development;
• decision makers in territorial planning (central and local public administration, etc.);
• ESPON National Contact Points

For more information on the ESPON 2013 Programme we recommend you to access the official site of ESPON 2013 Programme

National information sources

• www.mdrl.ro - ESPON section : site of Ministry of Regional Development and Housing
• www.infocooperare.ro - INFO ESPON – portal for support of potential beneficiaries of territorial cooperation programmes
• www.esponromania.ro - site of Romanian ESPON Contact Point