Discourses of rurality in EU spatial policy: The European spatial development perspective

The publication in I999 of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ES DP) is a significant step towards European spatial planning. It follows a p eriod of intergovernmental and inter-institutional development of a framewo rk and policies, which raises many issues about the normative and discoursi ve positions and constructions which are integrated into the process. The p aper reviews the emergence of the ESDP, and explores how 'rurality' is bein g contested within the new European spatial discourse it contains. The Fouc auldian discourse analytic approach focuses on the articulation of a new po licy discourse within the text of the adopted ESDP document, but places thi s analysis within a broader consideration of the contested policy process. Discussing three key policy issues peripherality, a new urban-rural partner ship, and rural restructuring, the paper argues that the emphasis on compet ition, and the focus on urban areas and junctional regions, raise clear con cerns about the treatment of rurality. Key areas for further research are i dentified in response to the current vacuum of academic debate over ruralit y in European spatial policy.