Strengthening the polycentric urban system in Europe: Conclusions from theESDP

The first European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) document agreed i n May 1999 calls for closer cooperation at the EU level in response to the challenges Posed by globalization and the increasingly transnational impact of spatial development in Europe. The ESDP maps out a common approach to s patial development in the EU member states and supports an integrated persp ective for European spatial development which goes beyond specialist viewpo ints. This article focuses on the relationship between hey statements on th e European urban system contained in the ESDP and the 'real' structures and changes within this urban system. It also examines possible conclusions fr om the ESDP for urban policy in Europe in the light of the activities alrea dy launched to translate the ESDP into practice in the urban dimension of E uropean spatial development.