Guest Editor: Maciej J. Nowak – West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

The discussion on the challenges and problems of spatial planning at the local level is hampered by the mutual severe diversity of national systems. However, there is no doubt that membership in the EU provides a basis for comparing and contrasting the solutions of individual countries. EU bodies do not directly influence the shape of local spatial planning solutions. This influence is usually described as indirect, possibly more strongly linked to more sectoral (from the point of view of spatial planning) issues. Nevertheless, there are similar spatial problems in different groups of EU countries, forcing a similar response at the local spatial planning level. In addition, the demands contained in some EU documents (e.g. Territorial Agenda 2030) are also addressed to public authorities at the local level, responsible for spatial planning.

The special issue of the journal 'Europa XXI' will be to isolate the key current issues and barriers concerning the functioning of local spatial planning levels in the European Union countries. The articles can be either a case study of a specific EU country or a comparison of selected solutions in more than one country. In the first option, however, it is advisable to relate both the theory and the presented results to a broader international context. In the second option, it is suggested to present an in-depth concept justifying the possibility of comparing the countries referred to in the article.

If you are interested to submit a manuscript, please contact us at: Europa.XXI@twarda.pan.pl