On 21 May 2025, Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Urban Matters met in Warsaw under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and adopted a Joint Declaration reaffirming the importance of the territorial dimension in shaping EU policies beyond 2027.
Recognising the uneven territorial impact of global challenges including climate change, digital transformation, security concerns, and geopolitical tensions, Ministers emphasised the need for territorially sensitive, place-based responses. The Declaration highlights the continued importance of multi-level governance, partnership, and shared management as fundamental principles for effective policy design and implementation across Europe.
An important element of the Declaration is the call to develop a shared, evidence-based territorial development vision for the European Union. Co-created by the European Commission and Member States, this vision will provide a strategic framework to address territorial disparities, strengthen cohesion and resilience, and ensure that all parts of Europe from urban centres to remote rural areas can fully contribute to and benefit from the EU’s future growth.
Ministers committed to advancing the principles of the Territorial Agenda at both EU and national levels and to renewing the Territorial Agenda 2030 in alignment with this emerging territorial vision. They agreed to carry out territorial impact assessments of relevant European and national policies and to approach ESPON to undertake a foresight study to support future policy development.
The Declaration also underlines the importance of aligning the existing Urban Agenda for the EU with the forthcoming ambitious policy agenda for cities. Ministers called for enhanced coordination between these frameworks to promote sustainable urban development, improve governance, and address pressing challenges such as housing affordability and climate neutrality.
The Warsaw Joint Declaration embodies a shared commitment to reinforcing territorial cohesion as a cornerstone of the European project. By ensuring that policies respond to place-specific needs and opportunities, the EU reaffirms its dedication to a more inclusive, balanced, and resilient future for all regions and citizens.
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© Photo by Chancellery of the Prime Minister / PAP S.A.