In the heart of Europe lies the Carpathian area, a vibrant geopolitical crossroads where Europe's strategic political and economic interests converge. This targeted analysis seeks to explain the unique landscape of the Carpathian region and its emerging geography by identifying key territorial development trends, challenges, and opportunities that define its diverse regions.

The primary aim of this analysis is to uncover actionable evidence that can inform joint policy actions under the Carpathian Convention. By untapping the area's potential, it envisages fostering a more dynamic, sustainable, and socio-economically future. This includes not only preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage but also addressing the specific territorial dynamics of mountainous regions.

At its core, the objective of this targeted analysis is two-fold. Firstly, to generate new insights into the Carpathian area by pinpointing territorial development challenges and opportunities across various region types and selected topics:

• Demography and migration taking into account the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• Economic structure and dominant industries prevailing in the Carpathian area industries, including the identification of good practices.
• Mobility, connectivity and energy within the region, as well as in the relation to neighbouring territories and in the European context.
• Climate change impacts with special emphasis on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Secondly, to craft policy recommendations tailored for multi-level governance, taking into account the unique territorial characteristics of the Carpathians. Through these efforts, it will generate new evidence to inform strategic policy actions that will shape the future trajectory of the Carpathian region.

This targeted analysis is being implemented within the framework of the Thematic Action Plan (TAP) ”Governance of new geographies”. Therefore, it will contribute by developing a knowledge base to better understand the Carpathian area in terms of its delineation, functional and cooperative arrangements, and the involved actors and stakeholders. Additionally, this analysis will support the activities of the Carpathian Convention.

Policy questions

The study will address the following policy questions:

• What are the current territorial development trends in the Carpathian area within selected thematic fields? What distinct territorial profiles emerge from these trends?
• Which regions within the Carpathian area offer specific opportunities for economic and social development? How can these opportunities and potentials be more efficiently used for economic and social development in a sustainable way?
• How to improve the governance structures of the Carpathian area through joint cooperation actions at different levels and in which areas of cooperation should be prioritised?
• What recommendations can policymakers at different levels implement to support sustainable development in the Carpathian area? How can cooperation and good governance practices be strengthened among authorities in the Carpathian area and with the EU?

Expected results

The main outputs of the service will be:

• Analyse and map current and projected territorial patterns and trends on selected topics using sub-national data (NUTS 2/3 level)
• Analysis of the governance structures in the Carpathian area and identification of potential areas for cooperation
• Atlas on determinants and opportunities for the socio-economic and territorial development of the Carpathian area
• Recommendations for policymakers for future joint policy actions
• Data and interactive maps and graphs which will be showcased in the ESPON Portal

Stakeholders

Podkarpackie Voivodeship (PL) is the Lead Stakeholder together with the Consiliul Judetean Maramures (RO), Prešov self‐governing region ‐ Department of Strategic Development (SK), Consiliul Județean Suceava ‐ Department of Projects from External Funds and Diaspora (RO).

More information

Contractor: University of Warsaw (Poland)

Contact: 

• Sandra Di Biaggio (Research and Policy Manager) [email protected], 
• Angela Emidio (Public Procurement Manager) [email protected]