Bridging the Gaps: Equitable Access to Services Across Europe

Ensuring easy-to-use and affordable key services is a fundamental right under the European Pillar of Social Rights. Yet, many regions—especially those facing demographic decline, infrastructure deficits, and economic hardship—struggle with limited access to essential services like healthcare, education, and public transport.

What is the building density in your neighbourhood? And how does it compare to other neighbourhoods? How can territorial evidence about building densities contribute to the ambitions of No Net Land Take?

PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency has made a data set for comparing building densities nationwide and for conducting research on how building density influences various aspects of urban life, such as energy consumption, mobility, climate adaptation, and public health.

The ESPON DESIRE project singled out five types of services, namely: education (primary and secondary; health (primary, outpatient and preventive care); social care (childcare, elderly care); regional public transport (ensuring access to work); and retail accessibility (although this is not per se a public service) which were addressed in the case studies:

This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of the research project ESPON DESIRE "Delivery of Essential Services in Lagging Regions", focusing in particular on the synthesis of findings, the clarification of key concepts and the formulation of principles of good practice. The aim of this analysis is to provide actionable insights that can support policy development aimed at improving public service delivery in lagging regions, which often face unique socio-economic and geographical challenges.