In the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EU, my Department is organising a high-level official conference on territorial cohesion, in co-operation with the Directorate General for Regional Policy of the European Commission.
The third report on economic and social cohesion is expected to be published shortly by the European Commission. This conference will present an opportunity to debate the concept of territorial cohesion generally and, in this context, to exchange ideas and present proposals on the strategies necessary for sustainable development in an enlarged EU and on relevant national, regional and Community policies.
The Department hopes to finalise the draft programme for the conference shortly. It is anticipated that leading experts and interested stakeholders will present analyses and engage in debate on how specific areas of the EU with recognised territorial constraints can be developed in an inclusive way, consistent with the objectives of a uniform cohesion policy.