The ESPON KARPAT Programme is a targeted analysis that aims to explore the socio-economic and spatial development of the Carpathian region. Its goal is to generate actionable evidence to inform joint policy actions under the Carpathian Convention, promoting sustainable development while addressing territorial challenges. The project spans from March 2024 to June 2025, with a budget of EUR 175,481, and it focuses on areas such as demography, economic structure, mobility, and climate change impacts in the region.

Before the event, a status analysis called Territorial Kit under the name ‘Determinants and opportunities for the socio-economic and spatial development of the Carpathian region’ was handled out to the participating stakeholders.

In the latest ESPON KARPAT Programme workshop, CESCI was represented by Roland Hesz, chief analyst. The online event itself focused on the socio-economic and spatial development of the Carpathian region, with a special emphasis on the development capitals. Key areas discussed included territorial dynamics, economic opportunities, and challenges like depopulation and environmental risks in the Carpathians. Roland Hesz contributed by highlighting the need for data completeness, especially regarding Ukraine and Serbia, and stressing the importance of addressing specific challenges of mountainous areas rather than focusing on less relevant areas of the microregion (such as R&D). He also emphasised the relevance of existing EGTCs in tackling regional issues, and gave best practice examples from Europe.

The event featured interactive sessions, where participants evaluated different development capitals using tools like Mentimeter, and shared best practices. The workshop sets the stage for the next event in November, which will focus on recommendations and territorial interventions.

More about the project can be read here