The ESPON Seminar took place in Larnaca, Cyprus, on 17–18 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the links between cognitive distance, competitiveness, cohesion, and resilience. The event was organised in cooperation with the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our colleague, András Igari, PhD, also participated in the Seminar.
The first day of the Seminar focused on the future of territorial cohesion, regional competitiveness, and resilience across Europe. Speakers emphasized the importance of innovation, knowledge exchange, and reducing cognitive distance to strengthen regional development, while ESPON projects explored global value chains, supply-chain resilience, and the specific challenges facing Mediterranean regions and islands. The second day highlighted regional capabilities, sustainable development, and science-based policymaking, complemented by workshops on digital transformation, the green transition, and housing and land-use challenges. The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on ESPON’s post-2027 programme and the continued role of evidence-based territorial cooperation.