1,720,966 research outputs found
Territorial governance of cultural heritage through spatial planning in Albania and Kosovo
Get PDFCultural and historical heritage is inextricably linked to territorial capital. Over the years, the recognition of its importance has increased in the political and policy discourse. This paper examines these challenges considering spatial planning policies and instruments, namely “how effective spatial planning instruments are in addressing the goal of protecting and enhancing cultural heritage.” The research is focused on two Western Balkan cases of Albania and Kosovo, and takes a comparative approach, considering the ever-present conflict between “the old and the new”, and between growth and preservation, in the respective capital cities of Tirana and Pristina. Both countries have gone through drastic transformations in their planning systems over the last two decades, with an attempt to shift from traditional rigid urbanism approaches towards more comprehensive and integrated ones. Additionally, the two countries are in similar stages of socio-economic development, which include a trend of concentration and rapid urban development. The findings suggest that while cultural preservation and valorisation is ranked high in terms of planning policies, both countries fail to preserve these values when it comes to land development practices
The Palgrave Handbook of Just Green Transitions in the Western Balkans and Beyond
No full textThis open access handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of just green transitions and its key dimensions. With a specific focus on the Western Balkans and other key European regions, it explores the core policy thematic areas at the heart of the just green transition and the socio-economic and governance challenges and opportunities within each policy theme. Each chapter provides examples of good practice and of just green transition policies developed and implemented across this region. Finally, the handbook outlines forward-thinking recommendations that help facilitate the development of effective policies and governance structures that support the delivery of just green transitions and promote socio-economic growth to meet the needs of citizens
The Just Green Transitions Policy Landscape
No full textThe chapter analyses the evolution of GT policy at the supranational level, tracing how policy priorities and approaches have changed over time and influenced the shaping of national policies and regional strategies. A special focus is placed on a JGT policy in the Western Balkans, where national policy frameworks are increasingly focused on harmonisation with European and global standards of sustainable development. Cooperation programs that enable the harmonisation of regulatory and institutional structures in this region are being researched, with an emphasis on the challenges and possibilities of their implementation. Also included are the mechanisms for integrating the GT into national strategic plans and identifying key factors that influence the fairness of transition processes. Successful implementation depends on institutional flexibility, financial support mechanisms, and strong cooperation between government, private, and civil actors to ensure economic stability, social inclusion, and environmental protection in the transition process
Pathways to Just Green Transitions: Reflections and Future Directions
No full textThis concluding chapter explores and summarises the results of the collection of contributions in this handbook. It emphasises the need for equitable sustainability that balances socio-economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and territorial cohesion. Through diverse case studies and theoretical frameworks, it highlights the importance of multiscalar, flexible, and inclusive governance, particularly in the Western Balkans. Key challenges include economic displacement, energy poverty, and governance inefficiencies, underscoring the risks of unjust transitions. The results of this volume stress the necessity of tailored, region-specific strategies, participatory policymaking, and investment in education and workforce reskilling to ensure fair and sustainable transitions. Cross-border cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and innovative policy approaches are essential to overcoming socioeconomic disparities and fostering long-term resilience. Future research should deepen insights into the geopolitical implications of JGT and the intersection of environmental justice, governance, and economic development. This handbook serves as a roadmap for policy interventions and collaborative efforts towards a just and sustainable future
Just Green Transitions - An Introduction
No full textJust Green Transitions (JGTs) address the shift to sustainable, low-carbon economies while ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Central to global policies like the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, JGTs remain multidimensional, diverse, and complex in their interpretation and application. This handbook explores JGTs with a focus on the Western Balkans (WB), examining their potential to address regional disparities, socio-economic challenges, and governance gaps. Highlighting the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism and Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB), it showcases strategies and case studies demonstrating the interplay of technical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Providing actionable frameworks and offering insights for policymakers and practitioners to design inclusive and context-specific transitions. The handbook emphasises collaboration, citizen engagement, and adaptive governance as essential for equitable and resilient green futures
The Multidimensionality of Just Green Transitions
No full textThis chapter discusses the multidimensional framework of Just Green Transitions that is integral to achieving climate neutrality, while ensuring fairness and inclusivity. This framework encompasses social, economic, spatial, environmental, technical, and governance dimensions, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to transitioning to sustainable, low-carbon economies. The social aspect prioritises justice and equity, addressing vulnerabilities and empowering marginalised groups through distributional, recognitional, and procedural justice. Economically, JGTs provide opportunities for regional economic restructuring and diversification, including the development of circular economies and green innovation ecosystems. This is despite the substantial costs associated with the technical aspects of JGTs, particularly helping high-polluting industries and businesses to shift to carbon-neutral internal technological practices and processes. Spatially, tailored policies mitigate territorial disparities and integrate socio-cultural identities into transition strategies. The environmental dimension focuses on achieving long-term sustainability through carbon neutrality, biodiversity preservation, and resilience-building. Effective governance structures have a key role in delivering this multidimensional JGT framework, with public institutions playing a pivotal role in fostering multi-level and multi-actor collaboration, enhancing citizen engagement, and promoting policy coherence
Changing Planning Cultures : The Case of Albania
No full textThe main focus of the research is on the Albanian Planning Culture. As
of 2009 Law 10119 on Territorial Planning was introduced in Albania
which requires a cultural change from ‘urban design’ to a more spatial
planning approach. Hence the current situation in the country has been
the object of the analysis, otherwise known as a critical juncture. From
the Historical Institutionalism theory, this is quite a crucial moment for
institutions as the path taken now will set the institution in a patter
which would be difficult to shake. In addition to this the attitudes of the
agents toward change are very important. The study also provides a
literature review on planning culture and the way that they can change.
The main aim of this thesis is to identify the challenges, including the
different types of agent and to provide some plausible
recommendations that can enable a gradual institutionalization of the
changes. In order to meet the aim the researcher has chosen a case
study methodology which frames the Albanian Planning Culture and the
changes brought by the new legislation. In addition, analyses of the
critical juncture and the different agents operating in Albania have
helped the author to provide some recommendations that might enable
the culture change in Albania
Cross border cooperation in western Balkans- a comparative analysis of cross border experiences between Albania Kosovo and Albania Greece
No full textBook of proceedings: Annual AESOP Congress, Spaces of Dialog for Places of Dignity, Lisbon, 11-14th July, 2017The instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) is one of the main supporting tools for countries aspiring to join the EU. IPA II 2014-2020 programme strategy was approved and supports primarily Western-Balkan Countries in cross-cutting areas in order to prepare for EU-accession. As part of the strategy, territorial cooperation is also supported. Cross-border cooperation in the area is one of the main strands of territorial cooperation where different programs between the countries have been set. This paper investigates through a comparative analysis the experience of cross-border cooperation between Albania and Kosovo and Albania-Greece. The analysis spans not only at the analysis of the relative different projects and the ability of countries to make use of the program, but also looks at different and emerging themes in terms of cross border planning and governance. The analysis will delve into the first programing period 2007-2013 as well as the activities that have been held during the new programming period. The choice of the two different programs comes due to their distinctive characteristics, where on the one side one can find an EU member (Greece) cooperating with a non-EU member (Albania) and on the other side two non-EU states which have the same language, as well as Kosovo being a particular case study of state formation. The Albania-Kosovo case study is important to analyze also due to current development and cooperation between the two governments. So far, there have been two intergovernmental meetings between Albania and Kosovo to foster partnerships and greater collaboration between the two countries. Thus, it becomes very interesting to analyze whether the increase in cooperation between the two states is also reflected in the territorial cooperation programs, as well as their performance in terms of cross border cooperation.Published versio
Entschlüsselung der Komplexität der Europäisierung der Raumplanungssysteme, der Fall Albanien
Get PDFDie Europäisierung der Raumplanung ist seit den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten ein prominentes Forschungsthema in der Europäischen Union. Zahlreiche Forscher, einschließlich ESPON Projekte, haben sich auf die Analyse der Europäisierung der Raumplanung und territoriale Regierung konzentriert. Dennoch, wenn man die Forschungen auf europäischer Ebene oder Mitgliedsstaaten mit denen des westlichen Balkans vergleicht und die für die Europäisierung von Raumplanung im westlichen Balkan erkennt man eine eindeutige Kluft. Die Forschung in dieser Region zum Thema Europäisierung von Raumplanung hat erst während des letzten Jahrzehnts begonnen und ist begrenzt.Diese Region steht kurz vor der europäischen Integration, da die meisten Länder Verhandlungen über einen EU-Beitritt eröffnet haben oder kurz davor stehen. Es wird daher erwartet, dass die Europäisierungsprozesse zunehmen und Gestalt annehmen. Albanien, das kurz vor der Eröffnung der Beitrittsverhandlungen steht und mit den Veränderungen im Planungssystem in den letzten Jahren, wird zu einer interessanten Fallstudie im Hinblick der Europäisierung.Abgesehen von der Intensivierung der europäischen Integration macht diese Forschung noch interessanter, dass die Raumplanungssysteme auf dem westlichen Balkan und insbesondere in Albanien im letzten Jahrzehnt wichtige und drastische Veränderungen erfahren haben. Die meisten Länder haben Änderungen im Planungssystem vorgenommen, die von einem städtebaulichen Ansatz zu einem umfassenderen und integrierten Ansatz übergegangen sind, der typisch für die nordwesteuropäischen Länder ist. Daher ist die Analyse dieser Veränderungen im Hinblick auf eine Europäisierung sowohl aus praktischer als auch aus theoretischer Sicht wichtig.Das Ziel dieser Forschung ist es zu analysieren, wie sich die Raumplanung in Albanien angesichts der Europäisierungsprozesse verändert. Die Europäisierung der Raumplanung in Albanien wird durch zwei Dimensionen der Europäisierung analysiert. „Starker“ Einfluss in Bezug auf Änderungen in der Struktur, Gesetzgebung und direkte Auswirkungen im Gebiet. „Sanfter“ Einfluss in Bezug auf Änderung des politischen Diskurses, Planungspraxis und Erlernen. Der zweite Aspekt ist wichtig, da die Europäisierung einerseits auch ein allgemeiner soziokultureller Wandel ist, der europäische Werte und Modelle verkörpert. Andererseits ist die Planung tief in der lokalen Kultur verwurzelt, sodass die Veränderungen im Lichte der Europäisierung im häuslichen Umfeld sozial konstruiert werden. Die Forschung verwendet eine qualitative Methodik, die auf halbstrukturierten Interviews und Fokusgruppen basiert, um die Prozesse zu verstehen während sie ablaufen, sowie die Bedeutung die diejenigen, die an der Planung in Albanien beteiligt sind den Europäisierungsprozessen geben.Aus der Analyse geht hervor, dass es in Albanien eine allgemeine Änderung gibt, die versucht zu konvergieren und nachzuahmen, wie Raumplanungssysteme in einigen EU-Mitgliedsstaaten aussehen, die einen umfassenden und integrierten Planungsansatz verfolgen. Dies ist offensichtlich in Bezug auf die Form der Planungsinstrumente, dem wachsenden Planungsumfang und der Schaffung eines hierarchischen Systems von Institutionen. Darüber hinaus haben politische Konzepte und Diskurse der EU die Planungspolitik auf nationaler Ebene durchdrungen. Diese Änderungen erfolgten jedoch meist von unten nach oben. Bei der Implementierung und Kontextualisierung im häuslichen Umfeld gibt es aufgrund mangelnder Kapazitäten und Pfadabhängigkeit mehrere Herausforderungen, die den Wissenstransfer behindern. In Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass nach der Eröffnungder Verhandlungen die Zusammenarbeit in Bezug auf die Übertragung von Richtlinien und die Umsetzung von Gesetzen zunehmen wird, hat die Forschung am Ende eine Liste von Empfehlungen in Form einer Richtlinie hervorgehoben, die von der EU und den albanischen Behörden angewendet werden kann.Europeanization of Spatial planning systems has been a prominent research topic in the European Union over the last two decades. Several researchers, including ESPON projects, have been focused on the analysis of the Europeanization of Spatial Planning and Territorial Governance. Nevertheless, when comparing the research conducted at the European level or in member-states to that compared in the Western Balkan and for the Europeanization of planning systems in the Western Balkans there is a clear gap. Research in this region regarding the topic of Europeanization of planning systems has started only during the last decade and it is limited.This region is on the verge of European Integration, with most countries having opened or being close to opening negotiations for joining the EU. Thus, processes of Europeanization are expected to increase and manifest. Albania, being close to the opening of negotiations and with the changes occurring in the planning system over the last years becomes an interesting case study in the prospect of Europeanization.Besides the intensification of European Integration, what makes this research even more interesting is that Spatial planning systems, in the Western Balkans, and specifically in Albania, have undergone important and drastic changes over the last decade. Most countries, have undertaken changes in the planning system shifting from an urban regulatory oriented approach to a more comprehensive and integrated approach, typical of the North-West European countries. Hence, analyzing these changes, in the prospect of Europeanization, is important from a practical as well as a theoretical point of view.The aim of this research is to analyze the way the Spatial Planning system in Albania is changing in light of Europeanization processes. The Europeanization of the planning system in Albania is analyzed through two main dimensions of Europeanization. ‘Hard’ influence in terms of changes in structures, legislation and direct impact in the territory. ‘Soft’ influence in terms of policy discourse change, planning practice and learning. The second aspect is important, as on the one side Europeanization is also a general socio-cultural change manifesting European values and models. While on the other side, planning is a deeply rooted in the local culture, thus the changes occurring in light of Europeanization are socially constructed in the domestic milieu. The research uses a qualitative methodology, based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups in order to understand the processes as they are occurring as well as the meaning that those involved in planning in Albania give to the Europeanization processes.Through the analysis, it can be understood that in Albania, there is a general change trying to converge and mimic what the way that spatial planning systems in some of the EU member states that have a comprehensive and integrated approach in planning look like. This is evident in terms of the form of planning instruments, the expanding scope of planning and the creation of a hierarchical system of institutions. Additionally, EU policy concepts and discourses have penetrated the national level planning policies. However, these changes have occurred mostly from the bottom up. Meanwhile, when it comes to implementation and contextualization in the domestic milieu, because of lack of capacities and path dependency there are several challenges that hinder the transfer of knowledge. Considering that once negotiations are opened, the cooperation in terms of policy transfer and legal transposition will increase, the research has highlighted in the end a list of recommendations, in the form of a policy guideline that can be applied by the EU and Albanian authorities
Cohesion policy implementation in Albania - challenges and opportunities in the face of growing disparities at local and regional scale
No full text- …
