ABSTRACT
This chapter critically discusses how territorial inequalities are governed at the EU scale, and how these are being tackled through the transnational governance of contemporary Europe. It critically examines the representation of these inequalities as expressed in their scope, nature, measurement and boundaries within EU efforts to secure greater cohesion, integration and place-making. The chapter continues by outlining the evolution of EU policies towards spatial inequalities and then critically examines the rationalities that have underpinned constructions and meanings of spatial justice before concluding by looking at challenges faced by the EU. Territorial cohesion has become an important goal of the EU but trends point towards severe challenges in achieving such Europe-wide balanced development. EU Cohesion Policy is open to conflicting economic and political perspectives, as fundamental concepts are open to interpretation. The basis of many arguments depend heavily on the assumptions made about the nature and importance of underlying constructs such as social welfare, productivity and geographical trade-offs.
