In spring 2003 NERP decided to formulate a project aiming at sending a project expert to the Coordination Unit (CU) of the European Spatial Planning Observation Network, (ESPON). The project carries two objectives. First and foremost to assist the CU in administer the ESPON programme 2006 and secondly every sixth month to report back to NERP by delivering summery information on new knowledge concerning European Spatial Development, scientifically and politically on matters of a special Nordic interest. The envisaged output will be four reports giving an impression of scientific and political development, which presently for the first time in a cohesive way is taking place not only within the present EU-15 but also in accession countries soon becoming new members of EU in May 2004. This is the first report.