Territorial Cohesion: Territoriality, Peripherality, Accessibility

Abstract

This chapter contributes to the discussion of the territorial dimension of policies related to territorial cohesion, peripherality, and accessibility. The authors analyze which components and methodology should be considered at the academic level to quantify or measure territorial cohesion trends. The notions of territoriality, peripherality, and accessibility are briefly discussed. The results make it possible to identify problems so that peripheral regions can be further explored. Economic and regional inequalities of the Portuguese territory are shown through indicators related to their cohesion policy. Peripheralization continues to deepen the gap between the center and the periphery, as well as coastal and border regions. The analysis reveals the poor results of the cohesion policies undertaken, although the territoriality of cohesion policies has been attempted and emphasized through many projects over the EU's cohesion policy.