Department of Spatial Planning

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Organisation of DATer

The Department of SpatialPlanning (DATer) is subdivided into five services, including three thematic ones:

  • a service for regional development,
  • a service for territorial strategy and forecasting,
  • and a service for international affairs and European Territorial Cooperation. There are also two cross-cutting divisions:
  • a service for general affairs (human and financial resources) and
  • a service for administrative and legal coordination, including communication and information.

Missions of spatial planning policy

Spatial planning encompasses all actions taken by the State and municipalities to develop the national territory while protecting landscapes, promoting a region's shared resources and contributing to efficient land use and coordination of land-use needs. In this sense, its objective is to ensure optimal living conditions for the country's inhabitants through the sustainable development of the various regions and their respective resources, while maintaining a structural and economic balance between them. The DATer is therefore responsible for spatial planning issues at the European, cross-border, national and inter-municipal level. 

It is also responsible for European Territorial Cooperation programmes and acts as the managing authority for the Interreg Greater Region and ESPON programmes. In this context, it is responsible for the management structures specific to these European programmes: the Interreg Greater Region EGTC, the ESPON EGTC and the LERAS EIG.

A DATer official is also seconded to the Permanent Representation of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the European Union.

This official monitors European territorial cohesion issues, acts as spokesperson in Council working groups and prepares and attends COREPER meetings (at ambassadorial level). This official also participates in certain European Commission standing committees and experts groups and acts as a liaison with other European institutions based in Brussels, in particular the European Commission.

Finally, the minister responsible for spatial planning is also the minister responsible for two development agencies: AGORA S. à R.L. and Nordstad Entwécklungsgesellschaft S. à R.L..