Introduction

The European Council of Spatial Planners - Conseil européen des urbanistes (ECTP-CEU), founded in 1985, brings together 24 professional town planning associations and institutes from 22 European countries.

It is an umbrella association providing its members with a common framework for planning practice, planning education, continuing professional development and the definition of professional responsibilities.

ECTP sets standards of education and conduct for the planning profession; identifies, celebrates and rewards examples of good planning all over Europe, and engages in dialogue with local, national and European government.

Planners are enablers and specialists in spatial analysis and interaction, committed to working with other professionals across disciplinary boundaries to advance the sustainable development of the both the natural and the built environment.

The current work of the Council includes:

• Dissemination of the revised New Charter of Athens on planning European cities in the 21^st century;
• The design of a Vision enhancing the quality and efficiency of cities and urban life in Europe;
• The production of a guide to spatial planning and territorial cohesion;
• The publishing of the proceedings of major conferences on European spatial development and the preparation of forthcoming conferences;
• The preparation of the European Urban and Regional Planning Awards.