Comparative analysis of spatial planning systems and practices : changes and continuity in Baltic countries: A comparative study of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania

Abstract

Evidence-based studies show meaningful changes in spatial planning if observing the evolution of planning systems and practices in Europe. Three Baltic countries over the last decades have witnessed considerable changes in institutional settings in this respect. The research emphasises on comparative analysis of Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian experiences through the evolution of spatial development planning in the light of dynamic changes in Europe since the 1990s. The purpose of the article is to give an overview and discuss significant changes and turning points in spatial planning systems and practices in Baltic countries, as well as to assess key trends of relevant related processes. Inspired by a profoundly conducted comparative European study, the common methodological framework has been used to gain evidence-based knowledge. Thus, (1) the scope and main objectives of changes, (2) driving forces causing changes by indicating main phases and turning points as well as (3) policy, planning styles, and tools are explored and presented through a comparative perspective in the article. The review of institutional settings, dynamic and comparative analysis and synthesis techniques as well as the logical-constructive and graphical methods are mainly employed for the study. The outcome of the research shows key trends in the evolution of spatial planning in Baltic countries. These trends represent a dynamic continuity of planning cultures and emphasise its significant impact on decision-making in land management practices.