This paper provides an overview of the main findings from the ESPON research programme as a background for more detailed presentations and analyses at the first international seminar organised by a network of ESPON Contact Points. The purpose of the seminar is to disseminate ESPON research outputs and to stimulate further discussion of issues related to European spatial planning especially in north-western peripheral areas beyond the Pentagon. Following a brief outline of the structure of the ESPON research programme the paper focuses mainly on the principal research conclusions and the associated policy implications that have been identified in a selection of research projects. This will be followed by some more general observations on the ESPON programme.