Call for Membership: International Working Group “Land Take in Europe – In Pursuit of Net Zero”

The ARL is launching a new International Working Group titled “Land Take in Europe – In Pursuit of Net Zero.” 

The group will work for three years (2026–2028) to explore how European countries can move toward No Net Land Take (NNLT) by 2050 - a core EU objective aimed at avoiding, minimizing and compensating land consumption.

Chaired by Dr. Peter Lacoere (HO Ghent, KU Leuven) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Hartmann (TU Dortmund University) , the working group will bridge knowledge gaps between research, policy, and practice. It will examine strategies and instruments for reducing land take across different European contexts and identify success factors and challenges in implementing land-neutral policies.

The group invites experts from academia and planning practice across Europe to apply. Early-career researchers and practitioners are particularly encouraged to join. 

Applications (statement of interest, short CV) should be submitted by 23 November 2025 to Inka Tumforde (inka.tumforde@arl-net.de) at the ARL.

📍 Planned meetings: Ghent (2026), Dortmund (2027), and Hanover or Brussels (2028).