This paper presents selected examples of thematic scope and possibilities of practical application of the projects implemented under the ESPON programme. The projects provide knowledge concerning the development state of territorial structures within the European Union as well as tools and indicators for their monitoring. These projects can be categorized into several groups, among which the leading role is played by the Applied Research and Targeted Analysis . The second part of the paper focuses on practical application of ESPON knowledge in national and regional context, e.g. in Poland and in Serbia.