News

Regions and cities play a fundamental part in how the EU works. That’s why cohesion amongst each other is essential and why the EU Cohesion Policy is vital in promoting such bonds. The European Week of Regions and Cities is an annual four-day event promoting regional and local development. The core focus of this week is the EU Cohesion Policy that we mentioned above, and the impact this has on regions and towns across the member states. Interreg Europe is a series of programmes aimed at...

In this panel, speakers discussed how to best involve young people in democratic processes, how to make the upcoming European elections more attractive, and how to build policies that really listen to the needs of boys and girls. Tine Radinja, member of the European Committee of the Regions, explained the importance of involvement at the local level. María Rodríguez Alcázar, president of the European Youth Forum, emphasised the priorities of the platform she represents: more policies for young...

It has never been more urgent to use cohesion funds to attract and retain citizens and protect existing communities in small and medium-sized cities, local representatives from five European cities discussed in Brussels. The talk formed part of the 2023 European Week of Regions and Cities and touched upon the topics of infrastructure, biodiversity, leadership and cooperation, and strategy and vision. The panel heard how the cities from different corners of the bloc made use of the cohesion funds...

At a time when every young person seems to be leaving their regions, it looks like the older generations have finally received the metaphorical wake-up call. In a race against the clock, authorities - from big to small - have started implementing projects that aim to stop the brain drain and attract new talent. Romanians say that if you don’t have an old person, you should buy one - and although intelligence that comes with maturity is important, so is harnessing young talent. Seeing as 2023 is...

According to experts, it's vital to ensure that European youth are equipped with future-ready skills for advancing the digital and green transitions. During the session titled "Young brains, regional gains!" at the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, specialists discussed inspirations from Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, France, and Denmark. They uncovered best practices for preparing the youth for upcoming challenges. Author: Nala Kamel and Lissett Palma Neira | Editor: Barbora...

“Brace” and “Improve” are projects that work with local and regional governments to bridge cultural differences through sport. With UEFA's support, a municipal network will be established for the social inclusion of young migrants. Every year, an increasing number of young migrants arrive in different European countries with the aim of improving the quality of their lives and starting on a more prosperous path. These countries strive to help them build their present and future as well as to...

The Russian war against Ukraine has had many consequences on Europe, with the energy crisis being one of the key ones. As the Kremlin-weaponised gas going through Ukraine toward its European neighbors, many countries across the EU found themselves in dire need of a more sustainable solution. The energy transition became a mainstream topic as the region struggled through the winter of 2023. Now, during the European Week of Regions and Cities, EU officials discuss its successes and challenges....

This week, we are celebrating the European Week of Regions and Cities. On October 10th at the SQUARE convention centre, a panel of experts including local representatives discussed what the EU Cohesion Policy means for regions, its importance and why it works. The one-hour session touched on important issues such as Brexit, connectivity between regions, Euroscepticism and the evolution of the EU Cohesion Policy. First launched in 2003, the four-day event brings cities and regions together...

From 9 to 12 October, the European Week of Regions and Cities takes place in Brussels. Check out the full programme of activity. During the week, the high-level EU sessions will be available to watch live online. You can find the details of these sessions below. Click on the session of your choice to find a link to the live stream: Monday 09/10 14:00 CET Opening session of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023 The Opening Session is designed as an interactive debate between high-level...

The European Week of Regions and Cities gathered 20 000 registered participants and 500 partners online and at the event site across 300 sessions. During the closing ceremony, some of the achievements of European cohesion policy on implementing European solidarity were acknowledged, such as creating better possibilities for social inclusion and searching for solutions to the energy crisis, while also taking concrete actions – funding public building projects and improvements in infrastructure...