“Strong Regions, Better Lives: Place-Based Investments That Keep Communities Alive”

How can integrated regional investments stop depopulation and make regions truly attractive for life and work? Drawing on the experience of Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia, a predominantly rural region facing demographic challenges, this EURegionsTalk presents a place-based approach that combines affordable housing, local economic development, healthcare, social services and education into a coherent regional strategy. The talk aims to inspire other regions facing similar challenges, spark a discussion on what cohesion policy can do better, and show that strong regions are built not by single investments, but by connected ones.