Brussels The 23rd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities concluded in Brussels, spotlighting the transformative power of EU cohesion policy in driving regional development, innovation, and solidarity across Europe.
Organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions, the four-day event brought together over 10,000 participants, including regional leaders, EU policymakers, and civil society representatives.
Key themes included:
- Green and digital transitions in local economies
- Social inclusion and youth empowerment
- Cross-border cooperation and regional resilience
- The role of cohesion policy in Ukraine’s recovery
European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, emphasized that cohesion policy is “Europe’s most tangible expression of solidarity,” especially in times of crisis. She highlighted how EU funds have supported regions in tackling climate change, boosting innovation, and addressing demographic challenges.
The event also featured the RegioStars Awards, recognizing outstanding EU-funded projects. Winners included initiatives in sustainable mobility, digital education, and circular economy, showcasing how local actions can drive continental progress.
A special focus was placed on Ukraine, with sessions exploring how EU cohesion instruments can support reconstruction and integration efforts. The event also marked the launch of the Cohesion Report 2025, offering data-driven insights into regional disparities and investment priorities for the next programming period.
The EU Week reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to territorial cohesion, ensuring that no region is left behind in the green and digital transitions.
TWW - The World Wide: Global News,Local Impact.