EU Regions Week 2025: Shaping Tomorrow, Together

As Europe faces a rapidly changing landscape marked by climate challenges, economic disparities, and the urgent need for inclusive growth, one event stands out as a beacon of collaboration and innovation: the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025. Taking place in Brussels from October 13 to 15, this year’s edition — themed “Shaping Tomorrow, Together” — invites regional leaders, policymakers, activists, and citizens to come together and co-create solutions that will shape the future of Europe. Whether you're a seasoned official or a first-time attendee, #EURegionsWeek 2025 offers a unique opportunity to be part of the conversation that’s steering our collective tomorrow.

 Why #EURegionsWeek 2025 Matters

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, rising inequality, and rapid technological transformation, regional cohesion and inclusive growth have never been more important. The European Union has long been committed to reducing disparities between regions, ensuring that every territory, whether rural, urban, or peripheral, has the opportunity to thrive.

This year’s #EURegionsWeek will focus on a series of core themes that reflect these priorities, with discussions and workshops structured around four major areas:

1. Cohesion and Growth for the Future

Economic and social development must leave no one behind. In this session, experts will discuss strategies for fostering sustainable growth in Europe’s regions, focusing on the need to improve social infrastructure, create quality jobs, and ensure equitable access to resources.

2. The Right to Stay: Unlocking the Potential of Every Territory

In the face of migration, rural depopulation, and economic downturns in some regions, this theme addresses how territories can build resilience by tapping into local potential. Participants will explore ways to empower communities, support entrepreneurship, and foster a sense of belonging.

3. Cities Building Tomorrow

Urban centers are at the heart of Europe’s transformation. This theme highlights the role of cities in shaping the future through innovative urban planning, climate resilience, and digital transformation. What does the city of tomorrow look like, and how can it support both people and the planet?

4. Inclusive Growth and Sustainability

Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical element of a fair and prosperous society. Discussions around inclusive growth will focus on how regions can become more sustainable, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or location, has access to opportunities.

How to Get Involved

This year, #EURegionsWeek is not just about attending in Brussels. The event offers exciting opportunities for local involvement as well. Through the EURegionsWeek Close to You program, you can bring the discussions and activities from Brussels closer to home by hosting community-based events that align with the overarching themes.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Partner applications close: May 11, 2025

• Local event proposals (EURegionsWeek Close to You) due by: July 11, 2025

Whether you’re part of a municipality, an association, or a think tank, this program allows you to host local events that mirror the themes being discussed in Brussels. It’s a great way to bring together local leaders, civil society, and citizens to reflect on these themes and discuss tangible, region-specific solutions.

For more information on how to become a partner or apply for local events, be sure to check the official EURegionsWeek guide on their website.

 2025 Themes: Where Ideas Meet Impact

All sessions and activities will be structured around four major thematic areas:

Cohesion and growth for the future

The right to stay: unlocking the potential of every territory

Cities building tomorrow

These themes reflect the pressing needs of communities today—from creating quality jobs to making regions more sustainable and inclusive.

📌 Want to get involved?

Check the event guide to explore how to become a partner, session formats, the application timeline, and more.

 Partner applications close 11 May 2025.

Bringing #EURegionsWeek to Your Community

This year, there’s a chance to take part closer to home! The “EURegionsWeek Close to You” programme will run from 13 October to 30 November, hosting community-based events linked to the Brussels discussions.

Whether you're a municipality, association, or think tank, you can organise local events aligned with this year’s themes.

Apply before 11 July 2025 to bring #EURegionsWeek closer to your region.

Mid-Term Review: Cohesion Policy at a Crossroads

On 1 April, the European Commission released its Mid-term Review of Cohesion Policy 2021–2027. The review proposes reprogramming parts of the funds toward five strategic priorities:

Competitiveness and decarbonisation

Defence and security, especially in Eastern border regions

Energy transition

Affordable housing

Water resilience

While these changes are optional, they come with incentives: higher pre-financing rates and up to 100% EU funding, with no co-financing required.

 Still, concerns have been raised: regional leaders caution against centralisation that sidelines local and regional governance. Maintaining the partnership principle and place-based approaches remains critical.

 Watch recent debates:

CoR plenary discussion – 3 April

European Parliament’s REGI Committee – 9 April

From Barcelona to Brussels: A Local Voice for Cohesion

A powerful statement came recently from the Metropolitan Arc of Barcelona, where a coalition of municipalities joined the #CohesionAlliance. These intermediate cities, rich in industrial tradition and social diversity, are pushing for greater access to and participation in Cohesion Policy decision-making.

Their message is clear: Europe’s future must be built from the ground up—with local communities at the heart of decision-making.

 Their delegation to Brussels met with EU institutions and city networks to share this vision. Their advocacy reinforces the idea that cohesion isn’t just policy—it’s a principle of unity, dignity, and shared growth.

 Celebrating 35 Years of Interreg

The InterregGO! conference in March marked 35 years of Interreg, the EU’s flagship programme for cross-border cooperation.

With over €40 billion invested in 30,000+ projects since 1990, Interreg has played a crucial role in regional collaboration.

Looking ahead: There’s a strong push to modernise and expand Interreg's role in the post-2027 EU budget, with calls to increase its share from 3% to at least 8% of the Cohesion Policy.

 Cities Step Up: Insights from the EIB’s 2025 Municipalities Survey

A recent survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) shows that European cities are gearing up for action:

56% plan to increase climate investments

53% aim to boost social infrastructure like housing, healthcare, and education

🔍 Municipalities also want new financing tools, beyond traditional grants—pointing to innovative funding models as key to future-proofing urban development.

 Read the full report

 Save the Dates: Upcoming EU Events

Here are some key events to mark on your calendar:

24 April – EU Budget & Multilevel Governance (European Parliament, Brussels)

20–21 May – Annual EU Budget Conference (Brussels)

17–19 June – AER 40th Anniversary & Maribor Innovation Forum (Maribor, Slovenia)

These are excellent opportunities to engage in the shaping of the EU’s post-2027 financial and territorial strategies.

Be Part of the Future of Europe

#EURegionsWeek 2025 isn’t just another event—it’s a platform for real change. Whether you’re a policymaker, city planner, entrepreneur, or engaged citizen, this is your moment to shape tomorrow, together.

👉 Apply, host, or participate—and let your region’s voice be heard.