Reflecting on the European Week of Regions and Cities

Reflecting on the European Week of Regions and Cities

The 22nd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek) recently concluded, emphasizing the essential role of cities and regions in shaping Europe’s future. This year’s event gathered policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to address urban challenges, focusing on how the EU’s cohesion policy can foster green and digital transitions while promoting inclusivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.

A major theme was the importance of cohesion policy in tackling inequalities across diverse territories. Empowering local communities and engaging all citizens—especially youth—was highlighted as critical for building resilient regions capable of navigating the digital transformation and green transition. Discussions underscored the urgent need for place-based strategies and innovative solutions to tackle demographic pressures and economic disparities.

Empowering Citizens and Regions

A key takeaway from #EURegionsWeek was the vital role of citizen participation in shaping the future of European regions. Engaging communities, particularly younger generations, in decision-making processes is essential. The high-level session “Regions Strengthening European Democracy” emphasized that active involvement not only addresses immediate needs but also future-proofs regions by preventing brain drain and depopulation while fostering long-term trust.

Addressing Demographic and Territorial Challenges

Demographic shifts emerged as a critical theme, with regions grappling with challenges such as youth emigration and a shrinking labor force. Cohesion policy plays a vital role in providing tools to attract and retain skilled individuals.

As an example of these principles in action, the IN-HABIT project in Nitra, Slovakia, is developing a multifunctional corridor along an 8 km cycle road connecting the Industrial Park and Dražovce to the city center. This vibrant space aims to foster community engagement among both local residents and immigrants through social, cultural, educational, and sporting activities.

Building Inclusive, Sustainable Cities

With Europe undergoing green and digital transitions, initiatives like the EU’s Clean Tech Revolution are essential to ensure that all regions tackle climate change and foster innovation. The IN-HABIT project embodies this commitment. In Nitra, community-driven initiatives are promoting seasonal produce from local gardens and supporting sustainable consumption. Meanwhile, in Riga, efforts are focused on creating a multifunctional food hub in the Āgenskalns neighborhood that integrates sustainably sourced food with recreational areas, promoting health and well-being for all demographics.

As Europe moves toward a more cohesive and sustainable future, the insights from #EURegionsWeek reinforce our commitment to demonstrating how innovation and inclusion can thrive together. We are grateful for the valuable discussions and insights shared during the event, which will continue to inspire our efforts to address today’s urban challenges.