Brussels Convenes 5,000 Delegates for 24th European Week of Regions and Cities

According to a European Commission press release issued on 12 October 2026, the 24th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities officially opened in Brussels today. The landmark event has brought together approximately 5,000 participants from across the European continent under the central motto 'Strong Regions, Strong Europe'. Local and regional leaders, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders have convened to discuss critical challenges and collaborative pathways for regional development. This high-profile gathering arrives at a crucial juncture for European integration, directly feeding into ongoing discussions surrounding the future shape and funding of European Union cohesion policy. As the bloc navigates complex economic shifts, regional disparities, and the green and digital transitions, cohesion funding remains a cornerstone instrument for bolstering the single market, reinforcing economic convergence, and supporting territorial resilience across member states. For citizens, businesses, and policymakers, the outcomes of these Brussels deliberations will heavily influence upcoming legislative proposals and budget allocations for regional support mechanisms. Participants are expected to engage in numerous workshops and high-level debates throughout the week, setting the strategic agenda as the European Union prepares for its next multiannual financial framework and future policy milestones.

Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗