Shaping Tomorrow, Together: What to Expect from #EURegionsWeek 2025

Brussels is calling! From 13 to 15 October 2025, the European Week of Regions and Cities—better known as #EURegionsWeek—returns under the powerful theme: “Shaping Tomorrow, Together.” And this year’s agenda is more relevant than ever.

With growing emphasis on territorial cohesion, climate resilience, and inclusive growth, #EURegionsWeek 2025 will gather policymakers, local and regional leaders, civil society, and innovators across Europe to exchange, connect, and inspire action.

 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.