Let’s talk about Europe’s regions and cities

Today marks the start of the European Week of Regions and Cities, the biggest annual event dedicated to the EU’s cohesion policy. The four-day event brings together a diverse mix of stakeholders, from politicians to business and from civil society to academia, to discuss common challenges for Europe’s regions and cities and to look back at the many achievements.

EU cohesion policy is the European Union's strategy to promote and support the overall harmonious development of its Member States and regions. It is how the EU helps its less developed regions catch up with the EU average. 

Over the past five years, Cohesion Policy has continued to deliver for EU citizens, by

• supporting 2.7 million businesses
• expanding education infrastructure and equipment benefitting around 18 million children and young people
• supporting the creation of 260,000 jobs in new enterprises
• safeguarding 13.5 million people thanks to flood protection measures
• enhancing the energy performance of 380,000 households
• improving the broadband connection for 3.1 million households
• supporting at least 12.8 million people to participate in education and training

It has also helped all EU regions face the effects of unprecedented crises that have taken place during this time, from the COVID-19 pandemic, to the influx of Ukrainian refugees following Russia’s war of aggression, to the ensuing energy crisis.

Reducing the disparities between the EU’s regions and cities is a fundamental pillar of the EU project. Regional policy can be traced back to the Treaty of Rome and the founding of the European Communities in 1957. This paved the way for the creation of a dedicated Directorate-General for Regional Policy in 1968 and of the European Regional Development Fund in 1975.

For more information

European Week of Regions and Cities

Cohesion policy

Information on Cohesion Policy in EU countries

Press release: 22nd European Week of Regions and Cities takes stock of achievements and looks ahead to the future of Cohesion Policy