Kalender met evenementen rond Regionaal beleid

Location: Basque Country Office in Brussels
27 rue des 2 églises, Brussels ((300 m from the Charlemagne building)
Metro: Art et Loi
Brussels
Belgium

Description: ManagEnergy Networking Event for Directors of Local and Regional Energy Agencies

The 2nd ManagEnergy Networking Event for the Directors of Energy Agencies provides a unique opportunity for the attendees to learn and share their views on sustainable energy financing initiatives at local and regional level. Starting from presentations on the future Structural and Cohesion Funds, the EU EPC Campaign and local initiatives [contracting / intracting or regional Fund], Energy Agencies’ Directors will share their experience and will brainstorm on how to enhance their performance as financial advisor. The ManagEnergy Networking Event will also enable an open discussion on the current and future needs and expectations of Energy Agencies in terms of fi¬nancing as well as how European funding streams can best respond to them.
This will be an interactive event leaving much room for discussion. It will be led by a moderator. For each topic interesting case examples will feed the discussion. The total number of participants will be limited.

Registration Information: http://bit.ly/16wshDi

Organisation responsible: FEDARENE

Contact: Dominique Bourges

Registration Deadline: 23/06/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
Dublin
Ireland

Description: The Border, Midland and Western and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assemblies in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform will hold their Joint Annual Conference 2013 in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This is an Irish EU Presidency Event. The theme of the Conference is to explore the contribution of EU Cohesion and Urban policy to economic recovery in Ireland.

Registration Information: bookings@seregassembly.ie

Organisation responsible: Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly

Contact: Derville Brennan, Research and Communications Officer, dbrennan@seregassembly.ie

Registration Deadline: 17/06/2013

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Location: Dublin Castle
Dublin
Ireland

Description: To be held on the brink between the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP7) and
its successor Horizon 2020, the EURO-SME 2013 conference is seizing the momentum for SMEs and
innovation. In the current economic conditions the main challenge for the EU – and many other
developed countries for that matter – is providing the conditions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Sustainable, long-term growth and job creation will be delivered best through SMEs that gain and sustain their competitive advantage through innovation. The event promises to bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs, policy makers, SME support organizations from the private and the public
sector, and other intermediary bodies that will feed their energy and ideas into how to improve the EU eco-system for innovative enterprises. It will also introduce SME specific measures in Horizon 2020 to this community.

Registration Information: Registration website: http://eurosme2013.eu/register/

Organisation responsible: Enterprise Ireland and the European Commission

Contact: info@eurosme2013.ie

Registration Deadline: 09/05/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: University College of Cork
Cork
Ireland

Description: The 4th WIRE Conference will take place at University College Cork, on the 6-7 of June 2013. It is co-organized by Enterprise Ireland and the European Commission and supported by FP7, the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

The objective of the Conference is to bring together representatives of European regional networks and clusters, FP7 (Research Potential and Regions of Knowledge) and InterReg communities, industry representative groups and companies with regional policy makers and implementation groups, DG Research & Innovation, DG Enterprise and DG Regio officials to contribute to the debate on research, innovation and regional policy development and to better position regional actors to enhance policy formation for effective regional development.

The Conference will feature key-note speeches from Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills with responsibility for Research & Innovation.

Registration Information: www.wire2013.eu/

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Location: The Norwegian Mission to the EU
Norway House
Rue Archimède, 17
B - 1000
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Policy-making community representatives and practitioners are invited to attend this workshop which aims at providing information on land-sea interactions within Europe’s six regional seas. New evidence on the development opportunities and challenges of Europe’s seas, which can be used by stakeholders for the elaboration of both future Structural Funds programmes but also other development strategies, will be presented while also taking into account coastal and maritime governance arrangements. Place-based policy approaches for Europe’s seas will be discussed which will be of high relevance for future EU funding possibilities.
This Workshop is open for all interested people and will in particular welcome policy-makers, practitioners, experts, representatives of managing authorities of EU funded programmes and also of other development strategies.

Registration Information: http://www.espon.eu/main/Menu_Events/Menu_Workshops/form_WS130515.html

Organisation responsible: ESPON

Contact: Piera Petruzzi

Registration Deadline: 29/04/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Copernicus Science Center, ul. Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20, 00-390
Warsaw
Poland

Description: Urban-rural linkages are high on the policy agenda. Both the European Parliament and the Council would like to see a reinforcement of such linkages in the current negotiations over the future Cohesion Policy. The reasons are manifold: improvement of territorial cohesion through better accessibility to services, stimulation of economic development and job creation through stronger integration of functional areas, increased resource efficiency and more efficient land-use through more developed territorial governance.

Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/fcqrjf

Organisation responsible: The European Commission, in collaboration with the Polish Mazovia region and the OECD

Contact: Christian.SVANFELDT@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 28/03/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: GASPERI room of the CHARLEMAGNE building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The meeting will be devoted to various key themes for the current and future programming period. In view of the preparation of the programmes, the plenary discussion will focus on strategic programming, practical steps for the submission of the operational programmes, the integration of governance and implementation tools into the European territorial cooperation programmes and a better integration of the macro-regional and Sea basin strategies.

Registration Information: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fmi/scic/ETC2013/start.php

Organisation responsible: DG REGIO, unit D2

Contact: Miriam Burajova (53142)

Registration Deadline: 10/04/2013

More Information:    

Location: European Commission, DG Regional and Urban Policy
Avenue Beaulieu 29, 1160 Auderghem, Brussels
Room: BU29-00-027
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The workshop has an essential role in the ESPON project 'Territorial Approaches for New GOvernance' (ESPON TANGO). The project delves deeply into the conceptualisation and operationalisation of territorial governance across Europe.
The aim is to provide evidence to support future territorial development policies in general and Cohesion Policies to improve regional competitiveness, social inclusion and sustainable and balanced growth of the European territory in particular.

Registration Information: Please register by email at nordregio@nordregio.se

Organisation responsible: ESPON and the European Commission DG Regional and Urban Policy

Contact: kieran.kearney@espon.eu

Registration Deadline: 01/03/2013

More Information:   Email

Location: Renaissance Brussels Hotel Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The conference will present the results of the three-year pilot project decided by the European Parliament targeting Roma socio-economic inclusion and implemented in the fields of early-childhood education and care, self-employment through microcredits, information and awareness raising, data collection and monitoring and evaluation tools in five European Union Member States and Macedonia. Recommendations in the fields of education, employment, housing, health, civil society, migration and gender equality will be debated with representatives of the European Union main institutions, international organisations, researchers and experts, Roma representatives and the inhabitants of a Roma settlement at Moldava nad Bodvou. A final session will be dedicated to the role of the structural funds in the implementation of the national Roma integration strategies, based on the experience derived from the structural funds programming period 2007-2013.

Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/5dXDLcIV5U-t6SCA5qKE-w/jmpg/P1/4K?

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Dublin
Ireland

Description: On 28 February and 1 March 2013 in Dublin, the EU Committee of the Regions will hold a conference on the Europe 2020 flagship initiative "an agenda for new skills and jobs" and its regional and local impact. Being part of series of seven conferences on all flagship initiatives, the aim is to take stock of their implementation and to feed into the mid-term assessment of the Europe 2020 strategy by 2014.

Registration Information: http://cor.europa.eu/en/news/events/Pages/europe-2020-conference-agenda-for-new-skills-and-jobs.aspx

Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions

Contact: Wolfgang Petzold, Tom De Smedt

Registration Deadline: 20/02/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: CHARLEMAGNE building, Room DE GASPERI
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Bringing Divided Communities Together" aims to highlight one of the European Union interventions in peace-building, namely the EU PEACE Programme within Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. The launch of the PEACE Programme in 1995 was the direct result of the European Union’s desire to respond positively to new opportunities in the Northern Ireland peace process during the paramilitary ceasefire announcements. Since then the EU has provided additional financial assistance through the PEACE II Programme as well as the current PEACE III (2007-2013). The programme features a genuine bottom-up involvement in its delivery and it aims to reconcile communities by creating a shared vision of society, building positive relations at local level as well as acknowledging and dealing with the past.


The centrepiece of the conference will be a number of innovative project testimonies from the PEACE Programme giving a detailed insight into the work accomplished and the impact that this work continues to have on people's lives.

The plenary session will provide a platform to share experiences and explore to what degree the distinctive approaches of the PEACE programme could be relevant to other regions or countries throughout Europe and beyond.

Registration Information: Please note that registration to the event is mandatory, including for participants working in EU institutions.
Registration link:http://www.cvent.com/events/bringing-divided-communities-together/event-summary-6b619bfc0e7f468cb91a99122f5e3594.aspx

Organisation responsible: European Commission in cooperation with the Special EU Programmes Body

Contact: Tamara.Pavlin@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 07/01/2013

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions.

In this 6th edition, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, and the president of the Jury, Luc Van den Brande, will award prizes to outstanding projects in the following categories:

- SMART GROWTH: Connecting universities to regional growth
- SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: Supporting resource efficiency in SMEs
- INCLUSIVE GROWTH: Social innovation: creative responses to societal challenges
- CITYSTAR: Integrated approaches to sustainable urban development
- INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION: Promoting EU Regional policy with short videos

Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/6cqdtx

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Location: EDIFICIO EXPO - AUDITORIO, 2ª PLANTA BAJA
C/INCA GARCILASO 3
Seville
Spain

Description: "Smart specialisation" is a strategic approach to economic development through targeted support for research and innovation. It was announced in the "Innovation Union flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 Strategy as the key action of Cohesion Policy in the field of innovation. The development of "research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation" was proposed as a pre-condition for countries and regions availing of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The aim is to ensure more effective and efficient innovation policy strategies at national and regional level to maximise the impact of EU investment.

Registration Information: http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/activities/research-and-innovation/data/event6/event_form.cfm

More Information: Website,    

Location: Oksnehallen
Halmtorvet 11
1700 Copenhagen
Denmark
Copenhagen
Denmark

Description: The Annual Conference of URBACT - a European exchange and learning programme promoting sustainable urban development - will bring together urban practitioners, policymakers and experts from across the EU, to investigate solutions to the critical challenges faced by EU cities.
The conference is built on the European Commission’s report "Cities of tomorrow – Challenges, visions, ways forward" (October 2011), which highlighted many of the major challenges that hundreds of cities in URBACT projects were trying to solve through sustainable urban development.
Six parallel workshop sessions will be organised covering main challenges facing EU cities.
Drawing on evidence from URBACT – in particular, project results and lessons, - and other European Territorial Cooperation programmes, we will discuss how cities can tackle six key issues: (1) How can cities create more jobs; (2) How can cities foster active inclusion through social innovation; (3) How can cities fight against the socio-spatial divide; (4) How can cities deal with the urban shrinkage; (5) How can cities improve buildings’ energy efficiency; (6) How can cities develop low carbon urban environment through better mobility and accessibility.

Registration Information: Registrations are now open via the conference website. In order to facilitate the coming and participation to the interactive parts of the conference, specific details are asked – notably on speaking languages for interpretation. Participants are asked to make a preference choice on the two workshops out of the six which they would like to participate in. Any other requirements (e.g. regarding catering) may be specified.
There are no registration fees.

Organisation responsible: URBACT

Contact: Kristine Sergejeva URBACT Communications Manager E-mail: k.sergejeva@urbact.eu Tel: (33) 1 49 17 45 81

Registration Deadline: 09/11/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: -
Regensburg (Bavaria)
Germany

Description: This first Annual Forum after the launching of the Strategy in 2011 will provide a framework to discuss on the state of play and future steps. Entitled "How the Danube Region can help to have a more competitive Europe", the conference will encourage a reflection on the potential contribution of the macro-regional perspective to Europe's growth.

The first Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region will gather a wide audience comprising: representatives from the European institutions and bodies, relevant international organisations, national ministries, regional and local authorities; as well as representatives from the business sector (chambers of commerce, trade unions, companies, etc.), the academia (universities and research centres), civil society (NGOs, cultural organisations, etc) and in general, all relevant stakeholders, in order to have a broad discussion and exchange of information about the state of play and further steps in relation to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

The focus of debate will be the challenges and opportunities of the Danube Region in terms of investment and economic competitiveness, infrastructure development, or energy efficiency, among others. The agenda will provide an opportunity to consider how the EU Strategy can play its part in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Registration Information: To be opened in September 2012

Organisation responsible: European Commission and Bavaria

Contact: Anna Repullo i Grau Unit European transnational and interregional cooperation Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Registration Deadline: 28/10/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Metz
Metz
France

Description: Across the EU there is increased interest in the territorial dimension of regional policy. The European Commission is implementing a Preparatory Action: "Partnership for sustainable urban-rural development" proposed by the European Parliament. The objective is to uncover policy lessons concerning the potential role of urban-rural partnerships in improving regional competitiveness and territorial cohesion. The first European Conference on "Sustainable Urban Rural Partnership" will take place in Metz (Lorraine region in France) on the 15th-16th November 2012. This event will bring together around 200 participants, including high level European policy makers and representatives of urban and rural networks, associations and European institutions. The European Commission wishes to launch a direct dialogue with Europe’s countries, regions and cities in order to discuss the role of rural-urban development in the cohesion policy for 2014-2020.

More Information: Website,    

Location: Rue Montoyer 47
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Workshop of local and regional authorities

Registration Information: Please register at the OPEN DAYS web page

Organisation responsible: CEPLI

Contact: contact@cepli.eu

Registration Deadline: 24/09/2012

More Information: Website,    

Location: Different venues around Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Between 8 and 11 October, Europe's regions and cities will showcase good practice in regional and urban development and discuss on the future of cohesion policy 2014-2020.

On the occasion of the OPEN DAYS 10th anniversary, the 2012 headline will be: "Europe's regions and cities: Making a difference".

OPEN DAYS 2012 will have three thematic priorities:

- Smart and green growth for all;
- Territorial cooperation: an asset for Europe; and
- Delivering results.

Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions

Contact: European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions

Registration Deadline: 28/09/2012

More Information: Website,    

Location: Many locations throughout Europe
Various cities
Various countries

Description: European Cooperation Day is 21 September 2012 and will be celebrated all over Europe and in neighbouring countries!
Join us in celebrating the achievements of European Territorial Cooperation in your region.
Most events will be taking place during the week of 17-23 September.
Want to see what will be happening in your area? Log on to www.ecday.eu for an interactive map of events!

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noir (Rue de la Vierge Noire 32, 1000 Brussels)
Brussels
Belgium

Description: From 8h45 to 17h15

On 4 September DG Regional Policy is organising the Closing Conference of the Kiutprogramme 'A Way Out - and a Possible Way Forward Social Microcredit, Financial Inclusion and Self-Employment' jointly with the World Bank and Polgár Foundation.

The objective of the event is to present the Kiutprogramme experience in the field of social micro-finance services to enhance Roma self-employment policy recommendations will also be discussed and the report on "Financial inclusion", recently concluded by the World Bank, will be presented.

Registration Information: http://bit.ly/a-way-out-registration

Organisation responsible: DG Regional Policy, the World Bank and Polgár Foundation

Contact: - closingconference@polgaralapitvany.hu - Aleksandra TSANKOVA (aleksandra.tsankova@ec.europa.eu)

Registration Deadline: 20/08/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Bâtiment Charlement, 170 rue de la Loi
Bruxelles
Belgique

Description: Ce Forum bisannuel vise à exposer le potentiel des régions ultrapériphériques, à promouvoir et à valoriser leurs spécificités et leurs atouts uniques pour l'UE dans de multiples domaines. Les travaux constituent une opportunité unique d'échange de connaissances, d'expériences et de bonnes pratiques entre les différents acteurs des RUP, des Etats membres et des représentants des institutions européennes.

Organisation responsible: REGIO B2: "Coordination des questions liées aux régions ultrapériphériques"

Contact: Ana-Paula Laissy

Registration Deadline: 15/06/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
Copenhagen
Denmark

Description: The 14th Baltic Development Forum Summit and the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region focus on infrastructure needs, including transport, energy and digital requirements.

Entitled Connecting Europe – Smart and Green Partnerships in the Baltic Sea Region, the event is co-hosted with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Capital Region of Denmark and the Region Zealand, and will be attended by decision-makers from business, politics, international organisations and the academic world.
The focus of the debate will be the challenges and opportunities for the Baltic Sea Region in terms of infrastructure development, investment, and economic competitiveness, as well as the importance of public-private cooperation. The event is an important opportunity to explore how public-private partnerships can help kick-start economic growth, and contribute to the sustainable development of the Region.
This agenda will allow us to consider how the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, through smarter and greener investments, can play its part in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The aim is to discuss how the Strategy Action Plan can best support infrastructure planning, also in the digital field. A new State of the Region Report will – as always – provide substantial input to the discussion.
Business networking is also promoted. The Baltic Business Arena – a matchmaking event for companies - takes place alongside the conference. See www.b2match.eu/balticbusiness2012

Together with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Capital Region of Denmark, the Region Zealand and the Region Skåne, the European Commission and the Baltic Development Forum look forward to welcoming you in Copenhagen!

Registration Information: Registration will take place through the event website: www.bsr2012.eu

More Information: Website,    

Location: Charlemagne building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: EU Structural Funds are seen as an ever more valuable source of growth-enhancing investments for Member States and regions. But how can we programme and spend the funds effectively to help transform our regional economies and yield long-term economic impact and sustainable jobs and growth?

The European Commission in its proposals for the 2014-2020 programming period suggests a concentration of major parts of ERDF spending around three thematic goals: 1) Research and Innovation, 2) SME competitiveness and 3) Shift to a low-carbon economy. In addition, it invites Member States and regions to unlock the power of innovation by drawing up comprehensive research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation. This has effectively been proposed as a pre-condition for using ERDF funds for the next programming period.

These strategies do five important things:
They focus on each country's/region's priorities, challenges and needs for innovation and knowledge-based development.
They aim to stimulate private sector investment in research and technological development (RTD).
They build on each country's/region’s capabilities, competitive advantages and potential for excellence.
They get stakeholders fully involved and encourage innovation and experimentation.
They are evidence-based and include sound monitoring and evaluation systems.

This 5th Regions For Economic Change conference will discuss the challenges, benefits and possible limitations of implementing the smart specialisation conditionality through EU Structural Funds and how to best tailor smart specialisation to different national/regional frameworks and contexts.

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy - Unit D2: Thematic coordination, innovation

Registration Deadline: 15/05/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard/Belliardstraate 101
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Common Strategic Framework (CSF) plays a key role in the context of the proposals made by the European Commission for cohesion policy, rural development and fisheries funds post-2013. It will be the guiding document translating the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth into the key actions of the five ’CSF funds’: the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. In line with the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, the CSF aims at making an integrated territorial approach a reality. Regional and local stakeholders will be of mayor importance for the implementation of the CSF funds and for effective coordination between different policies with territorial impact.

With its Forum on 10 May 2012, the CoR aims to bring together key representatives of the EU institutions, member states and regions in order to take stock of the current debate and to discuss in particular three topics

• Multilevel governance of CSF funds post-2013;
• the Europe 2020 strategy and the challenge of an integrated territorial approach;
• Delivering results: Ensuring coherent approaches.

The Forum will address representatives of the EU institutions as well as national and regional officials and experts involved in the management of structural, rural development and fisheries funds. It follows the adoption of the main CoR opinions on the legislative package on the CSF funds and joins forces with the European Parliament rapporteurs before the adoption of the respective EP reports.

Registration Information: Registration will begin early March 2012. Priority will be given to Members of the European, national and regional parliaments, members of relevant working groups in the Council, and representatives of public authorities managing structural, rural development and fisheries funds.

Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions

Contact: Jens Nordmeyer

Registration Deadline: 07/05/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: to be provided beginning of April
Riga
Latvia

Description: The conference aims to present the concept of smart specialisation and how this can be implemented and help Baltic States to reach their full innovation potential.

Organisation responsible: European Commission in cooperation with JRC in Seville and the Latvian Ministry of Finance

Contact: For general questions please contact: Regio-h2-secretariat@ec.europa.eu For questions concerning smart specialisation please contact: JRC-IPTS-S3PLATFORM@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 03/05/2012

More Information: Website,    

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija
Elizabetes 55 - LV-1010
RIGA
RIGA
Latvia

Description: Innovation is key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing world. Innovation is important for all regions. Europe's competitiveness, its capacity to create new jobs, its social fabric and cohesion, and, overall, our future standard of living depend on the ability to drive innovation in products, services, businesses and organisations.
Smart specialisation will be instrumental in helping Europe's regions concentrate resources on strategic priorities and design the right policy mix to unleash smart growth. To concentrate resources on areas of comparative advantage is not only a question of more coherence and impact of EU action, it is also vital in times of budgetary restraint.

The conference aims to present the concept of smart specialisation and how this can be implemented and help Baltic States to reach their full innovation potential. Regions and experts are invited to share their experience within the Baltic Sea Area.

During the conference you will have the opportunity to discuss future R&D+I strategies with experts, Commission representatives as well as participants from other Baltic Sea Regions.

The conference will be held in English.

For further information on smart specialisation please consult the smart specialisation platform.

Registration Information: By webpage

Organisation responsible: Organised by the European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy, the Joint Research Centre in Sevilla and the Latvian Ministry of Finance.

Contact: Joanna METAXOPOULOU, DG REGIO: Ioanna.METAXOPOULOU@ec.europa.eu Inger MIDTKANDAL, JRC-IPTS: inger.MIDTKANDAL@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 03/05/2012

More Information: Website,    

Location: European Commission, Charlemagne building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Conference will be opened by Vice-President Neelie Kroes and Commissioner John Dalli. The Steering Group of the pilot Innovation Partnership, the European Commission and a plethora of stakeholders in the field of active ageing will together discuss how to move from the planning phase - delivered with the Strategic Implementation Plan - to implementing concrete actions. The Conference represents a major opportunity for stakeholders who are willing to put the plan into action. During the conference, they will have the opportunity to meet each other, express their interest in one or more areas of active and healthy ageing and discover common interests.

Organisation responsible: European Commission (DG Health and Consumers and DG Information Society and Media)

Contact: EC-EIP-AHA@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 23/03/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission, Unter den Linden 78
Berlin
Deutschland

Description: Investitionen in Forschung, Innovation und Humankapital sind für alle Regionen von entscheidender Bedeutung, um Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Wachstumspotential zu stärken. Solche Investitionen sollen zukünftig noch stärker auf die Innovationsförderung ausgerichtet werden und damit zu einem zentralen Instrument für die Umsetzung der Europa 2020 Strategie und der Bemühungen um eine 'Innovationsunion' in Europa werden.

Registration Information: Die Konferenzsprache ist ausschließlich Deutsch.
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=smartberlin

Organisation responsible: Generaldirektion für Regionalpolitik der Europäischen Kommission

Contact: regio-head-of-unit-d2@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 07/03/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Charlemagne Building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The legislative package adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2011 proposes to strengthen the urban dimension of the future cohesion policy. In line with his long-term commitment to promote an ambitious urban agenda at the EU level, Commissioner Johannes Hahn is launching a direct dialogue with European cities through the organisation of the first Urban Forum, which will take place on 16 February 2012 in Brussels. The event aims to set the ground for a dialogue between the European Commissioner for Regional Policy and cities on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy. By bringing together representatives of European Institutions and Mayors of European cities, the Urban Forum will allow for an exchange of views on future European challenges and how they can be tackled successfully at all levels. At the same time, it will offer an arena for discussion on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy.

The Forum will be divided into three thematic panels:

- Tackling the challenges of coordinating thematic investment;
- Integrated Territorial Investments; and
- New tools provided by the proposed Regulations.

Conceived as a unique opportunity to foster knowledge sharing and transfer of experience, the URBAN Forum will pave the way for an 'institutionalised' collaboration between the Commission and cities' representatives, which will then be implemented through the European Urban Development Platform, foreseen in the proposed draft Regulations on Cohesion policy for 2014-2020.

Around 500 participants, including Mayors of EU cities, representatives of urban networks and associations, as well as cities involved in various EU Urban Policy initiatives are expected to attend.

Registration Information: Participation will be only possible upon invitation.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate General for Regional Policy

Contact: DG Regional Policy - Urban development and territorial cohesion Unit

Registration Deadline: 01/02/2012

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Warsaw
Warsaw
Poland

Description: Cohesion Policy is the major instrument of the European Union to strengthen
economic, social and territorial cohesion. It is also one of the
instruments to achieve the Europe 2020 Strategy, aimed at sustainable,
smart and inclusive growth. But what does this mean in practice? How are
cities involved in this European wide strategy? How can Europe assist
cities in better addressing local challenges? With the new EU programming
period (2014-2020) in sight, EUKN and the Polish EU Presidency would like
to stimulate a dialogue on the role of cities.

This joint conference will also focus on what can be learnt from current
integral urban projects and elaborates on the results of the Polish EU
Presidency conference: ’Effective Instruments Supporting Territorial
Development” of the 24th-25th of October 2011.

Organisation responsible: Ministry of Regional Development of Poland Department of Structural Policy Coordination

Contact: eva.dacosta@eukn.org

More Information: Website,    

Location: EC Charlemagne building, Mansholt room
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The aim of this conference and workshop, organised by DG Regional Policy, is to inform participants about developments at EU level which are relevant to the period 2014-2020, and to focus on implementation difficulties encountered and possible solutions for the future.

Organisation responsible: Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: Agnes Kelemen

More Information: Website,    

Location: Park Inn Krakow, Poland
Address: Ul. Monte Cassino 2, Krakow
Tel: +48 (0)12 375 5555
Fax: +48(0)12 375 5556
Krakow
Poland

Description: What effective techniques have been used to promote entrepreneurship in order to boost employment? How do regions deal with the emphasis on innovation and how can innovative ideas be brought to the market? What works on a regional level when tackling climate change? How do regions face the challenges brought about by demographic change? How can improving energy use improve a region’s performance?

The knowledge gathered in 27 EU countries, Norway and Switzerland is available to all, and will be shared in the INTERREG IVC’s good practice fair 2011. The aim of this event is to help local and regional policymakers and practitioners benefit from the experience already shared, especially during this period of economic austerity across Europe.

This event welcomes policy-makers and practitioners from all over Europe for an intensive one-day event focused on sharing experiences and encouraging uptake of good practices identified or transferred with cooperation projects. We particularly encourage public authorities who have not joined an INTERREG IVC partnership to attend this practical, knowledge-sharing day.

Registration Information: To register, connect to: goodpractice.interreg4c.eu
As there is a limited number of seats, we encourage registration as soon as possible, and at the latest by 11 November 2011. In all cases, registration will be confirmed by the organisers within 3 working days.

Organisation responsible: INTERREG IVC Joint Technical Secretariat Les Arcuriales – Entrée D, 5e étage 45 rue de Tournai – 59000 Lille – France Tel: +33 328 144 108 - Fax: +33 328 144 109 www.interreg4c.eu

Contact: Irma Astrauskaite communication@interreg4c.eu

Registration Deadline: 11/11/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: More than 300 participants attended the first Annual meeting of cross-border cooperation programmes which took place on 25 October 2011 in Brussels.
Representatives of Managing Authorities, Joint Technical Secretariats and other partners discussed with the Commission the draft legislative proposals for cohesion policy 2014-2020 and in particular, the draft regulation on European territorial cooperation. The agenda covered as well the implementation-related issues, the points on European grouping for territorial cooperation or how to better capture the impact of cooperation programmes. In the course of the meeting, the new publication and film on cooperation, named "Building bridges between people", was also presented.

Organisation responsible: EC

Contact: regio-info@ec.europa.eu

More Information: Website,    

Location: Several venues in Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The 9th OPEN DAYS will be held over four days from 10 to 13 October, in a period during which the debate on the European Commission's legislative proposals for cohesion policy post-2013 and the budget debate in the Council and the European Parliament about size, duration and priorities of the forthcoming Multi-annual Financial Framework will dominate the political agenda. This will happen against the backdrop of continued efforts at all levels of governance to exit the financial and economic crisis and the 2nd year of implementation of the 'Europe 2020' strategy. The latter will influence the discussion about objectives of the new generation of cohesion policy programmes.

Regions and cities will play a major role in the discussions on the above-mentioned issues. Their input with regard to a more efficient delivery of cohesion policy will be particularly valuable.

The OPEN DAYS will take good account of the political and institutional circumstances. In parallel, it will continue to be the annual platform of good practice showcasing results and projects from current 'convergence', 'regional competitiveness and employment', and 'territorial cooperation' programmes, in order to support sharing of experiences and to stir debate about good local, regional and cross-border governance and management of EU funding. This exchange between practitioners will be mixed with input from academia. Another successful element will be the participation of third countries, which are keen to hear and learn from European regions' experiences in regional policy.

Under the headline 'Investing in Europe’s future: Regions and cities delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth', the OPEN DAYS 2011 will be structured around three thematic priorities:

"Europe 2020"
will focus on discussing and visualising how Cohesion Policy contributes to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This thematic priority will include issues such as; research and innovation; "Digital Europe"; creative industries; regional and urban low-carbon development strategies; energy efficiency; cooperation on climate action; regional and local employment strategies; tackling poverty and social exclusion.

"Better delivery"
Under this thematic priority, workshops and debates will focus on how to improve delivery of Cohesion Policy in the current period, but also after 2013. Exchange of good practice between practitioners will be mixed with discussions on certain aspects or novelties of the regulatory framework post-2013 proposed by the Commission. Seminars will focus on sub-themes like "moving from grants to loans", "more focus on results", on-going evaluation, new evaluation methods, the right balance between concentration and flexibility, how to ensure visibility of EU's Regional policy through results and projects, Common Strategic Frameworks and Partnership contracts etc.;

"Geography matters"
Under this thematic priority discussions will focus on highlighting the usefulness of territorial approaches when identifying regional needs and exploiting regional potentials. Experiences and specific solutions in the fields of e.g. urban and local development, territorial co-operation and the European Grouping on Territorial Co-operation (EGTC), macro-regional strategies, regions with specific geographical/demographic challenges etc. will be exchanged. In addition, new research on regional and urban development will be debated under the roof of the 'OPEN DAYS University'. Seminars with third countries will also take place under this theme.

Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2011/registration.cfm?nmenu=500

Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions

Contact: OPEN DAYS Secretariat: secretariat@open-days.eu

Registration Deadline: 28/09/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: CHARLEMAGNE building, Room Alcide de Gasperi (GASP)
Brussels
Belgium

Description: This conference aims to debate and stimulate progress on advancing key issues for gender equality identified in the European Commission’s ‘Strategy for Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015’.

The European Commission ‘Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men 2010’ concluded that ‘despite a general trend towards more equality in society and in the labour market, progress in eliminating gender inequalities remains slow’.

In this context of slow progress, the objectives for the conference are to:

Explore the causes and consequences of the slow progress in advancing gender equality.
Identify the ideas and initiatives that have a capacity to provide a new impulse for greater gender equality.
The conference will bring together all who can contribute to the effective implementation of the Strategy at a European and a Member State level. Participants will include representatives from the European Union institutions, Member States, candidate countries, EEA and EFTA States, equality bodies, social partners, NGOs and international organisations.

Registration Information: The participation in this conference is by invitation only. Each participant must register at
the following link: www.conference-gender.net with the following code: 0IE13.

Organisation responsible: DIRECTORATE-GENERAL JUSTICE

Contact: Any practical inquiries should be addressed directly to conference-gender(a),newstravel.eu.

Registration Deadline: 30/08/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: The conference will take place from 15th September noon to 16th September noon 2011 in the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music. Zacisze 3, in Katowice, Poland.
Katowice
Poland

Description: Over 600 participants will attend the first ever joint conference of the 13 transnational programmes running under the ‘European Territorial Cooperation’ objective of the EU Cohesion Policy to meet with high level representatives from the European Commission and Polish Government representatives to discuss the future of transnational cooperation. The conference will demonstrate how this type of cooperation is addressing topics not covered by any level of governance and how it helps to improve quality of life in the regions.

Who will be participating?
More than 600 people will participate from the entire Europe plus representatives of the neighbour and pre-accession countries. The event will feature high level speakers and panels including EU Commission representatives and Polish Ministries such as
Elżbieta BIEŃKOWSKA, Minister of Regional Development, Poland;
Johannes HAHN - Commissioner for Regional Policy, European Commission. Special message
Normunds POPENS, Deputy Director-General, DG Regional Policy, European Commission;
Jan OLBRYCHT, President of the URBAN Intergroup, European Parliament

What is on the agenda?
Plenary sessions, 6 workshops and an exhibition area will show the cooperation potentials, strengths and challenges of transnational cooperation programmes. The thematic sessions will focus on issues important to all programmes and corresponding to objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy:

Transport
Environmental Risk Management
Innovation
Energy
Demographic Change
Enlargement and cooperation with our neighbours

The cooperation themes will be deepened in conference workshops and can be ‘life experienced’ in
an animated exhibition.

For more information
check http://www.transnational-cooperation.eu/ or contact:
Ms. Mercedes Acitores Franzon / acitores_mer@gva.es / +34 659 76 6799
M. Henrik Josephson / henrik.josephson@northsearegion.eu / +45 2135 8920

Press Conference and accreditations: prezydencja@mrr.gov.pl

Registration Information: http://www.transnational-cooperation.eu/

Organisation responsible: The conference was initiated and is arranged by the 13 transnational programmes. It will be hosted by the Silesian Region and the city of Katowice and will be an accompanying event of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.

Contact: Ms. Mercedes Acitores Franzon / acitores_mer@gva.es / +34 659 76 6799 M. Henrik Josephson / henrik.josephson@northsearegion.eu / +45 2135 8920

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Brussels
Belgium

Description: In the framework of the upcoming Calls for Proposals to be launched on 24 August 2011, ESPON invites for an Info Day and Partner Café.
The purpose of the event is to inform and assist potential beneficiaries in preparing proposals for the Calls. The event will focus on the content specifications and the procedures for applying.
The European Commission and the Polish EU Presidency will present the policy demand behind the need for further ESPON results.
The Info Day and Partner Café will also give participants the chance to network, to find partners for their projects and get feedback.
The event is open for all potential beneficiaries interested in learning more about this opportunity to take part in ESPON projects and to apply for funds to the ESPON 2013 Programme. This means scientists and experts representing universities, research institutes and private companies from 31 European countries (EU 27 + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

Organisation responsible: ESPON Coordination Unit Luxembourg

Contact: Piera Petruzzi

Registration Deadline: 02/09/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Europe's regions and cities are being called on to make a decisive contribution to the smart, sustainable and inclusive objectives of Europe 2020. Drawing on the recent Commission communications on smart and sustainable growth this year's edition of the Regions for Economic Change conference will explore tools and networks for smart and sustainable cities and regions and highlight excellent projects and initiatives to demonstrate the key contribution of regional policy to economic modernisation and the Europe 2020 goals.

The event is targeted, as in previous years, to provide a policy learning platform to Structural Funds programme bodies, national, regional and local authorities and professional intermediaries, including their Brussels-based representatives and networks.
Programme outline:
• The first day of the conference will kick-off with a plenary session, a debate on "Smart specialisation for smart growth" and the official launch of the "Smart Specialisation Platform", a new Commission initiative designed to offer assistance in drawing up regional smart specialisation strategies.
• After lunch participants will have the opportunity to attend three parallel policy learning sessions, two of them dedicated to tools and networks for smart regions and one highlighting the urban dimension of smart growth.
• The day will culminate in the celebrations of the RegioStars awards 2011 and a networking reception.
• The second day will shift the main focus to sustainable growth with a plenary session and three parallel policy learning sessions dedicated to tools and networks for sustainable regions and one highlighting the specific urban dimension of sustainable growth.
In line with the integrated policy objectives of Europe 2020, representatives of other Commission DGs such as DG ENTR, RTD, ENER, INFSO will also play a key role as moderators and speakers at the conference, particularly in the "tools" and "networks" workshops, which will mix their policy presentations with good practice examples from Regional Policy. Active debate not only among panel participants but also involving the audience will be encouraged.

Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy

Contact: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy - Unit D.2 - Thematic coordination, innovation

More Information: Website,    

Location: Kölcsey Központ Debrecen
Debrecen
Hungary

Description: The WIRE 2011 conference will focus on questions related to knowledge, innovation and competitiveness in economy with respect to research infrastructure investments, clusters and their effects on how they can support smart growth in the regions.

It follows on from the WIRE 2010 conference that took place in Grandada under the Spanish EU Council Presidency. The outcomes of the 2010 conference are available to download at http://wire.fecyt.es/ and the full conference proceedings can be requested by sending an e-mail to regio-head-of-unit-D2@ec.europa.eu

Organisation responsible: Hungarian Presidency / European Commission

Contact: Márta Völgyiné Nadabán, deputy director; INNOVA Észak-Alföld Regional Development and Innovation Agency; (Kürtös u 4., Debrecen, 4031, Hungary); E-mail: info@wire2011.eu ; marta.nadaban@eszak-alfold.hu

Registration Deadline: 06/06/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: 23. May: Crowne Hotel, Bratislava, Slovakia
25. May: DoubleTree, Kosice, Slovakia
Bratislava, Kosice
Slovakia

Description: After the High Level Event in Hungary in 2009 and in Romania in 2010 DG REGIO is organising the next High Level Event in Slovakia in order to promote the more effective use of Structural funds for the inclusion of marginalilsed Roma communities.

Registration Information: will open soon

Organisation responsible: DG REGIO, D2

Contact: Katalin Brenner, Andor Urmos

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: JEREMIE, Joint European Resources for Micro to medium Enterprises, is an initiative of the Commission together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) in order to promote increased access to finance for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of the EU.

The 5th Plenary Meeting of the JEREMIE Networking Platform will look at areas such as 'Monitoring, reporting and evaluating of financial engineering instruments for SMEs' and 'Combination of repayable financial instruments with grants'.

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Registration Deadline: 06/05/2010

More Information: Website,    

Location: CCAB
Brussels
Belgium

Description: On the occasion of this meeting, Commissioner Hahn will present his point of view on the preparations for the new legislative framework for Cohesion policy post 2013.

Registration Information: Closed

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: The meeting will be webstreamed on http://scic.ec.europa.eu/str/index.php?sessionno=1f34004ebcb05f9acda6016d5cc52d5e

More Information: Website,    

Location: Malmö
Malmö
Sweden

Description: The aim of the conference is to give a shared vision of Smart Specialisation and how it can pave the way for regional development and growth. The tools and processes to achieve smart specialisation will be presented by some of the leading actors in the field. The conference will also show how EU funding can be used in a smarter way. The importance of alignment of a wider source of finance and cooperation will be showcased.

The conference will present the results of a new study covering innovation in the Baltic Sea Region. Speakers within the field from European, National and Regional level will cover areas including creative industries, sustainable cities, clusters, personal health and active aging. The conference is linked to the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Europe 2020 Smart Growth and the Innovation Union.

The conference will demonstrate how globally competitive niches of business can develop by strategic cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Since the launch of the EU-strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in 2009 a number of exciting initiatives have been put into action in order to enhance economic cooperation. The Baltic Sea countries can offer smarter solutions for a global market by working closely together. Cluster organisations, networks of SMEs and Research & Innovation centres are important intermediaries in achieving Smart Specialisation, cooperating on open-innovation platforms.

In this conference we will share some of the most exciting projects and experiences with you. We also open the floor for all of you with new ideas about how to make the region prosper.

Target audience for the conference is policy makers and officials, innovation agencies, cluster leaders and academia, as well as financial organisation and Structural Fund Managing Authorities. Approximately 350 participants are foreseen. Working language: English.

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy; Tillvaxtverket, SIDA Baltic Sea Unit, Region Skane

Contact: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy

Registration Deadline: 25/03/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Budapest
Budapest
Hungary

Description: This high-level conference will discuss the future of Cohesion Policy, marking the 25 years of the policy. The conference will pave the way for the Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Territorial Development and Cohesion Policy (19-21 May 2011).

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: The Hungarian Presidency of the EU in association with the European Commission

Contact: Hungarian Presidency of the European Union

More Information:    

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The seminar is organised by Professor Gianmarco Ottaviano from the University of Bologna, on the contribution the field of economic geography can make to understanding cohesion policy.

Organisation responsible: Professor Gianmarco Ottaviano from the University of Bologna DG REGIO

Contact: Ruben DE ALMEIDA DA CUNHA

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Sava Hoteli
Bled
Slovenia

Description: The conference is organised at a key point in the Cohesion policy calendar – immediately following the
publication of the Fifth Cohesion Report and close to the time when the EU is expected to publish its
proposals for the post-2013 financial perspective.
Central to the debates on the future of the policy are the following themes:
• Policy goals, including the contribution to EU2020;
• The interpretation of territorial cohesion;
• The spatial coverage of the policy;
• Policy performance and effectiveness;
• The efficiency of governance structures and implementation arrangements;
• The relationship between Cohesion policy and other EU structural policies such as Rural Development.
The conference will engage with debates on EU sectoral policies with relevance for regional development.
The Conference provides a forum for the first international academic debate on the Fifth Cohesion
Report between regional studies researchers and senior officials from the European institutions.
It also provides an opportunity to take stock of recent research on Structural and Cohesion Funds and
for discussion of the above themes.

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: The European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy, the Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy in Slovenia and the Regional Studies Association

Contact: Conference Secretariat

Registration Deadline: 07/02/2011

More Information:   Email

Location: Centre de Conférence Albert Borschette
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Communication was adopted on 26 January. To present this document we will organise on Friday 18 February an official 'launch conference'.
It will be opened by the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn. The event will provide an opportunity to better understand the current thematic priorities for Regional Policy in this matter and also present some of the examples from the regions.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: regio-info@ec.europa.eu

More Information: Website,    

Location: European Commission
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The main goal of this event is to discuss the orientations for the future EU Cohesion Policy and its contribution to the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Forum will also constitute the closure of the public consultation on the policy proposals of the Fifth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial cohesion which will be adopted by the Commission in early November 2010.

Registration Information: By invitation only.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Registration Deadline: 14/01/2011

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: European Commission - Charlemagne building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: As part of the wider strategy to promote Roma inclusion, the Directorate-General for Regional Policy of the European Commission is hosting a conference entitled "Monitoring and Evaluation of Roma Projects and Policies" in Brussels on 30 November 2010 (Tuesday).

The key objective of the conference is to raise awareness about the necessity of having adequate evaluation and monitoring mechanisms in place, as well as to present various evaluation/monitoring methods and good practices in the field of Roma inclusion.

The first session will be devoted to project monitoring and will discuss how particular projects such as the Pilot Project for Roma inclusion could become part of result-oriented policy. The second session will be devoted to policy monitoring and more specifically on how accurate project implementation can contribute to achieving policy goals.

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: Conference Secretariat

Registration Deadline: 30/11/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Conrad Hotel, Av Louise 71
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The conference, organised by DG REGIO in co-operation with the European Investment Bank group, is intended as a flagship event aimed at the promotion of the JEREMIE and JESSICA innovative financial engineering instruments and at the exchange of best practice among participants. Building on the most recent experience about implementation, it will provide an updated information about the progress of both initiatives across Member States, including case studies presented by national and regional authorities, and financial institutions.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy and European Investment Bank

Contact: Conference Secretariat

Registration Deadline: 29/11/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Hotel Bloom, Rue Royale, 250
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The conference will mark the official launch of the European Progress Microfinance Facility.


Commissioners Andor and Hahn will open the conference at 14:00 on 9th November and will speak about the contribution of microfinance and entrepreneurship to the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy and to social and regional cohesion in the EU.

The introductory session will be followed by a round table on the role of public support to promote entrepreneurship and financial inclusion as a way out of the crisis.

On the second day, 10th November, in the morning, after a presentation on the functioning of the European Progress Microfinance Facility and the JASMINE initiative, parallel sessions will be held on the following topics:

- Efforts undertaken to develop high quality microfinance and related business services;
- The need to improve the environment for microfinance development;
- Practical setups to facilitate access to microfinance.

Registration Information: Since the number of places is limited, pre-registration is required via the conference website

Organisation responsible: The conference is jointly organised by the Directorates-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities; Regional Policy; Economic and Financial Affairs; Enterprise and Industry, and with the contribution of the European Investment Bank group.

Contact: DG Employment

Registration Deadline: 08/11/2010

More Information: Website,    

Location: Vigo
Vigo
Spain

Description: DG MARE and DG REGIO are organizing a joint Conference on Innovation in Fisheries Areas. This seminar will take place in the context of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and the future role and strategies for the EU funded innovation in the fisheries areas, in the general framework of the "EU 2020" strategy.
The conference will take place on 19 October in Vigo (Spain), where part of the technical secretariat of the innovative European Fisheries Technology Platform is located.
The main aim of the Conference is to provide the participants with some "innovation know how" through high quality presentations of concrete cases by the "best of the best" practitioners. These cases would illustrate innovation practices which could help to diversify the economic bases of fisheries areas. The target audience is mainly the Managing Authorities of both financial instruments (ERDF and EFF).
The Conference will focus on innovation and the territories. Four areas/themes were identified – see copy of a preliminary draft programme in annex.
- Information, communication and technologies in the fisheries industries.
- Energy/environment (renewable energies in coastal areas)
- Coastal and fishing tourism and other activities of economic diversification
- Aquaculture and fish processing industries.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG MARE and DG REGIO

Contact: fisheries-info@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 18/10/2010

More Information:   Email

Location: Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel Tallinn
Tallin
Estonia

Description: The Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), the Association of Municipalities of Estonia (AME) and the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC) welcome you to the 18th BSSSC Annual Conference in Tallinn.

The BSSSC Annual Conference will offer you the chance to learn and discuss about the chances, challenges and changes of the Baltic Sea Region towards a knowledge-based society. We expect to welcome more than 300 participants from all regions around the Baltic Sea as well as representatives of Ministries, pan-Baltic organizations and the European Commission to get together for a series of informative workshops and presentations of projects and best practice.

The European Commission will organize the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region back-to-back with the BSSSC Annual Conference in Tallinn on 14-15 October. For further information and registration for this second part of the combined conference please visit http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/baltic/index_en.htm .



The BSSSC Annual Conference is also enriched by two interesting side events – the BSSSC Youth Event on 12-13 October with 50 young people from all around the Baltic Sea and the Project Idea Café organized by the Baltic Sea Region Programme. The Project Idea Café is a creative meeting place for sharing project ideas and finding project partners. There will be presentations of European Territorial Cooperation programmes and partner search sessions.

Organisation responsible: The Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), the Association of Municipalities of Estonia (AME) and the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC)

Contact: Kersti Ludvig kersti.ludvig@emovl.ee +372 52 222 88

Registration Deadline: 11/10/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Several locations around Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The 8th OPEN DAYS, the European Week for Regions and Cities, will be held between 4 and 7 October 2010, a period during which the debate on the European Union's '2020' agenda, its policies and future budget, will be in full swing. The future of EU cohesion policy post-2013 will also dominate the discussions. The OPEN DAYS are an ideal platform for Europe's regions and cities to make their voice heard. They will also showcase good practice in the field of strengthening regional competitiveness, territorial co-operation and social and economic cohesion. Around 7000 participants are expected, 250 local events will take place simultaneously in the Member States, 245 regions and cities from 34 countries are official partners of the event.

In 2010, the OPEN DAYS will concentrate on three main themes:

Competitiveness:

These seminars will focus on innovation, regional development and green economic growth, and on results achieved by regions supported by the 'regional competitiveness and employment objective'.

Co-operation:

Under this theme, debates on territorial and cross-border co-operation, the European Grouping on Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), and 'macro regions' will highlight latest developments and enhance exchange among practitioners.

Cohesion:

Seminars and workshops will discuss 'territorial' and 'social' cohesion and on the question of how to better integrate different policies at the local level.

Registration Information: Registration will open on 5 July 2010

Organisation responsible: European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions

Contact: OPEN DAYS Secretariat: secretariat@open-days.eu

Registration Deadline: 22/09/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Tournai
Tournai
Belgium

Description: INTERACT and the Brussels-Walloon Region will organise a conference to celebrate the achievements of 20 years of territorial cooperation, which will take place on 30 September-1 October in Tournai, Belgium.

For twenty years, INTERREG programmes have provided an instrument to promote the deepening of European integration in tangible ways, at different scales and in different fields

Introduced in 1990, INTERREG I supported 34 cross-border programmes and included an international dimension to Structural Funds programming. By the end of 2006, in its third programming period, 71 INTERREG programmes were being implemented with three different strands of multinational cooperation, as well as two related programmes operating under Article 53 of the INTERREG Guidelines, INTERACT and ESPON.

Today, European Territorial Cooperation is an objective in its own right and placed as the third 'pillar' of cohesion policy on an equal footing with Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment.

Bringing citizens together from different regions and on different levels to enable joint solutions, European Territorial Cooperation can clearly illustrate the benefits of European Policy and enable closer links between countries, regions and citizens.

The richness of the results from projects, and the need to make these tangible benefits visible is the driving force behind the organisation of the event "Celebrating 20 Years of Cooperation and Looking beyond 2013"

This Conference will be organised by the Brussels-Walloon Region and INTERACT, with support from the Commission, under the framework of the Belgian Presidency. It will be held in Tournai (Belgium) on 30 September and 1 October 2010.

The conference will celebrate 20 years of cooperation and look at the future. It aims at giving participants a platform to address European Territorial Cooperation and to conduct an open dialogue on evolution, progress and challenges fo the future.

Organisation responsible: The Brussels-Walloon Region and INTERACT, with support from the Commission, under the framework of the Belgian Presidency.

Contact: interact@interact-eu.net

Registration Deadline: 29/09/2010

More Information: Website,    

Location: Charlemagne Building, Mansholt room, rue de la Loi 170, Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The seminar "Improving policy coherence on the ground" is the third one dedicated to specific dimensions of territorial cohesion. A first seminar took place on 25 September 2009 on "Territorial cooperation and cohesion" and a second on 12 March 2010 on "Geographic scales of policy intervention".

These 3 seminars have been organised in the framework of the Sub-Committee of the Committee for the Coordination of the Funds, dealing with Territorial Cohesion and Urban Matters (TCUM), gathering experts from all EU Member States. This seminar is jointly organized with the newly launched Inter-Service Group on Territorial Cohesion, which involves all Directorates-General concerned

Territorial cohesion is served by territorially consistent public policies. The aim of the seminar is to discuss - from a territorial point of view – policy coherence: coordination shortcomings, best practice, instruments (e.g. territorial impact assessment).

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission

Contact: Mr Jean Peyrony, DG REGIO, European Commission

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: DG REGIO
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Commission launches a reflection process on the "cities of tomorrow"

Undertaken upon the initiative of Commissioner Johannes Hahn, this reflection will form part of the wider discussions on the future of regional policy. It will address issues such as:

How can regional policy support towns and cities to tackle the challenges of today and in the future?
What vision do we have for possible models for cities and towns of tomorrow?
One of the end-goals is to be able to identify good practices and policies which could serve as inspiration at a European level.

A first seminar, bringing together around 20 European experts, met on 28 and 29 June. Discussions focused on the shared challenges facing cities both today, and in the future.

A second seminar will meet in October. It will focus on visions and models for cities of tomorrow.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO - Unit C2 (Urban development and territorial cohesion)

Contact: Corinne Hermant (corinne.hermant@ec.europa.eu) or Christian Svanfeldt (christian.svanfeldt@ec.europa.eu)

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Albert Borschette Conference Centre
Rue Froissart, 36
1040
Brussels
Belgium

Description: This event is organized by the European Commission's Directorates General for structural actions for the period 2007-2013: DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

The aim of this event is to provide information and guidelines on the structural actions programmes to representatives from the Member States, which can use it to train their national colleagues: managing authorities, certifying authorities and intermediate bodies.

Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities, together with the audit authorities, play key roles in the control framework, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizens.

The output should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance dissemination and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.

Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=trainers2010&lang=en

Organisation responsible: DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Contact: REGIO-TRAIN-THE-TRAINERS-SEMINAR@ec.europa.eu

Registration Deadline: 10/06/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Hotel Iaky, Mamaia
Constanta
Romania

Description: This conference will be the last of a series of events organised in the framework of the preparation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

The aim of the event is to offer a discussion platform for all interested stakeholders who are willing to be involved in the Strategy. At this conference you can discuss in depth the priority actions to be included in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

Themes of the event:

- Improve connectivity and communications systems
- Environment, water and risk management
- Socio-economic, human and institutional development

A business round table will also be organised, which will aim to gather the feedback of the private sector related to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and their involvement in its implementation.

Organisation responsible: European Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism of Romania

Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy

More Information: Website,    

Location: Alcalá de Henares
Madrid
Spain

Description: The Seminar will address the use of ESPON results in policy-making in support of competitiveness and cohesion of territories. Its purpose is three-fold:

1. Nourish the necessary discussion and understanding of the territorial dimension of the new Europe 2020 Strategy;

2. Demonstrate the added value and suggest practical use of European wide ESPON knowledge in policy making, particular at regional level;

3. Discuss best practices and room for improvements in disseminating and communicating ESPON project results to policy makers ranging from local/regional level to European level.

Organisation responsible: ESPON - European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion

Contact: ESPON

Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
And : Square Meeting Centre
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The annual "Regions for Economic Change" conference will focus this year on three main issues: Low Carbon Economy – Energy Efficiency in Regions and Cities, Sustainable ICT Solutions and the Urban dimension. The discussions will look into the challenges and opportunities around these issues, and will put forward responses and good examples from regions and cities across Europe.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: REGIO-REGIONS-ECONOMIC-CHANGE@ec.europa.eu

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Municipal Theatre
Ruse
Bulgaria

Description: The objective of this conference is to discuss the governance of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. We would like to gather key stakeholders in the process to examine ways in which the strategy will be implemented and monitored after adoption in 2011.

The audience of the conference will be made up of representatives of authorities at EU, national and regional level, including structural funds managers, as well as a number of Danube region institutions and organisations which are involved in transnational projects and actions. Through the discussions possible implementation mechanisms will be explored and noted by the European Commission.

Themes of the event:

- Implementing the Danube Strategy – macro-regional mechanisms and structures for implementation and monitoring
- Mobilisation of resources to implement the Danube Strategy, its actions and projects, including the contribution of Cohesion Policy to the Strategy
- Capacity-building and institutional cooperation for the further development and integration of the Danube macro-region

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in Bulgaria, Municipality of Ruse (BG) and Municipality of Giurgiu (RO)

Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy

More Information: Website,    

Location: Festival Hall, Vienna
Hotel Sheraton and New National Theatre, Bratislava
Viena and Bratislava
Austria and Slovakia

Description: The objective of this conference is to discuss the issues of transport, energy, urban areas, environment and information society. Indeed, these are high overall on the agenda of the EU as confirmed by the recently proposed strategy ‘EU2020’ (“A European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”).

The audience of the conference will be made up of representatives of authorities at EU, national and regional level, as well as a wide range of stakeholders of the Danube Region. Through the discussions, macro-regional projects will be identified, the areas of agreement and disagreement between parties (and the possible ways forward) will be established and participant views will be noted by the European Commission.

The whole conference will consider the interaction between different perspectives (e.g. between transport, environment, economy,...) thereby underlining the integrated approach of the Strategy.

Themes of the event:

- Environment
- Transport
- Energy

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Government Office of the Slovak Republic, City of Vienna, City of Bratislava

Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy

More Information: Website,    

Location: Committee of the Regions, 101 rue Belliard
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Committee of the Regions (CoR) invites interested regional representatives, experts and other stakeholders from existing and emerging 'macro-regions' to discuss issues related to strategy development and implementation and other themes of common interest.

Implementation of the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (adopted in June 2009 by the European Commission and endorsed by the European Council in October 2009) has already started, while a similar strategy is under development for the Danube Region. Stakeholders from the North Sea-English Channel Region are at the beginning of discussions to move towards a more integrated approach.

This development feeds into debates among regional authorities, stakeholders and experts about the future of border-crossing 'macro-regions' serving as integrated strategies, which allow the European Union, its Member States and neighbouring countries to identify needs, to allocate resources and to develop institutions delivering programmes and projects. The provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, which set the new objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion, and the debate about the future of EU cohesion policy post-2013 can be expected to intensify the debate on 'macro-regions' in 2010.

Registration Information: On-line

Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions

Contact: Committe of the Regions

Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007

More Information: Website,    

Location: Charlemagne Building, 170 Rue de la Loi (Wetstraat)
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Directorate-General for Education and Culture is organising this conference to discuss the involvement and impact of EU programmes with the Roma minority. It is based on a selection of best examples of projects related to the Roma people all funded through various European Commission programmes. This initiative is part of efforts to better disseminate and build upon the results of programmes and as such it marks a substantial contribution to the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

In parallel to the conference a seminar of experts on Roma culture is taking place and also an exhibition of 21 interesting and succesful projects.

Approximately 440 guests are expected to register and participate, all actors from the ground and stakeholders that include project promoters and Roma beneficiaries, together with more than 60 decision makers at regional, national and European level, representatives of Roma organisations and associations and representatives of the Spanish presidency and the European Parliament.
The event is open to the press.

Registration Information: On-line: http://roma-conference.eu/web/roma/register

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture

Contact: info@roma-conference.eu

Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Academy of Sciences
Budapest
Hungary

Description: This conference is organised in the framework of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and will focus on the socio-economical and environmental pillars of the Strategy. The input from national, regional and other experts will be given during the workshops, where intensive discussions about the substance of these matters should be discussed.

Themes of the event:

•The socio-economic aspects of the Danube strategy
•Prosperity and cultural identity of the Danube region

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: European Commission and the Government of Hungary

Contact: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy, Territorial cooperation Unit

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: World Trade Center
Barcelona
Spain

Description: 2010 will be a key year for the citizens of Europe. On one hand, it is thought that it will be the first year of recovery from the global economic and financial crisis. On the other hand, European construction will confront new challenges and new scenarios: the newly approved legislature of the European Parliament, the renewal of European Commission, the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the formulation of the “EU 2020” strategy for growth and competitiveness. 2010 will also be European Year of Combating Social Exclusion and Poverty.

The Lisbon Treaty, which includes elements such as recognition of local autonomy, strengthening the principle of subsidiarity, increasing the powers of the Committee of the Regions, cultural diversity and the introduction of the concept of territorial cohesion, presents new opportunities and challenges for European local governments.

In this context, from 22 to 24 February 2010, Barcelona will host the European Summit of Local Governments, which will debate the role of local authorities at European and local level, and the measures necessary for adoption in the current context. The primordial question around which this summit will revolve is that of how local governments should act to achieve cities and a Europe that are more cohesive.

Registration Information: Online registration on: http://europeansummit2010.eu/inscripcions_en.asp

Organisation responsible: Ministry of Territorial Policy, Government of Spain; Secretary of State of the European Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Government of Spain; Provincial Government of Barcelona; Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces; with the support of the European Commission and other institutions.

Contact: Diputació de Barcelona Àrea de Presidència Direcció de Relacions Internacionals C/ Còrsega, 273-279 08008 Barcelona Tel. 0034 934 022 077 Fax 0034 934 022 473

Registration Deadline: 15/02/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Charlemagne Building 170, rue de la Loi,

Room "Jean DURIEUX"
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Since 1989, the European Commission has endeavoured to support urban development while promoting inclusion and regeneration: using the untapped potential of the cities for the benefits of citizens throughout a growing EU. An initially timid support has greatly evolved and diversified, and today the urban dimension is a recognised element of Cohesion policy, with in excess of €10 billion allocated to urban priorities in the funded programmes. More importantly, the "urban acquis" - which has been fine-tuned over time - and its world-class integrated, participative approach are being increasingly placed at the core of urban actions. Exchange programmes among cities have also proved tremendously successful – both in terms of popularity with the local practitioners and for the knowledge cities have collectively produced.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: Mr Aldo TORRE : +32 (0)2 29 87421

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Congress Centre Ulm, City of Ulm Fairs and Exhibitions area, Germany (Baden-Württemberg)
Ulm
Germany

Description: This conference will open the series of events, organised in the framework of the preparation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. The aim of the event is to explain why the strategy is needed and what is its added value, but also to gather all relevant stakeholders who are willing to be involved in the preparation of the Strategy, to present them process of its preparation and get the first input on the possible topics to be tackled by the strategy .

During the workshops, first input will be provided from the key players in the Strategy (EU institutions, Member States and other stakeholders) and main Strategy themes will be discussed.

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: European Commission, the City of Ulm, the City of Neu Ulm and donau.büro.ulm

Contact: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy, Territorial cooperation Unit

Registration Deadline: 17/01/2010

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Hotel Ryad Mogador Menara
Avenue Mohamed VI
40000 Marrakech
Marrakech
Morocco

Description: The WASTE-CLUSTER is a 'genuine research-driven cluster' of cooperating regions with a strong emphasis on exchange of best practices and knowledge transfer.
The cluster is composed of 43 partners out of 4 projects, funded under the FP7 "Regions of Knowledge & Research Potential" programmes.

Registration Information: upon invitation

Organisation responsible: Université Cadi Ayad together with the project coordinators of SOWAEUMED, TEMP, StInno & WASTEKIT.

Contact: Dr. Irmela BRACH European Commission DG RTD-B.4

Registration Deadline: 05/01/2010

More Information:   Email

Location: Albert Borschette Conference Center, Room 0D
35, Rue de Froissart, B-1049 Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The meeting is multilateral with representatives from all the 27 Member States and is dedicated to the Structural Funds (ERDF, ESF, FIFG and EAGGF).

The objective of the meeting is to discuss the closure process for the programming period 2000-2006 in general and the specific role of the winding-up bodies.

The meeting is designed for the winding-up bodies designated in the Member States for the closure of the 2000-2006 programmes responsible for the preparation of the winding-up declaration of one or more operational programmes.

Registration Information: Registration was closed on November 16th for EC staff and on November 20th for MS.

Organisation responsible: REGIO J1 - coordination of audit, relations with the Court of Auditors and OLAF

Contact: Judit Kiss

Registration Deadline: 20/11/2009

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Hilton Conference Centre
Warsaw
Poland

Description: A series of 8 workshops on evaluation methods will reflect on the experience gained so far and have a critical look at the opportunities and challenges ahead, while also exploring more rigorous methods as a complementary approach to evaluate impact. A round-table discussion will then make the link from theory to practice, using these methods.

Registration Information: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fmi/scic/Evalmet09/start.php

Organisation responsible: Directorate-General for Regional Policy, European Commission

Contact: Aspasia SIMOU

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: CSM1
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Representatives of two Spanish programs "Innovative Actions" - La Rioja and Navarra - have presented the results of their programs and the good practices developed in the field of Research and Development.

Organisation responsible: European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General - Thematic Coordination, innovation Unit

Contact: Silvia Vincitorio

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Under the headline "Global challenges, European responses", OPEN DAYS 2009 will cover themes related to regional responses to the economic crisis, climate change, territorial cooperation and the impact and future of EU cohesion policy.

Registration Information: Registration is only possible through the website.

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: InfraCity (near Stockholm),
Stockholm
Sweden

Description: This year, the conference will present good practices from the following SME policy areas:

- Cash flow for business growth - reducing late payments and incentives for reinvesting profits
- Fostering eco-innovation and energy efficiency in SMEs
- Fostering creativity in entrepreneurship
- Fostering Women’s entrepreneurship
- Easier bankruptcy procedures and business transfers
- Easier access to public procurement

Registration Information: Further information and registration will be available from mid-May 2009 on the address below:

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The purpose of the seminar is to draw the lessons from the assessment and implementation of the ERDF Programmes in rural areas and, making use of these lessons, to exchange a few reflections on the role of the future cohesion policy in favour of rural development.

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission

Contact: Patrick Salez, DG REGIO

More Information: Website,    

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Brussels

Description: The purpose of the seminar will be to take stock of contributions to the Green paper on Territorial Cohesion in the field of territorial cooperation (cross-border, transnational and interregional strands). Introduced by a general overview and a presentation of selected contributions, a discussion between TCUM national experts and stakeholders will explore possible policy options to foster the territorial dimension of cooperation.

Registration Information: By invitation only

Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission

Contact: Mr Jean Peyrony, DG REGIO, European Commission

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Stockholm
Stockholm
Sweden

Description: The conference will address issues in relation to how sustainable urban development can be a part of meeting the challenges connected with climate change and at the same time contribute to the conversion to a low-carbon, green economy. The conference also continues the work of previous EU presidencies on sustainable urban development, in particular the initiative taken by the French Presidency in 2008 aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities.

Registration Information: Participation by invitation only

Organisation responsible: Swedish Presidency of the European Union

Contact: Ola Göransson

Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The European Economic Recovery Plan highlights energy efficiency investments as a win-win opportunity to support economic activity during the crisis and reduce energy costs. The amendment to Article 7 of the European Regional Development Fund Regulation is designed to support Member States in their recovery efforts.
The European Commission and leading financial institutions organised the event to raise awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy support schemes.

Organisation responsible: DG REGIO

Contact: DG REGIO Unit D2

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Ceremony Hall, the Municipality of the City of Budapest
Budapest
Hungary

Description: Based on the results of its predecessors, the Innovation Society Conference 2009 will focus on the concrete experience in the regions. Workshops will include topics such as Innovation as a tool fostering city-region cooperation, Innovation Society - Social Innovation, Clustering exercise for regional creative industries. Key note speeches will address the role that the current economic crisis plays with regard to innovation as such and particularly to social innovation. The Conference will try to give an answer to what is needed in the regions to make Europe more competitive.

Registration Information: Through the dedicated website.

Organisation responsible: Innovation Alliance, a network of innovative regions in Europe

Contact: Milan Kovacs

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The JESSICA Networking Platform was launched on 4 March 2009 during a meeting with Managing Authorities of the Operational Programs of the Structural Funds and other interested stakeholders. A second meeting is now organised to discuss the development the JESSICA Urban Development Fund (UDF) structures and the ways of enhancing cooperation through the relevant networking activities in Europe.

Registration Information: By invitation only.

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy

Contact: regio-info@ec.europa.eu

More Information: Website,    

Location: Visby
Visby
Sweden

Description: Aimed at managing authorities, the conference will discuss how to better align existing policies, programmes and funding to the objectives of the Baltic Sea Strategy, as a real first step forward towards the start of the Strategy implementation.

Organisation responsible: European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate-General and the Swedish and Lithuanian Managing Authorities

Contact: REGIO-EU-BALTIC-SEA-STRATEGY@ec.europa.eu

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Albert Borschette Building (CCAB)
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities are the pillars of the control framework, together with the audit authorities, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizen.

This event is organised by the European Commission's DGs for structural actions for the period 2007-2013, DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and is aimed at representatives from the Member States, who will be receiving information and material and using it on their return to update and train their national colleagues: managing authorities, certifying authorities and intermediate bodies.

The outputs should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.

Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=trainers2009〈=en

Organisation responsible: Directorate General Regional Policy Directorate General Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Contact: Mme Maria Balazova

Registration Deadline: 25/05/2009

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Prague Congress Centre
Prague
Czech Republic

Description: As the EU provides increasing budgets for the most creative and innovative European teams, ‘Research Connection 2009’ will provide information and show successful experiences related to three major EU research and innovation programmes which are the Seventh Framework Programme for research 2007-2013, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the Structural Funds 2007-2013.

Registration Information: Beginning of March at the webpage

Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Research L.5 Communication Unit

Contact: Florian Frank

Registration Deadline: 07/05/2009

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Brussels and around Europe
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The first European SME Week will to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. It allows SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities.

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Lingotto Conference Centre
Turin
Italy

Description: The European Commission plan for the economic recovery of the EU includes a proposal to channel part of the unspent EU budget on broadband investment and announces the development of an EU Broadband strategy in cooperation with Member States and other relevant players.
The event will enable ICT industry, national and regional authorities, national regulators and relevant Commission directorates to discuss issues at stake for the forthcoming EU broadband strategy. This is an invitation to your management authority to participate and inform other relevant stakeholders in your region about the event.
The conference will also serve as an information day for management authorities of EU funds to exchange good practices and get acquainted with the process for investing EU budget allocated to broadband infrastructure within the context of the European Economic Recovery Plan.

Registration Information: Participation: Officials from relevant Directorates General from the European Commission will take part to the event, as well as representatives from the ICT industry and national telecom regulators on electronic communications and rural, regional and national authorities in charge of broadband deployment as well as other relevant actors.

Attendance to the conference is free.

The registration form can be accessed at:
http://www.regione.piemonte.it/innovazione/ictConference/subscription_form.php

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Zofin Palace
Prague
Czech Republic

Description: Approximately 500 elected representatives for regional and local authorities, including regional presidents, mayors, presidents of regional parliaments as well as key players from the European institutions and organizations representing regional and local authorities will send a message to Europe's Heads of State and Government with ideas on how to master the economic and political challenges facing the European Union.

Registration Information: Participation in the Summit is only possible upon personal invitation.

Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions of the European union together with the City of Prague

Contact: www.PragueSummit2009.eu

Registration Deadline: 20/02/2009

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Charlemagne building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: This conference purpose is to network and to exchange good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy.

In nine workshops and in the different plenary sessions, politicians, academics and experts will debate strategies, experiences and projects around the process of cooperation and learning, in order to provide partners with practical examples of how they can cooperate and learn from one another as they start to implement the 2007-2013 programmes.

Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions

Contact: regions-economic-change@teamwork.fr

More Information: Website,    

Location: Charlenagne Building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Plus de 400 chargés de communication de toute l’Europe examineront comment améliorer l’information relative aux programmes et aux projets cofinancés par les fonds structurels et les fonds de cohésion de l’Union européenne.

Neuf ateliers permettront aux participants de découvrir des exemples : planification de la communication, relations avec les médias, services Internet et "communiquer (ensemble)" avec les partenaires concernés des États membres et des régions, entre autres.

Organisation responsible: Commission Européenne DG REGIO 01

Contact: Barbara Piotrowska

More Information: Website,    

Location: European Commission, Charlemagne Building
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Sound and efficient financial engineering to enhance growth and cohesion is needed more than ever in the enlarged EU. Closer cooperation between the European Commission and the International Financial Institutions and strengthened capacity building at the level of national and regional institutions can help us to achieve this. The conference aims at bringing together political leaders and experts to discuss our common objective of making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work.“

Registration Information: Upon invitation.

Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy

Contact: regio-info@cec.eu.int

Registration Deadline: 20/11/2008

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Sweden

Description: The Conference will assist the EU in becoming "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world", by making the best use of available public funding and especially EU Structural and other funding. The development of the Knowledge Society in all EU Member States is a top priority in creating higher growth, more and better jobs and greater social inclusion. The EU Structural Funds together with the EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (RTD) provide important tools to address this challenge.

Organisation responsible: The European Commission and its Swedish partners

Contact: European Commission - DG REGIO

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: European Commission
Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1000 Bruxelles
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The event will be based on the findings and issues of the Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion which the European Commission adopted on 30 May 2007. It will involve over 800 representatives at European, national, regional and local level from all EU Member States, the candidate countries and EU institutions.

Following recent enlargements and in view of the challenges of globalisation, climate change and demography, cohesion policy is of major importance for the debate about Europe's future. Its tangible results have a daily influence on the lives of our citizens. The Fourth Cohesion Forum will ask questions on how the Union's cohesion policy should adapt to new challenges and how its delivery can be improved in order to maximise its impact in the future.

Registration Information: Registration to the Fourth Cohesion Forum is only possible upon invitation.

Organisation responsible: Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy and Regional Policy Directorate General

Contact: conference-secretariat@cohesionforum.eu

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Schuman Room
Berlaymont Building
Rond-Point Schuman
1040
Brussels
Belgium

Description: This seminar provides the opportunity for the Commission, Member States, local and regional governments and stakeholder organisations to reflect on current research and practice in the area of urban-rural linkages and territorial competitiveness, and also to identify ‘what works’ (and conversely what doesn’t work) and to consider how this can be effectively transferred between territories.

Organisation responsible: DG Regio

Contact: Nadine Verhoeven

More Information: Website,    

Location: European Commission
Charlemagne Conference Centre
170 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels
Metro station: Schuman.
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The objectives of the seminar are to highlight the crucial role of these authorities and bodies in the preparation for the closure of Structural Funds 2000-2006 assistance and to establish a common understanding of the key elements of a successful closure process. The event is intended to provide both general information with the help of the Structural Funds Closure Guidelines and somewhat more technical information on the basis of questions received from the Member States so far. The provisional programme for the seminar is attached.

Registration Information: This seminar is designed for managing authorities, paying authorities and winding up bodies in the Member States. A maximum of one representative per managing/paying authority and winding up body will be accepted. Registration takes place on line. Each person who completes the registration form will receive a confirmation indicating whether he/she is accepted or denied.

Organisation responsible: The focus of the event is the role of the managing and paying authorities as well as the winding-up bodies in the closure of Structural Funds 2000-2006 programmes and is being organised jointly by the Commission's Directorates-Generals for Agriculture and Rural Development, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Regional Policy.

Contact: Nadine Verhoeven

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Committee of the Regions (Morning session)- European Parliament (Afternoon session)
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The EGTC (European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation) is a new European legal structure enabling regional and local authorities from different Member States to set up cooperation groupings with a legal personality. They can facilitate and promote cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation with a new approach to multilevel governance.

As part of our continuing efforts to promote the setting up of EGTCs, the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions, in partnership with the Slovenian Presidency, are organising an inter-institutional conference on EGTC in Brussels on 19 June 2008.

The objective of the conference is to open a political discussion, promote the understanding of mechanisms, exchange initial experiences and stimulate member states to adopt national provisions provided for by the Regulation.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: egtc@teamwork.fr

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Awareness of the importance of research and innovation to Europe’s economy has increased in the context of global competition. Their potential for generating economic growth also means that research and innovation must feature more strongly in the investments co-financed by the instruments of EU cohesion policy: the Structural Funds. The purpose of this conference – the first of a series of conferences organized by DG REGIO on regions and economic change - is to give interested parties, particularly Structural Funds Managing Authorities, insight into successful strategies and practices for “improving knowledge and innovation for growth”, as recommended by the draft Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion Policy for 2007-2013.

The conference will therefore focus on examining best practices as regards fostering knowledge transfer, innovation and clusters, with particular attention to those strategies and projects which have succeeded in less prosperous regions. It will address three main themes: how to create the right environment for innovation, how to strengthen collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and how to establish partnerships and synergies. To maximise the scope for practical exchanges of experience, the event will be based around three sessions of workshops bringing together policy makers, expert advisers and practitioners. Topics for the workshops will include the role of public authorities in managing innovation and nurturing clusters, the development of innovation infrastructure and support services, financial engineering, developing poles of excellence, commercializing research results, the role of networks in knowledge transfer, developing trans-regional projects, and experience of combining national and Community funding.

The conference will be of interest not only to authorities involved in drawing up and implementing Structural Funds programmes, but also to businesses and business organizations, universities, technology transfer specialists and networks involved in research, innovation and knowledge transfer.

To accompany the conference, there will be an exhibition of innovative projects from across the EU, stands with information on relevant Community programmes and advisory booths.

Registration Information: coming soon

Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG Regional Policy

Contact: For further information about the practical organisation of the conference, please contact: Mrs Isabelle Dekester / Mrs Vanille Storm Hill & Knowlton Avenue Cortenbergh 118 B-1000 Brussels E-mail: conference-secretariat@transferring-technology-june06.com For further information about the contents of the conference, please contact: Mrs Nadine Verhoeven European Commission Regional Policy Directorate General Office CSM2 AN01/223 B-1049 BRUSSELS Fax: +32.2.296.60 03 E-mail : Nadine.verhoeven@cec.eu.int

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: European Commission
Room Alcide de Gasperi
Charlemagne Conference Centre
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities are the pillars of the control framework, together with the audit authorities, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizen.

Following the adoption of the new programmes for the 2007-13 programming period, the objectives of the seminar are to highlight the crucial role of the managing and certifying authorities in guaranteeing the correct use of EU funds, to present the new guidance available which identifies good practice, and to establish a common understanding of the key elements of the internal control systems. The outputs should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.

This will be a major event with over 500 representatives invited from the national authorities of all 27 Member States, the Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: managing-authorities@teamwork.fr

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: Centre de Conférences Albert Borschette
36 rue Froissart
1040 Bruxelles
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The Urban Audit brings together a broad range of indicators on the quality of life in European cities. The indicators for 2004 cover over 300 cities within the European Union as well as cities in Norway and Switzerland.

The purpose of the conference is twofold:

* To provide information on The Urban Audit to city representatives and other interested communities. Beyond participants in the Urban Audit, the conference provides the opportunity for anyone interested in urban statistics to collect useful information and make contacts. The national coordinators of the Urban Audit will be in attendance.
* To present the ways in which the Commission, Member States and cities have benefited from the Urban Audit.

A number of key questions for the future of cities will be dealt with during the conference, including the aging of the population, migration phenomena, housing, competitiveness and the attractiveness of cities. Each of these areas is addressed by the Urban Audit.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: Urban-audit@ec.europa.eu

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Location: Wednesday 14th May: "Charlemagne" Conference Centre
Rue de la Loi 170, B-1049 Brussels

Thursday 15th May: 'Albert Borschette' Conference Centre
Rue Froissart, B-1049 Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: This will be an important event, which will be attended by nearly 200 representatives at national, regional and local level, drawn from the three Member States concerned. The Commission will also associate with this event the Presidency of the European Union, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and the socio-professional circles involved or their representative organisations, universities and research centres and experts.

The objective of the conference is to enable a high-level exchange between all stakeholders on the development and possible amendment of the European strategy in relation to the outermost regions.

Moreover, this conference is of particular importance in the context of the recent conclusions of the European Council of 14 December 2007. Those conclusions call on the Commission to present new proposals for the future of its strategy concerning the outermost regions by October 2008.

Organisation responsible: European Commission

Contact: regio-info@ec.europa.eu

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Location: European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1040
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy in the fields of technological innovation, market development for new products and services and the improvement of quality of life of the citizens.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO

Contact: conference-secretariat@regions-for-economic-change.eu

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Location: Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: In the run-up to the mid-term revision of the Lisbon Strategy, Commissioner Danuta Hübner will invite European, national and cohesion policy stakeholders to discuss the contribution of the regions to a more competitive and innovative EU.

Registration Information: on invitation

Organisation responsible: European Commission Directorate General Regional Policy Unit 01 Information and Communication

Contact: regio-lisbon@cec.eu.int

Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008

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Location: Charlemagne Gebäude
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Brüssel
Brüssel
Beglien

Description: Im Vorfeld der Halbzeitbewertung der Lissabon-Strategie wird Kommissarin Danuta Hübner die mit Kohäsionspolitik befassten Interessengruppen auf europäischer und nationaler Ebene binnen zu einer Diskussion über den Beitrag der Regionen zu einer wettbewerbsfähigeren und innovativeren EU einladen.

Registration Information: Einladung

Organisation responsible: EUROPÄISCHE KOMMISSION GENERALDIREKTION REGIONALPOLITIK Information und Kommunikation

Contact: regio-lisbon@cec.eu.int

Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008

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Location: Bâtiment Charlemagne
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Bruxelles
1040 BRUXELLES
BELGIQUE

Description: Dans la foulée de l'examen à mi-parcours de la Stratégie de Lisbonne, la Commissaire Danuta Hübner invite les parties prenantes de la politique de cohésion aux niveaux européen et national à débattre de la contribution des régions à un développement plus compétitif et plus innovateur de l'UE.

Registration Information: sur invitation

Organisation responsible: Commission européenne Direction Générale de la Politique Régionale Unité 01 Information et Communication

Contact: regio-lisbon@cec.eu.int

Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008

More Information: Website,   Email

Location: European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1040
Brussels
Belgium

Description: The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy.

In nine workshops, experts will debate strategies, experiences and projects around the process of cooperation and learning, in order to provide partners with practical examples of how they can cooperate and learn from one another as they start to implement the 2007-2013 programmes.

On the evening of 25th February, Mrs Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, will present the 2008 'RegioStars' awards which aim at seeking and disseminating good practice in European regional development.

The conference will also include the launch of the 2009 'RegioStars' awards, and opportunities for networking.

Organisation responsible: Regional Policy Directorate General and other Commission services in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions

Contact: Nadine Verhoeven

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Location: European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1040
BRUSSELS
BELGIUM

Description: The purpose of the conference is to demonstrate how European regional policy and its instruments allow European regions to respond to demographic challenges and make the most of the opportunities presented by demographic change. The event will showcase examples of best practice and is intended to provide a learning opportunity for Structural Funds managing authorities. There will be room for up to 500 representatives of national, regional and local administrations, institutions and networks, equal opportunities organisations and representatives of universities.

Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO

Contact: conference-secretariat@regions-for-economic-change.eu

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Location: Brussels
brussels
Belgium

Description: The 5th OPEN DAYS-European Week of Regions and Cities will be held between 8 and 11 October 2007 in Brussels for about 5,000 expected regional policy experts and practitioners. Organised by the Committee of the Regions, the European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General and expected 100 regions, cities and other institutions and private partners from all over Europe, this year's headline is: "Making it happen: regions deliver growth and jobs". About 150 workshops and sessions will focus on the new generation of cohesion policy programmes, which will be implemented in the course of 2007 in all European regions. Between 2007 and 2013, the public and private funding made available through these programmes amounts to about EUR 500 billion.

Registration Information: Registration is only possible through the website.

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Location: Brussels
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Jointly organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, and partners from 106 regions and cities from 27 European countries, the OPEN DAYS 2006 will focus on regional development issues and on the preparation of the new generation of Structural Funds programmes between 2007 and 2013. More than 2 000 regional policy stakeholders are expected in Brussels to participate in some 70 seminars, workshops and plenary sessions.

Registration Information: The OPEN DAYS programme will be presented on the website mentioned below as of May 2006. Registration is only possible through the website as of that date.

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Location: EU
Brussels
Belgium

Description: Jointly organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Region, and partners from 106 regions and cities from 27 European countries, the OPEN DAYS 2005 will focus on regional development issues and on the preparation of the new generation of Structural Funds programmes between 2007 and 2013. More than 2 000 regional policy stakeholders are expected in Brussels to participate in some 100 seminars, workshops and plenary sessions.

Registration Information: The OPEN DAYS programme will be presented on the website mentioned below as of mid-July 2005. Registration is only possible through the website as of that date.

More Information: Website,   Email