The 17th edition of European Week of Regions and Cities starts today 7 October at 14:30 at the European Parliament hemicycle. #EURegionsWeek will once again provide a unique opportunity to better understand how regions and cities are using EU funds to improve citizens' daily life and how cohesion policy can help to make Europe greener, smarter, and more inclusive.

The audience will have the opportunity to participate in a high-level debate on the future of European Union with Klara Dobrev (Vice-President of the European Parliament), Karl-Heinz Lambertz (President of the European Committee of the Regions), Elżbieta Bieńkowska (Commissioner Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) and young elected politicians. The Opening Session will officially kick-off a programme of nearly 400 workshops and debates, exhibitions and networking opportunities about the different aspects of cohesion policy. Over 9000 people are registered for this four-day event on EU regional policy.

Non-registered participants can follow via web streaming.