Entrepreneurial skills and local governance took centre stage at the 2026 Community of Regions and Cities’ High-Level Event in Rome

The 2026 EAfA Community of Regions and Cities’ High-Level Event brought together around 200 policymakers, education providers, companies and learners in Rome on 4-5 June.

Hosted by the European Commission and the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, the event was organised in parallel with Junior Achievement Italy’s 2026 Entrepreneurship Championship and as part of the European Skills & VET Week 2026.

A key focus was exploring how entrepreneurial skills can be systematically integrated into VET and apprenticeship programmes, drawing on experiences from across Europe. Discussions also highlighted the role of local and regional authorities in building effective and inclusive VET and apprenticeship ecosystems, including through partnership building and strategic coordination.

EAfA welcomed members from 12 countries, as well as 13 new members representing employers, industry associations and ITS (Istituti Tecnici Superiori) Academies, reflecting the variety of actors contributing to strong local apprenticeship ecosystems.

Closing the event, Mayor Roberto Gualtieri called for stronger links between theory and practice, greater emphasis on innovation and creativity, and renewed stakeholder cooperation, highlighting the role of networks such as EAfA in connecting public authorities and private actors from the local to the EU level.

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