skip to main content
Newsroom

Overview

Evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives: Have your say!

The Commission has published a call for evidence and a public consultation on the Public Procurement Directives. The Commission invites interested parties to express their views on whether the directives have effectively achieved their objectives, among them fostering a high level of competition in the single market, increasing SMEs’ participation in procurement procedures, ensuring transparency and promoting a greener, more social and innovative EU economy. The contributions will feed into the Commission’s evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives. The call for evidence and public consultation will be open until 7 March. Share your insights and help shape the future of EU public procurement!

Survey on the needs of Programme Authorities re. Strategic Public Procurement

As part of the Pilot Project on Promoting the Uptake of Strategic Public Procurement in European Union funded projects, please respond to the survey on the needs of Programme Authorities. (link to the survey: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/SPPsurvey). Learn more about the Pilot Project at the 12/09 information session (see previous item).

 
Bridging Gaps: New country-specific factsheets

The "Bridging Gaps" publication, about the achievements of the 2014-2020 Programming period is now available in the format of country-specific factsheets, translated in each of the EU Member states languages. Take a look at our catalog and take your pick!

 
Training on Strategic Public Procurement (20-21 May 2026 - In Brussels)

The training provides practical insight into Green, Social and Innovative Public Procurement, as well as into the latest developments in the PP legislative framework (such as international issues, crisis management). Participants: practitioners in Programme Authorities: managing authorities/ intermediate bodies/ audit authorities in the EU Member States. Free of charge, online, in English. Registration is open for the next IN PERSON session on 20-21 May 2026 (2 full days). Register here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/TrainingSPP-May2026-Registration

Training on how to avoid most common errors in Public Procurement (21-23 April 2026 - Online)

DG REGIO puts forward a new training module on Public Procurement: how to avoid most common errors.This training module is designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of public procurement errors within the context of EU Cohesion Policy-funded programmes and projects. It aims to improve participants awareness and operational knowledge to reduce the error rate linked to PP procedures. The training is designed for participants from Cohesion Policy Funds managing authorities/ intermediate bodies/ audit authorities in the EU Member States and is provided free of charge. Authorities in each Member State are kindly invited to nominate technical level experts, having at least 2 years of experience in Cohesion Policy Funds, to participate in the training. Please note the training is provided in English. Format: 3 half days online in EN, free of charge. Registrations are open: hhttps://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/TrainingPPerrors-April2026-Registration

Training on Strategic Public Procurement (2-5 March 2026 - Online)

The training provides practical insight into Green, Social and Innovative Public Procurement, as well as into the latest developments in the PP legislative framework (such as international issues, crisis management). Participants: practitioners in Programme Authorities: managing authorities/ intermediate bodies/ audit authorities in the EU Member States. Free of charge, online, in English. Registration is open for the next online session on 2-5 March 2026 (4 half-days). Register here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/TrainingSPP-March2026-Registration

Stories & snapshots from Tallinn

Catch the good vibes of Tallinn in this short and sweet 47-minute recap video (just kidding...). You can watch it on Teams by clicking below or find the most recent post in the INFORM EU Teams group.

 
President von der Leyen on the announcement of universal tariffs by the US

In her recent statement, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs, including those affecting the EU, highlighting the potential severe repercussions for the global economy. She emphasised that such measures could lead to increased uncertainties and significant economic challenges worldwide.

 
Pitch Your Project 2025: applications are open!

Do you have an idea that could shape the future of the Alpine Region and need support to bring it to life? Apply now for a chance to travel to Innsbruck and win up to 5000€ to help implement your project! Three winners will receive prizes by the Région Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The competition will remain open for applications until 8 October 2025 at 23:59.

 
Call for proposals - Setting up an Integrity Pacts Helpdesk

Following the successful conclusion of the Integrity Pacts Pilot Project, 15 Member States have committed to implement and/or encourage the uptake of Integrity Pacts in more of their projects. The Commission wants to support them in this effort by launching this call for proposals to Civil Society Organisations (CSO) to set up up an "IP Helpdesk". Individual CSOs or consortia led by a CSO are invited to submit their proposals before 02/04/2024 – at 18:00.

Call for Proposals - Setting up an Integrity Pacts Helpdesk (deadline 2 April 2024)

Following the success of the Integrity Pacts Pilot Project (2015-2022), 15 Member States have committed to implement and/or encourage Integrity Pacts in their projects. The Commission wants to support them by launching this call to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to set up an “Integrity Pact Helpdesk”. Individual CSOs or consortia led by a CSO are invited to submit their proposal before 02/04/2024, at 18:00.

Call for expression of interest for programme authorities to participate in a Pilot action on Improving the attraction, development and retention of key skills in the Cohesion Policy management and control system

DG REGIO in cooperation with the OECD is launching a Pilot action on Improving the attraction, development and retention of key skills in the Cohesion Policy management and control system. Up to six programme authorities, wishing to take advantage of expertise support to build workforce planning capability in preparation for the post 2027-period, will be selected to participate in this Pilot action. More details on this Pilot action will be provided in the call for expression of interest, which will be published within the next week: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest_en

€252 M Committed to 19 Just Transition Projects

Under the Public Sector Loan Facility, 19 public projects across 12 Member States have been selected for €252 million in grant support to help regions most affected by the shift to climate neutrality, covering investments from renewable energy and grid upgrades to sustainable transport and social infrastructure.

 
Cohesion Policy Evaluation Conference: registrations are open!

Join the 10th Conference on the Evaluation of EU Cohesion Policy on 12 February 2026 in Brussels for a one-day, in-person exchange on the latest evaluation findings from the 2014–2020 and 2021–2027 periods—featuring high-level discussions, thematic sessions, and a Member State poster exhibition at the Conference Centre Albert Borschette.

 
Are you the next Cities Forum host?

The upcoming 7th edition of the Cities Forum in 2027 is looking for a dynamic host city. This is a unique opportunity for cities to contribute to key discussions on the urban dimension of Cohesion policy and to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable urban development. All interested EU cities are invited to apply.

 
Climate-related disasters know no borders: why European territorial cooperation is key

In an era of increasing climate-related disasters, one thing is clear: floods, fires, and other extreme climate-related events do not stop at borders. Dr. Nicola Tollin, a leading expert in urban resilience with over 20 years of international experience, shares powerful insights on how cities can better manage climate-related disaster risks and build long-term resilience.

 
#EURegionsWeek 2021: registrations opening in August

All selected partners are currently working hard on preparing their event: they are identifying their speakers and moderators, defining precise content and structure, making some videos… The full programme of the 300 sessions will be published on our website on 23 August. Register to your favourite sessions as of 30 August.

 
EVP Fitto introduces the EU Agenda for Cities

In the wake of the announcement of the EU Agenda for Cities, EVP Fitto takes to LinkedIn to address the needs of European cities and Urban areas which prompted the launch of the EU Agenda for Cities. Watch the video!

 
A Practical Playbook for Harnessing Talent

How can regions across Europe attract, retain, and develop the talent they need for future growth? The report highlights concrete results and, crucially, it confirms the relevance of Cohesion Policy’s place-based, participatory, and integrated approach to address talent challenges.

 
Mapping seagrass: Interreg for a healthier Black Sea Basin

Seagrass meadows, vital for marine biodiversity and climate action, are vanishing fast. The EfxINNOs project, classified as an Operation of Strategic Importance under Interreg Black Sea Basin Programme, is mapping and monitoring them across borders.

 
NEW: The Integrity Pacts Knowledge Hub has been launched

The Integrity Pact Knowledge Hub is an online resource that gathers relevant information about the Integrity Pacts in a single location. You can explore examples of Integrity Pact implementation practices and related details across 28 different countries worldwide through an interactive map. In this page, you also find sections with frequently asked questions as well as resources and tools to help you carry out analysis, policy development, and set up new initiatives – whether you work in government, international institutions or civil society. The IP Knowledge hub has been developed by Transparency International as part of the Integrity Pacts helpdesk supporting Programme Authorities in implementing Integrity Pacts to monitor Public Procurement project financed by EU Cohesion Policy Funds.