Welcome to the 5th year of partnership with Euronews, which today is broadcasting the first episode of the new season of Real Economy. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Cohesion Policy, this year we will focus on the macro-economic policies in Europe that have an impact on the daily lives of the citizens, looking for solutions that work. The series kicks off with an episode produced with DG REGIO on "Transforming regions to compete in a globalized world".

The episode  provides an overview of how regions need to modernise their economies and create value in a globalised world. Further investments are needed especially in innovation, and decarbonisation. There is a need for continued support for all regions to focus on the promotion of new approaches, re-orientating private and public investments to address the challenges posed by the shift to the low carbon economy.

The episode shows the city of Katowice in the coal region of Silesia in Poland and its successful transition from coal and heavy industry sites to diversify its economic activities and develop R&D.  It is already the second R&D region in Poland and the best place for firms' investments.  Silesia has been chosen by the European Commission as a candidate for the pilot initiative “Coal Regions in Transition Platform”, launched this week.

Coming up in March the second episode on Regional Policy will focus on the EU’s richest regions: " What’s In It For Europe’s Rich Nations: Contributing More For Overall Gains". Only through investment can the EU show it is making a difference in citizens’ lives. With a large proportion of the EU budget and significant national contributions, Cohesion Policy is the EU’s most powerful investment tool.

Euronews - Real Economy