"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

NEB Festival: A new possibility to showcase sustainable, beautiful and inclusive projects co-funded from the cohesion policy (15/02/2022)

The New European Bauhaus Festival brings together people from all walks of life to debate and shape our future. A future that is sustainable, inclusive and beautiful. It is a great opportunity to network, exchange and celebrate – from science to art, from design to politics, from architecture to technology.

REACT-EU: €206 million for the recovery, the green and digital transition in Austria, Germany, Malta and France (14/02/2022)

Thanks to the 2022 tranche of grants under the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU), four Member States are now receiving additional resources of €206 million to strengthen their health systems and to boost the green and digital transitions in their regions.

Creating sustainable waterways in North-West Europe: The Interreg Green WIN project (16/02/2022)

The transnational Interreg North-West Europe programme supports the Greener Waterway Infrastructure (Green WIN) project’s mission to decarbonise water transport.

Applications and Nominations for the Island Innovation Awards are still open! (14/02/2022)

In partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative, the Island Innovation Awards will recognize individuals, organizations and projects driving positive change for remote and island communities globally.

How to engage citizens in shaping Cohesion Policy action (16/02/2022)

This is the second of the three articles on projects involving citizens in the design, monitoring and assessment of how EU cohesion funds are spent in their region. Discover six more projects, and how you can be among the first to hear about DG REGIO’s next steps to enhance citizen engagement.

New Cohesion Report shows that differences between EU regions are narrowing thanks to EU support (09/02/2022)

The 8th Cohesion Report shows that Cohesion policy has helped to narrow territorial and social disparities between regions in the EU. Thanks to Cohesion funding, the GDP per capita of less developed regions is expected to increase by up to 5% by 2023.

The next step towards the 2021-2027 Interreg programmes’ adoption has been taken (09/02/2022)

The European Commission has adopted two Implementing Acts regarding Interreg programmes.

Join the mayors dialogue to face the green challenge in MED regions (08/02/2022)

Global warming is impacting Mediterranean territories, and the role of local and regional governments is crucial. An online dialogue among mayors from several Mediterranean regions will highlight strategies to deal with this challenge. Join it!

CONNECT2CE facilitates cross-border transport thanks to Interreg Central Europe (07/02/2022)

Guided by Interreg Central Europe’s motto “Taking cooperation forward”, the project successfully tackled the challenge of establishing public transport links between regional, peripheral and cross-border areas .

EU helps breathe new life into neglected buildings and spaces (09/02/2022)

A wide range of EU resources is helping cities breathe new life into neglected buildings and areas, transforming them from eyesores into assets. The support is boosting urban renewal, sustainability, social inclusion and more, benefiting both people and the planet.

Three ways the European Investment Bank fosters cohesion across the EU (02/02/2022)

From digitalisation to greening cities, here are three stories of how the EIB is boosting regional economic development, reducing disparities between EU regions, and improving living standards for all.

Italy has officially taken over the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (01/02/2022)

During the kick-off event on 26 January, the Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano/Bozen and Trento officially took over the Presidency of EUSALP on behalf of Italy for the year 2022.

I3 calls: Extension of submission deadline for the 1st cut off until 22 February 2022 (01/02/2022)

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) has announced a corrigendum to the I3 calls for proposals under the Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) instrument.

Beyond Borders Breakfast Debates - European Youth for Cross-border Cooperation (02/02/2022)

Following the success of the five episodes of the ‘Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debate’ series in 2021, the next edition will take place on 3 February 2022, and focus on the role of youth in cross-border cooperation.

Slovenia’s Tehnopark Celje brings science closer to people (26/01/2022)

A building that once housed an iconic former department store in the centre of Slovenia’s third largest city has come back to life with a fresh appearance and new content to become the country’s largest park for promoting science, technology and innovation and a place where science lives.

Join the SEArica conference on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (25/01/2022)

Promoting research and innovation in blue economy sectors, to adapt to sustainable seafood production/consumption and to improve sea basin governance is essential to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal.

SAVE THE DATE: Join us at the 2nd Borders Forum – 21-22 June (25/01/2022)

DG REGIO, the Committee of the Regions and “Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière” (MOT) have the pleasure to announce the organisation of the second edition of the Borders Forum, on June 21 and 22, 2022 at the Cité Internationale Universitaire in Paris. The event will also be broadcasted online.

Creating equal societies (25/01/2022)

Equality and diversity are a top priority for the European Commission. To fight discrimination and push for more equal societies, the Commission has adopted a proactive approach, with targeted action plans and measures.

Stories from the regions: The Pyrénées region and young immigrants build a common future (26/01/2022)

This episode of Stories from the Regions takes us to the Hautes-Pyrénées region near Tarbes to shine a light on the POCTEFA AVENIR project between France and Spain, which offers young immigrants language courses, professional training and practical workshops to experience life in a mountainous region.

Youth4Regions series - ep. 4: How we got out of our comfort zones (19/01/2022)

Youth4Regions is the European Commission programme that helps journalism students and young journalists discover what the EU is doing in their region. This series is a selection of the best articles resuming the experience of four participants during the EU Regions Week. This fourth article of our series is written by Xoel Rodríguez Poy.

New European Bauhaus: applications open for the 2022 Prizes (19/01/2022)

Applications for the 2022 New European Bauhaus prizes are now open.

Good Governance for EU Regional Policy (18/01/2022)

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy is organising four events about good governance for EU regional policy in February and March 2022.

Commission opens €1 million call for proposals for higher education institutions teaching journalism (18/01/2022)

The Commission seeks potential beneficiaries that will develop a curriculum and teaching materials for a course on the European Union and on EU Cohesion policy for journalism students, set up a deployment strategy, create a network of education institutions and implement the course.

Smart Regions: The European project “Mittstråket” is enabling green transport along the Nordic corridor (19/01/2022)

In order to allow people living in sparsely populated areas to travel and move in an eco-friendly way, the European project “Mittstråket” has installed charging stations for electric vehicles along the “Middle Route” E14”.

REACT-EU: €382.7 million to help Spain's regions fighting the coronavirus pandemic and supporting a digital and green transition (18/01/2022)

The Commission has granted €382.7 million under the 2022 tranche of REACT-EU to support the recovery and the digital and green transition of Spain.

New mobility services drive healthier cities (12/01/2022)

EU policies and projects are helping cities to roll out transport choices that improve air quality and public health.

EURegionsWeek 2022: invitation to the kick off meeting (11/01/2022)

We are busy shaping the 20th edition of the EURegionsWeek 2022. Year after year, the number of applications is increasing and it is therefore becoming even more challenging to keep high-level content.

Making fishers the guardians of the marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea (11/01/2022)

The Interreg Mediterranean transnational programme supports the development of a participatory approach between fishers and Marine Protected Areas

Few more days to apply to the 2nd edition - European Heritage Youth Ambassadors (11/01/2022)

The European Heritage Youth Ambassador Programme calls for students and young people from all over Europe and beyond to share their stories and experiences in the heritage field, relevant for EU Macro Regional Strategies stakeholders working in both tourism and youth matters.

New factsheets: Analysis of the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Outermost Regions (12/01/2022)

Nine factsheets, one per Outermost Region, provide region-specific analysis of the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth4Regions series - ep. 3: Dancing dots and tango lessons (05/01/2022)

Youth4Regions is the European Commission programme that helps journalism students and young journalists discover what the EU is doing in their region. This series is a selection of the best articles resuming the experience of four participants during the EU Regions Week. This third article of our series is written by the storyteller Vicky Hristova.

Smart Regions: Floating islands help fight polluting nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous in the South Baltic Sea area (05/01/2022)

The European project “Live Lagoons” is developing floating wetlands made up of reed and willow, which are cleaning waters in the South Baltic area from nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorous. By doing so, they help fight an excessive growth of algae, oxygen depletion, loss of biodiversity and odour issues.

Commission supports Croatia with €319 million (04/01/2022)

The Commission has adopted the financing decision awarding €319 million of EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) support to Croatia following the devastating series of earthquakes that hit Sisak-Moslavina, Karlovac and Zagreb Counties in December 2020 and January 2021.

Using blockchain to track reindeers? (05/01/2022)

The Kolarctic ENI Cross-Border DIT4BEARS project makes it possible! ENI CBC Kolarctic programme supports the project which uses disruptive technologies to address the needs of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region.

Commission grants €354.8 million for Spain through REACT-EU for crisis response and repair (04/01/2022)

The Commission has approved €354.8 million under the 2022 tranche of REACT-EU to support the recovery and to pave the way for the digital and green transition of Spain.

€314.35 million for Poland, Hungary and Martinique for crisis repair and recovery measures (04/01/2022)

The Commission has granted €314.35 million to Poland, Hungary and Martinique under the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU) following the modification of three Operational Programmes (OP) of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and one amendment of the European Social Fund (ESF).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (21/12/2021)

DG REGIO wishes you a joyous Holiday season and a happy and safe New Year. We will be back on 5th January with the latest Cohesion policy news and new Panorama stories. Stay tuned and see you soon!

Cities are invited to join the Mission '100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030' (21/12/2021)

The Commission launched a call for expression of interest addressed to cities to join the European Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. The objectives of the mission are to achieve 100 climate-neutral and smart European cities by 2030.

Long-term vision for rural areas: launch of Rural Pact (21/12/2021)

The Commission is launching the Rural Pact, an initiative, which was announced in its Long-term Vision for the Rural Areas presented in June 2021.

2021 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (21/12/2021)

Report shows European Structural and Investment Funds have European added value by supporting investment and helping companies, workers and citizens in coping with the pandemic

From ideas to action: cross-border cooperation and the green transition (21/12/2021)

The EU’s path toward decarbonisation is not straightforward, or perfectly predictable, but we need to advance quickly. Interreg funding, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is making a difference by providing support for a generation of ground-breaking solutions to achieve that goal, writes Alessia Baratto.

Cyprus: Nicosia inaugurates Eleftheria Square after EU-funded facelift (15/12/2021)

Central Nicosia’s Eleftheria Square is set has been officially inaugurated on 10 December following an extensive makeover that was co-funded by the EU, marking a major milestone in efforts to revitalise the Cypriot capital.

Territorial cohesion in the Baltic Sea Region through the maritime spatial planning (15/12/2021)

An interview by Rafal Rolka of Mr Joacim Johannesson from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and Ms Natalia Zając from the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure about their opinions on the process of Maritime spatial planning (MSP) development and coordination in the Baltic Sea Region.

Youth4Regions series - ep. 2: The invisibility of the European Union (15/12/2021)

Youth4Regions is the European Commission programme that helps journalism students and young journalists discover what the EU is doing in their region. This series is a selection of the best articles resuming the experience of 4 participants during the #EURegionsWeek. This second article of our series questions the real visibility of the event.

Vote for the the 20th #EURegionsWeek branding (15/12/2021)

We invite you to shape with us the #EURegionsWeek 2022, 20th anniversary edition! The vote is yours for the #EURegionsWeek new Branding 2022, do not miss the opportunity to contribute and vote by Friday 7 January!

Protecting the ecosystem of beautiful Petite Terre in Guadeloupe (15/12/2021)

The French nature reserve of Petite Terre in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Sea is an attraction for tourists with its beautiful beaches and its beautiful landscape. However, Petite Terre is also at risk.

Let talk about recovery in border regions of Interreg NEXT programmes (15/12/2021)

Today, on 15 December, representatives of the European Union institutions, of the Committee of the Regions, and the European Parliament, will discuss online about cooperation with countries of the Eastern Partnership.

Projects helping citizens shape Cohesion Policy (08/12/2021)

Eighteen pioneering projects are empowering citizens to discover, design, monitor and assess how EU cohesion funds are spent in their region. Here, we take a closer look at this initiative promoting government-citizen partnership, and six of its innovative projects.

Youth4Regions series - ep. 1: Europe on the move (08/12/2021)

Youth4Regions is the European Commission programme that helps journalism students and young journalists discover what the EU is doing in their region. In 2021, we received 354 applications and we selected 33 participants. This series is a selection of the best articles resuming the experience of four participants during the EU Regions Week and the Youth4Regions programme.

Brexit Adjustment Reserve: Commission approves €920.4 million pre-financing for Ireland (08/12/2021)

The European Commission has adopted the decision to allocate funding from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to Ireland, for a total of €920.4 million.

EU financial instruments supported European SMEs during the coronavirus crises with €29 billion in 2020 (08/12/2021)

The Commission has published the Annual Summary Report on the implementation of financial instruments in 2020. The report shows that financial instruments have supported European small and medium sized companies (SMEs) and other recipients for a total of €29 billion in 2020.

Webinar: Mainstreaming strategic public procurement to foster regional development (08/12/2021)

This event is a part of joint DG REGIO and OECD pilot project and aims at exploring how a more strategic approach to public procurement can bring greener solutions and more innovation. The conference will be held virtually on 15 December 2021 from 10:00 to 12:00 (CET). This event will take place on Zoom - REGISTER NOW!

Survey to identify capacity building needs (08/12/2021)

Please fill in a survey to identify capacity building needs of coordinating, managing and audit authorities, as well as intermediate and other bodies managing Cohesion policy programmes. The survey is open until 23 December 2021 at 4 pm CET