"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

Revolutionizing growth: EU's smart specialisation strategies unleash regional powerhouses (29/11/2023)

Good ideas could come from anywhere. But how do you ensure that good ideas receive the investments they need to become real? How do you ensure that research and development translate into regional growth? The European Commission adopted the concept of Smart Specialisation as the foundation for the development of regional innovation strategies.

The Council is expected to approve conclusions on the future of Cohesion policy (29/11/2023)

On 30th November, Ministers will exchange views on the closure of the 2014-2020 programming period. The Council will also hold a discussion on cohesion policy and European strategic autonomy.

Castilla y León modernises the forest fire prevention and extinguishing operation with European Funds (29/11/2023)

The inauguration event, on the 21st of November, aimed to highlight how the European Commission and European funds have collaborated in the unprecedented improvement of the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Operative of Castilla y León.

How to be better prepared for the pandemic? An EU-funded project is having the answers (29/11/2023)

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused more than 6.9 million deaths worldwide and parts of our life have come to a halt. Thanks to the European project “Perform-REACT”, the Institute of Environmental Medicine of the Helmholtz Centre in Munich has acquired new high-tech equipment.

European Funds made possible the creation of a new Institute for Applied Research in the Aeronautical Industry in Toledo, Spain (29/11/2023)

With an investment of more than 3.23 million euros, the building that today houses the Institute for Applied Research in the Aeronautical Industry has been refurbished and adapted for research activity through the co-financing of the Castilla La Mancha ERDF 2014-2020 operational programme.

Harnessing Talent: Launch of platform and support for regions in a ‘talent development trap’ (29/11/2023)

Last week, the Commission launched the Harnessing Talent Platform, a new hub for sharing best practices, which will help EU regions attract and retain people with the necessary skills to mitigate the impact of the demographic transition.

The second call for technical assistance of the C4T GROUNDWORK is now open (29/11/2023)

The second call for technical assistance of the Cohesion for Transitions (C4T) Community of Practice, C4T GROUNDWORK, is now open for applications until December 1, 2023, at 23:59 CET. This call is covering all thematic areas of PO2 except SO 2.8 on sustainable urban mobility. If you are interested, apply by completing this EU-Survey.

2023 Regiostars Awards shine a light on outstanding cohesion policy projects (21/11/2023)

Held in Ostrava, Czechia, on 16th November, the 2023 Regiostars Awards celebrated seven inspiring projects that promote economic and social development across Europe, with the support of cohesion policy funding,

A modern cultural hub in Molenbeek supported by the EU is reopening (21/11/2023)

On Friday, November 17, Gemeenschapscentrum Vaartkapoen opened its renovated doors, marking an important moment not only for Molenbeek but also as a proof of the collaborative efforts of the EU in fostering cultural spaces.

Investing in a cleaner environment: new waste installation in Bulgaria (21/11/2023)

On 20th November, the European Commission and Bulgarian institutions opened a new waste installation in Burgas. The EU co-funded the project with EUR 14 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Commission sets out key priorities in the European Semester for the year ahead (22/11/2023)

Yesterday, the Commission launched the 2024 European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination. The Autumn package draws on the Autumn 2023 Economic Forecast which showed that the EU economy continues to be resilient in the face of the multiple shocks endured in recent years.

Opening of the call 'Capacity Building Strand 2b' under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument (21/11/2023)

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals for Capacity Building Strand 2b (I3-2023-CAP2b) under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument on 15 November 2023.

The launch event of the Harnessing Talent Platform will take place tomorrow (22/11/2023)

The event will provide an opportunity to reflect on territorial dimension of policies for attracting, retaining and developing talent and how the underlining demographic transition influences the prosperity of EU’s regions.

Just Transition Fund helps Sweden move towards climate neutrality (15/11/2023)

The EU has set up the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to help the regions who are likely to be hardest hit by the green transition. One JTF-funded project in Sweden is showing how the steel industry can reduce its carbon emissions with hydrogen technology.

Almost EUR 95 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to Italy following the floods in the Emilia-Romagna Region (14/11/2023)

In July 2023 Italy submitted an application for a contribution from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy in May earlier this year.

'The future starts here, in Europe's cities.' says Commissioner Ferreira (15/11/2023)

'Cohesion Policy is here to support your investments in this future. Supporting your local strategies, your social ambitions and your innovative ideas', speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira for the Cities Social Summit High-level panel organised by Eurocities.

EU Annual Budget 2024: EUR 47.9 billion for regional development and cohesion (15/11/2023)

Swift agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) revision, as proposed by the Commission in June 2023, is urgently needed in order to provide the necessary resources for crucial new needs, which cannot be financed under the MFF ceilings as they currently stand.

Just Transition Platform Conference gathered stakeholders to share knowledge in Brussels (14/11/2023)

The eighth edition of the Just Transition Platform (JTP) Conference took place on 23-25 October 2023. Hosted by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the Directorate-General for Energy in co-operation with the European Committee of Regions, the hybrid event brought together over 200 attendees in Brussels and a further 400 online.

Further EUR 73 million in Cohesion Funds used to extend tram network in Bratislava, Slovakia (14/11/2023)

Last week, the Commission has approved Cohesion Policy support of more than EUR 73 million from the 2014-2020 programming period to build the second section of the Šafárik Square-Janíkov dvor tram line. The investment is part of an overall aim to improve public transport in the Petržalka borough of the Slovak capital, Bratislava.

Revolutionizing port operations in Bulgaria with Cohesion Policy (14/11/2023)

Bulgarian ports are getting a major upgrade for efficiency. Yesterday the European Commission and Bulgaria were inaugurating the Port Community System (PCS), which the EU co-funds with EUR 4 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Territorial programmes in Hungary: 40,000 in kindergarten, 2,000 primary healthcare renovated and much more (14/11/2023)

More than 200 local actors gathered in Budapest, Hungary, last week to celebrate their life-changing achievements with the help of EU funds 2014-2020: 10.000 additional places in nurseries, 40.000 in kindergarten, over 2.000 primary healthcare units renovated, 3.700 hectares of new business parks in less developed settlements.

A few extra days to apply for NEB Prizes 2024 - deadline extended to 17 November (14/11/2023)

The deadline for applications to the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024 has been extended to 17 November at 19:00 CET.

Join us for the Harnessing Talent Platform launch event on 23rd November (15/11/2023)

This event will give you the opportunity to learn about the support offered to EU regions by the European Commission through the Talent Booster Mechanism and the Harnessing Talent Platform, among other things.

Smart Regions - the European project PICSA supports sustainable construction and transport in Andalucía (14/11/2023)

Thanks to the PICSA European sustainable construction project supported by the EU’s cohesion policy, thousands of buildings have been thermally insulated in record time in the Spanish region of Andalusia.

Smart Regions - Northern Europe tackles social isolation (14/11/2023)

Seven countries across the European continent; Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Norway, have carried out more than 45 activities to move from isolation to inclusion as part of the European I2I project co-funded by the European Cohesion Policy.

Regions in Europe 2023 gives citizens a closer look at where they live (08/11/2023)

The 2023 edition of the Regions in Europe yearbook provides citizens with an in-depth picture of the demographics, economy and environment of where they live. It provides timely information such as employment rates for graduates, how tech savvy people are, and how climate change is affecting the need for heating and cooling in homes.

Cohesion policy 2.0: navigating towards a stronger, more inclusive Europe (08/11/2023)

At the request of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the EESC offers an insightful perspective on the future of cohesion policy.

The transition towards a greener future of Western Macedonia is the first project supported by the European Union’s Public Sector Loan Facility (07/11/2023)

Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, Paloma Aba Garrote, and George Kasapidis announced that the Socioeconomic Transition of Western Macedonia project has officially entered into force on the 27th of October with the signing of a Grant Agreement by all parties.

Commissioner Elisa Ferreira's speech at the REGI Interparliamentary committee meeting (08/11/2023)

The Future of Cohesion Policy post 2027: discover the opportunities, challenges and next steps discussed at the European Parliament.

Spanning the whole of Hungary – EU funds build 670 kms of road, rail, tram and metro lines (07/11/2023)

On 6 November 2023, the European Commission’s Directorate for Regional and Urban Policy attended the closure event of Hungary’s cohesion policy programme 2014-2020 for Transport.

Cohesion policy funds help modernise Elin Pelin – Kostenets Railway Section in Bulgaria (07/11/2023)

The modernization of the Sofia-Plovdiv railway line has reached another crucial milestone with the stone-laying ceremony which took place on 30 October 2023 in Ihtiman.

C4T Forum to be held in Brussels and online on 21-22 November (08/11/2023)

After the success of the C4T Community of Practice Conference in June, we are pleased to announce that the first edition of the C4T Forum will take place in Brussels and online on 21-22 November2023.

Cohesion policy: a closer look at awareness and impact (25/10/2023)

Eurobarometer survey confirms Europeans have a positive view of EU regional funding. With consistent awareness levels of 39% across Europe, this article scrutinizes the nuanced perspectives and tangible benefits experienced by Member States.

Danube Forum 2023: focus on enlargement and common challenges in the Danube macro-region (25/10/2023)

The Danube Forum 2023 takes place on 24-25 October in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, and is co-organised by the Republic of Slovenia, the European Commission and the Danube Region Programme.

Just Transition Platform Conference meets in Brussels and online to discuss how to make the green transition work for all (25/10/2023)

On Monday the 23rd, the 8th edition of the Just Transition Platform Conference kicked-off in Brussels. The Conference is an opportunity to share views and experiences on the just transition, focusing on the implementation process and taking stock of achievements so far.

Chapter 22 'Regional Policy', screened as part of the accession negotiations process with Albania. (25/10/2023)

The European Commission conducted a bilateral meeting within the framework of the screening process with Albania. Experts from DG Regional and Urban Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, along with public authorities from Albania, have initiated the examination of EU laws and policies under Chapter 22: Regional Policy.

Cohesion Policy Funds help to open new Centre of Energy and Environmental Technology - Explorer in Czechia (25/10/2023)

On October 24, in Ostrava, the Commission and Czechia inaugurated a new research facility – the Energy and Environment Technology Centre – Explorer (CEETe) – which will bring the EU closer to its ambitious climate goals and will support the Moravia-Silesia region in its transition away from coal.

Physics Nobel prize winners’ work is closely intertwined with EU funded research institute (25/10/2023)

Thanks to EU support, the work of Nobel prize winners in Hungary is made possible! The ELI-ALPS Laser Research Centre is one of the pillars of this infrastructure which was built in Szeged and is one of the largest scientific investments in Europe, with support from the European Union.

Keynote speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the Conference "Evaluating EU Cohesion policy – challenges and opportunities" (25/10/2023)

Keynote speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the Conference "Evaluating EU Cohesion policy – challenges and opportunities", European Court of Auditors.

Romania: Opening of the public vote for: "Regio, passport for development in South-Muntenia!" (25/10/2023)

The South-Muntenia Regional Development Agency organises the contest "Regio, passport for development in South-Muntenia!”. You can register to vote until the 1st of November 2023!

EU Legal tool to solve border obstacles - Call for Evidence open until mid November (25/10/2023)

The European Parliament has recently adopted a resolution with recommendations to the Commission on amending the proposed mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context (2022/2194(INL)). Stakeholders are called to provide evidence they consider to be relevant to inform the legislative process.

Join the Harnessing Talent Platform launch event (23/11/2023)

Join us online for the Harnessing Talent Platform launch event on November 23rd, 09:00 – 18:00 CET! This event is an opportunity to learn about the support offered to EU regions through the Talent Booster mechanism and the Harnessing Talent Platform. It also provides the occasion to reflect on policies for attracting, retaining and developing talent and gain insights from experts on key trends and best practices.

The #EURegionsWeek 2023 helps to shape the future of Cohesion policy (18/10/2023)

The 21st European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek) – the biggest event dedicated to EU Cohesion policy – took place in Brussels from 9-12 October to discuss challenges facing regions and cities, and solutions.

REGIOSTARS Public Choice Award: One Month Left To Vote for Your Favourite Project (18/10/2023)

30 projects are competing to become one of the seven Regiostars winner of this year. We invite you to get to know the finalists and vote for your three favourites projects.

Voices of young people: take part of the EUSAIR consultation to shape policies (18/10/2023)

A vast consultation is open to young people to express their views on cooperation in the Adriatic and Ionian Region. This consultation will be open until 6 November 2023.

European Union contributes €4.5 million to the creation of the Tecnico Innovation Centre (18/10/2023)

In October, the city of Lisbon will witness the inauguration of the "Tecnico Innovation Centre", an infrastructure for the development and transfer of technology, which rehabilitates and requalifies the old buildings left over from the Arco do Cego bus station.

Janssen Pharmaceutica's sustainable energy initiative: a European partnership (18/10/2023)

Janssen Pharmaceutica has taken a remarkable step towards sustainability by launching a geothermal power plant on its Beerse Campus. This initiative is supported by the European Union that holds paramount importance in the pursuit of environmental objectives.

Opening of the Regional Centre of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality in Zabok, Croatia (18/10/2023)

The Regional Competence Center (RCC) in Tourism and Hospitality opened its doors in Zabok. Zabok High School has successfully completed the project titled "Regional Competence Center in Tourism and Hospitality Zabok."

Opening of the first Bulgarian Centre for Scientific Excellence in the Field of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (18/10/2023)

Last week, the European Commission and Bulgaria inaugurated the country’s first Centre for Scientific Excellence in the Field of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. The EU co-financed the development of the centre with €13 million from the ERDF and €13 million from the Horizon 2020 programme.

The EU dedicates €118 billion to climate change projects through cohesion policy (11/10/2023)

Recognising the urgency of achieving Europe’s climate change targets, the EU is investing one-third of its cohesion policy budget in regional projects to reduce emissions and help countries, businesses and people adapt to new realities.

Citizens’ awareness of EU regional policy (11/10/2023)

The Flash Eurobarometer on Citizens’ Awareness and perception of EU regional policy is run every two years. The latest edition shows that the positive perception levels remain high in many EU countries.

European Week of Regions and Cities puts the spotlight on Cohesion Policy and its role in supporting regions face the effects of Russia's war on Ukraine (11/10/2023)

On 9th October, at the press conference launching the 21st European Week of Regions and Cities, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira and the President of the Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, came together to underline the crucial role that Cohesion Policy has been playing in mitigating the effects of the energy crisis and in providing help to those fleeing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as to the people and regions welcoming them.

Over EUR 1 billion of EU Solidarity Fund assistance invested in reconstruction after the earthquakes in Croatia (11/10/2023)

The implementation of the EU Solidarity Fund assistance in Croatia is a European success story. The earthquakes in 2020-2021 damaged around 26,000 buildings in Zagreb, Petrinja and the Sisak-Moslavina county.

Pompeii restored thanks to a €78 million investment in Cohesion Policy Funds (11/10/2023)

Last week marked the end of the successful “Grande Progetto Pompei”, a major project to restore the Pompeii archaeological site, a global tourist attraction, cultural landmark, and a driver for the local economy. The project lasted 10 years and received more than €78 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

#EURegionsWeek - Join us online (11/10/2023)

With 312 sessions, over 451 speakers from across the EU and beyond, 256 hours of interactive conferences, 12 high-level sessions, including a Citizens' Dialogue with the Commissioner, and 49 stands showcasing stories and testimonials of projects on the ground, the EURegionsWeek promises to have something for everyone. Follow key sessions live online.

Commissioner Ferreira in Italy to visit Cohesion funded projects and sites (04/10/2023)

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira travels to Italy from 4 to 6 October.

A Brussels landmark is transformed into a cultural, commercial and tourist hub (04/10/2023)

EU funding has helped transform a Brussels landmark previously used as a stock exchange into a tribute to Belgium’s beer tradition, which UNESCO has recognised as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.

The Spanish Presidency stimulates debate on the future of EU Cohesion Policy (04/10/2023)

EU cohesion ministers have reflected on the challenges facing this policy, derived from the new geopolitical, social and economic reality in which the Union finds itself, during the second day of the informal ministerial meeting on General Affairs held in Murcia.

JTP Groundwork event in Médio Tejo, Portugal explores economic diversification and investment opportunities (03/10/2023)

In 2023, the European Commission launched JTP GROUNDWORK, a new technical assistance tool under the Just Transition Platform (JTP). It supports Just Transition Fund regions to implement their Territorial Just Transition Plans. Six beneficiaries (covering nine JTF regions) are currently receiving support from the first call of JTP GROUNDWORK, including Médio Tejo in the Centro region of Portugal.

Smart Regions: Project “Ecomare” protects marine biodiversity and provides care to injured animals (03/10/2023)

The ECOMARE project in Aveiro, Portugal, has two objectives: Sustainability and the conservation and rehabilitation of marine life.

€61 million for the upgrade of a railway line between Gdynia and Slupsk in Polish region (03/10/2023)

The Commission has approved an investment of more than €61 million from the 2014-2020 Cohesion Fund to upgrade railway line 202 in the Gdynia-Chylonia-Słupsk section.

The New European Bauhaus Prizes are back - Applications are open (03/10/2023)

Applications are now open for the fourth edition of the New European Bauhaus Prizes.

Eurostat’s regional yearbook 2023 is out! (03/10/2023)

In Eurostat’s 70th year, the regional yearbook focuses on the European Year of Skills, which aims to support individuals to get the right skills for quality jobs and help businesses address skills shortages.

The Harnessing Talent Platform supports the European Year of Skills (27/09/2023)

The European Year of Skills is creating awareness about and encouraging solutions to the shortage of skilled workers in many regions. The Harnessing Talent Platform is one of the tools the European Commission has developed to help Europe’s regions promote, retain and attract the talents that their economies lack.

Regional Innovation Valley - Matchmaking map now available (27/09/2023)

On 6 September 2023, the Commission published a matchmaking map highlighting European regions that have expressed their interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley by applying to the call for expression of interest launched in March 2023.

EU funds innovation "SPACE" for content and technology industry in Hamburg's Speicherstadt (Germany) (27/09/2023)

A new EU project has opened its doors: "SPACE" - a newly created innovation hub in Hamburg's famous Speicherstadt will help companies, startups and freelancers to foster collaboration, organize events and workshops, and promote knowledge transfer and collaboration between the content and creative technology industries.

EURegionsWeek 2023: Register and join the discussion (27/09/2023)

The 21st edition of the biggest Brussels-based event dedicated to Cohesion policy takes place from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 October 2023 at the SQUARE Convention Centre.

High-level Rural Policy Forum “Shaping the future of rural areas” takes place on 27-29 September in Sigüenza, Spain (27/09/2023)

The Forum will bring together in Castilla-La Mancha stakeholders from EU’s rural areas and high-level participants, including Commissioner Ferreira and several EU Ministers.

5 reasons to celebrate transnational cooperation with Interreg Baltic Sea Region (20/09/2023)

From the northern polar lights to the southern mountain views, from the east to the west, the Baltic Sea brings us together. Just like the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, which has driven transnational cooperation for the past 25 years. Here are 5 good reasons for you to join our anniversary celebrations!

Commissioner Ferreira visits Estonia and Finland to discuss EU regional support (19/09/2023)

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira traveled to Estonia and Finland. From 18 September, she will be in Estonia meeting with the Estonian Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev, and the Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kölvart.

Speech by Commissioner Ferreira on amending the proposed mechanism to resolve obstacles in a cross-border context (20/09/2023)

"The Commission welcomes the Parliament's objective to find solutions to cross-border challenges: we agree that all Europeans, wherever they live, should reap the full benefits of EU integration." said Commissioner Ferreira.

Europe Unveils Cutting-Edge Scientific Marvel: ELI ALPS Laser Facility (19/09/2023)

In a momentous inauguration ceremony, Europe has revealed its latest scientific gem, the Extreme Light Infrastructure Attosecond Light Pulse Source (ELI ALPS). This groundbreaking project, hailed as one of the largest scientific investments in Europe, has officially opened its doors to researchers.

EU funds help Sámi people preserve their traditions (19/09/2023)

The territory of Sámi people, which they call Sápmi, extends over two EU countries, Sweden and Finland, and two countries outside the EU, Norway and Russia.

Deadline extension - Join the Working groups supporting the development of talent in Europe (19/09/2023)

Don’t miss out this Open Call to be part of our 4 Working groups on the topics of: Digital, Health, Research & Innovation and Territorial. Apply before September 22nd.

Seminar on Tackling Border Obstacles through and beyond Interreg on 26 September (19/09/2023)

On 26 September 2023, join the webinar “Tackling border obstacles and joining forces!” organised by Interact in partnership with the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR).