"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

What matters for people is the contribution that the EU makes where they live (21/12/2022)

Karolina Kottova, Head of the Communication Unit at DG Regio, participated in the Inform EU network’s third plenary meeting in Evora, Portugal. She shares with Panorama her thoughts on linking communication about EU investments in different fields, tips for successful campaigns and challenges to promoting funding opportunities.

A new data story on regional demographic trends in the EU (21/12/2022)

This new story shows how population reductions are affecting more and more regions in the EU. The main driver of population reductions is the growing negative natural change in the EU.

Interreg transnational programmes supporting maritime activities across Europe and beyond (21/12/2022)

From the Northern Periphery and Arctic - through the Baltic and the Black Sea – to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Interreg transnational cooperation programmes help protect natural ecosystems, promote the blue economy, and work towards climate neutrality by 2050.

Cohesion policy is a key pillar supporting regions to tackle the consequences of the war in Ukraine (16/12/2022)

Cohesion policy plays a major part in yesterday’s provisional agreement of the Council and the European Parliament on the RePowerEU proposal, which aims to end Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. RePowerEU aims at diversifying energy supplies and boosting the independence and security of the Union’s energy supply.

Apply to the fi-compass Showcase Award 2023 (16/12/2022)

Submissions are now open for the fi-compass Showcase Award 2023. A unique opportunity to share and promote financial instrument success stories.

€1 billion for a just climate transition in Italy (21/12/2022)

Italy will receive €1 billion under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) following the adoption of its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP).

€718.5 million to support seven Member States following devastating natural disasters of 2021 (16/12/2022)

€718.5 million will be granted under the EU Solidarity Fund to help seven Member States recover the damages of the devastating natural disasters of 2021 following the agreement by the European Parliament and the Council on 14 December

More than €9.3 million for a just climate transition in Luxembourg (21/12/2022)

Today, the European Commission has approved the Territorial Just Transition Plans for Luxembourg, paving the way for investments of more than €9.3 million from the Just Transition Fund.

Almost €3 billion for Belgium's green and digital transition and economic development in 2021-2027 (16/12/2022)

Belgium will receive almost €3 billion in Cohesion Policy funding in 2021-2027 to accelerate its green and digital transition and support the development of a competitive, innovative and inclusive economy.

€169 million for a just climate transition in Ireland (21/12/2022)

An amount of €169 million will be invested in Ireland thanks to the approval of its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) with support from the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

€223.8 million for a just climate transition in Portugal (16/12/2022)

Portugal will receive more than €223.8 million under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) following today’s adoption of three multi-fund programmes that include the Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTP).

REACT-EU: €1.8 billion to boost employment, healthcare and social inclusion in Spain (21/12/2022)

Spain will receive an additional €1.8 billion under REACT-EU to boost employment, healthcare and social inclusion.

More than €258 million for a just climate transition in Slovenia (16/12/2022)

Slovenia will receive more than €258 million under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) following the adoption of the single Cohesion Policy programme that includes its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP).

€273 million for a just climate transition in Lithuania (16/12/2022)

Thanks to the adoption of its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) Lithuania will receive €273 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support a just climate transition to a more attractive and greener economy.

Meet Spain’s award-winning ERDF projects! (14/12/2022)

The Spanish annual communication event on regional policy and European funds was hosted by the Spanish general secretary of European funds of the Ministry of Finance on 29th November. It rewards the achievements and best communication practices of projects co-financed by EU funds, that strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion across European regions.

Smart Regions: A European project makes sustainable all-year tourism in the Alps possible (13/12/2022)

Eight French and three Swiss communes, including Champéry, are taking part in a European project that helps people discover the natural heritage, and attract a new clientele to the Alps in times of climate change.

More than €67 million for Luxembourg to support its green and digital transition, jobs and inclusion (13/12/2022)

In 2021-2027, Luxembourg will benefit from €67 million in Cohesion Policy funding to accelerate the country's green transition, finance innovation and digitisation, increase the employment rate and improve local social services.

€2.14 billion for a just climate transition in Romania (13/12/2022)

Thanks to the adoption of its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) Romania will receive €2.14 billion from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support a just climate transition to a more attractive and greener economy.

€73 million for Ireland and France to support the green transition and help people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (13/12/2022)

Ireland and France will receive an additional €73 million under REACT-EU to support a sustainable recovery from the pandemic and help welcoming people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cities Forum 2023 – Together for green and just cities (13/12/2022)

The 5th edition of Cities Forum will take place physically in the City of Torino on 16-17 March 2023. You can already find online the draft agenda of the event and a brief description of the more than 17 workshops and thematic sessions. Registration to attend the event on site will be open in January on the official website.

The First Danube Youth Camp to happen this week! (13/12/2022)

The Danube Youth Camp is taking place from 12 to 16 of December 2022 in Vienna and it is the first initiative of the newly born Danube Youth Council.

Celebrating the end of European Year of Youth with Interreg programmes and EU Macro-Regional Strategies (06/12/2022)

Look at the achievements of Interreg programmes and EU Macro-Regional Strategies in involving young people!

New European Bauhaus: applications open for the 2023 Prizes (06/12/2022)

The Commission is opening applications for the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023.

New call for proposals to find solutions to cross-border obstacles with b-solutions 2.0 (06/12/2022)

The Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) has recently launched a new call for proposals in the framework of the b-solutions 2.0. Solving Cross-Border Obstacles initiative with the aim to enhance cooperation across borders through technical support.

Over €530 million for territorial cooperation including Ukraine and Moldova in 2021-2027 (06/12/2022)

The Commission has approved four new Interreg programmes involving 10 Member States, Ukraine, and Moldova for an amount of €533 million of EU funding in 2021-2027 to foster cross-border and transnational cooperation, boost the green transition and support healthcare and education.

€192 million for Latvia’s just climate transition (06/12/2022)

Following the approval of Latvia’s single Cohesion Policy programme for the period 2021-2027, €192 million under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will be invested in the country to support a fair transition to a climate neutral economy.

€623 million for a just transition to climate neutrality in the Netherlands (06/12/2022)

The Commission has adopted the Dutch Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) making €623 million available under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy.

€3.85 billion for a just transition toward climate neutral economy in five Polish regions (06/12/2022)

The Commission has adopted all five Polish Operational Programmes with Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs).

€179 million for a just climate transition in Croatia (06/12/2022)

An amount of €179 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will be invested in Croatia thanks to the approval of a multi-fund programme under Cohesion Policy.

#Youth4Coop - Youngsters building together a better Europe (06/12/2022)

Discover the stories of Interreg projects and the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY)!

Financial instruments have leveraged almost 50 billion worth of financing (06/12/2022)

The European Commission has published the Annual Summary Report on the implementation of financial instruments. The report shows that financial instruments have helped to leverage almost EUR 50 billion worth of financing for the benefit of the European Union.

Visit of European regions to Japan: Exploring new ways for cooperation in regional innovation (07/12/2022)

A delegation from six European regions visited different Japanese prefectures last November in the framework of the EU-Japan Region-to-Region Innovation Cooperation project. The project is managed by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG Regio) and the Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) service of the European Commission.

Smart Regions: The twin cities Gorizia and Nova Gorica bring cross-border cooperation to the next level (29/11/2022)

Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy) are twin cities at the Italian-Slovenian border with an eventful past.

€459 million for a just climate transition in Slovakia (29/11/2022)

The Commission has adopted the Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) for Slovakia setting the strategy for the investment of €459 million allocated to the country from the Just Transition Fund (JTF). These funds will support a fair transition towards climate neutrality in Slovakia's most vulnerable regions.

€89 million for a just climate transition in Denmark (29/11/2022)

Thanks to the Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme adopted by the Commission, Denmark will receive approximately €89 million in EU grants to support the country's efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

European Year of Youth delivers new approaches to empower young people (30/11/2022)

The European Year of Youth in 2022 has been an occasion to honour and empower young Europeans. Throughout the year, cohesion policy led to several initiatives and involved young people in open dialogue to mobilise and support their efforts to achieve a green and resilient Europe.

REGIOSTARS celebrates 15 years of cohesion funding making a difference (22/11/2022)

The annual REGIOSTARS Awards celebrated its 15-year anniversary in style this year. In a change from previous formats, 15 EU-funded projects were nominated from past editions and the three winners were chosen by the public.

Journalists, do you want to learn more about Cohesion and other EU policies? (21/11/2022)

Are you a journalist working in an EU region and wishing to learn more about Cohesion Policy, EU funds and policies? If so, you are invited to apply to the study programme #EUinMyRegion Media Trips launched today.

Commission announces the winners of the REGIOSTARS Awards 2022 (21/11/2022)

The Commission has announced the winners of the 2022 REGIOSTARS Awards for the best Cohesion Policy supported projects in the EU. To celebrate the Awards’ 15th anniversary, 15 projects were nominated among finalists and winners of the past editions.

Toolkit on EU and cohesion policy youth programmes, training and careers (21/11/2022)

Our new toolkit informs young people in the regions, especially in the most remote or disadvantaged areas, including rural or outermost regions, about all the opportunities, training, and career options the EU and cohesion policy can offer to them.

More than €106 million for Normandy’s just climate transition (21/11/2022)

€106 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will be invested to support just climate transition in Normandy, France. 14% of France’s CO2 emissions happen in the Seine Valley and Bresle Valley.

€148 million for a just climate transition in Bouches-du-Rhône (21/11/2022)

€148 million will support a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy of the French ‘departement’ Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, following today’s decision of the Commission.

€37.3 billion for Spain to support its green transition and a fair and competitive economy (21/11/2022)

In 2021-2027, Spain will benefit from €37.3 billion in Cohesion Policy funding to accelerate the country's green transition, finance innovation and digitisation, increase the employment rate and improve local social services. The strategy and details for these investments are set out in the Partnership Agreement between Spain and the Commission.

Welcome on board the #Youth4Coop Roadshow in the surroundings of Thessaloniki, Greece (16/11/2022)

More than a year ago, when 2022 was announced as the European Year of Youth, Interreg programmes did not hesitate for a second to climb on board the Youth train and DG Regional and Urban Policy’s flagship initiative “Youth4Cooperation”.

Smart Regions - an app is helping citizens to be better protected from floods (15/11/2022)

The company GDI has developed an app called “GDI Ensemble Floodsmart”, an innovative EU funded flood warning system from Croatia.

€190 million for a just climate transition in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Grand-Est (15/11/2022)

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Grand-Est regions in France will receive €190 million in grants from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to tackle the socio-economic consequences of the decarbonisation of its polluting industries.

Interreg Volunteer Youth: promoting cooperation and youth engagement for five years (08/11/2022)

The Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) initiative is a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on European cooperation and an investment in the future of regions. Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, IVY has already made an impact on the lives of over 780 young people who participated in the programme along with their mentors.

FAST-CARE entered into force: new flexibility in using Cohesion Policy funding (04/11/2022)

The FAST (Flexible Assistance for Territories)-CARE amendments changing the Cohesion Funds regulation have been published on the Official Journal and entered into force on 26 October.

Smart Regions - A European project lets visitors discover the treasures of the Aegean and Black seas (09/11/2022)

The European project Treasure is promoting and protecting underwater heritage, while spinning an economic opportunity out of it for Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Turkey.

Just transition stakeholders gather in Brussels for the sixth Just Transition Platform Conference (03/11/2022)

The sixth edition of the Just Transition Platform (JTP) Conference took place on 24-26 October 2022. Co-hosted by DG REGIO and DG ENER, the hybrid event brought together over 1 000 registered participants, including around 200 who attended in person in Brussels.

Six EU Regions and Five Japanese Prefectures start Regional Innovation Cooperation (04/11/2022)

Under the EU International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, six EU regions and five Japanese prefectures have been selected to participate in the EU-Japan Region-to-Region Innovation Cooperation Project.

Over €66 million for cross-border cooperation with Ukraine on health, environment and administrative capacity (08/11/2022)

Over €66 million for cross-border cooperation with Ukraine will be available under the first cross-border cooperation programme adopted by the Commission: Interreg NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine.

€23 million for a just climate transition in Malta (04/11/2022)

Thanks to the adoption of the Territorial Just Transition Plan for Malta, €23 million in EU grants from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will be allocated to the island to support its fair transition to climate neutrality, in particular in the maritime sector.

€48 million for a just climate transition in Loire-Atlantique (04/11/2022)

The territory of Loire-Atlantique, part of the region of Pays de la Loire, in France, will receive €48 million in EU grants from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support a just climate transition.

Regio Waves: your new podcast on Cohesion Policy (09/11/2022)

Regio Waves is the special podcast series, produced by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Committee of the regions, investigating the policies that provide local solutions to European and global issues. Listen to the first two episodes - more to come!

Call for regional flagships projects supporting sustainable blue economy in EU sea basins (04/11/2022)

The European Commission launched a new call for proposals under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for “Regional flagships projects supporting sustainable blue economy in EU sea basins”.

EUTeens4Green: application period for project proposals has been extended (04/11/2022)

Following the large interest to the initiative by young people, the deadline for submission of application has been postponed to offer more opportunities for participation.

Regiostars celebrates its 15th anniversary! (09/11/2022)

We selected 15 projects that were winners or finalists in the previous editions of the competition, and we sent Youth4Regions alumni to film new short documentaries about them. The public vote to award the winner and runners-up is open until 15 November and the celebratory ceremony will be held on 17 November in Évora, in the presence of Commissioner Ferreira. Watch the documentaries and vote for your favourite video!

Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme projects showing the way at COP 27 (09/11/2022)

At the COP 27 conference, the European Neighbourhood Instrument’s cross-border cooperation programme for the Mediterranean Sea Basin will showcase a number of EU-funded projects that provide innovative and sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges faced by the region. Join the online events!

Meet the Winners of the Megalizzi-Niedzielki Prize (18/10/2022)

During the European Week of Regions and Cities, the Commission has awarded the Megalizzi – Niedzielski prize to young journalists Ani Arveladze from Georgia and Laura Bannier from France. In 2022, at its fourth edition, the Prize also featured a new category for photojournalism awarded to Mateja Kelemenic from Croatia. Panorama spoke to the three winners to learn more about their work and the experience they had in Brussels.

EU Cohesion Policy: new exceptional measures to support citizens and companies with energy costs (19/10/2022)

To help citizens and SMEs facing the challenges resulting from the current energy crisis and high gas prices in the EU, the Commission presented new, targeted and exceptional measures under the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy framework.

Call for proposals 2022 - Support for information measures relating to EU Cohesion policy (19/10/2022)

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy is seeking proposals for editorially independent reporting about cohesion policy.

Show the diversity of Guadeloupean projects supported by Europe (19/10/2022)

The Guadeloupe Region is launching “Boat Trip Europe”: a web series which will discover local projects developed thanks to European funds, and thus better understand how Europe concretely supports Guadeloupe. Set sail with seven enthusiastic young navigators for a series of eight visits all around the island!

Join our training on Integrity Pacts (19/10/2022)

New training on Integrity Pacts on 24/11/2022: registration is open!

Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award (19/10/2022)

An award for courage and excellence in the promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality.

EU-funded Connectivity Projects Shine at European Broadband Awards (12/10/2022)

The European Broadband Awards ceremony showcases the success stories in internet connectivity from across the EU’s remote areas. These stories testify to the European Commission commitment to reduce inequalities between regions and bring reliable internet connection to citizens.

EUR 24 billion worth of non-repayable grants from the EU: Poland’s largest cohesion policy programme approved by the European Commission (12/10/2022)

Today, the European Commission has approved Poland’s and EU’s largest cohesion policy programme: ‘European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021-2027’. EU funding under this programme will amount to more than EUR 24.1 billion (EUR 12.9 billion from the European Regional Development Fund and EUR 11.2 billion from the Cohesion Fund).

New European Bauhaus under Cohesion Policy: €50 million call for innovative projects in cities (12/10/2022)

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) is launching today a €50 million call to support urban innovation and cities' capabilities to build a sustainable urban development.

EU Cohesion Policy: €354 million for Estonia to phase out oil shale in energy production (12/10/2022)

Estonia will receive €354 million in EU grants to support the phase out of oil shale, a fossil fuel, in energy production in Ida-Viru, thanks to the Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) adopted by the Commission. Oil shale related companies located in this easternmost region account for over 50% of Estonia's total greenhouse gas emissions.

EU Cohesion Policy: €228 million for a just climate transition in Hauts-de-France (12/10/2022)

The French region Hauts-de-France will receive €228 million in EU grants from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to tackle the socio-economic consequences of decarbonising its polluting industries.

EU Cohesion Policy: Commission welcomes the inauguration of one of the biggest EU-funded projects in the EU and Greece (12/10/2022)

Today one of the biggest Cohesion Policy-funded projects in the EU and in Greece, the extension of metro line in Athens, is inaugurated. This project received an EU contribution of €470 million.

20th European Week of Regions and Cities – Cohesion Policy makes a real difference (12/10/2022)

At the press conference launching the 20th 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, recalled the importance of Cohesion Policy's emergency response to the inter-related crises Europe has been facing and underlined its centrality for the future as a key part of Europe's growth model.

Follow the Awards Ceremony of the Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists ONLINE (12/10/2022)

The Megalizzi-Niedzielski prize honours the memory of Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Piotr Orent-Niedzielski, young European journalists with a strong attachment to the EU and its values, who passed away after a terrorist attack in Strasbourg in late 2018. The prize aims to reward and encourage promising journalists who share Antonio and Bartek's enthusiasm for the European project.

Interreg Annual Event 2022 and Youth4Cooperation Summit is now open to registrations! (26/10/2022)

The event called “Interreg: better together” will gather Interreg programmes’ managing authorities, joint secretariats and young people from all over Europe, from 26 to 28 October, in Brussels and online.

#Youth4Coop - Youth in the Arctic and near-Arctic - Make your voice heard! (09/11/2022)

The Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme is inviting young people to join the YOUTH IN THE NPA Conference, and contribute to making remote communities an even better place to live!

Cohesion Open Data Platform 2021-2027 (12/10/2022)

This platform visualises and provides open data on hundreds of national, regional and interregional programmes funded by the EU Budget.

Europe seeks to tackle ‘brain drain’ of young people from hard-hit regions (05/10/2022)

Freedom of movement is fundamental to the European Union, yet it can result in an exit of young talent and workforces from one region to another. A recent dialogue between young leaders and EU Commissioner Elisa Ferreira underlined areas that need addressing and showcased several measures to tackle the issue.

EU Cohesion Policy: more than €70 million to support recycling of lithium-ion batteries in Poland (05/10/2022)

On September 30th, the Commission has approved an investment of more than €70 million from the European Regional Development Fund, under the 2014-2020 programming period, to develop lithium-ion battery recycling technology in Silesia, in southern Poland.

Cohesion policy in Bulgaria: the first 2021-2027 programme adopted (05/10/2022)

Last Monday 3 October, the European Commission has adopted the first major infrastructure programme for Bulgaria for the period 2021-2027 – the Transport Connectivity Programme. The EU has allocated €1.61 billion, one of the largest amount for Bulgarian cohesion programmes in the programming period 2021 - 2027.

Involving interest groups from border regions to promote best practices of cooperation (05/10/2022)

DG REGIO’s Border Focal Point is looking for a contractor with experience in cross-border cooperation and communication activities.

Warsaw’s Metro Line 2: Three New stations up and running! (05/10/2022)

On 28 September 2022 three new Warsaw metro stations have been inaugurated. Today’s newly opened stations: Zacisze, Kondratowicza and Bródno are a part of EU co-financed project which foresaw construction of new metro stations and the purchase of 17 new trains. In 2019-2022 eight stations were inaugurated. For this extension, the European Union is investing more than EUR 432 million – out of a total cost of nearly EUR 749 million.

Register to the 6th Alpine Region Energy Conference in Bolzano (11/10/2022)

The 6th Alpine Energy Conference is organized on 11 October 2022 in Bolzano/Bozen under the motto “Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in the Alps”.

Kick-off of the 13th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (05/10/2022)

On 28 September Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira has opened with a video-message the 13th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) in Lappeenranta, Finland.

#Youth4Cooperation - Baltic Sea Youth at the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Annual Forum ! (05/10/2022)

Young people present the Baltic Sea Youth Declaration 2022 for a sustainable Baltic Sea Region during the EUSBSR Annual Forum.