The CoR and European Commission Directorate General for Regional Policy team up with 106 offices of regions and cities to host 66 workshops and three flagship debates on the theme of ‘working together for regional growth and jobs'. The event, backed by the European Parliament Regional Development Committee and UK Presidency, brings together an unprecedented 2,500 participants including p residents and mayors, MEPs, officials from European, national and regional administrations, development experts, academics and private sector lobbyists. At the opening session, President Straub reiterates the CoR's call for a budget deal in December. Commissioner Hübner warns that failure to reach an agreement will mean “there is no point in talking about solidarity, cohesion and competitiveness”.