The Investment Plan for Europe was launched in November 2014 in order to address the investment gap affecting much of Europe, and threatening its current and future competitiveness, prosperity, and the well-being of its citizens. The Investment Plan's centrepiece is the well-known European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which aims to boost investment levels, but other initiatives such as advisory and support services are also at its heart, and aim to help finance reach the real economy.

Early results of the Investment Plan have been encouraging but some questions remain surrounding its impact on the ground, its geographical balance, or its additionality. Furthermore, although local and regional authorities are widely recognised as crucial partners to make the Investment Plan a success, many challenges to a broader involvement of cities and regions remain.

Drawing on the expertise of practitioners, researchers and policy makers, and featuring the presentation of a new study in this field, the conference at the European Committee of the Regions will explore how the investment Plan is working for cities and regions, and look ahead towards its future.