​In a debate with Finland's Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen, EU's local and regional representatives called on the EU to ensure all regions and their citizens benefit from the digital and ecological transitions that are shaping our societies. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted on 9 October two opinions requested by Finland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, which focus on tackling the digital divide and ensuring cohesion and solidarity for all Europeans.

On 7 October, the European Week of Regions and Cities will kick off its 17th edition in Brussels to discuss how cohesion policy can help to make Europe greener, more inclusive and smarter. Opened by a high-level debate on the future of Europe, the Week will hold 200 events including a high-level conference on the transformation of coal regions. On 8-9 October, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) will also hold its #CoRplenary session with its members debating the future of EU cohesion policy with the European Parliament's Regional Development Chair Younous Omarjee, the future long-term EU budget with Commissioner Oettinger, and the ecological and digital transition with Finland's Minister for European Affairs, Tytti Tuppurainen.

Narrowing the innovation and digital divides in Europe was in the spotlight on 11 July, when the European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Social Policy, Employment, Culture, Education and Research (SEDEC) met in Brussels. Members adopted an opinion drafted by Eamon Dooley (IE/Renew Europe), a member of Offaly County Council, on the future of research infrastructure and the European Research Area.