​Local and regional politicians welcome the new InvestEU programme simplifying the support through the multitude of EU financial instruments. In the opinion adopted at the European Committee Regions' December plenary session rapporteur Konstantinos Agorastos (EL/EPP), Governor of the Region of Thessaly, urges the programme to address regional disparities, which can be more effectively achieved through close coordination with the local and regional level.

On 6 December from 11am Michel Barnier, the European Union's Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union, will discuss Brexit and its impact on regions and cities with local leaders from all the EU's member states. His visit to the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels comes on the eve of UK parliaments crucial vote on the agreed Withdrawal Agreement

​Only the regions with the most credible and promising entrepreneurial vision are awarded the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) each year, an initiative organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). This year the jury selected the principality of Asturias, province of Gelderland, and region of Thessaly as worthy winners for their outstanding strategies and commitment to boosting entrepreneurship within their territories.

Portugal's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, joined hundreds of local and regional leaders in a discussion about the future of Europe. During the debate held with the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the Prime Minister said that Europe must urgently change course to respond to global competition by tackling regional disparities, increasing member states' contributions to the EU budget, strengthening regional investment and engaging every level of government.