Great world ideals all begin in some home neighbourhood

European territories facing societal challenges

The COVID19 crisis was economic and social. That is why the EU needs an inclusive recovery plan to revive the economy and empower local communities to cope with systemic changes, such as the green and digital transition.

Cohesion and recovery

The Cohesion Policy is one of the most effective tools to reduce regional disparities and boost economic innovation. Closer cooperation between recovery plans and the Cohesion Policy is what the EU needs to fully support its regions and cities.

Building the House of European Democracy

Enhancing the democratic functioning of the EU requires greater involvement of local and regional authorities. They are the closest to citizens and without them the House of European Democracy would have no foundation. Democracy in action is also reflected in the focus on diversity and youth participation across the programme.

The Future of European Democracy: Youth engagement and European values

Not only is the Conference on the Future of Europe a unique opportunity for the young generation to get involved in the debate on challenges and priorities of the EU, their contribution will be in the spotlight during the European Year of Youth.

 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities 

​​​​​​​The European Summit of Regions and Cities is a gathering of local representatives organised every half mandate by the European Committee of the Regions to discuss the EU's future challenges.

This time, the Summit aims at increasing the impact and outreach of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The voices of regions and cities must be heard and listened to, as they are key contributors to the European project and play an essential role in placing citizens at the heart of Europe.

The 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities is organised within the framework of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. With the support of the French hosts and co-organisers, youth representatives, and a wide participation enabled by the hybrid format, the summit participants will be invited to showcase their contribution to the recovery efforts and discuss new ways of cooperation in view of a more sustainable future.

Enjoy the summit experience:

  • Find out more about the thematic construct of the programme by visiting the  ​summit webpage.
  • Read here the conclusions of a series of awareness-raising activities organised in the run-up to the event.
  • Visit the ​ virtual fair held​ along with the summit between 18 February and 18 March 2022 - a fine selection of projects and initiatives developed to strengthen resilience and to support innovation and creativity in tormented times, or to foster democracy, youth engagement and European values.

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