Brussels hosts EU regions forum as cohesion policy debate guides 2027 strategy

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Brussels hosts EU regions forum

Highlights

EU regions forum in Brussels focuses on cohesion policy's role in tackling regional population loss as 149 million Europeans lived in shrinking areas over 20 years.
Regions and member states have voluntarily reallocated 34.6 billion euros—including 15.2 billion euros toward competitiveness—within the 220 billion euro cohesion funds for 2021-2027.
A record 274 REGIOSTARS Awards applications highlight EU-backed project momentum, with 25 finalists to be presented and winners announced on 14 October at 19:00.

Cohesion agenda and policy timetable

As reported by European Commission, the annual forum opens today under the motto 'Strong Regions, Strong Europe' and is bringing together local and regional authorities, policymakers, project promoters, researchers and journalists. The event is convened by the Commission and hosted by Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto, in partnership with the European Committee of the Regions.

The opening ceremony features European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa and European Committee of the Regions President Kata Tüttő. Discussions are centring on the role of cohesion policy in supporting regional development, helping citizens remain in the places they call home and reinforcing the Union's competitiveness.

Population loss remains a central theme for the week. Over the past two decades, one in three Europeans, or 149 million people, have lived in a region that has lost population, according to the Commission's figures. The planned 'Right to Stay' strategy aims to address that pressure by improving access to jobs, public services, education, skills, transport and digital connectivity, with discussions this week feeding into a proposal due in early 2027.

Funding shifts and project recognition

Wednesday's sessions are focusing on how cohesion policy can support a more competitive Europe. In the 2021-2027 programming period, 220 billion euros in cohesion funds are already contributing to the priorities of the Competitiveness Compass, while a recent mid-term review shows regions and member states are redirecting spending toward newer priorities.

In total, regions and member states have voluntarily reallocated 34.6 billion euros to areas including competitiveness, housing, defence, water and energy resilience. Of that amount, 15.2 billion euros has been redirected specifically to strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

The week also serves as a showcase for EU-backed projects on the ground. A record 274 applications have been submitted for this year's REGIOSTARS Awards, with 25 finalist projects due to be presented during the event and the winners scheduled to be announced on Wednesday 14 October at 19:00.

The Commission is also awarding the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Prize to three young aspiring journalists. The award commemorates Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Niedzielski, who were killed in the Strasbourg terrorist attack in December 2018, and the ceremony is available via web stream on the same day at 17:30.

Our earlier article on European carmakers facing rising competition from Chinese auto brands explained how the debate is shifting toward EU rules that favour “Made in Europe” production and local content thresholds. It also noted that Chinese brands have rapidly gained market share in Europe, prompting calls for policy support and adding urgency to broader EU competitiveness discussions.

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