Media programme coverage

Brussels – The contribution of local actors and civil society to green energy transition is majorly important, as shared by members of the European Committee of the Regions . On this note, the workshop "The contribution of local actor on green and energy transition" was held in Jacques Delors Building on October 13th. Discussing for over hour and half, the speakers suggested the ways to accelerate the transition, urging to bold actions. Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, introduced...

As climate change is becoming an inevitable topic for decision makers over the years, reflecting on inspirational actions all over Europe to include youth in the discussion can help us move a step forward into more inclusive environmental policy making. Even though they are amongst the people that are going to witness climate change the most throughout their lives, young people are often not invited into the room when it comes to decision making to overcome environmental challenges. If this...

The European Commission wants to preserve the next framework of funds for the Cohesion Policy. Despite the current crisis that Europe is facing, mainly related to the energy crisis, Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, hopes that the next community framework 2021-2027 can solve more problems, namely around the social inequalities aggravated by the pandemic. For the Commissioner it is important to “look at the long-term”, as Cohesion policy has to be applied to hit the...

In the elections at all levels of the European Union, young people vote significantly less than older generations. They also participate less in other forms of political action, like signing petitions or joining unofficial strikes. The vast majority of European trade unions – 27 out of 31 countries – cannot stop membership decline. The same trend goes also for being a member of political parties, and even though it is a general trend for all ages, young people are representing as members one...

The ‘Cross-border pilot projects to boost innovation in the health system through data sharing’ workshop was held on Wednesday 12th October as a part of the 20th European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, Belgium. The workshop presented the results of three Interreg V-A Italy-Slovenia pilot projects funded by the EU Cohesion Policy programme 2014-2020. They were aimed at improving interregional collaboration, data-sharing, and efficacy in treatments in the health system through a digital...

If not now, when? The Erasmus+ Programme offers exclusive travel possibilities dedicated not only to students but also to other age groups. The three key actions that will be mentioned help to identify opportunities that could be more interesting for potential participants, from either educational institutions or organisations. The key actions The first key action focuses on the learning mobility of individuals. It includes exchanges for students, teachers, staff from educational institutions...

Liveable town, streets filled with children and games for all ages. The URBACT project of the European Union shows that countries and cities can gain inspiration and implement ideas from good practices present in other contexts. A small city in the northwest of Ireland is a great example of that. The Irish city of Sligo, despite its less than 20.000 inhabitants, is a popular destination for tourists. Its attractivity is due to the great cultural opportunities and the connection to the famous...

The European Union tried to address the inequalities in Ukraine with its Cohesion Policy since 2014. With Putin’s war and its consequences, the challenges get even harder. There is yet at least one positive effect to be hopeful about. One thing was clear from the start. “It’s impossible to predict what the future in this war looks like”, said Davide Luca, Associate Professor University of Cambridge, considering the new attacks on Kiew from the Russian military only two days before. On Wednesday...

What's the meaning of cohesion? How the EU is implementing this concept on the ground? How do these institutions and bodies work? All these questions and more were addressed by the Youth4Regions programme for aspiring journalists, which is being held in Brussels (Belgium) from October 8th to 14th. This culturally rich experience gathers young professionals coming from more than 20 countries from the EU and beyond. Workshops and intensive courses are being held, as well as networking sessions in...

In a workshop held during the European Week of Regions and Cities, experts and politicians talked about the achievements and challenges of cohesion funds. The European Union has no competence in dealing with the administrative systems of member states, but there are tools with which they can improve the chance that funds will reach the regions where they are most needed. After the welcome session and the political opening of the EU Regions Week in Brussels, the first workshop on the 11th of...