The workshop seeks to showcase regional experiences concerning cohesion policy, shedding light on how cohesion can foster resilient and sustainable regional growth and how this strengthens the EU as a whole. It will also discuss opportunities for further regional cooperation when implementing cohesion policy.
- Circular economy | Climate and environment | Cohesion | Energy | Local and regional | Rural | Sustainable | Territorial
- Code: 15WS252536
- Rue Montoyer 61, Brussels, Belgium
Speakers
Moderator
Practical information
- When
-
Wed 15/10/2025, 09:30 - 11:00 CET
- Where
- Rue Montoyer 61, Brussels, Belgium
- Type of partnership
- Regional partnership
- Format
- Workshop
- Theme
-
Cohesion and Growth for the Future
- Language
- English
Partners
Northern Netherlands
Lower Saxony
Lower Silesia Region
Province of Groningen
Province of Friesland
Province of Drenthe
Reporting
Session summary
- The conference and workshop took place at a pivotal moment for the future of European regional policy, following the European Commission’s proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework with a significantly increased budget.
- Participants raised serious concerns about the proposed centralization of cohesion policy. The Commission’s plan to replace over 500 existing regional instruments with just 27 national and regional partnership plans — essentially one per Member State — could limit regional autonomy and reduce flexibility in addressing local development needs.
- The workshop aimed to showcase regional experiences in implementing cohesion policy, highlighting how place-based approaches contribute to resilient and sustainable regional growth. Examples from Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands demonstrated the tangible benefits of regional ownership and the positive impact of decentralized governance on economic and social cohesion.
- Discussions emphasized that strong regional participation is key to ensuring that EU funds are effectively used to support innovation, social inclusion, and territorial balance across Europe.
- Participants agreed that cohesion policy should continue to serve as a driver of solidarity and convergence, not only helping regions recover from crises but also strengthening the resilience of the EU as a whole.
- The workshop also explored opportunities for enhanced regional cooperation in the implementation of cohesion policies, underlining that collaboration and knowledge exchange between regions can further amplify the policy’s effectiveness and European added value.
- In conclusion, the conference reaffirmed the need to preserve a strong regional dimension in EU cohesion policy — as a cornerstone of a more resilient, sustainable, and united Europe.
Quotes
-
European projects such as BBoBB show how cohesion policy can accelerate regional ambitions on biobased construction. By working across borders, we are able to turn ideas into tangible results and build partnerships that last beyond the project.
Because of ERDF funds, we were able to lay the foundation for Fryslân’s circular ecosystem. By working closely with companies, academia and governments, we’ve created new European partnerships and strengthened our leading position in the
Today's discussion showed how essential it is to understand the diversity, needs and potentials of our regions – because only those who truly know their regions can design effective (cohesion) policies and keep Europe united.
We must empower our regions to overcome the challenges they face. To achieve this, we need to scrutinise our regions carefully. Above all, we must prioritise the needs of local people and ensure no one is left behind.
Cohesion policy shows its true value when regions act together – locally and across borders. Europe grows stronger when its regions grow together.
Additional links
https://www.fryslan.frl/circulaire-economie
https://circulairfriesland.frl/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-based-on-biobased/?viewAsMember=true
