The event, promoted by Confartigianato Imprese and Federcasse, aims to highlight the strategic role of proximity ecosystems: local networks that integrate micro and small enterprises (94% of all European businesses) with local banks, regional authorities, and citizens. These are key to EU competitiveness, generating sustainable and inclusive development. In light of upcoming MFF and cohesion policy negotiations, challenges and opportunities for more inclusive, resilient territories will be explored. The event will also share best practices across the European Union to implement the right to stay.
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- Climate and environment | Cohesion | EU/ European | Governance and Public administration | Industry, entrepreneurship and SMEs (enterprise/ startup/ business) | Investment and Finances | Local and regional | National | Rural | Sustainable | Territorial | Urban
- Code: Side253676
- SMEunited premises - Rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat 4, Bruxelles, Belgium
Practical information
- When
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Wed 22/10/2025, 14:30 - 16:30 CET
- Where
- SMEunited premises - Rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat 4, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Type of partnership
- EURegionsWeek close to you
- Format
- Side
- Theme
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The Right to Stay: unlocking the potential of every territory
- Language
- English
Partners
Federcasse - Italian Federation of co-operative credit and rural banks
Reporting
Session summary
The event offered a platform to explore the strategic importance of proximity ecosystems for Europe’s future. These ecosystems, where micro and small enterprises, community banks, local authorities and citizens collaborate, were highlighted as essential drivers of sustainable development, social cohesion and locally rooted innovation. The discussions underscored that the ability for people and businesses to stay in their territories, and to grow there, is becoming a core dimension of territorial cohesion and of the EU’s long-term competitiveness.
Participants stressed the decisive role played by community and cooperative banks in supporting local entrepreneurial fabric. Their strong territorial presence and relationship-based approach make them fundamental pillars for enabling MSMEs to navigate the challenges of the twin digital and ecological transitions. Speakers emphasised that proximity finance is not merely a complementary tool, but a necessary condition for economic resilience, inclusive development and the vitality of remote or fragile areas across the Union.
The event also examined the opportunities offered by the next Multiannual Financial Framework and by the post-2027 Cohesion Policy. A shared message emerged: future EU strategies must strengthen the capacity of territories to provide essential services, foster innovation, and ensure that small businesses can remain competitive while rooted in their local communities. Case studies from Italy and Spain showcased how targeted financial instruments, sustainability support programmes and community-based initiatives can enhance MSME competitiveness and territorial well-being.
Overall, the discussions reaffirmed that territorial cohesion goes beyond economic convergence: it is about creating real opportunities for citizens and enterprises to thrive where they live. Proximity ecosystems, and the financial, entrepreneurial and institutional actors that sustain them, are central to this vision and must be integrated into the EU’s future development and cohesion strategies.
Quotes
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“Community banks play a fundamental role in supporting our micro and small enterprises, offering concrete solutions rooted in the territories where these businesses live their daily realities. In a context marked by complex digital and ecological transiti
“Local community banks act as economic and social anchors that make the right to stay a tangible reality, accompanying families and enterprises along their paths of growth and innovation. Proximity finance is an essential condition for territorial resilie
“Cohesion policies must not only reduce economic distances but create real opportunities for people to choose to stay and prosper in their territories. This is where a more inclusive and sustainable
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