Some of the most urgent challenges facing Europe’s territories, alongside local solutions that inform policy decisions for the EU’s future, are outlined in the European Committee of the Regions’ sixth edition of its EU Annual Report on the State of Regions and Cities, launched at the opening of this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities.
The findings of the sixth annual report were outlined at the opening of the European Week of Regions and Cities, during which the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata TÜTTŐ, gave a ‘State of Regions and Cities’ address on 13 October.
In line with the new political priorities of the CoR for 2025-2030, this year’s annual report takes stock of how regions and cities perceive and respond to the climate and energy crisis, demographic transition, investment needs, their future competitiveness and preparedness for future crises. It also underscores the pivotal role of local and regional authorities in delivering Europe’s transformations and in building a more cohesive, resilient and closer Union
Housing has been cited as a growing concern this year in the annual report, among citizens and for both their cities and regions – with the housing challenge highlighted as a structural one that affects territorial cohesion, economic competitiveness, and the wellbeing of millions of European citizens.
The annual report’s publication coincided with the debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–34, where the CoR stands ready to advocate for a budget that empowers regions and cities and reinforces territorial solidarity.
The Committee of the Regions has also highlighted the risk of renationalisation and centralisation of EU policies, regarding cohesion funding and calls for an EU built from the ground up – where local and regional authorities are implementers and co-creators of Europe’s future.
The European Week of Regions and Cities, a flagship Brussels’ event on Cohesion Policy, is co-organised each year by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions.
Since its launch in 2003, when the regional offices in Brussels opened their doors to regional policy experts and practitioners, #EURegionsWeek has grown into the EU’s largest event dedicated to cohesion policy. Each year, it attracts thousands of participants, including politicians, public officials at all levels, EU, national, regional and local, private sector representatives, policymakers, academics, journalists, civil society and citizens.
Now in its 23rd year, the event serves as a communication and networking platform fostering co-operation, exchanging knowledge and addressing regional and urban challenges. Bringing together a diverse community, the #EURegionsWeek creates a collaborative space in Brussels and across Europe for capacity-building, learning and experience-sharing.
