text:
Kalendarium över regionalpolitiska evenemang
- Challenges for the New Cohesion Policy in 2014-2020: An Academic and Policy Debate
- 04 February 2015 - 06 February 2015, University of Latvia - Riga (Latvia)
Description: The incoming Latvian Presidency of the EU, together with DG REGIO and the Regional Studies Association is organising a conference on the challenges for the reformed cohesion policy 2014-2020 to take place next 4-6 February 2015 in Riga. It aims at bringing together the academic and policy worlds to take stock of the challenges and opportunities for Cohesion policy in 2014-2020. The discussions will be around 5 thematic blocks:
- economic geography and cohesion policy
- institutions and governance
- performance and results
- EU economic governance and cohesion policy
For more details please visit the Regional Studies Association online portal.
http://www.regionalstudies.org/conferences/conference/challenges-for-the-new-cohesion-policy-in-2014-2020-an-academic-and-policyRegistration Information: https://members.regionalstudies.org/lounge/Meetings/Meeting?ID=120
Organisation responsible: Regional Studies Association, European Commission and Latvia Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Contact: Elizabeth Mitchell: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 10/11/2014
- Global Growth Agendas: Regions, Institutions and Sustainability
- 24 May 2015 - 27 May 2015, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Piacenza (Italy)
Description: Social and economic imbalances of the current phase of globalization require a rethinking of the model of international and regional development. The issues of inequality, ecological risks, and poor growth in some areas put at the center of the scientific and political debate the theme of values and institutions. What are the values for sustainable regional development in the future? And what institutional reforms are needed to overcome the negative consequences of the recession triggered by the financial turmoil of recent years? Which tools can strengthen the capacity of regions and cities to adapt to all changes and to increase the resilience of areas?
To answer these questions the RSA 2015 European Conference in Piacenza offers some lines of reflection about the themes of well-being and quality of life, technological and social innovation, individual and collective entrepreneurship, by starting from the analysis of the values and motivations that drive individual and institutional action.Registration Information: https://members.regionalstudies.org/lounge/Meetings/Meeting?ID=88
Organisation responsible: Regional Studies Association
Contact: Lesa Reynolds
Registration Deadline: 30/01/2015
- Local and regional partners contributing to Europe 2020
- 05 March 2015, Centre Albert Borschette, 36, rue Froissart, - Bruxelles (Belgium)
Description: Europe's regions and cities play an important role for achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Indeed, the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy relies on many different multilevel governance processes.
DG Regio organises this seminar to discuss and explore the governance processes at work and stimulate learning and the exchange between cities and regions.
The seminar is based on a DG REGIO study of concrete examples of multilevel governance in support the Europe 2020 objectives in the fields of energy efficiency and of social inclusion. The study shows that governance processes benefit from bringing together stakeholders from different levels of governance and different policy fields and are crucial for implementing Europe 2020 objectives on the ground. At the same time, there is a huge variety of governance approaches that can be taken. The governance approaches are influenced by institutional contexts, sectoral specificities and administrative capacities. Their success depends largely on how well they are suited for the specific context in which they are implemented.Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/krqnv7/4W
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 08/02/2015
- Financial Instruments 2014-2020 under European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)
- 19 January 2015 - 20 January 2015, Brussels - Charlemagne, GASPERI - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The conference is to be opened by Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the European Commission with high level contributions from the European Commission (EC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The conference will offer Member States and Managing Authorities an opportunity to learn more about features, advantages and suitability of using financial instruments under all ESIF, namely ERDF, ESF, CF, EMFF and EAFRD in delivering 2014-2020 objectives.
The conference will formally launch the fi-compass platform as a primary source of advice and knowledge to stakeholders in their efforts to implement financial instruments under ESIF. It will initiate the sharing of experiences in using financial instruments, dialogue and learning between the stakeholders.
During day 2, three sessions will be held in support of implementation of financial instruments under the ESIF:
• An EC information session - Call for proposals for the multi-region assistance for establishment of financial instruments supported by the ERDF, CF, ESF and EAFRD
• A fi-compass workshop - Implementing financial instruments in the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and
• A fi-compass information session - Practical experience and learning from 2007-2013Registration Information: http://www.fi-compass.eu
Organisation responsible: EC, DG REGIO, Unit B3
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 09/12/2014
- Stakeholder Conference on the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region
- 01 December 2014 - 02 December 2014, Palazzo Lombardia, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1 - Milan (Italy)
Description: Building on the experience gained in the macro-regional strategies for the Baltic Sea Region, the Danube Region and the Adriatic and Ionian Region, and following a request from the European Council, the European Commission and the participating countries and regions are now proceeding to draw up an EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP).
A very decisive moment in this process is the Stakeholder Conference of the EUSALP that will take place in Milan, Italy on 1/2 of December 2014. The event will mark the conclusion of the extensive stakeholder consultation on the ESALP, held from 15 July until 15 October 2014.
The Conference will promote a debate with the participants on the future challenges that can be tackled following a macro-regional approach. This will support the preparation of the future Communication and Action Plan of the Strategy, which the Commission is due to present in June 2015. The conference will also contribute to raise the awareness in the wider public of preparations for the Strategy.Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/m4qgkc
Organisation responsible: The event, co-organized by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and Lombardy Region, will take place in Palazzo Lombardia in Milan. The Foreign Ministers of the Countries involved and the Presidents of the Regions of the Alpine area will be invited.
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 14/11/2014
- Launch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR)
- 18 November 2014, The Square Conference Centre, rue Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The aim of the event - which will take place after the endorsement of the EUSAIR by the European Council – is gathering all key actors to create the framework for its implementation. The governance and management structures of the Strategy, currently under development, will be organised around its four pillars, namely: "Blue Growth", "Connecting the Region" (Transport and Energy), "Environmental Quality" and "Sustainable Tourism".
Prominent national, local and international authorities, including the European Commission, will speak in the Conference, chaired by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The institutional session will be followed by a technical plenary session addressed to the key implementers. This will be a timely opportunity to present how the Strategy will be structured, at its different levels, and to gather useful inputs to outline a well-performing system, in the framework of a multi-level governance.Registration Information: http://adriaticionianconference.eu/register.asp
Organisation responsible: The Launch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in cooperation with the European Commission, and together with the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative and Marche Region (as Presidency of the Adriatic-Ionian Interregional Group in the Committee of the Regions).
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 01/11/2014
- RSA Early Career Conference in conjunction with Regional Studies, Regional Science Open Access Journal
- 30 October 2014 - 31 October 2014, ICOSS, University of Sheffield - Sheffield (UK)
Description: The Regional Studies Association encourages submissions of abstracts to our annual Early Career conference, to be held in Sheffield in October 2014. This exciting conference, sponsored by new open access journal Regional Studies, Regional Science, will provide early career researchers with the opportunity to network, collaborate and socialise with others working in regional studies and science. The objective of the conference is bring together students and early career researchers* to present and debate their work in a welcoming and stimulating environment, with a view to getting invaluable feedback and new ideas and learning more about how and where to publish their research results. One session will focus on how the publishing environment is changing and the new opportunities it creates. A number of distinguished Plenary Speakers will be in attendance, in addition to the Editors-in-Chief of Regional Studies, Regional Science. Participants working in the following areas are invited to submit an abstract, though we welcome all submissions with a regional studies or regional science focus.
Registration Information: https://members.regionalstudies.org/lounge/Meetings/Meeting?ID=86
Organisation responsible: Regional Studies Assocaiton
Contact: Lesa Reynolds
Registration Deadline: 29/08/2014
- EUKN EGTC Annual Conference 2014
- 20 October 2014 - 21 October 2014, Pakhuis de Zwijger, Piet Heinkade 179, 1019 HC, Amsterdam - Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Description: The Civic Economy: changing relationships between civil society, the market and government.
Registration Information: http://www.dezwijger.nl/116517/nl/eukn-egtc-annual-conference-2014
- Urban Development Network: Inspire, Innovate and Exchange
- 09 October 2014, EGG Conference Centre, Rue Bara 175 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Urban Development Network (UDN), which will take place in Brussels on the 9th October, in the context of Open Days 2014, will bring together approximately 250 city managers and urban stakeholders from across the 28 Member States.
The UDN is set out in the ERDF regulation for Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 and will involve those urban authorities throughout the EU implementing integrated urban strategies in line with ERDF Article 7 and those implementing innovative actions in line with ERDF Article 8.
However, as programming is not yet complete, this first event will be open to a much wider audience and will bring together participants representing European cities, city associations, local, regional and national representatives, Commission services, as well as experts and academics in the field of sustainable urban development and innovation.
This event will offer a perfect opportunity for European cities to be inspired, learn, share and exchange experiences concerning a wide spectrum of urban issues and innovative solutions. In particular, there will be a focus on:
Innovation in European cities;
Integrated sustainable urban development and how to use European programmes and funds to support it;
Integrated territorial investments (ITI) and the bottom-up approach (CLLD);
The new URBACT programmeRegistration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/b4q4w4
Organisation responsible: Urban Development Network
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 14/09/2014
- Impact of ICT innovation vouchers on SMEs going digital and regional growth - Open Days 2014
- 07 October 2014, Centre Borschette, Room 0A - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: ICT innovation vouchers have a high growth potential for SMEs, combining access to innovative business solutions with digitization. This workshop will provide an opportunity to hear about the first results of the pilot actions launched last year by the regions of Murcia, Extremadura and Marche and to discuss the do's and don'ts in implementing ICT innovation vouchers scheme.
Target audience: EU, national, regional and local policy/decision makers and authorities managing and evaluating cohesion policy programmes and projects.Organisation responsible: DG CONNECT, Innovation Unit
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 22/09/2014
More Information: Website,
- OPEN DAYS 2014 - European Week of Regions and Cities
06 October 2014 - 09 October 2014, Brussels, European Commission and Committee of the Regions.
And local events all around the European Union. - Brussels - and many other places in Europe (Belgium and all around the EU) -
Description: Organised between 6-9 October 2014, the OPEN DAYS Brussels-based events will consist of an opening session (6 October), followed by some 100 working sessions (workshops or debates, 7-9 October).
Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2014/register.cfm
- 3rd Forum of the Outermost Regions: 9 Regions at the heart of the Europe of today and tomorrow
- 30 September 2014 - 01 October 2014, Charlemagne building, Rue de la Loi 170 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Following in the footsteps of the forums of 2010 and 2012, this year's gathering will bring together hundreds of participants, including experts and representatives from the outermost regions and the countries concerned, as well as from the EU institutions and interest groups and stakeholders.
The event will take place at the dawn of a new era for several key institutions of the European Union and at a moment when the Europe-wide priorities of EU Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020 are being translated into investment priorities through strategic Partnership Agreements, programmes and plans in the Member States.
The challenge, in this context is to ensure the strategy is geared towards the specific needs of the Outermost Regions, to allow them also to play their part in meeting EU objectives and continuing on the path to sustainable development.
Business partners from across the EU will also be invited to offer the outermost regions a platform for showcasing their unique selling points on the basis of the strategic axes developed in their action plans.Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/events/3rd-forum-of-the-outermost-regions/event-summary-5b85648a88404d929e755fd7e980302e.aspx
Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy
Contact: MARIANNE-MELGARD Laurence
Registration Deadline: 12/09/2014
- S3 Governance: "Entrepreneurial discovery process"
- 24 September 2014 - 25 September 2014, Stazione Leopolda, Piazza Guerrazzi 2 - Pisa (Italy)
Description: A core element of any Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) is the requirement of an 'entrepreneurial-driven' allocation of public resources. This means that, compared to past industrial policies, prioritisation should be the result of an entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP) through which entrepreneurial actors, from the public and private sector (i.e. companies, research organisations, universities and public society), would constantly guide the allocation of public resources. Nonetheless, the operationalisation of EDP is still a major challenge for many policy makers. EDP requires not only the capacity of entrepreneurs to identify local strengths but also the ability of governments to collect and assess the information received in order to align policy measures to the selected activities.
Objectives: This workshop is organised by the S3Platform in co-operation with the Regional Government of Tuscany. It brings together policy makers from EU countries and regions as well as representatives from the European Commission, scientific institutions and academics. It aims at further developing the conceptual and analytical framework of EDP to ensure an efficient allocation of public resources. A second aim of the workshop is to help policy makers to transform the outcome of EDP into better innovation policies.
Structure: This one-and-a-half day workshop is organised along thematic sessions with presentations followed by circle discussions, open discussions or working groups. To ensure fruitful debates and active participation, presentations and documents will be shared among all registered participants prior to the workshop.Registration Information: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/registrationsform/event31/event_form.cfm
- Sixth Cohesion Forum
- 08 September 2014 - 09 September 2014, Charlemagne building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Cohesion Forum, which will take place on 8-9 September 2014 in Brussels, is a large scale political event bringing together more than 700 people including high level representatives from European institutions, Prime Ministers and ministers, regional and local representatives, economic and social partners, NGOs and academics
Organisation responsible: DG REGIO
Contact: Rocco Bubbico
Registration Deadline: 11/08/2014
- CENTRAL EUROPE Annual Conference 2014
- 01 July 2014 - 02 July 2014, Town Hall (Rathaus) - Vienna (Austria)
Description: The Annual Conference "Cooperating in CENTRAL EUROPE" will introduce future funding priorities and possibilities in transnational CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and discuss these with key decision makers from the regional, the national, and the European level.
124 transnational projects implemented since 2007 will in addition be presented providing a bridge to the upcoming priorities of the CENTRAL EUROPE 2014-2020 Programme. Last but not least, the conference will function as Project Idea Fair related to the first call for proposals.
The conference is targeted at public and private stakeholders interested in either achievements of territorial cooperation in central Europe or in working with partners beyond national borders on innovation, low-carbon economy, the environment and culture or transport.
- 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
- 26 June 2014 - 27 June 2014, Vienna City Hall - Vienna (Austria)
Description: The 3rd Annual forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, with the overall title "We grow together - together we grow", will discuss how to empower the Danube area and its inhabitants as a prosperous and inclusive region. It will provide a meeting point for stakeholders of the whole Danube region to exchange, showcase and discuss on vital questions related the Danube Strategy's prospects and challenges.
- Mobilising Universities for Smart Specialisation
- 20 June 2014, Charlemagne auditorium - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Higher Education Institutions are important employers and service providers that are an integral, permanent part of most regional economies. Yet they can be much more influential and the Smart Specialisation agenda calls for universities and other HEIs to take on a more pro-active role in regional development. A significant amount of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are now concentrated on research and innovation activities providing a vehicle to mobilize universities. This will require universities to build partnerships with regional partners and understand the rules governing the ESIF.
The European Commission's Smart Specialisation Platform based at the Joint Research Centre in Seville has been working with the European University Association to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges for regional – university collaborative partnerships. Senior university leaders and regional policy makers sat together in Seville to work out how barriers to cooperation can be overcome. Other partners have since joined the discussions, including the European Economic and Social Committee. At the same time many policy Directorate-Generals of the Commission have understood the potential added value of the multiple roles universities play in regional economies and societies across Europe.Registration Information: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/registrationsform/event25/event_form.cfm
- Smart Specialisation Strategies: Implementing European Partnerships
- 18 June 2014, Committee of the Regions - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Regions from Finland, the Netherlands and Spain meet for a one-day conference at the Committee of the Regions to discuss inter-regional partnerships and RIS3 strategies. The event will be webstreamed live as of 9.30 CET.
More Information: Website,
- Smart Specialisation Strategies: Implementing European Partnerships
18 June 2014, Committee of the Regions
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat, 101
1040 Bruxelles - Brussels (Belgum) -
Description: Between 2014 and 2020 "smart specialisation strategies" (RIS3) will be a priority for every region within the European Structural and
Investment Funds, as well as the Horizon 2020 programme and other initiatives. But what does this mean in terms of creating concrete
partnerships and realising successful collaborative partnering arrangements?
This conference brings together people from across Europe so that they can learn from each other and engage in facilitated conversations
about creating the next generation of partnerships and projects which could be used to translate smart specialisation strategies into practice.
The focus is on both regional and city collaboration. Specific examples of pioneering smart regional developments from Helsinki,
Valencia and many other regions will serve as a starting point for practical and creative conversations about activities already in
progress, innovative methodologies currently in use and concrete further steps for European partnerships.Registration Information: https://www.webropolsurveys.com/Answer/SurveyParticipation.aspx?SDID=Fin793522&SID=9adeb6f0-34cf-4719-a6cf-65927a47b5c6&dy=99437886
- International Conference "Week of Innovative Regions in Europe 2014" (WIRE V)
- 12 June 2014 - 13 June 2014, Aegli Zappeiou - Athens (Greece)
Description: The Conference will build on the public dialogue for the discovery of effective procedures, instruments and best practices leading to the successful implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies for European Regions.
Towards a new architecture for regional innovation strategy, WIRE 2014 will cover the following thematic areas:
i. European funding for Regional Development in 2014-2020:
Regional intelligence in RIS3; Investing in smart priorities under Horizon 2020 and ESIF; optimal design and implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies; research and innovation to counterbalance the impact of the financial recession; adaptation of policies to territorial specificities; the role of knowledge-based economy in the Territorial cooperation; initiatives on regional and urban development;
ii. Business driving Regional innovation
Business contribution to the regional ecosystem for growth and job creation; engaging companies in RIS3; access to finance for SMEs; digital innovation and regional growth; cluster policies; innovative business transforming the regional environment
iii. Scientific Excellence, Open Data and Knowledge re-use for regional growth: Open public data for regional innovation, S&T metrics for designing and evaluating efficient regional policies; scientific excellence as competitive advantage of regions; synergies between research institutions, local government and knowledge intensive companies.Registration Information: http://www.wire2014.eu/registration-form/
Organisation responsible: The conference is organised by the National Documentation Centre of Greece (EKT) and the European Commission, in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Research & Technology, under the auspices of the Greek EU Presidency.
Contact: WIRE2014 Organising Committee
Registration Deadline: 31/05/2014
- Seminar on anti-corruption and anti-fraud measures in relation with the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds
- 03 June 2014, hotel Howard Johnson, Calea Dorobanților 5-7, Bucharest. - Bucharest (Romania)
Description: In 2013, the European Commission in co-operation with Transparency International has launched a series of information events dedicated to anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures in European Structural and Investment Funds.
Registration Information: http://anticorruption.onetec.eu/ro/form.Asp
Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG Regio
Contact: Laura INDRILIUNAITE; firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 28/05/2014
- European Territorial Cooperation Annual Meeting
- 19 May 2014 - 20 May 2014, Charlemagne Building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The 2014 Annual Meeting with the Managing Authorities of the European territorial cooperation prorammes will highlight the specific challenges and achievements of cross-border cooperation. The meeting will also review the implementation of the current territorial cooperation programmes, and address the future programming process for 2014-2020.
- S3P Peer-Review Workshop for National RIS3, Portoroz, Slovenia
- 15 May 2014 - 16 May 2014, Grand Hotel Metropol, Obala 77, Portoroz - Portoroz (Slovenia)
Description: EU countries face a number of challenges for implementing and governing their smart specialisation strategies. In the S3 process, entrepreneurial actors play the leading role in discovering promising areas of future specialisation. One implication for policy makers is that this requires policy tools to collect the "entrepreneurial knowledge" embedded in the country to transform it into policy priorities. Prioritisation process is often very challenging as besides setting the RIS3 priorities it unmistakenly deprioritise some others. Moreover, the increasingly local and global combination and interaction of cross-sectoral and cross-border activities require adaptation of strategies with the new challenges for which a smart policy mix combining synergies across policy instruments is of the utmost importance to ensure the effectiveness of the process. Three out of four countries to be peer-reviewed are partners in the Danube macro-regional strategy, therefore cooperation on the R&I activities is important also for the Danube space.
Registration Information: Registration is open to all the policy makers from Europe. The organisers in particular would like to welcome actiove participation from the Danube macro-region countries, including non-EU Danube countries.
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective Technology Studies Smart Specialisation Platform, Seville, Spain
Contact: Dr. Ales Gnamus, email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 08/05/2014
- Digital Innovation for Regional Growth
- 29 April 2014, Science Centre and Technology Museum "NOESIS" - Thessaloniki (Greece)
Description: This high-level event offers an opportunity to hear first-hand from the European Commission, the S3 Platform as well as from Regional and Local stakeholders about the importance of innovation tools such as Innovation Procurement and ICT Innovation Vouchers in the framework of Smart Specialization Strategies as means to boost digital innovation in order to achieve regional growth. Information will be shared around the process involved in drafting of the programmes, the use of Structural Funds and Horizon 2020 or other financing support to implement innovation measures, lessons learned and outcomes achieved.
Registration Information: Registration form - http://ris3regform.pkm.gov.gr/
Organisation responsible: European Commission DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology & IPTS-Smart Specialization (S3) Platform Hosted by the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece
Contact: Vasileios Tsanidis, DG CONNECT
Registration Deadline: 29/04/2014
More Information: Website,
- Seminar on anti-corruption and anti-fraud measures in relation with the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds
- 09 April 2014, Hotel Balcan, 5 Sveta Nedelya Square - Sofia (Bulgaria)
Description: In 2013, the European Commission in co-operation with Transparency International has launched a series of information events dedicated to anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures in European Structural and Investment Funds.
More Information: Website,
- RegioStars Award Ceremony 2014
31 March 2014, Palais des Beaux-Arts (BOZAR)
Rue Ravenstein 23
Bruxelles - Bruxelles (Belgium) -
Description: The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions.
The RegioStars Awards Jury has announced the finalists for the RegioStars 2014 awards which honour Europe's most inspirational and innovative regional projects. The RegioStars Awards Jury singled out 19 finalists from 80 projects supported by EU cohesion policy funds on the basis of four key criteria: innovation, impact, sustainability and partnership.
The finalists come from regions and cities in 17 Member States: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony presented by Commissioner Hahn in Brussels on 31 March 2014.Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/f4q1cn/4W
Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy
Contact: Agnieszka Cyndecka
Registration Deadline: 28/03/2014
- Seminar on anti-corruption and anti-fraud measures in relation with the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds
- 20 March 2014, Andel's Hotel, Stroupeznickeho 21 - Prague (Czech Republic)
Description: In 2013, the European Commission in co-operation with Transparency International has launched a series of information events dedicated to anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures in European Structural and Investment Funds.
More Information: Website,
- EU COHESION POLICY SUPPORTS THE SMEs
13 March 2014 - 14 March 2014, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
c/Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167
08025 Barcelona - Barcelona (Spain) -
Description: SMEs and Competitiveness
Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/sme_spain
Organisation responsible: European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 11/03/2014
- Seminar on anti-corruption and anti-fraud measures in relation with the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds
- 13 March 2014, Crowne Plaza Bratislava, Hodzovo Namestie 2 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Description: In 2013, the European Commission in co-operation with Transparency International has launched a series of information events dedicated to anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures in European Structural and Investment Funds.
More Information: Website,
- HOST Final Conference
06 March 2014, Committee of the Regions (Room JDE51)
Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The aim of the HOST project is to provide easy-to-use technologies and services in social housing flats to allow a better quality of communication and a better access to package services from the elders.
The final event will present the models of connected flats in 3 countries (UK, Italy and France) as well as the key conditions for successful implementation and replications. Those results will be discussed with a wide range of stakeholders from the European Union.Registration Information: Through this online registration form:
https://cecodhas.wufoo.com/forms/host-final-conference-registration-form/Organisation responsible: CECODHAS & OPAC du Rhône
Contact: Francesca Zaganelli email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 17/02/2014
- CiTIEs: Cities of Tomorrow: Investing in Europe
- 17 February 2014 - 18 February 2014, Charlemagne Building rue de la Loi 170 - 1040 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: More than two thirds of EU citizens live in urban areas – but does policy making in the EU reflect the realities of today's Europe? As calls grow for an EU Urban Agenda, the European Commission will host a main conference and a series of side events to debate how Member States and EU institutions should work together to ensure that cities play their full role in European development – and that their needs are fully reflected in policy thinking. "CiTIEs: Cities of Tomorrow: Investing in Europe" will provide a forum to shape a debate that matters to all of us.
The Conference will contribute to a strengthened profile of the urban dimension within EU Policies and wants to emphasize the importance of investments in urban areas and cities as agents for delivering EU policy objectives. The forum will consult key urban stakeholders across Europe on the need for an EU Urban Agenda, what it should contain and how it should be implemented. The forum will also discuss Europe's role in global urban development as well as the role of business in the development of our cities.Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/64qlh0/4W
Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 03/02/2014
- An interactive ESPON handbook for regions - How a European perspective could help detecting territorial potentials and challenges
- 11 February 2014, Swedish Representation - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The policy seminar…
- Focuses on how ESPON knowledge can help regions detecting territorial potentials and challenges,
- By demonstrating how the interactive handbook can make the ESPON knowledge more accessible and applicable,
- And by providing insights into ESPON knowledge from European, national and regional perspectives.
We especially invite local and regional actors (policy makers, strategic planners etc.) to participate in the seminar and learn more about ESPON.Registration Information: firstname.lastname@example.com
Organisation responsible: Nordregio
Contact: Stefanie Lange Scherbenske
Registration Deadline: 03/02/2014
- Stakeholder Conference on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region
- 06 February 2014 - 07 February 2014, Hotel Divani Caravel - Athens (Greece)
Description: A Stakeholder Conference on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, jointly organised by the European Commission and the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will take place at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens, Greece, on 6-7 February 2014.
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the EU and Greek Ministry of Development and Competitiveness
Contact: Joanna Mouliou
Registration Deadline: 27/01/2014
- Telling the Story – Communicating European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020
09 December 2013 - 10 December 2013, Square – Conference venue
Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The "Telling the Story" Conference will be a unique gathering of communication professionals from the European, national and regional levels. It will bring together, for the first time, communication officers responsible for the EU's five Structural and Investment Funds (European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund). Together, these funds represent more than a third of the EU's total budget and a key component of the EU's efforts to promote growth and jobs.
In addition to communication officers from national and regional authorities, participants will include Heads of Managing Authorities, journalists, representatives of stakeholder organisations, EU networks like Europe Direct, communication officers working for the European Commission in Brussels and in the Commission's Representations, and representatives of other EU institutions.Registration Information: http://tellingthestory.onetec.eu/register.asp
Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 18/11/2013
- Conference on anti-corruption and anti-fraud measures in relation to the use of European Structural and Investment funds
- 03 December 2013, SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Corruption and fraud in general and in the specific context of the management of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) receive increasing public and political attention. With the new generation of ESIF programmes to be adopted at the beginning of 2014, the Conference comes at a perfect time: the authorities in charge of the programmes are being asked to put more emphasis and resources on effective and proportionate anti-fraud measures taking into account the risks identified. The objective of the Conference is to showcase some tools and instruments which can help to raise awareness and identify fraud and corruption related risks. It will also address good practice examples which can be used for mitigating fraud and corruption linked to the management of the funds.
The Conference comes right before the annual international anti-corruption day on 9 December. Moreover, in autumn the Commission will present its first EU Anti-Corruption Report and Transparency International will release the 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index survey, all of which will serve as a good framework for the Conference and follow-up activities.Registration Information: http://anticorruption.onetec.eu/index.html
Organisation responsible: DG REGIO, E1
Contact: Inguna Kramina
Registration Deadline: 15/11/2013
More Information: Website,
- Corridors and Territories: Joint event of the Interreg IVB NWE project "CODE24" and the ten-t project "Upper Rhine, a connected corridor"
20 November 2013, European Parliament - allée Spach
Building Pierre Pflimlin - room 101 - 1st floor - Strasbourg (France) -
Description: CODE24 aims at a coordinated transnational strategy to support the improvement and the development of the corridor. The overall objective is to accelerate and jointly develop the transport capacity of the entire corridor by ensuring optimal economic benefits and spatial integration while reducing negative impacts on the environment at local and regional level. By focussing on regional aspects in the corridor area and joint development strategies, the project will strengthen the position of regional actors and stakeholders. It will provide planning tools and tailor made solutions to remove major bottlenecks and enable pro-active stakeholder participation. This encompasses both: the development of the railway system as well as a sustainable spatial development.
Registration Information: http://www.code-24.eu/fileadmin/code24/pdf/Documents_Public_Events/carte%20reponse%203.pdf
More Information: Website,
- EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea region : 4th annual Forum
- 11 November 2013, Vilnius - Vilnius (Lithuania)
Description: The event, entitled 'Baltic Sea, Baltic Growth, Baltic Environment', will focus on the environmental challenges faced by the Baltic Sea region, and the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities for economic growth, competitiveness and job creation. The agenda focuses on questions like:
What are the openings for green growth and resource efficiency in the Baltic Sea region?
How can economic sectors in the Baltic Sea region reduce the effect that their activities have on an already fragile environment?
How can the Baltic Sea region become a world-class model of sustainable growth?Organisation responsible: The event is hosted by the European Commission jointly with the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in collaboration with the Secretariat of Council of the Baltic Sea States and INTERACT Point Turku.
Contact: http://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu/pages/contacts
Registration Deadline: 17/10/2013
More Information: Website,
- Regions as motors of new growth through smart specialisation - matching strategies for common goals
- 08 November 2013, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, 1040 Brussels - Room JAN 2Q2 - Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels - Rooms: JDE52, JDE53, JDE 62, JDE70 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: How to regain competitiveness, foster industrial renewal and exploit new economic opportunities has become the key question for European policy makers in these testing times of rapid globalisation and economic transformation.
In this context smart specialisation has attracted widespread international attention as it supports strategic growth agendas by focusing on the microeconomics of competitiveness and mobilising the innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities available in each region.
At this crucial moment smart specialisation strategies are about to be launched across Europe mobilising a large number of stakeholders and leveraging public and private funds for innovation.
This high-level event will present the state of the art of smart specialisation and discuss its implications for European competitiveness, economic policy making and governance in the search for new growth opportunities.
It will also aim at stimulating processes of mapping and combining national, regional and European innovation roadmaps through a series of thematic workshops focusing on specific areas of joint opportunity linked to common societal challenges.
This conference is targeted at policy-makers at regional, national and European level in the fields of research, innovation, industrial policy and regional development, including ESIF (European Structural and Investment Funds) Managing Authorities and their stakeholders.Registration Information: http://en.vleva.eu/smartspecialisation/
- Achieving Excellence in Business Friendly Public Administration
29 October 2013, Charlemagne building (GASP Room)
Rue de la Loi 170 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Entrepreneurs and policy makers will equally benefit from an October conference aimed at improving public administration to better serve businesses. The conference will be hosted by Vice President Antonio Tajani. The topic of the conference is relevant for EU regional policy, since Member States will invest European Structural and Investment Funds in administrative capacity during the 2014-2020 funding period.
- 2nd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region: Danube Region - Stronger together, stronger in the world
28 October 2013 - 29 October 2013, International Conference Centre Bucharest / Palace of the Parliament;
Strada Izvor 2-4, Bucharest 050563, Romania - Bucharest (Romania) -
Description: The Forum is jointly organised by the European Commission and the Government of Romania. The publication of the 1st Report on the implementation of the Strategy (April 2013) and the crucial stage of the negotiations for the future programmes in the period 2014-2020 will shape the debates among decision-makers from business, politics, international organisations and civil society coming from all over the Danube Region.
Registration Information: http://danube-region.onetec.eu/register.asp
Organisation responsible: The Second Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), jointly organised between the Government of Romania and the European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/10/2013
- 11th European Week of Regions and Cities - OPEN DAYS 2013
07 October 2013 - 10 October 2013, Brussels
European Commission buildings: Charlemagne, Centre Borschette
Committe of the Regions buildings
European Parliament buildings
Regional offices of Brussels - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Since 2003, OPEN DAYS has become an annual key event for regional policy. Conceived by DG REGIO and the Committee of the Regions, this communication platform enlists support of thousands of local, regional, national and European decision-makers and experts.
OPEN DAYS 2013, taking place 7-10 October, will include about 100 workshops or debates as well as networking opportunities for up to 6,000 participants from all over Europe and third countries. Under the headline "Europe's regions and cities taking off for 2020", the event will be structured around three thematic priorities:
Managing Change 2014-2020, Synergies and cooperation, Challenges and solutions.Registration Information: Registration will be opened as of 8 July - the link is to be found via the OPEN DAYS website.
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy Committee of the Regions Regional partnerships
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 15/09/2013
- 100 EUrbansolutions for better cities - Exhibition
- 07 October 2013 - 30 October 2013, Place Jean Rey - Etterbeek, Brussels (Belgium)
Description: More than two thirds of Europeans live in an urban environment. Towns are the pillars of our modern Europe, the places where solutions to a great many problems are found. In areas such as competitiveness, employment, education, social inclusion, transport, the environment and innovation the progress achieved in cities provide solutions to improve citizens' daily life.
From 7th-31st of October Place Jean Rey, Etterbeek, Brussels (on Rue Belliard, opposite Parc Léopold) hosts an exhibition called "100 EUrbansolutions for better cities", promoting dozens of projects in the towns and cities of the EU and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- Cities for Active Inclusion final conference
- 25 September 2013, Committee off the Regions - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The final Cities for Active Inclusion (CfAI) conference will launch the results of research carried out over the past five years, and recommendations to EU social policy makers. This high-level events will feature a political debate amongst the mayors of the partnership's cities will be followed by three interactive panel debates that will look at youth employment, demographic change and social return on investment. The cities will present their good practices and alongside EU stakeholders, will discuss the current policy and challenges ahead.
Registration Information: http://citiesforactiveinclusionfinalconference.eventbrite.com/
Organisation responsible: EuroCities
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 20/09/2013
- European Cooperation Day
- 21 September 2013, Many locations throughout Europe - Various cities (Various countries)
Description: The European Cooperation Day campaign brings together more than 70 cooperation programmes in the European Union and its external borders. It shows the impact that cooperation programmes had in their respective territories, in particular to remove border effects and reduce disparities between regions in Europe. In its second edition, European Cooperation Day 2013 will be celebrated through over 300 events in almost 40 countries. Details on local events can be found on the campaign website from spring 2013 onwards.
- Sustainable Energy Financing for Municipalities and Regions
26 June 2013, Basque Country Office in Brussels
27 rue des 2 églises, Brussels ((300 m from the Charlemagne building)
Metro: Art et Loi - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: ManagEnergy Networking Event for Directors of Local and Regional Energy Agencies
The 2nd ManagEnergy Networking Event for the Directors of Energy Agencies provides a unique opportunity for the attendees to learn and share their views on sustainable energy financing initiatives at local and regional level. Starting from presentations on the future Structural and Cohesion Funds, the EU EPC Campaign and local initiatives [contracting / intracting or regional Fund], Energy Agencies' Directors will share their experience and will brainstorm on how to enhance their performance as financial advisor. The ManagEnergy Networking Event will also enable an open discussion on the current and future needs and expectations of Energy Agencies in terms of fi¬nancing as well as how European funding streams can best respond to them.
This will be an interactive event leaving much room for discussion. It will be led by a moderator. For each topic interesting case examples will feed the discussion. The total number of participants will be limited.Registration Information: http://bit.ly/16wshDi
Organisation responsible: FEDARENE
Contact: Dominique Bourges
Registration Deadline: 23/06/2013
- "Local development through intergenerational learning in mountain areas''
- 20 June 2013, Committee of the Regions - Room JDE52 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Bigfoot project(Lifelong learning Programme), in collaboration with the Committee of the Regions (CoR), will organise a conference on "Local development and intergenerational learning in mountain areas''. This conference will bring together experts and target group representatives in the field of Intergenerational learning, as well as different key actors and policy makers, for discussion and analysis. The ambition of the conference is to improve knowledge about intergenerational learning by sharing best practices; stimulating active involvement of decentralised communicators in the communication strategy of the European institutions; enhancing transfer of professional communication know-how towards all political levels; and facilitating networking among those working in public communication across the EU.
- "The Contribution of Cohesion and Urban Policy to Economic Recovery"
- 19 June 2013, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin - Dublin (Ireland)
Description: The Border, Midland and Western and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assemblies in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform will hold their Joint Annual Conference 2013 in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This is an Irish EU Presidency Event. The theme of the Conference is to explore the contribution of EU Cohesion and Urban policy to economic recovery in Ireland.
Registration Information: firstname.lastname@example.com
Organisation responsible: Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly
Contact: Derville Brennan, Research and Communications Officer, firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 17/06/2013
- Launching event of a new series of URBACT thematic reports "Cities of Tomorrow: Action Today"
- 18 June 2013, Albert Borschette Conference Centre (room 0D; 36 rue Froissart, B-1040 Brussels, European Commission) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The launch of a new series of URBACT thematic reports "Cities of Tomorrow: Action Today" on Tuesday 18 June 2013 in Brussels, is organised by URBACT - the European exchange and learning programme promoting sustainable urban development - with the support of Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission.
The launch event will take place in the Albert Borschette Conference Centre (room 0D; 36 rue Froissart, B-1040 Brussels, European Commission) on Tuesday 18 June 2013, 11:00-14:00
During the event, we will present a series of six reports published as a result of the URBACT capitalisation process:
1. From Crisis to Choice: Re-Imagining the Future in Shrinking Cities;
2. More Jobs: Better Cities - A Framework for City Action on Jobs;
3. Supporting Urban Youth Through Social Innovation: Stronger Together;
4. Against Divided Cities in Europe;
5. How Cities Can Motivate Mobility Mindsets;
6. Building Energy Efficiency in European Cities.
These publications respond to the key urban challenges of the 21st century, set out in the Cities of Tomorrow report. They demonstrate that an integrated and participative approach is required, linked to the environmental, social and economic pillars of Europe2020.
Participants will have an opportunity to find out about URBACT's wider capitalisation work, and to experience a panel debate with URBACT experts and EU political representatives. We will conclude with a networking lunch, where participants will have a chance to meet the report authors and discuss the themes in greater detail.
Come and debate the big issues facing European cities with our expert panel and take the opportunity to submit your own questions. How can cities drive a sustainable economic recovery? How do cities tackle challenges such as carbon targets and growing inequalities? How are ageing populations and migration changing our cities? What are the policies that will help cities to innovate, harness local talent and resources, and ultimately to survive the crisis? And how can the new ideas related to the ongoing discussions on new Cohesion Policy ideas and tools, such as Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and Community Lead Local Development (CLLD)?Registration Information: To secure your place, please, complete the registration form available at the following link – http://urbact.onetec.eu/.
Organisation responsible: URBACT
Contact: If you have any further questions please contact: Kristine Sergejeva, URBACT Communications Manager E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com , tel: (33) 1 49 17 45 81
Registration Deadline: 10/06/2013
- Innovation: A business Opportunity for SMEs
- 11 June 2013 - 12 June 2013, Dublin Castle - Dublin (Ireland)
Description: To be held on the brink between the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP7) and
its successor Horizon 2020, the EURO-SME 2013 conference is seizing the momentum for SMEs and
innovation. In the current economic conditions the main challenge for the EU – and many other
developed countries for that matter – is providing the conditions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Sustainable, long-term growth and job creation will be delivered best through SMEs that gain and sustain their competitive advantage through innovation. The event promises to bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs, policy makers, SME support organizations from the private and the public
sector, and other intermediary bodies that will feed their energy and ideas into how to improve the EU eco-system for innovative enterprises. It will also introduce SME specific measures in Horizon 2020 to this community.Registration Information: Registration website: http://eurosme2013.eu/register/
Organisation responsible: Enterprise Ireland and the European Commission
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 09/05/2013
- Week for Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE IV)
- 06 June 2013 - 07 June 2013, University College of Cork - Cork (Ireland)
Description: The 4th WIRE Conference will take place at University College Cork, on the 6-7 of June 2013. It is co-organized by Enterprise Ireland and the European Commission and supported by FP7, the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.
The objective of the Conference is to bring together representatives of European regional networks and clusters, FP7 (Research Potential and Regions of Knowledge) and InterReg communities, industry representative groups and companies with regional policy makers and implementation groups, DG Research & Innovation, DG Enterprise and DG Regio officials to contribute to the debate on research, innovation and regional policy development and to better position regional actors to enhance policy formation for effective regional development.
The Conference will feature key-note speeches from Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills with responsibility for Research & Innovation.Registration Information: www.wire2013.eu/
- ESPON Workshop "Stepping into the sea - New evidence on territorial development and the opportunities and risks for European seas and maritime regions"
15 May 2013, The Norwegian Mission to the EU
Norway House
Rue Archimède, 17
B - 1000 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Policy-making community representatives and practitioners are invited to attend this workshop which aims at providing information on land-sea interactions within Europe's six regional seas. New evidence on the development opportunities and challenges of Europe's seas, which can be used by stakeholders for the elaboration of both future Structural Funds programmes but also other development strategies, will be presented while also taking into account coastal and maritime governance arrangements. Place-based policy approaches for Europe's seas will be discussed which will be of high relevance for future EU funding possibilities.
This Workshop is open for all interested people and will in particular welcome policy-makers, practitioners, experts, representatives of managing authorities of EU funded programmes and also of other development strategies.Registration Information: http://www.espon.eu/main/Menu_Events/Menu_Workshops/form_WS130515.html
Organisation responsible: ESPON
Contact: Piera Petruzzi
Registration Deadline: 29/04/2013
- 2nd European seminar on sustainable urban rural partnerships: Building urban rural partnerships in future European development programmes
- 24 April 2013 - 25 April 2013, Copernicus Science Center, ul. Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20, 00-390 - Warsaw (Poland)
Description: Urban-rural linkages are high on the policy agenda. Both the European Parliament and the Council would like to see a reinforcement of such linkages in the current negotiations over the future Cohesion Policy. The reasons are manifold: improvement of territorial cohesion through better accessibility to services, stimulation of economic development and job creation through stronger integration of functional areas, increased resource efficiency and more efficient land-use through more developed territorial governance.
Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/fcqrjf
Organisation responsible: The European Commission, in collaboration with the Polish Mazovia region and the OECD
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 28/03/2013
- Annual meeting with the Managing authorities of the European territorial cooperation programmes
- 22 April 2013 - 23 April 2013, GASPERI room of the CHARLEMAGNE building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The meeting will be devoted to various key themes for the current and future programming period. In view of the preparation of the programmes, the plenary discussion will focus on strategic programming, practical steps for the submission of the operational programmes, the integration of governance and implementation tools into the European territorial cooperation programmes and a better integration of the macro-regional and Sea basin strategies.
Registration Information: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fmi/scic/ETC2013/start.php
Organisation responsible: DG REGIO, unit D2
Contact: Miriam Burajova (53142)
Registration Deadline: 10/04/2013
More Information:
- ESPON TANGO Project Workshop "Towards Better Territorial Governance"
20 March 2013, European Commission, DG Regional and Urban Policy
Avenue Beaulieu 29, 1160 Auderghem, Brussels
Room: BU29-00-027 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The workshop has an essential role in the ESPON project 'Territorial Approaches for New GOvernance' (ESPON TANGO). The project delves deeply into the conceptualisation and operationalisation of territorial governance across Europe.
The aim is to provide evidence to support future territorial development policies in general and Cohesion Policies to improve regional competitiveness, social inclusion and sustainable and balanced growth of the European territory in particular.Registration Information: Please register by email at firstname.lastname@example.com
Organisation responsible: ESPON and the European Commission DG Regional and Urban Policy
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 01/03/2013
More Information: Email
- FROM PILOTS TO OUTCOMES: Evidence-Based Lessons on the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Roma Communities
- 15 March 2013, Renaissance Brussels Hotel Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The conference will present the results of the three-year pilot project decided by the European Parliament targeting Roma socio-economic inclusion and implemented in the fields of early-childhood education and care, self-employment through microcredits, information and awareness raising, data collection and monitoring and evaluation tools in five European Union Member States and Macedonia. Recommendations in the fields of education, employment, housing, health, civil society, migration and gender equality will be debated with representatives of the European Union main institutions, international organisations, researchers and experts, Roma representatives and the inhabitants of a Roma settlement at Moldava nad Bodvou. A final session will be dedicated to the role of the structural funds in the implementation of the national Roma integration strategies, based on the experience derived from the structural funds programming period 2007-2013.
Registration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/5dXDLcIV5U-t6SCA5qKE-w/jmpg/P1/4K?
- An agenda for new skills and jobs: Regions and cities contributing to active labour market policies
- 28 February 2013 - 01 March 2013, Royal Hospital Kilmainham - Dublin (Ireland)
Description: On 28 February and 1 March 2013 in Dublin, the EU Committee of the Regions will hold a conference on the Europe 2020 flagship initiative "an agenda for new skills and jobs" and its regional and local impact. Being part of series of seven conferences on all flagship initiatives, the aim is to take stock of their implementation and to feed into the mid-term assessment of the Europe 2020 strategy by 2014.
Registration Information: http://cor.europa.eu/en/news/events/Pages/europe-2020-conference-agenda-for-new-skills-and-jobs.aspx
Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions
Contact: Wolfgang Petzold, Tom De Smedt
Registration Deadline: 20/02/2013
- RegioStars Awards Ceremony 2013
- 31 January 2013, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions.
In this 6th edition, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, and the president of the Jury, Luc Van den Brande, will award prizes to outstanding projects in the following categories:
- SMART GROWTH: Connecting universities to regional growth
- SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: Supporting resource efficiency in SMEs
- INCLUSIVE GROWTH: Social innovation: creative responses to societal challenges
- CITYSTAR: Integrated approaches to sustainable urban development
- INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION: Promoting EU Regional policy with short videosRegistration Information: http://www.cvent.com/d/6cqdtx
- Bringing divided communities together - Sharing the experience of the EU PEACE programme
- 31 January 2013, CHARLEMAGNE building, Room DE GASPERI - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Bringing Divided Communities Together" aims to highlight one of the European Union interventions in peace-building, namely the EU PEACE Programme within Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. The launch of the PEACE Programme in 1995 was the direct result of the European Union's desire to respond positively to new opportunities in the Northern Ireland peace process during the paramilitary ceasefire announcements. Since then the EU has provided additional financial assistance through the PEACE II Programme as well as the current PEACE III (2007-2013). The programme features a genuine bottom-up involvement in its delivery and it aims to reconcile communities by creating a shared vision of society, building positive relations at local level as well as acknowledging and dealing with the past.
The centrepiece of the conference will be a number of innovative project testimonies from the PEACE Programme giving a detailed insight into the work accomplished and the impact that this work continues to have on people's lives.
The plenary session will provide a platform to share experiences and explore to what degree the distinctive approaches of the PEACE programme could be relevant to other regions or countries throughout Europe and beyond.Registration Information: Please note that registration to the event is mandatory, including for participants working in EU institutions.
Registration link:http://www.cvent.com/events/bringing-divided-communities-together/event-summary-6b619bfc0e7f468cb91a99122f5e3594.aspxOrganisation responsible: European Commission in cooperation with the Special EU Programmes Body
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/01/2013
- Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation
13 December 2012 - 14 December 2012, EDIFICIO EXPO - AUDITORIO, 2ª PLANTA BAJA
C/INCA GARCILASO 3 - Seville (Spain) -
Description: "Smart specialisation" is a strategic approach to economic development through targeted support for research and innovation. It was announced in the "Innovation Union flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 Strategy as the key action of Cohesion Policy in the field of innovation. The development of "research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation" was proposed as a pre-condition for countries and regions availing of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The aim is to ensure more effective and efficient innovation policy strategies at national and regional level to maximise the impact of EU investment.
Registration Information: http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/activities/research-and-innovation/data/event6/event_form.cfm
More Information: Website,
- URBACT Annual Conference 2012 "Cities of Tomorrow: Action Today"
03 December 2012 - 04 December 2012, Oksnehallen
Halmtorvet 11
1700 Copenhagen
Denmark - Copenhagen (Denmark) -
Description: The Annual Conference of URBACT - a European exchange and learning programme promoting sustainable urban development - will bring together urban practitioners, policymakers and experts from across the EU, to investigate solutions to the critical challenges faced by EU cities.
The conference is built on the European Commission's report "Cities of tomorrow – Challenges, visions, ways forward" (October 2011), which highlighted many of the major challenges that hundreds of cities in URBACT projects were trying to solve through sustainable urban development.
Six parallel workshop sessions will be organised covering main challenges facing EU cities.
Drawing on evidence from URBACT – in particular, project results and lessons, - and other European Territorial Cooperation programmes, we will discuss how cities can tackle six key issues: (1) How can cities create more jobs; (2) How can cities foster active inclusion through social innovation; (3) How can cities fight against the socio-spatial divide; (4) How can cities deal with the urban shrinkage; (5) How can cities improve buildings' energy efficiency; (6) How can cities develop low carbon urban environment through better mobility and accessibility.Registration Information: Registrations are now open via the conference website. In order to facilitate the coming and participation to the interactive parts of the conference, specific details are asked – notably on speaking languages for interpretation. Participants are asked to make a preference choice on the two workshops out of the six which they would like to participate in. Any other requirements (e.g. regarding catering) may be specified.
There are no registration fees.Organisation responsible: URBACT
Contact: Kristine Sergejeva URBACT Communications Manager E-mail: email@example.com Tel: (33) 1 49 17 45 81
Registration Deadline: 09/11/2012
- 1st Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
- 27 November 2012 - 28 November 2012, - - Regensburg (Bavaria) (Germany)
Description: This first Annual Forum after the launching of the Strategy in 2011 will provide a framework to discuss on the state of play and future steps. Entitled "How the Danube Region can help to have a more competitive Europe", the conference will encourage a reflection on the potential contribution of the macro-regional perspective to Europe's growth.
The first Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region will gather a wide audience comprising: representatives from the European institutions and bodies, relevant international organisations, national ministries, regional and local authorities; as well as representatives from the business sector (chambers of commerce, trade unions, companies, etc.), the academia (universities and research centres), civil society (NGOs, cultural organisations, etc) and in general, all relevant stakeholders, in order to have a broad discussion and exchange of information about the state of play and further steps in relation to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.
The focus of debate will be the challenges and opportunities of the Danube Region in terms of investment and economic competitiveness, infrastructure development, or energy efficiency, among others. The agenda will provide an opportunity to consider how the EU Strategy can play its part in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.Registration Information: To be opened in September 2012
Organisation responsible: European Commission and Bavaria
Contact: Anna Repullo i Grau Unit European transnational and interregional cooperation Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Registration Deadline: 28/10/2012
- Sustainable Urban Rural Partnership European Conference 2012
- 15 November 2012 - 16 November 2012, Metz - Metz (France)
Description: Across the EU there is increased interest in the territorial dimension of regional policy. The European Commission is implementing a Preparatory Action: "Partnership for sustainable urban-rural development" proposed by the European Parliament. The objective is to uncover policy lessons concerning the potential role of urban-rural partnerships in improving regional competitiveness and territorial cohesion. The first European Conference on "Sustainable Urban Rural Partnership" will take place in Metz (Lorraine region in France) on the 15th-16th November 2012. This event will bring together around 200 participants, including high level European policy makers and representatives of urban and rural networks, associations and European institutions. The European Commission wishes to launch a direct dialogue with Europe's countries, regions and cities in order to discuss the role of rural-urban development in the cohesion policy for 2014-2020.
More Information: Website,
- Open Days 2012, Workshop "Delivering results"
- 10 October 2012, Rue Montoyer 47 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Workshop of local and regional authorities
Registration Information: Please register at the OPEN DAYS web page
Organisation responsible: CEPLI
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 24/09/2012
More Information: Website,
- OPEN DAYS 2012 - Europe's regions and cities: Making a difference
- 08 October 2012 - 11 October 2012, Different venues around Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Between 8 and 11 October, Europe's regions and cities will showcase good practice in regional and urban development and discuss on the future of cohesion policy 2014-2020.
On the occasion of the OPEN DAYS 10th anniversary, the 2012 headline will be: "Europe's regions and cities: Making a difference".
OPEN DAYS 2012 will have three thematic priorities:
- Smart and green growth for all;
- Territorial cooperation: an asset for Europe; and
- Delivering results.Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions
Contact: European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions
Registration Deadline: 28/09/2012
More Information: Website,
- European Cooperation Day
- 21 September 2012, Many locations throughout Europe - Various cities (Various countries)
Description: European Cooperation Day is 21 September 2012 and will be celebrated all over Europe and in neighbouring countries!
Join us in celebrating the achievements of European Territorial Cooperation in your region.
Most events will be taking place during the week of 17-23 September.
Want to see what will be happening in your area? Log on to www.ecday.eu for an interactive map of events!
- Closing conference 'A Way Out - and a Possible Way Forward Social Microcredit, Financial Inclusion and Self-Employment'
- 04 September 2012, Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noir (Rue de la Vierge Noire 32, 1000 Brussels) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: From 8h45 to 17h15
On 4 September DG Regional Policy is organising the Closing Conference of the Kiutprogramme 'A Way Out - and a Possible Way Forward Social Microcredit, Financial Inclusion and Self-Employment' jointly with the World Bank and Polgár Foundation.
The objective of the event is to present the Kiutprogramme experience in the field of social micro-finance services to enhance Roma self-employment policy recommendations will also be discussed and the report on "Financial inclusion", recently concluded by the World Bank, will be presented.Registration Information: http://bit.ly/a-way-out-registration
Organisation responsible: DG Regional Policy, the World Bank and Polgár Foundation
Contact: - email@example.com - Aleksandra TSANKOVA (firstname.lastname@example.com)
Registration Deadline: 20/08/2012
- II Forum des régions ultrapériphériques: ensemble vers l'Europe 2020
- 02 July 2012 - 03 July 2012, Bâtiment Charlement, 170 rue de la Loi - Bruxelles (Belgique)
Description: Ce Forum bisannuel vise à exposer le potentiel des régions ultrapériphériques, à promouvoir et à valoriser leurs spécificités et leurs atouts uniques pour l'UE dans de multiples domaines. Les travaux constituent une opportunité unique d'échange de connaissances, d'expériences et de bonnes pratiques entre les différents acteurs des RUP, des Etats membres et des représentants des institutions européennes.
Organisation responsible: REGIO B2: "Coordination des questions liées aux régions ultrapériphériques"
Contact: Ana-Paula Laissy
Registration Deadline: 15/06/2012
- Connecting Europe - Smart and Green Partnerships. The European Commission's 3rd Annual Forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, and the 14th Baltic Development Forum Summit
- 17 June 2012 - 19 June 2012, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts - Copenhagen (Denmark)
Description: The 14th Baltic Development Forum Summit and the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region focus on infrastructure needs, including transport, energy and digital requirements.
Entitled Connecting Europe – Smart and Green Partnerships in the Baltic Sea Region, the event is co-hosted with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Capital Region of Denmark and the Region Zealand, and will be attended by decision-makers from business, politics, international organisations and the academic world.
The focus of the debate will be the challenges and opportunities for the Baltic Sea Region in terms of infrastructure development, investment, and economic competitiveness, as well as the importance of public-private cooperation. The event is an important opportunity to explore how public-private partnerships can help kick-start economic growth, and contribute to the sustainable development of the Region.
This agenda will allow us to consider how the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, through smarter and greener investments, can play its part in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The aim is to discuss how the Strategy Action Plan can best support infrastructure planning, also in the digital field. A new State of the Region Report will – as always – provide substantial input to the discussion.
Business networking is also promoted. The Baltic Business Arena – a matchmaking event for companies - takes place alongside the conference. See www.b2match.eu/balticbusiness2012
Together with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Capital Region of Denmark, the Region Zealand and the Region Skåne, the European Commission and the Baltic Development Forum look forward to welcoming you in Copenhagen!Registration Information: Registration will take place through the event website: www.bsr2012.eu
More Information: Website,
- Regions for Economic Change 2012 - Transforming Regional Economies: "The Power of Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation"
- 15 June 2012, Charlemagne building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: EU Structural Funds are seen as an ever more valuable source of growth-enhancing investments for Member States and regions. But how can we programme and spend the funds effectively to help transform our regional economies and yield long-term economic impact and sustainable jobs and growth?
The European Commission in its proposals for the 2014-2020 programming period suggests a concentration of major parts of ERDF spending around three thematic goals: 1) Research and Innovation, 2) SME competitiveness and 3) Shift to a low-carbon economy. In addition, it invites Member States and regions to unlock the power of innovation by drawing up comprehensive research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation. This has effectively been proposed as a pre-condition for using ERDF funds for the next programming period.
These strategies do five important things:
They focus on each country's/region's priorities, challenges and needs for innovation and knowledge-based development.
They aim to stimulate private sector investment in research and technological development (RTD).
They build on each country's/region's capabilities, competitive advantages and potential for excellence.
They get stakeholders fully involved and encourage innovation and experimentation.
They are evidence-based and include sound monitoring and evaluation systems.
This 5th Regions For Economic Change conference will discuss the challenges, benefits and possible limitations of implementing the smart specialisation conditionality through EU Structural Funds and how to best tailor smart specialisation to different national/regional frameworks and contexts.Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy - Unit D2: Thematic coordination, innovation
Registration Deadline: 15/05/2012
- Regions and cities for integrated territorial development. A Common Strategic Framework for cohesion policy, rural development and fisheries funds for the period 2014-2020
- 10 May 2012, Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard/Belliardstraate 101 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Common Strategic Framework (CSF) plays a key role in the context of the proposals made by the European Commission for cohesion policy, rural development and fisheries funds post-2013. It will be the guiding document translating the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth into the key actions of the five 'CSF funds': the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. In line with the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, the CSF aims at making an integrated territorial approach a reality. Regional and local stakeholders will be of mayor importance for the implementation of the CSF funds and for effective coordination between different policies with territorial impact.
With its Forum on 10 May 2012, the CoR aims to bring together key representatives of the EU institutions, member states and regions in order to take stock of the current debate and to discuss in particular three topics
• Multilevel governance of CSF funds post-2013;
• the Europe 2020 strategy and the challenge of an integrated territorial approach;
• Delivering results: Ensuring coherent approaches.
The Forum will address representatives of the EU institutions as well as national and regional officials and experts involved in the management of structural, rural development and fisheries funds. It follows the adoption of the main CoR opinions on the legislative package on the CSF funds and joins forces with the European Parliament rapporteurs before the adoption of the respective EP reports.Registration Information: Registration will begin early March 2012. Priority will be given to Members of the European, national and regional parliaments, members of relevant working groups in the Council, and representatives of public authorities managing structural, rural development and fisheries funds.
Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions
Contact: Jens Nordmeyer
Registration Deadline: 07/05/2012
- Smart Specialisation Conference Baltic States
- 07 May 2012 - 08 May 2012, to be provided beginning of April - Riga (Latvia)
Description: The conference aims to present the concept of smart specialisation and how this can be implemented and help Baltic States to reach their full innovation potential.
Organisation responsible: European Commission in cooperation with JRC in Seville and the Latvian Ministry of Finance
Contact: For general questions please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com For questions concerning smart specialisation please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 03/05/2012
More Information: Website,
- EU Structural Funds 2014-2020 : Promoting Innovation Through "Smart Specialisation"
07 May 2012 - 08 May 2012, Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija
Elizabetes 55 - LV-1010
RIGA - RIGA (Latvia) -
Description: Innovation is key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing world. Innovation is important for all regions. Europe's competitiveness, its capacity to create new jobs, its social fabric and cohesion, and, overall, our future standard of living depend on the ability to drive innovation in products, services, businesses and organisations.
Smart specialisation will be instrumental in helping Europe's regions concentrate resources on strategic priorities and design the right policy mix to unleash smart growth. To concentrate resources on areas of comparative advantage is not only a question of more coherence and impact of EU action, it is also vital in times of budgetary restraint.
The conference aims to present the concept of smart specialisation and how this can be implemented and help Baltic States to reach their full innovation potential. Regions and experts are invited to share their experience within the Baltic Sea Area.
During the conference you will have the opportunity to discuss future R&D+I strategies with experts, Commission representatives as well as participants from other Baltic Sea Regions.
The conference will be held in English.
For further information on smart specialisation please consult the smart specialisation platform.Registration Information: By webpage
Organisation responsible: Organised by the European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy, the Joint Research Centre in Sevilla and the Latvian Ministry of Finance.
Contact: Joanna METAXOPOULOU, DG REGIO: firstname.lastname@example.com Inger MIDTKANDAL, JRC-IPTS: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 03/05/2012
More Information: Website,
- European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing From Plan to Action
- 03 April 2012, European Commission, Charlemagne building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Conference will be opened by Vice-President Neelie Kroes and Commissioner John Dalli. The Steering Group of the pilot Innovation Partnership, the European Commission and a plethora of stakeholders in the field of active ageing will together discuss how to move from the planning phase - delivered with the Strategic Implementation Plan - to implementing concrete actions. The Conference represents a major opportunity for stakeholders who are willing to put the plan into action. During the conference, they will have the opportunity to meet each other, express their interest in one or more areas of active and healthy ageing and discover common interests.
Organisation responsible: European Commission (DG Health and Consumers and DG Information Society and Media)
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 23/03/2012
- EU-Strukturfonds 2014-2020: Innovation fördern durch 'Intelligente Spezialisierung'
- 23 March 2012, Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission, Unter den Linden 78 - Berlin (Deutschland)
Description: Investitionen in Forschung, Innovation und Humankapital sind für alle Regionen von entscheidender Bedeutung, um Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Wachstumspotential zu stärken. Solche Investitionen sollen zukünftig noch stärker auf die Innovationsförderung ausgerichtet werden und damit zu einem zentralen Instrument für die Umsetzung der Europa 2020 Strategie und der Bemühungen um eine 'Innovationsunion' in Europa werden.
Registration Information: Die Konferenzsprache ist ausschließlich Deutsch.
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=smartberlinOrganisation responsible: Generaldirektion für Regionalpolitik der Europäischen Kommission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/03/2012
- Urban Forum 2012
- 16 February 2012, Charlemagne Building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The legislative package adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2011 proposes to strengthen the urban dimension of the future cohesion policy. In line with his long-term commitment to promote an ambitious urban agenda at the EU level, Commissioner Johannes Hahn is launching a direct dialogue with European cities through the organisation of the first Urban Forum, which will take place on 16 February 2012 in Brussels. The event aims to set the ground for a dialogue between the European Commissioner for Regional Policy and cities on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy. By bringing together representatives of European Institutions and Mayors of European cities, the Urban Forum will allow for an exchange of views on future European challenges and how they can be tackled successfully at all levels. At the same time, it will offer an arena for discussion on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy.
The Forum will be divided into three thematic panels:
- Tackling the challenges of coordinating thematic investment;
- Integrated Territorial Investments; and
- New tools provided by the proposed Regulations.
Conceived as a unique opportunity to foster knowledge sharing and transfer of experience, the URBAN Forum will pave the way for an 'institutionalised' collaboration between the Commission and cities' representatives, which will then be implemented through the European Urban Development Platform, foreseen in the proposed draft Regulations on Cohesion policy for 2014-2020.
Around 500 participants, including Mayors of EU cities, representatives of urban networks and associations, as well as cities involved in various EU Urban Policy initiatives are expected to attend.Registration Information: Participation will be only possible upon invitation.
Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate General for Regional Policy
Contact: DG Regional Policy - Urban development and territorial cohesion Unit
Registration Deadline: 01/02/2012
- The Urban Dimension of Cohesion Policy
- 08 December 2011 - 09 December 2011, Warsaw - Warsaw (Poland)
Description: Cohesion Policy is the major instrument of the European Union to strengthen
economic, social and territorial cohesion. It is also one of the
instruments to achieve the Europe 2020 Strategy, aimed at sustainable,
smart and inclusive growth. But what does this mean in practice? How are
cities involved in this European wide strategy? How can Europe assist
cities in better addressing local challenges? With the new EU programming
period (2014-2020) in sight, EUKN and the Polish EU Presidency would like
to stimulate a dialogue on the role of cities.
This joint conference will also focus on what can be learnt from current
integral urban projects and elaborates on the results of the Polish EU
Presidency conference: 'Effective Instruments Supporting Territorial
Development" of the 24th-25th of October 2011.Organisation responsible: Ministry of Regional Development of Poland Department of Structural Policy Coordination
Contact: email@example.com
More Information: Website,
- Cohesion policy investing in energy efficiency in buildings
- 29 November 2011 - 30 November 2011, EC Charlemagne building, Mansholt room - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The aim of this conference and workshop, organised by DG Regional Policy, is to inform participants about developments at EU level which are relevant to the period 2014-2020, and to focus on implementation difficulties encountered and possible solutions for the future.
Organisation responsible: Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: Agnes Kelemen
More Information: Website,
- INTERREG IVC 'Good Practice Fair 2011'
24 November 2011, Park Inn Krakow, Poland
Address: Ul. Monte Cassino 2, Krakow
Tel: +48 (0)12 375 5555
Fax: +48(0)12 375 5556 - Krakow (Poland) -
Description: What effective techniques have been used to promote entrepreneurship in order to boost employment? How do regions deal with the emphasis on innovation and how can innovative ideas be brought to the market? What works on a regional level when tackling climate change? How do regions face the challenges brought about by demographic change? How can improving energy use improve a region's performance?
The knowledge gathered in 27 EU countries, Norway and Switzerland is available to all, and will be shared in the INTERREG IVC's good practice fair 2011. The aim of this event is to help local and regional policymakers and practitioners benefit from the experience already shared, especially during this period of economic austerity across Europe.
This event welcomes policy-makers and practitioners from all over Europe for an intensive one-day event focused on sharing experiences and encouraging uptake of good practices identified or transferred with cooperation projects. We particularly encourage public authorities who have not joined an INTERREG IVC partnership to attend this practical, knowledge-sharing day.Registration Information: To register, connect to: goodpractice.interreg4c.eu
As there is a limited number of seats, we encourage registration as soon as possible, and at the latest by 11 November 2011. In all cases, registration will be confirmed by the organisers within 3 working days.Organisation responsible: INTERREG IVC Joint Technical Secretariat Les Arcuriales – Entrée D, 5e étage 45 rue de Tournai – 59000 Lille – France Tel: +33 328 144 108 - Fax: +33 328 144 109 www.interreg4c.eu
Contact: Irma Astrauskaite email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 11/11/2011
- Annual meeting with cross-border cooperation programmes - 25 october 2011
- 25 October 2011, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: More than 300 participants attended the first Annual meeting of cross-border cooperation programmes which took place on 25 October 2011 in Brussels.
Representatives of Managing Authorities, Joint Technical Secretariats and other partners discussed with the Commission the draft legislative proposals for cohesion policy 2014-2020 and in particular, the draft regulation on European territorial cooperation. The agenda covered as well the implementation-related issues, the points on European grouping for territorial cooperation or how to better capture the impact of cooperation programmes. In the course of the meeting, the new publication and film on cooperation, named "Building bridges between people", was also presented.Organisation responsible: EC
Contact: email@example.com
More Information: Website,
- OPEN DAYS - 9th European Week of Regions and Cities
- 10 October 2011 - 13 October 2011, Several venues in Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The 9th OPEN DAYS will be held over four days from 10 to 13 October, in a period during which the debate on the European Commission's legislative proposals for cohesion policy post-2013 and the budget debate in the Council and the European Parliament about size, duration and priorities of the forthcoming Multi-annual Financial Framework will dominate the political agenda. This will happen against the backdrop of continued efforts at all levels of governance to exit the financial and economic crisis and the 2nd year of implementation of the 'Europe 2020' strategy. The latter will influence the discussion about objectives of the new generation of cohesion policy programmes.
Regions and cities will play a major role in the discussions on the above-mentioned issues. Their input with regard to a more efficient delivery of cohesion policy will be particularly valuable.
The OPEN DAYS will take good account of the political and institutional circumstances. In parallel, it will continue to be the annual platform of good practice showcasing results and projects from current 'convergence', 'regional competitiveness and employment', and 'territorial cooperation' programmes, in order to support sharing of experiences and to stir debate about good local, regional and cross-border governance and management of EU funding. This exchange between practitioners will be mixed with input from academia. Another successful element will be the participation of third countries, which are keen to hear and learn from European regions' experiences in regional policy.
Under the headline 'Investing in Europe's future: Regions and cities delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth', the OPEN DAYS 2011 will be structured around three thematic priorities:
"Europe 2020"
will focus on discussing and visualising how Cohesion Policy contributes to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This thematic priority will include issues such as; research and innovation; "Digital Europe"; creative industries; regional and urban low-carbon development strategies; energy efficiency; cooperation on climate action; regional and local employment strategies; tackling poverty and social exclusion.
"Better delivery"
Under this thematic priority, workshops and debates will focus on how to improve delivery of Cohesion Policy in the current period, but also after 2013. Exchange of good practice between practitioners will be mixed with discussions on certain aspects or novelties of the regulatory framework post-2013 proposed by the Commission. Seminars will focus on sub-themes like "moving from grants to loans", "more focus on results", on-going evaluation, new evaluation methods, the right balance between concentration and flexibility, how to ensure visibility of EU's Regional policy through results and projects, Common Strategic Frameworks and Partnership contracts etc.;
"Geography matters"
Under this thematic priority discussions will focus on highlighting the usefulness of territorial approaches when identifying regional needs and exploiting regional potentials. Experiences and specific solutions in the fields of e.g. urban and local development, territorial co-operation and the European Grouping on Territorial Co-operation (EGTC), macro-regional strategies, regions with specific geographical/demographic challenges etc. will be exchanged. In addition, new research on regional and urban development will be debated under the roof of the 'OPEN DAYS University'. Seminars with third countries will also take place under this theme.Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2011/registration.cfm?nmenu=500
Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions
Contact: OPEN DAYS Secretariat: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 28/09/2011
- European Conference "Equality between Women and Men"
- 19 September 2011, CHARLEMAGNE building, Room Alcide de Gasperi (GASP) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: This conference aims to debate and stimulate progress on advancing key issues for gender equality identified in the European Commission's 'Strategy for Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015'.
The European Commission 'Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men 2010' concluded that 'despite a general trend towards more equality in society and in the labour market, progress in eliminating gender inequalities remains slow'.
In this context of slow progress, the objectives for the conference are to:
Explore the causes and consequences of the slow progress in advancing gender equality.
Identify the ideas and initiatives that have a capacity to provide a new impulse for greater gender equality.
The conference will bring together all who can contribute to the effective implementation of the Strategy at a European and a Member State level. Participants will include representatives from the European Union institutions, Member States, candidate countries, EEA and EFTA States, equality bodies, social partners, NGOs and international organisations.Registration Information: The participation in this conference is by invitation only. Each participant must register at
the following link: www.conference-gender.net with the following code: 0IE13.Organisation responsible: DIRECTORATE-GENERAL JUSTICE
Contact: Any practical inquiries should be addressed directly to conference-gender(a),newstravel.eu.
Registration Deadline: 30/08/2011
- Join the Joint Transnational Conference to find out how Transnational Cooperation Programmes help to improve quality of life in European regions!
- 15 September 2011 - 16 September 2011, The conference will take place from 15th September noon to 16th September noon 2011 in the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music. Zacisze 3, in Katowice, Poland. - Katowice (Poland)
Description: Over 600 participants will attend the first ever joint conference of the 13 transnational programmes running under the 'European Territorial Cooperation' objective of the EU Cohesion Policy to meet with high level representatives from the European Commission and Polish Government representatives to discuss the future of transnational cooperation. The conference will demonstrate how this type of cooperation is addressing topics not covered by any level of governance and how it helps to improve quality of life in the regions.
Who will be participating?
More than 600 people will participate from the entire Europe plus representatives of the neighbour and pre-accession countries. The event will feature high level speakers and panels including EU Commission representatives and Polish Ministries such as
Elżbieta BIEŃKOWSKA, Minister of Regional Development, Poland;
Johannes HAHN - Commissioner for Regional Policy, European Commission. Special message
Normunds POPENS, Deputy Director-General, DG Regional Policy, European Commission;
Jan OLBRYCHT, President of the URBAN Intergroup, European Parliament
What is on the agenda?
Plenary sessions, 6 workshops and an exhibition area will show the cooperation potentials, strengths and challenges of transnational cooperation programmes. The thematic sessions will focus on issues important to all programmes and corresponding to objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy:
Environmental Risk Management
Demographic Change
Enlargement and cooperation with our neighbours
The cooperation themes will be deepened in conference workshops and can be 'life experienced' in
an animated exhibition.
For more information
check http://www.transnational-cooperation.eu/ or contact:
Ms. Mercedes Acitores Franzon / email@example.com / +34 659 76 6799
M. Henrik Josephson / email@example.com / +45 2135 8920
Press Conference and accreditations: firstname.lastname@example.com Information: http://www.transnational-cooperation.eu/
Organisation responsible: The conference was initiated and is arranged by the 13 transnational programmes. It will be hosted by the Silesian Region and the city of Katowice and will be an accompanying event of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.
Contact: Ms. Mercedes Acitores Franzon / email@example.com / +34 659 76 6799 M. Henrik Josephson / firstname.lastname@example.com / +45 2135 8920
- ESPON Info Day and Partner Café
- 13 September 2011, Venue to be confirmed - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: In the framework of the upcoming Calls for Proposals to be launched on 24 August 2011, ESPON invites for an Info Day and Partner Café.
The purpose of the event is to inform and assist potential beneficiaries in preparing proposals for the Calls. The event will focus on the content specifications and the procedures for applying.
The European Commission and the Polish EU Presidency will present the policy demand behind the need for further ESPON results.
The Info Day and Partner Café will also give participants the chance to network, to find partners for their projects and get feedback.
The event is open for all potential beneficiaries interested in learning more about this opportunity to take part in ESPON projects and to apply for funds to the ESPON 2013 Programme. This means scientists and experts representing universities, research institutes and private companies from 31 European countries (EU 27 + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).Organisation responsible: ESPON Coordination Unit Luxembourg
Contact: Piera Petruzzi
Registration Deadline: 02/09/2011
- Cities of tomorrow - the challenges
- 28 June 2011 - 29 June 2011, DG REGIO - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Commission launches a reflection process on the "cities of tomorrow"
Undertaken upon the initiative of Commissioner Johannes Hahn, this reflection will form part of the wider discussions on the future of regional policy. It will address issues such as:
How can regional policy support towns and cities to tackle the challenges of today and in the future?
What vision do we have for possible models for cities and towns of tomorrow?
One of the end-goals is to be able to identify good practices and policies which could serve as inspiration at a European level.
A first seminar, bringing together around 20 European experts, met on 28 and 29 June. Discussions focused on the shared challenges facing cities both today, and in the future.
A second seminar will meet in October. It will focus on visions and models for cities of tomorrow.Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO - Unit C2 (Urban development and territorial cohesion)
Contact: Corinne Hermant (firstname.lastname@example.com) or Christian Svanfeldt (firstname.lastname@example.com)
- Regions for Economic Change - Fostering Smart and Sustainable Growth in Cities and Regions
- 23 June 2011 - 24 June 2011, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Europe's regions and cities are being called on to make a decisive contribution to the smart, sustainable and inclusive objectives of Europe 2020. Drawing on the recent Commission communications on smart and sustainable growth this year's edition of the Regions for Economic Change conference will explore tools and networks for smart and sustainable cities and regions and highlight excellent projects and initiatives to demonstrate the key contribution of regional policy to economic modernisation and the Europe 2020 goals.
The event is targeted, as in previous years, to provide a policy learning platform to Structural Funds programme bodies, national, regional and local authorities and professional intermediaries, including their Brussels-based representatives and networks.
Programme outline:
• The first day of the conference will kick-off with a plenary session, a debate on "Smart specialisation for smart growth" and the official launch of the "Smart Specialisation Platform", a new Commission initiative designed to offer assistance in drawing up regional smart specialisation strategies.
• After lunch participants will have the opportunity to attend three parallel policy learning sessions, two of them dedicated to tools and networks for smart regions and one highlighting the urban dimension of smart growth.
• The day will culminate in the celebrations of the RegioStars awards 2011 and a networking reception.
• The second day will shift the main focus to sustainable growth with a plenary session and three parallel policy learning sessions dedicated to tools and networks for sustainable regions and one highlighting the specific urban dimension of sustainable growth.
In line with the integrated policy objectives of Europe 2020, representatives of other Commission DGs such as DG ENTR, RTD, ENER, INFSO will also play a key role as moderators and speakers at the conference, particularly in the "tools" and "networks" workshops, which will mix their policy presentations with good practice examples from Regional Policy. Active debate not only among panel participants but also involving the audience will be encouraged.Organisation responsible: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy
Contact: European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy - Unit D.2 - Thematic coordination, innovation
More Information: Website,
- Week of Innovative Regions in Europe 2011 (WIRE2011)
- 07 June 2011 - 09 June 2011, Kölcsey Központ Debrecen - Debrecen (Hungary)
Description: The WIRE 2011 conference will focus on questions related to knowledge, innovation and competitiveness in economy with respect to research infrastructure investments, clusters and their effects on how they can support smart growth in the regions.
It follows on from the WIRE 2010 conference that took place in Grandada under the Spanish EU Council Presidency. The outcomes of the 2010 conference are available to download at http://wire.fecyt.es/ and the full conference proceedings can be requested by sending an e-mail to email@example.com responsible: Hungarian Presidency / European Commission
Contact: Márta Völgyiné Nadabán, deputy director; INNOVA Észak-Alföld Regional Development and Innovation Agency; (Kürtös u 4., Debrecen, 4031, Hungary); E-mail: email@example.com ; email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 06/06/2011
- High Level Event in Slovakia for the better use of Structural Funds for marginalised Roma
23 May 2011 - 25 May 2011, 23. May: Crowne Hotel, Bratislava, Slovakia
25. May: DoubleTree, Kosice, Slovakia - Bratislava, Kosice (Slovakia) -
Description: After the High Level Event in Hungary in 2009 and in Romania in 2010 DG REGIO is organising the next High Level Event in Slovakia in order to promote the more effective use of Structural funds for the inclusion of marginalilsed Roma communities.
Registration Information: will open soon
Organisation responsible: DG REGIO, D2
Contact: Katalin Brenner, Andor Urmos
- JEREMIE NETWORKING PLATFORM - Fifth Plenary Meeting
- 20 May 2011, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: JEREMIE, Joint European Resources for Micro to medium Enterprises, is an initiative of the Commission together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) in order to promote increased access to finance for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of the EU.
The 5th Plenary Meeting of the JEREMIE Networking Platform will look at areas such as 'Monitoring, reporting and evaluating of financial engineering instruments for SMEs' and 'Combination of repayable financial instruments with grants'.Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Registration Deadline: 06/05/2010
More Information: Website,
- Meeting between the Regional representative offices in Brussels and Commissioner Johannes Hahn
- 17 May 2011, CCAB - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: On the occasion of this meeting, Commissioner Hahn will present his point of view on the preparations for the new legislative framework for Cohesion policy post 2013.
Registration Information: Closed
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: The meeting will be webstreamed on http://scic.ec.europa.eu/str/index.php?sessionno=1f34004ebcb05f9acda6016d5cc52d5e
More Information: Website,
- Smart Specialisation and Growth in the Baltic Sea Region
- 05 April 2011 - 06 April 2011, Malmö - Malmö (Sweden)
Description: The aim of the conference is to give a shared vision of Smart Specialisation and how it can pave the way for regional development and growth. The tools and processes to achieve smart specialisation will be presented by some of the leading actors in the field. The conference will also show how EU funding can be used in a smarter way. The importance of alignment of a wider source of finance and cooperation will be showcased.
The conference will present the results of a new study covering innovation in the Baltic Sea Region. Speakers within the field from European, National and Regional level will cover areas including creative industries, sustainable cities, clusters, personal health and active aging. The conference is linked to the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Europe 2020 Smart Growth and the Innovation Union.
The conference will demonstrate how globally competitive niches of business can develop by strategic cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Since the launch of the EU-strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in 2009 a number of exciting initiatives have been put into action in order to enhance economic cooperation. The Baltic Sea countries can offer smarter solutions for a global market by working closely together. Cluster organisations, networks of SMEs and Research & Innovation centres are important intermediaries in achieving Smart Specialisation, cooperating on open-innovation platforms.
In this conference we will share some of the most exciting projects and experiences with you. We also open the floor for all of you with new ideas about how to make the region prosper.
Target audience for the conference is policy makers and officials, innovation agencies, cluster leaders and academia, as well as financial organisation and Structural Fund Managing Authorities. Approximately 350 participants are foreseen. Working language: English.Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy; Tillvaxtverket, SIDA Baltic Sea Unit, Region Skane
Contact: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy
Registration Deadline: 25/03/2011
- High Level Meeting on the Future of Cohesion Policy
- 31 March 2011 - 01 April 2011, Budapest - Budapest (Hungary)
Description: This high-level conference will discuss the future of Cohesion Policy, marking the 25 years of the policy. The conference will pave the way for the Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Territorial Development and Cohesion Policy (19-21 May 2011).
Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: The Hungarian Presidency of the EU in association with the European Commission
Contact: Hungarian Presidency of the European Union
More Information:
- "The geography of economic growth: theory, evidence and policy implications"
- 22 March 2011, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The seminar is organised by Professor Gianmarco Ottaviano from the University of Bologna, on the contribution the field of economic geography can make to understanding cohesion policy.
Organisation responsible: Professor Gianmarco Ottaviano from the University of Bologna DG REGIO
Contact: Ruben DE ALMEIDA DA CUNHA
- What Future for Cohesion Policy? An Academic and Policy Debate
- 16 March 2011 - 18 March 2011, Sava Hoteli - Bled (Slovenia)
Description: The conference is organised at a key point in the Cohesion policy calendar – immediately following the
publication of the Fifth Cohesion Report and close to the time when the EU is expected to publish its
proposals for the post-2013 financial perspective.
Central to the debates on the future of the policy are the following themes:
• Policy goals, including the contribution to EU2020;
• The interpretation of territorial cohesion;
• The spatial coverage of the policy;
• Policy performance and effectiveness;
• The efficiency of governance structures and implementation arrangements;
• The relationship between Cohesion policy and other EU structural policies such as Rural Development.
The conference will engage with debates on EU sectoral policies with relevance for regional development.
The Conference provides a forum for the first international academic debate on the Fifth Cohesion
Report between regional studies researchers and senior officials from the European institutions.
It also provides an opportunity to take stock of recent research on Structural and Cohesion Funds and
for discussion of the above themes.Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: The European Commission's Directorate General for Regional Policy, the Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy in Slovenia and the Regional Studies Association
Contact: Conference Secretariat
Registration Deadline: 07/02/2011
More Information: Email
- Regional Policy supporting sustainable growth in Europe 2020
- 18 February 2011, Centre de Conférence Albert Borschette - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Communication was adopted on 26 January. To present this document we will organise on Friday 18 February an official 'launch conference'.
It will be opened by the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn. The event will provide an opportunity to better understand the current thematic priorities for Regional Policy in this matter and also present some of the examples from the regions.Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
More Information: Website,
- Fifth Cohesion Forum - "Investing in Europe's future: a regional development strategy for 2020"
- 31 January 2011 - 01 February 2011, European Commission - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The main goal of this event is to discuss the orientations for the future EU Cohesion Policy and its contribution to the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Forum will also constitute the closure of the public consultation on the policy proposals of the Fifth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial cohesion which will be adopted by the Commission in early November 2010.Registration Information: By invitation only.
Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Registration Deadline: 14/01/2011
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Roma Projects and Policies
- 30 November 2010, European Commission - Charlemagne building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: As part of the wider strategy to promote Roma inclusion, the Directorate-General for Regional Policy of the European Commission is hosting a conference entitled "Monitoring and Evaluation of Roma Projects and Policies" in Brussels on 30 November 2010 (Tuesday).
The key objective of the conference is to raise awareness about the necessity of having adequate evaluation and monitoring mechanisms in place, as well as to present various evaluation/monitoring methods and good practices in the field of Roma inclusion.
The first session will be devoted to project monitoring and will discuss how particular projects such as the Pilot Project for Roma inclusion could become part of result-oriented policy. The second session will be devoted to policy monitoring and more specifically on how accurate project implementation can contribute to achieving policy goals.Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: Conference Secretariat
Registration Deadline: 30/11/2010
- Conference on JEREMIE & JESSICA: Towards successful implementation
- 29 November 2010 - 30 November 2010, Conrad Hotel, Av Louise 71 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The conference, organised by DG REGIO in co-operation with the European Investment Bank group, is intended as a flagship event aimed at the promotion of the JEREMIE and JESSICA innovative financial engineering instruments and at the exchange of best practice among participants. Building on the most recent experience about implementation, it will provide an updated information about the progress of both initiatives across Member States, including case studies presented by national and regional authorities, and financial institutions.
Organisation responsible: European Commission - Directorate-General for Regional Policy and European Investment Bank
Contact: Conference Secretariat
Registration Deadline: 29/11/2010
- Conference on Microfinance in Europe
- 09 November 2010 - 10 November 2010, Hotel Bloom, Rue Royale, 250 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The conference will mark the official launch of the European Progress Microfinance Facility.
Commissioners Andor and Hahn will open the conference at 14:00 on 9th November and will speak about the contribution of microfinance and entrepreneurship to the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy and to social and regional cohesion in the EU.
The introductory session will be followed by a round table on the role of public support to promote entrepreneurship and financial inclusion as a way out of the crisis.
On the second day, 10th November, in the morning, after a presentation on the functioning of the European Progress Microfinance Facility and the JASMINE initiative, parallel sessions will be held on the following topics:
- Efforts undertaken to develop high quality microfinance and related business services;
- The need to improve the environment for microfinance development;
- Practical setups to facilitate access to microfinance.Registration Information: Since the number of places is limited, pre-registration is required via the conference website
Organisation responsible: The conference is jointly organised by the Directorates-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities; Regional Policy; Economic and Financial Affairs; Enterprise and Industry, and with the contribution of the European Investment Bank group.
Contact: DG Employment
Registration Deadline: 08/11/2010
More Information: Website,
- Innovation in Fisheries Areas
- 19 October 2010, Vigo - Vigo (Spain)
Description: DG MARE and DG REGIO are organizing a joint Conference on Innovation in Fisheries Areas. This seminar will take place in the context of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and the future role and strategies for the EU funded innovation in the fisheries areas, in the general framework of the "EU 2020" strategy.
The conference will take place on 19 October in Vigo (Spain), where part of the technical secretariat of the innovative European Fisheries Technology Platform is located.
The main aim of the Conference is to provide the participants with some "innovation know how" through high quality presentations of concrete cases by the "best of the best" practitioners. These cases would illustrate innovation practices which could help to diversify the economic bases of fisheries areas. The target audience is mainly the Managing Authorities of both financial instruments (ERDF and EFF).
The Conference will focus on innovation and the territories. Four areas/themes were identified – see copy of a preliminary draft programme in annex.
- Information, communication and technologies in the fisheries industries.
- Energy/environment (renewable energies in coastal areas)
- Coastal and fishing tourism and other activities of economic diversification
- Aquaculture and fish processing industries.Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG MARE and DG REGIO
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 18/10/2010
More Information: Email
- 18th BSSSC Annual Conference - "Qualifying the Region for the Future - Implementing the EU Baltic Sea Strategy"
- 12 October 2010 - 15 October 2010, Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel Tallinn - Tallin (Estonia)
Description: The Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), the Association of Municipalities of Estonia (AME) and the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC) welcome you to the 18th BSSSC Annual Conference in Tallinn.
The BSSSC Annual Conference will offer you the chance to learn and discuss about the chances, challenges and changes of the Baltic Sea Region towards a knowledge-based society. We expect to welcome more than 300 participants from all regions around the Baltic Sea as well as representatives of Ministries, pan-Baltic organizations and the European Commission to get together for a series of informative workshops and presentations of projects and best practice.
The European Commission will organize the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region back-to-back with the BSSSC Annual Conference in Tallinn on 14-15 October. For further information and registration for this second part of the combined conference please visit http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/baltic/index_en.htm .
The BSSSC Annual Conference is also enriched by two interesting side events – the BSSSC Youth Event on 12-13 October with 50 young people from all around the Baltic Sea and the Project Idea Café organized by the Baltic Sea Region Programme. The Project Idea Café is a creative meeting place for sharing project ideas and finding project partners. There will be presentations of European Territorial Cooperation programmes and partner search sessions.Organisation responsible: The Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), the Association of Municipalities of Estonia (AME) and the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC)
Contact: Kersti Ludvig firstname.lastname@example.com +372 52 222 88
Registration Deadline: 11/10/2010
- OPEN DAYS 2010 - European Week of Regions and Cities
- 04 October 2010 - 07 October 2010, Several locations around Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The 8th OPEN DAYS, the European Week for Regions and Cities, will be held between 4 and 7 October 2010, a period during which the debate on the European Union's '2020' agenda, its policies and future budget, will be in full swing. The future of EU cohesion policy post-2013 will also dominate the discussions. The OPEN DAYS are an ideal platform for Europe's regions and cities to make their voice heard. They will also showcase good practice in the field of strengthening regional competitiveness, territorial co-operation and social and economic cohesion. Around 7000 participants are expected, 250 local events will take place simultaneously in the Member States, 245 regions and cities from 34 countries are official partners of the event.
In 2010, the OPEN DAYS will concentrate on three main themes:
These seminars will focus on innovation, regional development and green economic growth, and on results achieved by regions supported by the 'regional competitiveness and employment objective'.
Under this theme, debates on territorial and cross-border co-operation, the European Grouping on Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), and 'macro regions' will highlight latest developments and enhance exchange among practitioners.
Seminars and workshops will discuss 'territorial' and 'social' cohesion and on the question of how to better integrate different policies at the local level.Registration Information: Registration will open on 5 July 2010
Organisation responsible: European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Committee of the Regions
Contact: OPEN DAYS Secretariat: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 22/09/2010
- Celebrating 20 Years of Cooperation and Looking Beyond 2013
- 30 September 2010 - 01 October 2010, Tournai - Tournai (Belgium)
Description: INTERACT and the Brussels-Walloon Region will organise a conference to celebrate the achievements of 20 years of territorial cooperation, which will take place on 30 September-1 October in Tournai, Belgium.
For twenty years, INTERREG programmes have provided an instrument to promote the deepening of European integration in tangible ways, at different scales and in different fields
Introduced in 1990, INTERREG I supported 34 cross-border programmes and included an international dimension to Structural Funds programming. By the end of 2006, in its third programming period, 71 INTERREG programmes were being implemented with three different strands of multinational cooperation, as well as two related programmes operating under Article 53 of the INTERREG Guidelines, INTERACT and ESPON.
Today, European Territorial Cooperation is an objective in its own right and placed as the third 'pillar' of cohesion policy on an equal footing with Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment.
Bringing citizens together from different regions and on different levels to enable joint solutions, European Territorial Cooperation can clearly illustrate the benefits of European Policy and enable closer links between countries, regions and citizens.
The richness of the results from projects, and the need to make these tangible benefits visible is the driving force behind the organisation of the event "Celebrating 20 Years of Cooperation and Looking beyond 2013"
This Conference will be organised by the Brussels-Walloon Region and INTERACT, with support from the Commission, under the framework of the Belgian Presidency. It will be held in Tournai (Belgium) on 30 September and 1 October 2010.
The conference will celebrate 20 years of cooperation and look at the future. It aims at giving participants a platform to address European Territorial Cooperation and to conduct an open dialogue on evolution, progress and challenges fo the future.Organisation responsible: The Brussels-Walloon Region and INTERACT, with support from the Commission, under the framework of the Belgian Presidency.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 29/09/2010
More Information: Website,
- Territorial cohesion: improving policy coherence on the ground - 3rd TCUM Seminar
- 02 July 2010, Charlemagne Building, Mansholt room, rue de la Loi 170, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The seminar "Improving policy coherence on the ground" is the third one dedicated to specific dimensions of territorial cohesion. A first seminar took place on 25 September 2009 on "Territorial cooperation and cohesion" and a second on 12 March 2010 on "Geographic scales of policy intervention".
These 3 seminars have been organised in the framework of the Sub-Committee of the Committee for the Coordination of the Funds, dealing with Territorial Cohesion and Urban Matters (TCUM), gathering experts from all EU Member States. This seminar is jointly organized with the newly launched Inter-Service Group on Territorial Cohesion, which involves all Directorates-General concerned
Territorial cohesion is served by territorially consistent public policies. The aim of the seminar is to discuss - from a territorial point of view – policy coherence: coordination shortcomings, best practice, instruments (e.g. territorial impact assessment).Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission
Contact: Mr Jean Peyrony, DG REGIO, European Commission
- Train the trainers
17 June 2010, Albert Borschette Conference Centre
Rue Froissart, 36
1040 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: This event is organized by the European Commission's Directorates General for structural actions for the period 2007-2013: DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.
The aim of this event is to provide information and guidelines on the structural actions programmes to representatives from the Member States, which can use it to train their national colleagues: managing authorities, certifying authorities and intermediate bodies.
Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities, together with the audit authorities, play key roles in the control framework, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizens.
The output should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance dissemination and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=trainers2010&lang=en
Organisation responsible: DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 10/06/2010
- Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region - Constanta, Romania
- 09 June 2010 - 11 June 2010, Hotel Iaky, Mamaia - Constanta (Romania)
Description: This conference will be the last of a series of events organised in the framework of the preparation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.
The aim of the event is to offer a discussion platform for all interested stakeholders who are willing to be involved in the Strategy. At this conference you can discuss in depth the priority actions to be included in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.
Themes of the event:
- Improve connectivity and communications systems
- Environment, water and risk management
- Socio-economic, human and institutional development
A business round table will also be organised, which will aim to gather the feedback of the private sector related to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and their involvement in its implementation.Organisation responsible: European Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism of Romania
Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy
More Information: Website,
- Open Seminar "ESPON Evidence for Regional Policy-Making" - Contributing to the Europe 2020 Strategy
- 09 June 2010 - 10 June 2010, Alcalá de Henares - Madrid (Spain)
Description: The Seminar will address the use of ESPON results in policy-making in support of competitiveness and cohesion of territories. Its purpose is three-fold:
1. Nourish the necessary discussion and understanding of the territorial dimension of the new Europe 2020 Strategy;
2. Demonstrate the added value and suggest practical use of European wide ESPON knowledge in policy making, particular at regional level;
3. Discuss best practices and room for improvements in disseminating and communicating ESPON project results to policy makers ranging from local/regional level to European level.Organisation responsible: ESPON - European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion
Contact: ESPON
Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007
- Regions for Economic Change conference 'Building Sustainable Growth' and RegioStars Award Ceremony
20 May 2010 - 21 May 2010, Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
And : Square Meeting Centre - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The annual "Regions for Economic Change" conference will focus this year on three main issues: Low Carbon Economy – Energy Efficiency in Regions and Cities, Sustainable ICT Solutions and the Urban dimension. The discussions will look into the challenges and opportunities around these issues, and will put forward responses and good examples from regions and cities across Europe.
Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region - Ruse (Bulgaria)
- 10 May 2010 - 11 May 2010, Municipal Theatre - Ruse (Bulgaria)
Description: The objective of this conference is to discuss the governance of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. We would like to gather key stakeholders in the process to examine ways in which the strategy will be implemented and monitored after adoption in 2011.
The audience of the conference will be made up of representatives of authorities at EU, national and regional level, including structural funds managers, as well as a number of Danube region institutions and organisations which are involved in transnational projects and actions. Through the discussions possible implementation mechanisms will be explored and noted by the European Commission.
Themes of the event:
- Implementing the Danube Strategy – macro-regional mechanisms and structures for implementation and monitoring
- Mobilisation of resources to implement the Danube Strategy, its actions and projects, including the contribution of Cohesion Policy to the Strategy
- Capacity-building and institutional cooperation for the further development and integration of the Danube macro-regionOrganisation responsible: European Commission, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in Bulgaria, Municipality of Ruse (BG) and Municipality of Giurgiu (RO)
Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy
More Information: Website,
- Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region: Transport, energy and environmental issues - Vienna (Austria) - Bratislava (Slovakia)
19 April 2010 - 21 April 2010, Festival Hall, Vienna
Hotel Sheraton and New National Theatre, Bratislava - Viena and Bratislava (Austria and Slovakia) -
Description: The objective of this conference is to discuss the issues of transport, energy, urban areas, environment and information society. Indeed, these are high overall on the agenda of the EU as confirmed by the recently proposed strategy 'EU2020' ("A European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth").
The audience of the conference will be made up of representatives of authorities at EU, national and regional level, as well as a wide range of stakeholders of the Danube Region. Through the discussions, macro-regional projects will be identified, the areas of agreement and disagreement between parties (and the possible ways forward) will be established and participant views will be noted by the European Commission.
The whole conference will consider the interaction between different perspectives (e.g. between transport, environment, economy,...) thereby underlining the integrated approach of the Strategy.
Themes of the event:
- Environment
- Transport
- EnergyOrganisation responsible: European Commission, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Government Office of the Slovak Republic, City of Vienna, City of Bratislava
Contact: Directorate-General for Regional Policy
More Information: Website,
- Europe's macro-regions: Integration through territorial co-operation
- 13 April 2010, Committee of the Regions, 101 rue Belliard - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Committee of the Regions (CoR) invites interested regional representatives, experts and other stakeholders from existing and emerging 'macro-regions' to discuss issues related to strategy development and implementation and other themes of common interest.
Implementation of the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (adopted in June 2009 by the European Commission and endorsed by the European Council in October 2009) has already started, while a similar strategy is under development for the Danube Region. Stakeholders from the North Sea-English Channel Region are at the beginning of discussions to move towards a more integrated approach.
This development feeds into debates among regional authorities, stakeholders and experts about the future of border-crossing 'macro-regions' serving as integrated strategies, which allow the European Union, its Member States and neighbouring countries to identify needs, to allocate resources and to develop institutions delivering programmes and projects. The provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, which set the new objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion, and the debate about the future of EU cohesion policy post-2013 can be expected to intensify the debate on 'macro-regions' in 2010.Registration Information: On-line
Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions
Contact: Committe of the Regions
Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007
More Information: Website,
- EU projects in favour of the Roma Community
- 10 March 2010 - 11 March 2010, Charlemagne Building, 170 Rue de la Loi (Wetstraat) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The Directorate-General for Education and Culture is organising this conference to discuss the involvement and impact of EU programmes with the Roma minority. It is based on a selection of best examples of projects related to the Roma people all funded through various European Commission programmes. This initiative is part of efforts to better disseminate and build upon the results of programmes and as such it marks a substantial contribution to the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
In parallel to the conference a seminar of experts on Roma culture is taking place and also an exhibition of 21 interesting and succesful projects.
Approximately 440 guests are expected to register and participate, all actors from the ground and stakeholders that include project promoters and Roma beneficiaries, together with more than 60 decision makers at regional, national and European level, representatives of Roma organisations and associations and representatives of the Spanish presidency and the European Parliament.
The event is open to the press.Registration Information: On-line: http://roma-conference.eu/web/roma/register
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007
- Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region – Budapest
- 25 February 2010 - 26 February 2010, Academy of Sciences - Budapest (Hungary)
Description: This conference is organised in the framework of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and will focus on the socio-economical and environmental pillars of the Strategy. The input from national, regional and other experts will be given during the workshops, where intensive discussions about the substance of these matters should be discussed.
Themes of the event:
•The socio-economic aspects of the Danube strategy
•Prosperity and cultural identity of the Danube regionRegistration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: European Commission and the Government of Hungary
Contact: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy, Territorial cooperation Unit
- European Summit of Local Governments
- 22 February 2010 - 24 February 2010, World Trade Center - Barcelona (Spain)
Description: 2010 will be a key year for the citizens of Europe. On one hand, it is thought that it will be the first year of recovery from the global economic and financial crisis. On the other hand, European construction will confront new challenges and new scenarios: the newly approved legislature of the European Parliament, the renewal of European Commission, the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the formulation of the "EU 2020" strategy for growth and competitiveness. 2010 will also be European Year of Combating Social Exclusion and Poverty.
The Lisbon Treaty, which includes elements such as recognition of local autonomy, strengthening the principle of subsidiarity, increasing the powers of the Committee of the Regions, cultural diversity and the introduction of the concept of territorial cohesion, presents new opportunities and challenges for European local governments.
In this context, from 22 to 24 February 2010, Barcelona will host the European Summit of Local Governments, which will debate the role of local authorities at European and local level, and the measures necessary for adoption in the current context. The primordial question around which this summit will revolve is that of how local governments should act to achieve cities and a Europe that are more cohesive.Registration Information: Online registration on: http://europeansummit2010.eu/inscripcions_en.asp
Organisation responsible: Ministry of Territorial Policy, Government of Spain; Secretary of State of the European Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Government of Spain; Provincial Government of Barcelona; Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces; with the support of the European Commission and other institutions.
Contact: Diputació de Barcelona Àrea de Presidència Direcció de Relacions Internacionals C/ Còrsega, 273-279 08008 Barcelona Tel. 0034 934 022 077 Fax 0034 934 022 473
Registration Deadline: 15/02/2010
- Building on 20 Years of Community Support to Urban Development
04 February 2010, Charlemagne Building 170, rue de la Loi,
Room "Jean DURIEUX" - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Since 1989, the European Commission has endeavoured to support urban development while promoting inclusion and regeneration: using the untapped potential of the cities for the benefits of citizens throughout a growing EU. An initially timid support has greatly evolved and diversified, and today the urban dimension is a recognised element of Cohesion policy, with in excess of €10 billion allocated to urban priorities in the funded programmes. More importantly, the "urban acquis" - which has been fine-tuned over time - and its world-class integrated, participative approach are being increasingly placed at the core of urban actions. Exchange programmes among cities have also proved tremendously successful – both in terms of popularity with the local practitioners and for the knowledge cities have collectively produced.
Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: Mr Aldo TORRE : +32 (0)2 29 87421
- Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region – Ulm
- 01 February 2010 - 02 February 2010, Congress Centre Ulm, City of Ulm Fairs and Exhibitions area, Germany (Baden-Württemberg) - Ulm (Germany)
Description: This conference will open the series of events, organised in the framework of the preparation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. The aim of the event is to explain why the strategy is needed and what is its added value, but also to gather all relevant stakeholders who are willing to be involved in the preparation of the Strategy, to present them process of its preparation and get the first input on the possible topics to be tackled by the strategy .
During the workshops, first input will be provided from the key players in the Strategy (EU institutions, Member States and other stakeholders) and main Strategy themes will be discussed.Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: European Commission, the City of Ulm, the City of Neu Ulm and donau.büro.ulm
Contact: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy, Territorial cooperation Unit
Registration Deadline: 17/01/2010
- 1st WASTE-CLUSTER initiative meeting - Learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses, defining regional strategies, investing in strengths through integral use of Community, national and regional funding.
13 January 2010 - 15 January 2010, Hotel Ryad Mogador Menara
Avenue Mohamed VI
40000 Marrakech - Marrakech (Morocco) -
Description: The WASTE-CLUSTER is a 'genuine research-driven cluster' of cooperating regions with a strong emphasis on exchange of best practices and knowledge transfer.
The cluster is composed of 43 partners out of 4 projects, funded under the FP7 "Regions of Knowledge & Research Potential" programmes.Registration Information: upon invitation
Organisation responsible: Université Cadi Ayad together with the project coordinators of SOWAEUMED, TEMP, StInno & WASTEKIT.
Contact: Dr. Irmela BRACH European Commission DG RTD-B.4
Registration Deadline: 05/01/2010
More Information: Email
- Multifund technical group meeting between the national audit authorities, the coordination bodies and the European Commission
11 December 2009, Albert Borschette Conference Center, Room 0D
35, Rue de Froissart, B-1049 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The meeting is multilateral with representatives from all the 27 Member States and is dedicated to the Structural Funds (ERDF, ESF, FIFG and EAGGF).
The objective of the meeting is to discuss the closure process for the programming period 2000-2006 in general and the specific role of the winding-up bodies.
The meeting is designed for the winding-up bodies designated in the Member States for the closure of the 2000-2006 programmes responsible for the preparation of the winding-up declaration of one or more operational programmes.Registration Information: Registration was closed on November 16th for EC staff and on November 20th for MS.
Organisation responsible: REGIO J1 - coordination of audit, relations with the Court of Auditors and OLAF
Contact: Judit Kiss
Registration Deadline: 20/11/2009
- New methods for Cohesion Policy evaluation: Promoting accountability and learning
- 30 November 2009 - 01 December 2009, Hilton Conference Centre - Warsaw (Poland)
Description: A series of 8 workshops on evaluation methods will reflect on the experience gained so far and have a critical look at the opportunities and challenges ahead, while also exploring more rigorous methods as a complementary approach to evaluate impact. A round-table discussion will then make the link from theory to practice, using these methods.
Registration Information: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fmi/scic/Evalmet09/start.php
Organisation responsible: Directorate-General for Regional Policy, European Commission
Contact: Aspasia SIMOU
- Results from Innovative Actions programmes in La Rioja and Navarra - Spain
- 23 November 2009, CSM1 - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Representatives of two Spanish programs "Innovative Actions" - La Rioja and Navarra - have presented the results of their programs and the good practices developed in the field of Research and Development.
Organisation responsible: European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General - Thematic Coordination, innovation Unit
Contact: Silvia Vincitorio
- OPEN DAYS 2009 - Global challenges, European responses
- 05 October 2009 - 08 October 2009, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Under the headline "Global challenges, European responses", OPEN DAYS 2009 will cover themes related to regional responses to the economic crisis, climate change, territorial cooperation and the impact and future of EU cohesion policy.
Registration Information: Registration is only possible through the website.
- "From the European Charter for Small Enterprises to the Small Business Act"
- 05 October 2009 - 06 October 2009, InfraCity (near Stockholm), - Stockholm (Sweden)
Description: This year, the conference will present good practices from the following SME policy areas:
- Cash flow for business growth - reducing late payments and incentives for reinvesting profits
- Fostering eco-innovation and energy efficiency in SMEs
- Fostering creativity in entrepreneurship
- Fostering Women's entrepreneurship
- Easier bankruptcy procedures and business transfers
- Easier access to public procurementRegistration Information: Further information and registration will be available from mid-May 2009 on the address below:
- Conference on 'How does cohesion policy support rural development?'
- 01 October 2009, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The purpose of the seminar is to draw the lessons from the assessment and implementation of the ERDF Programmes in rural areas and, making use of these lessons, to exchange a few reflections on the role of the future cohesion policy in favour of rural development.
Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission
Contact: Patrick Salez, DG REGIO
More Information: Website,
- Seminar on Territorial cooperation and territorial cohesion
- 25 September 2009, Brussels - Brussels (Brussels)
Description: The purpose of the seminar will be to take stock of contributions to the Green paper on Territorial Cohesion in the field of territorial cooperation (cross-border, transnational and interregional strands). Introduced by a general overview and a presentation of selected contributions, a discussion between TCUM national experts and stakeholders will explore possible policy options to foster the territorial dimension of cooperation.
Registration Information: By invitation only
Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission
Contact: Mr Jean Peyrony, DG REGIO, European Commission
- High-level conference: European Cities and the Global Climate Challenge
- 14 September 2009 - 15 September 2009, Stockholm - Stockholm (Sweden)
Description: The conference will address issues in relation to how sustainable urban development can be a part of meeting the challenges connected with climate change and at the same time contribute to the conversion to a low-carbon, green economy. The conference also continues the work of previous EU presidencies on sustainable urban development, in particular the initiative taken by the French Presidency in 2008 aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities.
Registration Information: Participation by invitation only
Organisation responsible: Swedish Presidency of the European Union
Contact: Ola Göransson
Registration Deadline: 01/01/2007
- From policy to practice….boosting Cohesion Policy's contribution to sustainable energy
- 19 June 2009, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The European Economic Recovery Plan highlights energy efficiency investments as a win-win opportunity to support economic activity during the crisis and reduce energy costs. The amendment to Article 7 of the European Regional Development Fund Regulation is designed to support Member States in their recovery efforts.
The European Commission and leading financial institutions organised the event to raise awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy support schemes.Organisation responsible: DG REGIO
Contact: DG REGIO Unit D2
- Innovation Society Conference 2009
- 18 June 2009 - 19 June 2009, Ceremony Hall, the Municipality of the City of Budapest - Budapest (Hungary)
Description: Based on the results of its predecessors, the Innovation Society Conference 2009 will focus on the concrete experience in the regions. Workshops will include topics such as Innovation as a tool fostering city-region cooperation, Innovation Society - Social Innovation, Clustering exercise for regional creative industries. Key note speeches will address the role that the current economic crisis plays with regard to innovation as such and particularly to social innovation. The Conference will try to give an answer to what is needed in the regions to make Europe more competitive.
Registration Information: Through the dedicated website.
Organisation responsible: Innovation Alliance, a network of innovative regions in Europe
Contact: Milan Kovacs
- Second JESSICA NETWORKING PLATFORM Meeting
- 17 June 2009, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The JESSICA Networking Platform was launched on 4 March 2009 during a meeting with Managing Authorities of the Operational Programs of the Structural Funds and other interested stakeholders. A second meeting is now organised to discuss the development the JESSICA Urban Development Fund (UDF) structures and the ways of enhancing cooperation through the relevant networking activities in Europe.
Registration Information: By invitation only.
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Contact: email@example.com
More Information: Website,
- The Baltic Sea Strategy - Regions and Cohesion Policy in Action
- 11 June 2009 - 12 June 2009, Visby - Visby (Sweden)
Description: Aimed at managing authorities, the conference will discuss how to better align existing policies, programmes and funding to the objectives of the Baltic Sea Strategy, as a real first step forward towards the start of the Strategy implementation.
Organisation responsible: European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate-General and the Swedish and Lithuanian Managing Authorities
Contact: email@example.com
- Train the Trainers - European Commission seminar for managing and certifying authorities
- 09 June 2009, Albert Borschette Building (CCAB) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities are the pillars of the control framework, together with the audit authorities, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizen.
This event is organised by the European Commission's DGs for structural actions for the period 2007-2013, DG Regional Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and is aimed at representatives from the Member States, who will be receiving information and material and using it on their return to update and train their national colleagues: managing authorities, certifying authorities and intermediate bodies.
The outputs should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.Registration Information: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=trainers2009〈=en
Organisation responsible: Directorate General Regional Policy Directorate General Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Contact: Mme Maria Balazova
Registration Deadline: 25/05/2009
- Research Connection 2009
- 07 May 2009 - 08 May 2009, Prague Congress Centre - Prague (Czech Republic)
Description: As the EU provides increasing budgets for the most creative and innovative European teams, 'Research Connection 2009' will provide information and show successful experiences related to three major EU research and innovation programmes which are the Seventh Framework Programme for research 2007-2013, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the Structural Funds 2007-2013.
Registration Information: Beginning of March at the webpage
Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Research L.5 Communication Unit
Contact: Florian Frank
Registration Deadline: 07/05/2009
- European SME week
- 06 May 2009 - 14 May 2009, Brussels and around Europe - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The first European SME Week will to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. It allows SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities.
- "Broadband and the EU recovery"
- 02 April 2009 - 03 April 2009, Lingotto Conference Centre - Turin (Italy)
Description: The European Commission plan for the economic recovery of the EU includes a proposal to channel part of the unspent EU budget on broadband investment and announces the development of an EU Broadband strategy in cooperation with Member States and other relevant players.
The event will enable ICT industry, national and regional authorities, national regulators and relevant Commission directorates to discuss issues at stake for the forthcoming EU broadband strategy. This is an invitation to your management authority to participate and inform other relevant stakeholders in your region about the event.
The conference will also serve as an information day for management authorities of EU funds to exchange good practices and get acquainted with the process for investing EU budget allocated to broadband infrastructure within the context of the European Economic Recovery Plan.Registration Information: Participation: Officials from relevant Directorates General from the European Commission will take part to the event, as well as representatives from the ICT industry and national telecom regulators on electronic communications and rural, regional and national authorities in charge of broadband deployment as well as other relevant actors.
Attendance to the conference is free.
The registration form can be accessed at:
- 05 March 2009 - 06 March 2009, Zofin Palace - Prague (Czech Republic)
Description: Approximately 500 elected representatives for regional and local authorities, including regional presidents, mayors, presidents of regional parliaments as well as key players from the European institutions and organizations representing regional and local authorities will send a message to Europe's Heads of State and Government with ideas on how to master the economic and political challenges facing the European Union.
Registration Information: Participation in the Summit is only possible upon personal invitation.
Organisation responsible: Committee of the Regions of the European union together with the City of Prague
Contact: www.PragueSummit2009.eu
Registration Deadline: 20/02/2009
- Regions for Economic Change - Networking for Results
- 16 February 2009 - 17 February 2009, Charlemagne building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: This conference purpose is to network and to exchange good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy.
In nine workshops and in the different plenary sessions, politicians, academics and experts will debate strategies, experiences and projects around the process of cooperation and learning, in order to provide partners with practical examples of how they can cooperate and learn from one another as they start to implement the 2007-2013 programmes.Organisation responsible: Directorate General for Regional Policy in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
More Information: Website,
- "Telling the story. Communicating Cohesion Policy together"
- 26 November 2008 - 27 November 2008, Charlenagne Building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Plus de 400 chargés de communication de toute l'Europe examineront comment améliorer l'information relative aux programmes et aux projets cofinancés par les fonds structurels et les fonds de cohésion de l'Union européenne.
Neuf ateliers permettront aux participants de découvrir des exemples : planification de la communication, relations avec les médias, services Internet et "communiquer (ensemble)" avec les partenaires concernés des États membres et des régions, entre autres.Organisation responsible: Commission Européenne DG REGIO 01
Contact: Barbara Piotrowska
More Information: Website,
- Financing Growth and Cohesion in the Enlarged EU
- 24 November 2008, European Commission, Charlemagne Building - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Sound and efficient financial engineering to enhance growth and cohesion is needed more than ever in the enlarged EU. Closer cooperation between the European Commission and the International Financial Institutions and strengthened capacity building at the level of national and regional institutions can help us to achieve this. The conference aims at bringing together political leaders and experts to discuss our common objective of making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work."
Registration Information: Upon invitation.
Organisation responsible: European Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 20/11/2008
- "Towards a Knowledge Society - The Nordic Experience" - Ministerial Conference
- 14 November 2008 - 15 November 2008, Gothenburg - Gothenburg (Sweden)
Description: The Conference will assist the EU in becoming "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world", by making the best use of available public funding and especially EU Structural and other funding. The development of the Knowledge Society in all EU Member States is a top priority in creating higher growth, more and better jobs and greater social inclusion. The EU Structural Funds together with the EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (RTD) provide important tools to address this challenge.
Organisation responsible: The European Commission and its Swedish partners
Contact: European Commission - DG REGIO
- Fourth Forum on Cohesion
27 September 2008 - 28 September 2008, European Commission
Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1000 Bruxelles - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The event will be based on the findings and issues of the Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion which the European Commission adopted on 30 May 2007. It will involve over 800 representatives at European, national, regional and local level from all EU Member States, the candidate countries and EU institutions.
Following recent enlargements and in view of the challenges of globalisation, climate change and demography, cohesion policy is of major importance for the debate about Europe's future. Its tangible results have a daily influence on the lives of our citizens. The Fourth Cohesion Forum will ask questions on how the Union's cohesion policy should adapt to new challenges and how its delivery can be improved in order to maximise its impact in the future.Registration Information: Registration to the Fourth Cohesion Forum is only possible upon invitation.
Organisation responsible: Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy and Regional Policy Directorate General
Contact: email@example.com
- Urban-Rural linkages enhancing European territorial competitiveness
17 September 2008, Schuman Room
Berlaymont Building
Rond-Point Schuman
1040 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: This seminar provides the opportunity for the Commission, Member States, local and regional governments and stakeholder organisations to reflect on current research and practice in the area of urban-rural linkages and territorial competitiveness, and also to identify 'what works' (and conversely what doesn't work) and to consider how this can be effectively transferred between territories.
Organisation responsible: DG Regio
Contact: Nadine Verhoeven
More Information: Website,
- Towards a Successful Closure of Structural Funds 2000-2006 Programmes
15 September 2008, European Commission
Charlemagne Conference Centre
170 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels
Metro station: Schuman. - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The objectives of the seminar are to highlight the crucial role of these authorities and bodies in the preparation for the closure of Structural Funds 2000-2006 assistance and to establish a common understanding of the key elements of a successful closure process. The event is intended to provide both general information with the help of the Structural Funds Closure Guidelines and somewhat more technical information on the basis of questions received from the Member States so far. The provisional programme for the seminar is attached.
Registration Information: This seminar is designed for managing authorities, paying authorities and winding up bodies in the Member States. A maximum of one representative per managing/paying authority and winding up body will be accepted. Registration takes place on line. Each person who completes the registration form will receive a confirmation indicating whether he/she is accepted or denied.
Organisation responsible: The focus of the event is the role of the managing and paying authorities as well as the winding-up bodies in the closure of Structural Funds 2000-2006 programmes and is being organised jointly by the Commission's Directorates-Generals for Agriculture and Rural Development, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Regional Policy.
Contact: Nadine Verhoeven
- Building a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)
- 19 June 2008, Committee of the Regions (Morning session)- European Parliament (Afternoon session) - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: The EGTC (European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation) is a new European legal structure enabling regional and local authorities from different Member States to set up cooperation groupings with a legal personality. They can facilitate and promote cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation with a new approach to multilevel governance.
As part of our continuing efforts to promote the setting up of EGTCs, the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions, in partnership with the Slovenian Presidency, are organising an inter-institutional conference on EGTC in Brussels on 19 June 2008.
The objective of the conference is to open a political discussion, promote the understanding of mechanisms, exchange initial experiences and stimulate member states to adopt national provisions provided for by the Regulation.Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Regions for economic change - "Innovating through EU Regional Policy"
12 June 2008 - 13 June 2008, Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Awareness of the importance of research and innovation to Europe's economy has increased in the context of global competition. Their potential for generating economic growth also means that research and innovation must feature more strongly in the investments co-financed by the instruments of EU cohesion policy: the Structural Funds. The purpose of this conference – the first of a series of conferences organized by DG REGIO on regions and economic change - is to give interested parties, particularly Structural Funds Managing Authorities, insight into successful strategies and practices for "improving knowledge and innovation for growth", as recommended by the draft Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion Policy for 2007-2013.
The conference will therefore focus on examining best practices as regards fostering knowledge transfer, innovation and clusters, with particular attention to those strategies and projects which have succeeded in less prosperous regions. It will address three main themes: how to create the right environment for innovation, how to strengthen collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and how to establish partnerships and synergies. To maximise the scope for practical exchanges of experience, the event will be based around three sessions of workshops bringing together policy makers, expert advisers and practitioners. Topics for the workshops will include the role of public authorities in managing innovation and nurturing clusters, the development of innovation infrastructure and support services, financial engineering, developing poles of excellence, commercializing research results, the role of networks in knowledge transfer, developing trans-regional projects, and experience of combining national and Community funding.
The conference will be of interest not only to authorities involved in drawing up and implementing Structural Funds programmes, but also to businesses and business organizations, universities, technology transfer specialists and networks involved in research, innovation and knowledge transfer.
To accompany the conference, there will be an exhibition of innovative projects from across the EU, stands with information on relevant Community programmes and advisory booths.Registration Information: coming soon
Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG Regional Policy
Contact: For further information about the practical organisation of the conference, please contact: Mrs Isabelle Dekester / Mrs Vanille Storm Hill & Knowlton Avenue Cortenbergh 118 B-1000 Brussels E-mail: email@example.com For further information about the contents of the conference, please contact: Mrs Nadine Verhoeven European Commission Regional Policy Directorate General Office CSM2 AN01/223 B-1049 BRUSSELS Fax: +32.2.296.60 03 E-mail : email@example.com
- The state of European cities : the Urban Audit
10 June 2008, Centre de Conférences Albert Borschette
36 rue Froissart
1040 Bruxelles - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The Urban Audit brings together a broad range of indicators on the quality of life in European cities. The indicators for 2004 cover over 300 cities within the European Union as well as cities in Norway and Switzerland.
The purpose of the conference is twofold:
* To provide information on The Urban Audit to city representatives and other interested communities. Beyond participants in the Urban Audit, the conference provides the opportunity for anyone interested in urban statistics to collect useful information and make contacts. The national coordinators of the Urban Audit will be in attendance.
* To present the ways in which the Commission, Member States and cities have benefited from the Urban Audit.
A number of key questions for the future of cities will be dealt with during the conference, including the aging of the population, migration phenomena, housing, competitiveness and the attractiveness of cities. Each of these areas is addressed by the Urban Audit.Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: email@example.com
- Control of structural actions – meeting the challenge
10 June 2008, European Commission
Room Alcide de Gasperi
Charlemagne Conference Centre - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: Member States have the primary responsibility for ensuring that operations financed by the EU budget under structural actions programmes comply fully with all the regulatory requirements. The managing authorities and the certifying authorities are the pillars of the control framework, together with the audit authorities, delivering assurance to the Commission and to the European citizen.
Following the adoption of the new programmes for the 2007-13 programming period, the objectives of the seminar are to highlight the crucial role of the managing and certifying authorities in guaranteeing the correct use of EU funds, to present the new guidance available which identifies good practice, and to establish a common understanding of the key elements of the internal control systems. The outputs should be a strengthened partnership for training, guidance and awareness-raising actions to ensure that all actors in programme implementation have the knowledge and information to perform their roles properly.
This will be a major event with over 500 representatives invited from the national authorities of all 27 Member States, the Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament.Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: email@example.com
- The Future of the Strategy with regard to the Outermost Regions
14 May 2008 - 15 May 2008, Wednesday 14th May: "Charlemagne" Conference Centre
Rue de la Loi 170, B-1049 Brussels
Thursday 15th May: 'Albert Borschette' Conference Centre
Rue Froissart, B-1049 Brussels - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: This will be an important event, which will be attended by nearly 200 representatives at national, regional and local level, drawn from the three Member States concerned. The Commission will also associate with this event the Presidency of the European Union, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and the socio-professional circles involved or their representative organisations, universities and research centres and experts.
The objective of the conference is to enable a high-level exchange between all stakeholders on the development and possible amendment of the European strategy in relation to the outermost regions.
Moreover, this conference is of particular importance in the context of the recent conclusions of the European Council of 14 December 2007. Those conclusions call on the Commission to present new proposals for the future of its strategy concerning the outermost regions by October 2008.Organisation responsible: European Commission
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Regions for Economic Change: Fostering competitiveness through innovative technologies, products and healthy communities
07 March 2008 - 08 March 2008, European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1040 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy in the fields of technological innovation, market development for new products and services and the improvement of quality of life of the citizens.
Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
03 March 2008, Charlemagne Gebäude
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Brüssel - Brüssel (Beglien) -
Description: Im Vorfeld der Halbzeitbewertung der Lissabon-Strategie wird Kommissarin Danuta Hübner die mit Kohäsionspolitik befassten Interessengruppen auf europäischer und nationaler Ebene binnen zu einer Diskussion über den Beitrag der Regionen zu einer wettbewerbsfähigeren und innovativeren EU einladen.
Registration Information: Einladung
Organisation responsible: EUROPÄISCHE KOMMISSION GENERALDIREKTION REGIONALPOLITIK Information und Kommunikation
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008
03 March 2008, Bâtiment Charlemagne
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Bruxelles - 1040 BRUXELLES (BELGIQUE) -
Description: Dans la foulée de l'examen à mi-parcours de la Stratégie de Lisbonne, la Commissaire Danuta Hübner invite les parties prenantes de la politique de cohésion aux niveaux européen et national à débattre de la contribution des régions à un développement plus compétitif et plus innovateur de l'UE.
Registration Information: sur invitation
Organisation responsible: Commission européenne Direction Générale de la Politique Régionale Unité 01 Information et Communication
Contact: email@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008
03 March 2008, Charlemagne Building
Rue de la Loi 170
1040-Brussels - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: In the run-up to the mid-term revision of the Lisbon Strategy, Commissioner Danuta Hübner will invite European, national and cohesion policy stakeholders to discuss the contribution of the regions to a more competitive and innovative EU.
Registration Information: on invitation
Organisation responsible: European Commission Directorate General Regional Policy Unit 01 Information and Communication
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Registration Deadline: 07/02/2008
- Regions For Economic Change - Sharing excellence
25 February 2008 - 26 February 2008, European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
B-1040 - Brussels (Belgium) -
Description: The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for pursuing the implementation of the Lisbon strategy at regional level through cohesion instruments. In particular, the event will showcase examples of good practice and governance in European regional policy.
In nine workshops, experts will debate strategies, experiences and projects around the process of cooperation and learning, in order to provide partners with practical examples of how they can cooperate and learn from one another as they start to implement the 2007-2013 programmes.
On the evening of 25th February, Mrs Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, will present the 2008 'RegioStars' awards which aim at seeking and disseminating good practice in European regional development.
The conference will also include the launch of the 2009 'RegioStars' awards, and opportunities for networking.Organisation responsible: Regional Policy Directorate General and other Commission services in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions
Contact: Nadine Verhoeven
- Regions for Economic Change: Regional policy responses to demographic challenges
25 January 2008 - 26 January 2008, European Commission
Conference Centre "Charlemagne"
Rue de la Loi 170
Description: The purpose of the conference is to demonstrate how European regional policy and its instruments allow European regions to respond to demographic challenges and make the most of the opportunities presented by demographic change. The event will showcase examples of best practice and is intended to provide a learning opportunity for Structural Funds managing authorities. There will be room for up to 500 representatives of national, regional and local administrations, institutions and networks, equal opportunities organisations and representatives of universities.
Organisation responsible: European Commission - DG REGIO
Contact: email@example.com
- 08 October 2007 - 11 October 2007, Brussels - brussels (Belgium)
Description: The 5th OPEN DAYS-European Week of Regions and Cities will be held between 8 and 11 October 2007 in Brussels for about 5,000 expected regional policy experts and practitioners. Organised by the Committee of the Regions, the European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General and expected 100 regions, cities and other institutions and private partners from all over Europe, this year's headline is: "Making it happen: regions deliver growth and jobs". About 150 workshops and sessions will focus on the new generation of cohesion policy programmes, which will be implemented in the course of 2007 in all European regions. Between 2007 and 2013, the public and private funding made available through these programmes amounts to about EUR 500 billion.
Registration Information: Registration is only possible through the website.
- OPEN DAYS - European Week of Regions and Cities
- 09 October 2006 - 12 October 2006, Brussels - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Jointly organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, and partners from 106 regions and cities from 27 European countries, the OPEN DAYS 2006 will focus on regional development issues and on the preparation of the new generation of Structural Funds programmes between 2007 and 2013. More than 2 000 regional policy stakeholders are expected in Brussels to participate in some 70 seminars, workshops and plenary sessions.
Registration Information: The OPEN DAYS programme will be presented on the website mentioned below as of May 2006. Registration is only possible through the website as of that date.
- OPEN DAYS - European Week of Regions and Cities
- 10 October 2005 - 13 October 2005, EU - Brussels (Belgium)
Description: Jointly organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Region, and partners from 106 regions and cities from 27 European countries, the OPEN DAYS 2005 will focus on regional development issues and on the preparation of the new generation of Structural Funds programmes between 2007 and 2013. More than 2 000 regional policy stakeholders are expected in Brussels to participate in some 100 seminars, workshops and plenary sessions.
Registration Information: The OPEN DAYS programme will be presented on the website mentioned below as of mid-July 2005. Registration is only possible through the website as of that date.