Cities and regions are where many of Europe’s climate, economic and social ambitions ultimately have to be translated into action. From 12 to 14 October 2026, the European Week of Regions and Cities will bring this local perspective to Brussels for three days of discussion, exchange and cooperation between public authorities, policymakers, researchers, businesses and other organisations working on regional and urban development. European Week of Regions and Cities
The 24th edition will take place under the motto “Strong regions, strong Europe”, reflecting the role of cohesion policy in helping different territories respond to their own economic, demographic and social realities. Rather than assuming that the same solution will work everywhere, the event places particular emphasis on place-based approaches that respond to the conditions and needs of individual cities and regions. European Week of Regions and Cities
Across high-level discussions, partner sessions, workshops, EURegionsTalks and networking activities, participants will explore how regional cooperation, investment and innovation can contribute to stronger communities and more competitive territories. The programme will also include the REGIOSTARS activities and dedicated opportunities for local and regional authority networks to exchange experiences and build new partnerships. European Week of Regions and Cities
For ASCEND and the wider community working on Positive Clean Energy Districts, this place-based perspective is particularly relevant. Scaling climate-neutral urban development depends not only on technologies, but also on the capacity of local authorities to coordinate stakeholders, mobilise investment, adapt solutions to local conditions and transfer successful approaches between territories.
