The European Week of Regions and Cities 2023 was held in Brussels from October 9 to 12. This annual event, organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions, is the largest Brussels-based conference dedicated to EU regional and urban affairs. It brought together policymakers, government officials, researchers, business representatives, civil society, and the broader public to discuss the development and future of EU cohesion policy.
The 2023 edition focused on six key topics: regions in post-industrial transition, retaining talent for regional growth, the role of small and mid-sized urban centres in driving development, breaking barriers to cross-border cooperation, local energy shift for security and sustainability, and promoting social innovation. Attendees participated in over 200 sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, showcase best practices, and encourage knowledge sharing among regions and cities across Europe. The event served as a vital platform for finding solutions to common regional challenges and enhancing cooperation at all governance levels.