The European Week of Regions and Cities stands as the largest annual conference in Brussels focused on regional and urban policy. Held every October, it brings together over 10,000 participants, including more than 1,000 speakers—political representatives, officials, experts, academics, and local leaders from regions and cities across Europe and beyond. The event's core purpose is to highlight how local and regional authorities drive growth, jobs, and the implementation of EU cohesion policy, while addressing shared challenges in European governance.
Organized jointly by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) since its inception in the early 2000s, the conference adapts its programme yearly to align with the EU's current agenda. Themes typically cover regional development, urban planning, regional cooperation, and the use of European Structural and Investment Funds. Formats include conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and networking events, often led by selected partners such as regional consortia, companies, financial institutions, and universities. A call for partners opens early each year— for 2026, it launched on 25 March with applications due by 26 April.
Media coverage from outlets like the European Commission and CoR websites emphasizes the event's scale as Brussels' biggest for cities and regions, its role in fostering multi-level governance, and showcases of EU-funded projects managed by agencies like the European Research Executive Agency (REA). For instance, REA highlights sessions on research and innovation supporting regional needs. Participation is free, with sessions in English, making it accessible to a broad audience of policymakers and practitioners.
In 2025, the event ran from 13-15 October at Square Brussels Mont des Arts. The 2026 edition is set for 12-14 October, with updates ongoing.