This week, we are celebrating the European Week of Regions and Cities. On October 10th at the SQUARE convention centre, a panel of experts including local representatives discussed what the EU Cohesion Policy means for regions, its importance and why it works.
The one-hour session touched on important issues such as Brexit, connectivity between regions, Euroscepticism and the evolution of the EU Cohesion Policy.
First launched in 2003, the four-day event brings cities and regions together promoting growth, employability and connectivity.
The panel of speakers at a workshop event, Oct 10th 2023.
Emma Blain, Member of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (Ireland), discusses what the EU has done for Ireland and how Ireland has prospered during its 50 years of EU membership.
A window of opportunity, the panelists speak about how the EU Cohesion Policy has directly impacted their regions and how we can use it to impact others.
Frida Nilsson, Member of the Lidköping Municipality local assembly (Sweden).
Lewis Dijkstra, Head of the Economic Analysis Sector in DG REGIO and among the authors of the study "The geography of EU discontent and the regional development trap".
Balazs Andras Szechy, Member of the European Parliament Research Service.
This event was the second of six discussions, those on the Youth 4 Regions programme could attend.
Emma Blain describes how Ireland is a shining example of what can happen with good regional development and proper investment, from the depths of poverty and unemployment in the 60’s to full employment now.
There were approximately 65 attendees at this event which lasted around an hour.
Balazs Andras Szechy talks about the evolution of the EU Cohesion Policy, describing how we need to keep what is working well and how better communication and education of this objective will lead to more support of the EU.
Clarity and transparency as to what the EU does for regions and cities are essential to reducing Euroskepticism and driving awareness.
Pictures and text by Elio Bonelli | Edited by Nina Bo Wagner
