The role that regions and cities play in supporting a just, green and economically competitive Europe cannot be overstated. As the first point of contact between citizens and political authorities, regions and cities are at the forefront of implementing EU laws and localising EU policies. Their engagement is increasingly recognised as essential to bringing Europe closer to citizens and ensuring sustainable growth and innovation can thrive in every territory.

From 13 to 15 October 2025, the flagship European Week of Regions and Cities event returns to Brussels and will focus on:

• Cohesion and Growth for the Future – Discover how cohesion policy can drive sustainable growth and innovation across Europe.
• Right to Stay: unlocking the potential of every territory – Discuss ways to ensure that people can thrive in their own regions.
• Cities Building Tomorrow – Explore the role of cities in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

We at the Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN) are excited to participate to two sessions that will showcase concrete initiatives that support the potential of all territories, from rural areas to Europe’s outermost regions.

YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS  – Final Event

• Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
• Brussels & online (register to participate online here)
• More information

Co-funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS supports 70 youth-led actions across Europe’s outermost territories, areas where young people face higher levels of unemployment, early school leaving, and Not-in-Education, Employment or Training (NEET) rates.

Young people that have taken part in the programme will showcase their stories of impact, while project partners will share policy recommendations to boost youth participation in EU policymaking, notably the upcoming Youth Policy Dialogues and the update of the EU Strategy for Outermost Regions.

Boosting regional competitiveness through entrepreneurship, innovation and circularity

• Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 17:00 – 18:00 CET
• Brussels
• More information

How can Europe’s rural communities and regions become more competitive? The session will tackle a question that is at the heart of the Horizon Europe project FoodCoP, which is building a vibrant community of Startup Village and supporting rural innovators to adopt circular bioeconomy practices.

This session will feature insights from the Systems Transformation Hub, the Joint Research Centre’s Startup Village Forum initiative and the TA2030 Circular Rural Regions, with moderation from our FoodCoP project partner, Climate KIC. Expect engaging discussions on rural policy, entrepreneurship, and circular innovation, highlighting how systems thinking and local action can boost resilience and competitiveness across Europe’s territories.

Discover over 200 sessions and full programme details: European Week of Regions and Cities 2025.