Regional Policy
Selling electricity to neighbours: Technically feasible, but not in practice
An EU-funded Interreg project promoting microgrids technology has managed to help consumers produce renewable electricity on their own. But the ultimate objective to enable reselling the power to their neighbour has been hindered by regulatory obstacles.
EU official: Interreg is an ‘engine’ of regional cooperation but needs simplification
Interreg, a flagship EU cohesion policy programme, is an important engine of cooperation and trust among countries, but to address ongoing challenges such as migration or Brexit, it needs to be simplified and better coordinated and have less red tape, a high-ranking EU official told EURACTIV.com.
Interreg EU project: Tackling climate change in the ‘Mediterranean way’
An EU-funded project aims to push for green and circular economy policies in the Mediterranean in light of an alarming study, which recently pointed out that temperatures in the region are escalating much faster than the global average.
How Interreg transforms the Mediterranean region
In this Special Report, we will look at how Interreg MED has contributed to the region’s sustainability but also at the programme's future in the EU's next seven-year budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework, considering the planned cuts.
MEP Novakov: EU Cohesion policy needs a tough lady like Elisa Ferreira to defend it
Rule of law should be a matter of respect everywhere, not only in the Cohesion Policy. But ordinary beneficiaries should not be held responsible for the action of the whole country infringing common EU standards, MEP Andrey Novakov told EURACTIV Slovakia in an interview.
REGI chair: If von der Leyen has an ambition for Europe, she must have an ambition for Cohesion
The European Parliament shall not accept cuts on the budget of Cohesion Policy and expects the European Commission and its new President to be on its side, says MEP Younous Omarjee.
Regions call for ambitious EU budget, Cohesion policy, better cooperation
The Conference of Peripheral Maritime regions (CPMR) was set to adopt a Manifesto on the future of the EU negotiations on Friday (18 October) calling for more support to Europe's regions, an ambitious budge supporting a sustainable economic agenda and no cuts in the Cohesion policy.
Italy’s German-speaking province makes U-turn on scrapping Italian name
The local government of the Italian autonomous province Alto Adige/Südtirol had to step back and change a law that would have removed the term ‘Alto Adige’ from its Brussels office, as the attempt nearly led the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis.
Rioja president: ‘We will stand behind our wine producers’ in EU-US tariff war
Concha Andreu, the president of La Rioja region, made her first visit to Brussels last week, just after the US announced fresh tariffs on European exports, including wine produced in her region. She told EURACTIV.com she is confident Europe will support the region, whose economy is heavily dependent on the wine sector.
Poland and Germany call for swift negotiations to conclude EU budget
Germany and Poland are pressing for EU budget negotiations to be concluded as quickly as possible. For Poland, the primary beneficiary of the EU's cohesion policy, there is a great deal at stake. Germany hopes the negotiations will finish before it takes over the EU presidency next July. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Romania defies EU shipping sheep in summer heat
Under the burning sun in Romania's Midia port on the Black Sea, the Lady Maria stands ready to embark its passengers - thousands of sheep to be shipped to Libya for the Eid al-Adha holiday. VideoPromoted content
networX. Inspiring Rural Europe
networX was the largest gathering or rural development stakeholders in the current EU programming period. Over 400 participants from the EU and beyond gathered in Brussels for two days celebrating the results of the past ten years of rural networking...
Decentralisation of European funds in France, a typically French disaster
Late payments and a dreadful IT management tool: The decentralisation of EU funds has led to serious malfunctions in France, according to a report by the French Court of Auditors published just days before the European elections. EURACTIV France reports.
EU cities join forces for more sustainable tourism
Climate change and tourism are closely interlinked. Local and regional authorities across Europe are working together to improve waste management to make tourism more sustainable in their towns.
Europe’s future lies in the hands of its regions and cities
As heads of state and government of the EU member states meet in Sibiu on Europe Day, Karl-Heinz Lambertz urges them to work towards a more cohesive, sustainable and democratic Europe.
Europe is better together: Franco-German Treaty shows the way
On 22 January 2019, in Aachen, Germany and France renewed their vows for enhanced cooperation among the two countries. This signature came 56 years after the first treaty that had been signed in Elysée, writes Ilona Raugze.
‘Citizens are calling for a change’, regional leader says on upcoming EU election
If the EU wants to regain citizens' trust after the European elections, it has to strengthen links with cities and regions, Stefano Bonaccini told EURACTIV.com.
A place for regions and cities in the European elections debate
Cities and regions have played a fundamental role in implementing EU’s policies, particularly through the use of Cohesion Funds, which represent the main investment policy of the Union. However, they feel their voices are not being sufficiently heard. As the...
Make Europe more local, municipal leaders tell aspiring MEPs
Representatives of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) met with aspiring members of the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday (9 April) to discuss their priorities ahead of the upcoming European elections.
Europe depends on its cities
Cities are the place where the fight against climate change becomes real, most of the decisions are taken and where equal and inclusive societies can be made, Anna Lisa Boni claims.
In Bucharest, local leaders call to rebuild the EU from the bottom
Hundreds of European local and regional leaders demanded a bottom-up approach to rebuild the EU, during the 8th Cities and Regions summit in Bucharest, ahead of the informal European Council on the future of Europe in Sibiu in May.
Brexit impact in Northern Ireland: When peace is at stake
Time is running out as the UK is set to leave the EU on 29 March, and an orderly withdrawal is not yet secured. EURACTIV has travelled to Northern Ireland where Brexit is more than a political or economic issue - it is a challenge for peace.
German action plan for insect protection: Farmers want greater say
With insects declining at an alarming rate, the German environment ministry wants an action plan to protect them before the end of the year. But farmers are feeling ignored in the process and are calling for more environmental protection incentives. EURACTIV Germany reports.