The Aragon region in Spain spearheads the development of a cutting-edge industrial ecosystem known as the ‘Hydrogen Valley’. This initiative is centered around harnessing the potential of hydrogen technology to drive decarbonization efforts within the production sector.
Meanwhile, in Skellefteå, in the Nordbotten region of Sweden, the construction of Europe’s first home-grown gigafactory dedicated to lithium-ion battery cells is underway.
Across the Baltic Sea, in Estonia’s Ida Viru region, another cutting-edge project is unfolding. A rare-earth magnet factory is being established, set to supply a staggering 50 percent of the European Union’s magnet requirements by the year 2026.
From Spain to the Baltic, Europe’s regions are at the forefront of tackling the biggest challenges the Continent is facing today. Thanks to Cohesion Policy funds, they are the drivers to achieve the net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy and the EU strategic autonomy.
At the same time, Europe’s regions and cities are also the ones contending with the effects of the brutal war on Ukraine.
Throughout Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, they have extended their support to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the war. This assistance includes providing accommodation, sustenance, and access to health care, education and employment opportunities.
The European Union is actively supporting these transformative processes, but how could economic, social and territorial cohesion be ensured among its regions?
To delve deeper into these critical questions, from October 9 to October 12, more than 10,000 regional and local stakeholders will engage in discussions across more than 300 sessions during the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Join us in Brussels at the European Week of Regions and Cities to contribute to the debate.