Speech by Executive Vice-President Fitto at “European Week of Regions and Cities 2026”

It is a reminder that Europe's strength is built in its regions.

And that strong regions are the foundation of a strong Europe.

And you as governors of regions, mayors, local representatives are shaping Europe every day:

You are where European policies meet the realities of people's lives.

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities.

You play a vital role in turning our common European ambitions into reality.

Since the beginning of my mandate, almost 2 years ago, I have made it a priority to work closely with all of you.

Because Europe is not powered by a single engine. It is powered by many.

And the success of our policies ultimately depends on how well they respond to the real needs of our citizens, our businesses and our territories.

This is where cohesion policy has a unique role to play.

It is a powerful tool that can turn European priorities into concrete results on the ground.

Cohesion policy has helped regions build on their strengths, respond to change and unlock their potential.

But we cannot simply rest on what we have achieved.

We need to build on it and we need to keep adapting.

Because the world around us is changing.

Europe is facing economic pressures, growing geopolitical uncertainty and security challenges.

We are experiencing demographic change and a technological transformation.

And we are competing in a global economy in which competitiveness matters more than ever.

I have therefore made the modernisation of cohesion policy one of my key priorities.

A first important step in this direction was the Mid-term Review of Cohesion policy.

We gave Member States and regions the possibility - on a voluntary basis - to reallocate resources to where they made the most sense for them: