Strong regions, strong Europe: highlights from the 2026 EU Regions Week

Looking ahead to the NRPPs 

The proposed NRPPs were a recurring theme across several sessions. Discussions highlighted the need to ensure meaningful participation of local and regional authorities, as well as the effective integration of the territorial dimension.

European Commission representatives outlined the current proposals (more insights from a dedicated Rural Pact Policy Lab). Drawing on the experience of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, three key lessons were identified for the NRPPs: ensuring realistic and plausible costing, improving transparency, and guaranteeing genuine stakeholder involvement. This could include regional checks and appropriate consultation mechanisms. 

The NRPPs are expected to place competitiveness and productivity at the centre of their objectives, as well as a strong focus on regional resilience, defence, energy and infrastructure. The ‘right to stay’ will feature as an explicit policy priority within the NRPP framework, and rural areas will be specifically addressed through a rural spending target.

Ensuring the ‘right to stay’ in rural and mountain areas

Rural and mountain areas face structural barriers toyouth retention and access to quality services, schools and social life. These difficulties are further exacerbated by climate change, depopulation, high costs of living and challenges in attracting investment.

Ensuring the vitality of rural and mountain territories requires targeted measures to support local economies and quality of life, particularly for young people. Strengthening regional cross-border cooperation, creating opportunities for young people and ensuring targeted investments in employment and services emerge as key priorities to support the ‘right to stay’ in these areas.

The forthcoming ‘right to stay’ strategy, expected in early 2027, will inform the preparation of the NRPPs and will be structured around four dimensions: competitiveness and economic development; human capital and youth empowerment; connectivity, energy and climate resilience; and access to services and housing. 

Strengthening competitiveness and resilience through cohesion policy

Cohesion policy andplace-based approaches help build stronger and more competitive regions. Unlocking the potential of Europe’s regions for competitiveness, sustainable growth and resilience requires strategic, integrated investments and reforms that build on their strengths and address their specific challenges (more Rural Pact resources on competitiveness).

Cohesion and competitiveness are mutually reinforcing, and regions should be meaningfully engaged in the design and implementation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Discussions highlighted the need to move beyond consultation towards genuine policy co-design, applying subsidiarity in practice and strengthening multi-level governance. LEADER and Local Action Groups were recognised as proven models of community-level decision-making. 

While territories face climate risks, economic shocks, inequalities and demographic challenges, local and regional authorities play a vital role in turning pressures into opportunities and strengthening Europe’s resilience. This requires long-term, place-based investments and strong regional governance. 

Moving from individual projects towards regional solutions, supporting municipalities with limited capacity, and investing in crisis prevention can strengthen territorial resilience and contribute to a more future-proof Europe. 

Register for the upcoming Rural Pact webinar on rural resilience.

Browse through the full range of 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities sessions.