European Union News - Regional Policy

Mayors from across the European Union and China met in the Committee of the Regions (CoR), in Brussels, and signed an agreement signalling the next phase in co-operation as part of a joint effort in promoting sustainable cities. President of the CoR, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, highlighted that the Forum offered the ideal platform to take a joint response to deal with these global challenges.

The second annual meeting of the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP), which brought together mayors and regional politicians from the EU and Eastern neighbouring countries, ended with an agreement on a way forward that will include public administration reform, fiscal decentralisation and regional cooperation as key priorities for action.

Olli Rehn, Vice-president of the European Commission, welcomed the adoption by the Spanish government of a Royal Decree Law on the restructuring and resolution of credit institutions, including a comprehensive blueprint for the future Asset Management Company. On the other hand, the Eurogroup also welcomed the reiteration by the Spanish authorities, and the statement by the Board of BFA-Bankia, of their firm commitment to complete the restructuring plan for BFA-Bankia by October, as foreseen by the Memorandum of Understanding.

Aarhus has been recommended to be European Capital of Culture 2017 by the independent selection panel assessing the cities for this title. Cyprus is the other Member State in which a city will host the title in five years' time. The two winning cities will be formally nominated by the EU's Council of Ministers in May 2013.

The European Commission tabled its proposal on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2013 in which it proposes higher Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for sprat, for the stocks of Central and Western herring and for plaice. The overall aim of the Commission's proposal is to make fisheries in the Baltic Sea environmentally and economically sustainable by following scientific advice.

RegioStars' 2013 awards have already finalists. The most innovative projects which have received investment from EU Cohesion Policy are divided in five different categories. The Award ceremony will take place in Brussels on 7th February 2013.　

The European Commission will hold a conference in Brussels on October 15 to debate on European Capitals of Culture, one of the most successful European initiatives and best known by the public. This conference will allow to share best practices among cities which have hosted a European Capital of Culture in the past, current Capitals and cities willing to host a Capital in the future.

The European Union supports thousands of projects across Europe every year in the most varied sectors and with very different objectives. From public transport improvement to small business support, these projects really make a difference in citizen's daily life. In order to highlight this support, the European Commission invites all citizens to share photos portraying projects near them and take part in the Europe in my region photo competition.