The 10th edition of the OPEN DAYS 2012 (8 – 11 October 2012) will be a time for positive reflection during the overall discussions on the future European cohesion policy, according to the Committee of the Regions. The preliminary programme for this event is now available as well as the registration at the event website.

The OPEN DAYS 2012, an event where over 5 000 participants from all over Europe – local, regional, national and European policy-makers and practitioners, as well as representatives from academia, the business community and the media – will be able to raise their voice, share their views, come forward with new ideas and remain involved in the discussion, are now opened for registration. Last year's focus was “Investing in Europe’s future: Regions and cities delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”.

Under the theme “Europe's regions and cities: Making a difference”, this year's event will be structured around the smart and green growth for all – How does cohesion policy contribute to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth?; territorial cooperation: an asset for Europe – How can cooperation be used as a tool for regional development and better exploitation of regional potentials?; and delivering results – What are the main achievements of the EU cohesion policy? And how to best implement the intentions of the new regulatory framework?. The European Commission adopted a legislative package for cohesion policy for the period from 2014 until 2020 in October 2011.

This edition will take place between 8 and 11 October 2011 in Brussels and its preliminary programme is already available. Online registration can be make it throughout the OPEN DAYS website. According to the CoR,The OPEN DAYS' 10th anniversary should also be the platform for a broader debate on the future of Europe and multilevel governance, showcasing the role that European cities and regions can play in times of economic crisis, affecting people throughout the EU.