Open days 2012

The news:

The biggest annual event in the world of regional and urban policy marks its 10th anniversary at a crucial time for EU Cohesion Policy. Talks on the EU budget and the future shape of cohesion policy are entering their final and critical phase. Open Days 2012 will bring together some 6000 regional policy practitioners from all over Europe to share best practice and reinforce Regional Policy as the main instrument to realise the growth goals of Europe2020 and supporting the EU's exit from the crisis. Under the banner of 'Europe's regions and cities: Making a difference', over 100 seminars and workshops will focus on the priorities for future funding:

- Smart and green growth for all, promoting innovation/research and development

- Support for SME's

- Territorial cooperation

Delivering and measuring results for a more effective policy. OPEN DAYS 2012 will take stock of achievements so far and define the future shape of policy.

The event:

Four days of debate and discussion will be officially opened by Mr Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission and Mr Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, at the European Parliament on October 8 at 16:00. EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mr Johannes Hahn, is co-hosting the event with the President of the Committee of the Regions, Mr Ramon Luis Valcarel. Both will participate in a panel discussion on October 8 at 14.30. The Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mr Johannes Hahn, will address this very issue at an open press roundtable entitled 'Securing Regional Policy as The Investment Arm of the EU Budget' on 9th October from 8:30-9:30 (Schuman room, Berlaymont).

The 2013 RegioStars Awards on October 9 at 16:00 in the Committee of Regions will celebrate the work of 27 projects on the ground. 'Community-led local development' (CLLD) will be centre stage at this year’s 'Meeting Place' hosted at the Committee of the Regions, with an exhibition of 10 artists depicting 10 years of OPEN DAYS.

Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Vice President Joachim Almunia will hold a high level debate on State Aid, Regional Policy and Competition on Thursday 11 October at 10am at the Albert Borschette Centre, Room 0A.

A press release will be available on the day.