“Regions and cities are at the very heart of the European project!”. This is the meaning of the European Week of Regions and Cities, which opens today in Brussels, according to Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira. The 22nd edition of this event dedicated to “thousands of practitioners of regional policy” serves “to take stock of achievements so far, lessons learned, and ways to ensure that Cohesion Policy becomes even more effective in the future”, Commissioner Ferreira, who opened the event together with the President of the Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, went on to explain. Until 10 October, under the motto “Empowering Communities”, some 5,000 participants will be able to discuss common challenges for Europe’s regions and cities and will have a chance to “debate, share and exchange ideas on how to improve the lives of European citizens and make life in Europe the best it can be”. The programme includes over 190 events organised either by the EU or the Committee of the Regions, or by partner and local organisations, on four themes: “Competitiveness and convergence: two sides of the same coin”; “Regions strengthening European Democracy”; Regions got talent”; and “Smart and sustainable growth for regions”. Participants will also be able to attend about ten food-related events and visit over 30 information booths. On 9 October, a group of young aspiring journalists will receive the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Prize.