This forum, held between the 29th of November and the 1st of December, was co-organised by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions. It delved into the increasingly significant connection between cities, regions, and international collaboration.
The debate within the Forum aimed to propose innovative solutions and recommendations for sustainable urban and regional transitions, inclusive governance, investment tools, and the role of intermediary cities in attracting youth. The participatory approach allowed elected local administrators from the EU and partner countries to discuss specific challenges, fostering dialogue, exchange, and the formulation of recommendations. The spotlight was also placed on the strategic imperative of connecting cities and regions both physically and digitally. Optimizing decentralised cooperation to foster inclusion, innovation, and investment at the local level emerged as a focal point. The unique role of intermediary cities took centre stage, highlighting their potential to drive positive change.
One of the key takeaways from the forum is the acknowledgement of the strong territorial dimension of policies that impact citizens' lives at the local level. With 75% of public investment in Europe occurring within the framework of local public policies, the role of regions, cities, and other local entities is central to contemporary societies. Structural and social European funds, predominantly administered at the local and regional levels, play a crucial role in mitigating economic and social inequalities within the EU.
As a background, the Global Gateway constitutes the European Union's endeavour to bridge the global investment gap on a worldwide scale. This initiative aligns with the commitment made by G7 leaders in June 2021 to establish a values-driven, high-standard, and transparent infrastructure partnership, addressing the global infrastructure development needs. Furthermore, Global Gateway is fully in accordance with the UN's Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement. Over the period spanning 2021 to 2027, Team Europe aims to mobilise up to €300 billion for sustainable and high-quality projects, emphasising consideration for partner countries' needs and ensuring enduring benefits for local communities.
