Fitto: no centralization of Cohesion, but reform is necessary
Now in its eighteenth edition, the REGIOSTARS Awards have, since 2008, given visibility to projects funded by the European Cohesion Policy funds that indicate new approaches and solutions in regional development and can inspire other regions across Europe to adopt solutions and best practices for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
An opportunity for “the best projects supported by Cohesion to showcase their excellence in transforming European regions and improving people's lives," stated the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto. “By illustrating ideas and best practices, these projects will be a source of inspiration for other regions,” added the Executive Vice-President of the EU Commission.
REGIOSTARS Awards 2025, How to Participate
The awards for the 2025 edition focus on five categories, in line with the five policy objectives of the 2021-27 Cohesion Policy:
- A competitive and smart Europe
- A green Europe
- A connected Europe
- A social and inclusive Europe
- A Europe closer to the Citizens
This year, the rules remain unchanged regarding the selection procedure: a jury of experts, composed of a panel of high-level professors and academics in their respective fields, will evaluate the applications and choose the finalists who will be invited to participate in the final selection step during the European Week of Regions and Cities, which will be held in Brussels in October.
As in previous years, the public will also be able to vote for their favorite finalist for the Public Choice Award. For the winners, announced during the same event, a local communication campaign managed in cooperation with the European Commission's DG REGIO is at stake to promote the awarded activities in the region.
Applications can be submitted until May 20, 2025 by all promoters of projects that have benefited from European structural funds, particularly resources from ERDF, ESF, CF, JTF, or Interreg programs.
Learn more about the REGIOSTARS Awards 2025 competition
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