Insights from Brussels: Mr. Kaabour shares his experience of the EULC Study Visit

Members of the EU Local Councillors Network from Liguria (Italy) travelled to Brussels in June 2026 for a 2-day study visit. During the programme participants gained first-hand insights into the European institutions, policies and programmes that impact local and regional communities across Europe. 

Through presentations and discussions on EU initiatives relevant to local authorities, the members of the Network explored opportunities in areas such as culture, education, urban development, digital transformation and citizen engagement. The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and reflect on how European initiatives can be translated into concrete action at local level. By engaging with both the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, local councillors also gained a broader understanding of how European policies are developed and how local and regional perspectives contribute to shaping them. 

Organised periodically for each EU country, the visit formed part of the opportunities available to active members of the EU Local Councillors Network. Similar visits are regularly organised to enable local councillors from across Europe to engage directly with the European institutions, discover EU initiatives relevant to their communities and strengthen the European dimension of their work at local level.

Among the participants was Mr. Si Mohamed Kaabour of the Municipality of Genoa, who reflected on the value of the visit and its relevance for local authorities:

“On behalf of the Municipality of Genoa, I am officially part of the EU Local Councillors Network, the network promoted by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, which brings together over 3,000 local and regional elected representatives across Europe. Over the past few days, alongside many administrators from Liguria, I took part in an intensive programme in Brussels at the European institutions. This was a valuable opportunity to explore the tools, programmes, and opportunities that the European Union makes available to local communities—from EU funding to urban development initiatives, from Erasmus+ to Digital Europe, as well as engagement with the European Committee of the Regions.

It was also a great moment of exchange with fellow members from our region, allowing us to share ideas, experiences and best practices, while strengthening the bond between local and European institutions.

As the Municipality of Genoa, we aim to help build a more aware European citizenship, because Europe is not something remote - Europe is us. For this reason, over the next five years, we will work through the local Europe Direct Centre, acting as a local hub to bring citizens, schools, associations, and young people closer to the opportunities and founding values of the European Union.”