Strong regions, strong Europe: EU Local Councillors gathered during the EU Regions Week 2026

On 12 October 2026, more than 40 EU Local Councillors from different countries met in Brussels for an informal networking moment, held in the context of 24^th European Week of Regions and Cities 2026. 

Participants were welcomed by Richard Kühnel, Director for Representation and Communication in the Member States at the European Commission, François-Xavier Priollaud, Member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Special Representative for the EU Local Councillors Network, and Michele Cercone, Acting Director of Communications at the CoR, together with the EU Local Councillors team in Brussels. Councillors then took the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange views and experiences in an informal setting. 

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for informal dialogue and mutual learning among elected representatives, reinforcing the objectives of the EU Local Councillors Network and reflecting the central message of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026: that strong, well-connected regions and citizens are key to building a stronger Europe.

The European Week of Regions and Cities is the Europe’s largest annual event dedicated to regional and urban policy. In every edition, the event brings together thousands of representatives from regions, cities, and local authorities to exchange ideas and discuss the future of Europe’s territories.