On February 4th and 5th, the management boards and executives of the network met in Bonn for a retreat. A key topic was the future cohesion policy of the EU. In discussions with Dr. Stefan Lock, Head of the European Commission’s Regional Representation in Bonn, the guidelines of the new EU Commission and plans for the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework as well as the perspectives for the regions were discussed. Additionally, measures to increase the network’s visibility and to promote innovation were addressed.

For more than ten years, the regions in NRW have been networking under the slogan “regionen.NRW. Strong Regions. Strong State” and developing joint concepts, strategies, and projects.

Several events are planned for 2025, including the network’s spring reception at the state parliament in Düsseldorf as well as workshops on current topics. Furthermore, cooperation with the state government and the EU Commission will be intensified through regular exchange meetings. Additionally, opportunities for cooperation with a new federal government were discussed to sustainably represent the regions’ interests.

Further information

The regionen.NRW network has existed since 2013. It strengthens cooperation among the regions themselves and consolidates strategic cooperation with the state government. The network includes the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier and nine regional management organizations: Region Aachen Zweckverband, Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH, Regionalmanagement Düsseldorf – Kreis Mettmann, Region Köln/Bonn e.V., Münsterland e.V., Standort Niederrhein GmbH, OstWestfalenLippe GmbH, Regionalverband Ruhr, and Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH. The network’s office is hosted by Münsterland e.V.