How should the design and implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) look from 2028 onward? These and many other questions were the focus of the regionen.NRW network on May 2nd at an event hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Brussels.

The discussions centered on the crucial questions of how the ERDF should be shaped and implemented from 2028, as well as the wishes and goals of the state government, the EU, and the regions in NRW. In an intensive exchange, possibilities for deepened cooperation were explored to strengthen strategic collaboration across state borders.

In the afternoon, the regions engaged in direct dialogue with officials from the European Commission about the problems and challenges facing the future of cohesion policy and took a closer look at the Harnessing Talent platform and its impact on the regions.

The event marks an important step toward effective and targeted cooperation between the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, the regions, and the European Union regarding cohesion policy from 2028. It underscores the shared responsibility for sustainable development and the economic success of the regions.