5th European Summit of Regions and Cities

5th European Summit of Regions and Cities - The European urban fabric in the 21st century, 22-23 March 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark

Venue: Tivoli Congress Center, Arni Magnussons Gade 2-4, Copenhagen

Objectives

The Committee of the Regions is organising the 5th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Copenhagen during the Danish Presidency. The Summit will be preceded by an extraordinary Bureau meeting of the CoR that will look to address some of the key issues surrounding the challenges faced by the European Union in the context of the global economic crisis.

The future of European industrial policy depends on several key factors and is linked with the effective implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Serious challenges have been identified for the EU Member States concerning smart regulation and the business environment, particularly for SMEs. The development of industrial innovation policy through emphasis on R&D is essential to guarantee energy and material efficiency. Innovation-based growth is fundamental to economic growth in the EU.

Eurofound contribution to the debate

In the framework of the CoR Bureau on 22 March, a debate will be organised on the topic of European competitiveness and growth in a globalised and crisis driven economy and will be an opportunity for an in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by the European Union in the context of the global economic crisis. The discussions will focus on the future of European industrial policy, the development of industrial innovation, and the role played by EU tools, such as the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the ERDF and the ESF.

Participants will be representatives of the Danish Growth Council, of Eurofound, and members of the CoR. Donald Storrie, Head of Unit, Employment and Change, will be contributing to this debate.