“Regions for Economic Change” the annual conference on regional policy for smart and sustainable growth

On Thursday 23 June, Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn opened the annual “Regions for Economic Change” conference.
The two-day event has gathered in Brussels more than 500 representatives from Europe’s regions.
Drawing on the recent Commission communications on smart and sustainable growth this year’s edition of the Regions for Economic Change conference explored tools and networks for smart and sustainable cities and regions and highlight excellent projects and initiatives that demonstrate the key contribution of regional policy to economic modernisation and the Europe 2020 goals.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement on Thursday evening of the winners of the 2011 ‘RegioStars’ Awards, celebrating the most inspiring and innovative projects funded by the EU’s regional policy.