Uncategorized

EILD 2026: Driving Innovation, Inclusion & Impact Across Europe

As we step into 2026, European Institute for Local Development (EILD) accelerates its mission to shape resilient, inclusive communities through smart policy, digital transformation, and evidence-based practice. This year marks a strategic inflection point where ambition meets execution — and where our ecosystem partnerships become the engine for sustainable impact at scale. 2026 is not […]

EILD 2026: Driving Innovation, Inclusion & Impact Across Europe Read More »

Youth NEET Rates in Europe: Why Action Is Needed Now

Insights from Eurostat and EILD’s Commitment Through Upcoming Erasmus+ Projects The latest Eurostat data for 2024 reveals a concerning picture: 11.1% of young people in the European Union (aged 15–29) are classified as NEET — neither in employment, education nor training. This figure represents more than a statistic; it highlights a structural challenge affecting Europe’s

Youth NEET Rates in Europe: Why Action Is Needed Now Read More »

Bridging the Education Gap: Early School Leaving Remains a Challenge in Rural Europe

Did you know that 9.3% of young people across the European Union leave school early — with rates significantly higher in rural areas? While the EU has made progress in reducing early school leaving over the past decade, rural communities continue to face persistent challenges that hinder equal access to education. These disparities have a

Bridging the Education Gap: Early School Leaving Remains a Challenge in Rural Europe Read More »

Europe Still Struggles with Digital Skills, New Eurobarometer Shows

The newly released Digital Decade 2025 – Special Eurobarometer reveals that Europe’s digital transformation is advancing, but large parts of the population still lack the skills needed to fully benefit from it. According to the survey, only about half of Europeans possess basic digital abilities, far below the EU’s goal of reaching 80% by 2030.

Europe Still Struggles with Digital Skills, New Eurobarometer Shows Read More »

Civil Society Networks Urge EU to Strengthen Protections and Support for NGOs

European civil society organisations are calling on the European Commission to deliver a stronger, more ambitious EU Civil Society Strategy. In a joint letter, the Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) urged the EU to adopt concrete measures that protect NGOs, ensure sustainable funding, and promote meaningful participation

Civil Society Networks Urge EU to Strengthen Protections and Support for NGOs Read More »

Stronger Together: NGOs and Communities Call for Deeper Partnerships in 2025

At a time of mounting global challenges, non-governmental organisations across Europe are uniting around a clear message: collaboration is the key to resilience. This was the central theme of the 2025 Regional NGO Consultations, where over a hundred humanitarian and development organisations — including refugee-led and community-based groups — came together to discuss the future

Stronger Together: NGOs and Communities Call for Deeper Partnerships in 2025 Read More »

Greece Launches 15 Cultural Masterplans to Drive Regional Growth

Greece has launched an ambitious initiative to link culture and regional growth through the development of fifteen Cultural Masterplans across the country. The project aims to transform heritage assets into engines of sustainable economic and social development, enhancing the visibility and vitality of local communities. The selected areas include both urban centres and islands, from

Greece Launches 15 Cultural Masterplans to Drive Regional Growth Read More »

Modernising Cohesion Policy — New Priorities for Stronger Regions

The European Union is preparing a major update to its Cohesion Policy framework, with the aim of better aligning regional development with today’s strategic challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. This modernisation seeks to make Europe’s regions more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive — while continuing the long-standing mission of reducing economic and social disparities across the continent.

Modernising Cohesion Policy — New Priorities for Stronger Regions Read More »

Regions and Cities Call for Simpler Access to EU Funding — and a Skills Boost for All

Local and regional leaders across Europe are raising their voices: as we approach the next funding cycle, the mantra is “simpler + stronger.” In a recent debate, regions and cities underscored the need for streamlined access to funding and a major push in skills and jobs for the decades ahead. At the heart of the

Regions and Cities Call for Simpler Access to EU Funding — and a Skills Boost for All Read More »

European Regions Unite to Localize the SDGs: The 2030CATALYSTS Initiative

Twenty European regions are joining forces to make the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a local reality through the new 2030CATALYSTS initiative. Coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the project brings together regions from 12 countries to share knowledge, develop data-driven policies, and accelerate the transition from planning to action. The initiative emphasizes “place-based

European Regions Unite to Localize the SDGs: The 2030CATALYSTS Initiative Read More »