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 discussion lies the upcoming budget framework and the recognition that many local actors are still held back by complex application/cash-flow systems. Regions argue that for funds to deliver where they matter most — in communities, smaller cities and rural areas — the processes must be more agile and closely aligned with local realities.
Moreover, the spotlight is shifting to skills development. The so-called European Skills Agenda is becoming a focal point: regions emphasise that without a sufficiently trained workforce, infrastructure or innovation investments alone will not deliver sustainable growth. In the words of local representatives: smoother funding and stronger skills systems go hand in hand.