On 10 February 2026, Prof Carlos Mendez, Dr Martin Ferry and Stefan Kah delivered a tailored, in-person capacity-building workshop on EU Cohesion Policy for the Permanent Secretariat of the European Urban Initiative (EUI). Based in Lille, France, the EUI supports cities of all sizes to test innovative, sustainable urban solutions, while strengthening and building capacity.
The full-day training, organised by the European Policies Research Centre (EPRC), brought together 16 EUI staff members from across the EU and beyond. The programme combined conceptual input with interactive discussion and practical examples.
The morning session covered the evolution, governance structures of Cohesion Policy, as well as examining its shifting political priorities and emerging challenges, as well as to potential future trajectories in the context of ongoing debates about reform.
The afternoon focused on the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy. It provided an overview of how urban support was first mainstreamed within regional programmes and subsequently embedded more firmly through dedicated instruments and regulatory provisions. Practical illustrations highlighted the variety of approaches used across Member States to support integrated urban development and strengthen the role of cities within wider regional strategies.
The workshop was very positively received, with participants welcoming the opportunity to reflect on both the evolution and practical delivery of Cohesion Policy. For EPRC colleagues, the event also offered valuable insight into the evolving needs, priorities and challenges facing Europe’s cities.