The European Regional Policy Research Consortium (EoRPA) held its 47th Annual Conference, ‘Regional Policy in a More Uncertain World’, at Ross Priory on Loch Lomondside, from 4 – 6 October 2026. The conference brought together policymakers from across Europe to discuss changing regional policy priorities, governance and funding in an increasingly uncertain economic and geopolitical environment.
The EoRPA conference sessions featured four research papers presented by EPRC researchers, alongside partner-country contributions and discussions.
- Regional policy in a more uncertain world, authored by Ruth Downes and Neli Georgieva examined recent changes to the strategic priorities, governance structures and instruments in regional policy across Europe. Session 1, presented by Ruth, looked at key trends in strategic direction in the context of an uncertain geopolitical and geoeconomic context. Session 2, presented by Neli and Ruth, focused on governance and policy instruments, including coordination challenges and resources constraints. Session 4, presented by Neli, explored the use of foresight in regional policy including in strategic direction and anticipatory spatial targeting. In all sessions, partner-country discussions elaborated and explored the themes in more detail, promoting exchange of applied policy maker experience.
- Alliance building or new divides? The securitisation of regional policy in Europe, presented by Rachel Maguire, explored how security concerns, including economic resilience, critical infrastructure and strategic investment, are influencing regional policy and territorial priorities. The discussion considered how regional policy can respond to emerging security challenges and support strategically important territories. The paper was co-authored with Heidi Vironen and Irene McMaster.
- Adrift in a hostile sea: Where will Cohesion Policy land? presented by Carlos Mendez, examined the future of EU Cohesion Policy and the implications of proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Participants discussed the preparation of the NRPPs, what changes might be expected in governance, coordination and implementation compared to the 2021-27 programming period, and the potential implications of a more performance-based approach. The paper was co-authored with Fiona Wishlade and John Bachtler.
- Continuity and change: Regional aid in an evolving State aid landscape, presented by Rona Michie, examined proposed changes to the Regional Aid Guidelines (RAG) and the relationship between regional aid and wider industrial policy frameworks. Participants discussed the implications of the proposed technical updates to the RAG, and the implications of State aid frameworks like CISAF for domestic regional policy instruments. The paper was co-authored with Fiona Wishlade and Jayne Wilson.
The programme also included a study visit to the Clyde corridor, focusing on economic and social regeneration. Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, presented ‘Clyde Gateway – People, Place, Jobs’, while Alison Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development at South Lanarkshire Council, provided a local authority perspective. Professor John Bachtler, Co-founder and Chair of Clyde Cycle Park, introduced the community-led regeneration initiative before leading a visit to the site.
The 47th EoRPA annual Conference provided a forum for comparing national experiences, exchange perspectives on policy challenges and consider the future direction of regional policy across Europe.