The European Commission has announced the opening of the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels — an annual event that brings together representatives of regional and municipal authorities, experts and politicians from across the European Union. This year, approximately 5,000 people are participating in the event. The event takes place under the motto "Strong Regions – Strong Europe" and is dedicated to discussing the future of cohesion policy — one of the EU's key instruments aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between regions of the union. Participants will discuss how cohesion policy can adapt to new challenges, including economic changes, demographic shifts, and the need to strengthen regional resilience. The European Week of Regions and Cities traditionally brings together representatives of local and regional authorities, EU institutions, the scientific community and civil society to exchange experience and develop joint approaches to regional development. The event is organized by the European Committee of the Regions in cooperation with the European Commission. Cohesion policy remains a subject of discussion in the context of preparing the EU's next long-term budget, and the current event is seen as a platform for shaping the positions of regions ahead of upcoming negotiations on future financing.