Programme 2025

In two panel discussions, participants from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands will discuss the potential and challenges of the border region - in particular with regard to EU cohesion policy and its further development as well as the use of the corresponding funds.

The first round will examine at past and current crises - the coronavirus pandemic, the devastating floods and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Participants will discuss how the global crises have impacted the border region and what lessons have been learnt.
The second discussion will focus on the future: energy transition, circular economy, climate policy and structural change are key issues that will make a region fit for the future. Current projects will be presented to highlight our strengths. What is our vision for future cross-border cooperation? What makes us in the Euregio optimistic about the future?
In addition to the discussions, the conference offers numerous opportunities for networking and dialogue with stakeholders from politics, business, science and administration.


 

12.00-1.00 p.m.

Arrival with a cup of coffee

1.00-1.15 p.m.

Welcome

Sibylle Keupen, Lord Mayor of the city of Aachen/President AG Charlemagne Grensregio
Petra Dassen-Housen, Mayor of the city of Kerkrade/Vice-President AG Charlemagne Grensregio

1.15-2.00 p.m.

Keynote
The Future of EU cohesion policy
Joris Bengevoord, President of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR)

2.00-2.15 p.m.

Lunch Break

2.15-3.00 p.m.

Discussion round 1: The reaction

‘The challenges’

How have the opportunities offered by EU cohesion policy been used so far to respond to global challenges and their local manifestations?

  • Climate change knows no borders
    Dr. Tim Grüttemeier, Städteregionsrat Aachen
  • Lessons learned: Covid-19
    Michael Dejozé, Managing Director, Euregio Maas-Rhein
  • Economy in uncertain times
    Thomas Hissel, Councillor City of Aachen
  • The Einstein Telescope: High-tech and its ecnomical impact
    Hans Plets, Director Project Agency Einstein Telescope
3.00-3.15 p.m.

Coffee Break

3.15-3.20 p.m.

Movie „Shaping.The.Future.Together“ 

3.15-4.00 p.m.

Discussion round 2: The campaign

‘Positively forwards’

What common visions do we want to realise to strengthen cohesion - what makes us in the Euregio optimistic about the future?

  • Cross-Heat: Model project for Europe
    Petra Dassen-Housen, Mayor of the city of Kerkrade/Vice-President AG Charlemagne Grensregio
  • Megaproject JUPITER AI: Impact in neighbouring countries
    Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Holger Hoos, Chair of AI Methodology, RWTH Aachen University
  • ReUse – Solutions for scarcity of resources
    Camiel Simonis, European Center for Circular Building and Transformation (ECCBT)
  • Trinational Curriculum: The future of cooperation between University Colleges in the Three Country Triangle
    Michael Dejozé, Managing Director, Euregio Maas-Rhein
4.00 p.m.

Signing memorandum

Networking

5.00 p.m.

End

Moderation: Simone van Trier

The event will be moderated in English. Other conference languages are German and Dutch