Programme 2026
In two panel discussions, participants from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands will explore the potential and challenges of the border region, focusing on the future of EU cohesion policy and the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028 to 2034.
The first panel, “A stronger Europe begins in the border region”, looks at Europe’s key challenges of competitiveness, sovereignty and resilience, and at what border regions can contribute.
The second panel examines the risks and opportunities of the EU’s new budget for the border region and how funding for cooperation across borders can be secured in the future.
The conference will close with the signing of a new memorandum, a joint call to action by the border region, to be handed over to the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions.
The event also offers plenty of opportunities for networking with stakeholders from politics, business, science and administration.
Arrival, registration and networking lunch
Arrive in good time, collect your badge and enjoy a light lunch while meeting other participants before the programme begins.
Welcome, opening and video address
Members of the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions open the summit, followed by a video address by Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms.
Keynote: “The Strategy for a New European Phase”
Panel discussion 1: A stronger Europe begins in the border region
What are Europe’s main challenges, and what can the border region offer in response?
Representatives from European, national and regional politics and administration discuss competitiveness, sovereignty and resilience, and the role border regions play in strengthening Europe.
With Jeroen Lenaers and Sabine Verheyen, both Members of the European Parliament.
Coffee break
Panel discussion 2: The new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028 to 2034
What risks and opportunities does the EU’s new budget hold for the border region, and how can cooperation across borders be secured in the future?
Representatives from European and regional politics and the Interreg programme discuss what the next funding period means for the Euregio and how it can remain strong and future-oriented.
With Pascal Arimont, Member of the European Parliament, Tim Grüttemeier, District Administrator of the StädteRegion Aachen, and Liesa Scholzen, Member of the European Committee of the Regions.
The new memorandum: a call to action by the border region
Presentation of the new memorandum by the AG Charlemagne.
Handover of the memorandum and closing remarks
Handover from the region to the European institutions
Networking drinks and finger food
Moderator: Simone van Trier
The event will be moderated in English. Other conference languages are German, Dutch and French.