Histórico de noticias de EURADA

We are excited to highlight a new initiative by the OECD in partnership with DG REGIO: With Citizens for Effective Cohesion Policy. The project aims to strengthen citizen engagement in the design and delivery of EU Cohesion Policy, ensuring that investments reflect local needs and priorities.

Cohesion Policy, one of the EU’s largest investment framework, is designed to promote balanced development across regions, reduce disparities, and deliver tangible benefits to communities. As inequalities persist and trust in public institutions is challenged, involving citizens meaningfully in decision making can deliver more targeted, impactful and legitimate outcomes. Citizen participation not only improves the quality of policy decisions but also strengthens transparency and democratic accountability.

What the project offers

The initiative, running from February 2026 to September 2027, provides technical support and capacity building for subnational authorities eager to embed structured citizen participation into the next Cohesion Policy cycle (2028–2034):

Track A – Capacity Building for Managing Authorities

Selected managing authorities will take part in interactive workshops to develop tools and methods for meaningful engagement. This track aims to produce: 

• Flagship guidance on embedding citizen participation in policy cycles

• Tailored recommendations for each authority

• A practical toolkit to help turn guidance into action

Track B – Pioneer Cities

A cohort of EU cities will receive bespoke technical assistance to experiment with new participatory approaches in key policy areas. These pilots will be documented through OECD case studies and showcased to a wider community.

Who can participate

Managing authorities responsible for Cohesion Policy instruments and cities implementing sustainable urban development strategies are invited to apply through the Call for Expression of Interes.

Deadline: 30 April 2026