On 12 October 2026, Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, and Kata Tüttö, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), held a joint press conference in Brussels, Belgium, to mark the opening of the European Week of Regions and Cities. 

In his statement, Raffaele Fitto presented the week’s programme, which included an opening event in the European Parliament hemicycle, high-level sessions on the Right to Stay, a debate on competitiveness in the context of Cohesion Policy, and the REGIOSTARS awards. He stated that Europe was meeting at a time of profound change, characterised by geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, technological advancements and demographic challenges. He also said that Europe was taking action and must never again be dependent on others for essentials. He presented simplification, flexibility and effectiveness as the answer, citing the mid-term review, through which territories had reallocated close to €35 billion. 

The Commissioner then focused on the Right to Stay and on competitiveness, noting that €15 billion had been allocated to the latter. 

This video shows the complete press conference, followed by a question-and-answer session.