Highlights
Read our highlights' section to be up to date with the most important initiatives and news.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN in conversation with Commissioner Zaharieva on strengthening regional R&I ecosystems
Following our extensive and ongoing advocacy for a place-based dimension and ecosystem approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and 10th Framework Programme (FP10), ERRIN was pleased to meet with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Research, Innovation and Startups. With the Commission's proposal for the next budget period just around the corner, ERRIN welcomed the opportunity to share insights, gathered from our 120+ regional ecosystems, on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027.
- By Astrid Hannes
Towards a Union of Skills: regions weigh in
On June 25, ERRIN's Science and Education for Society Working Group brought the regional perspective to Brussels during an insightful exchange with the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, focused on the Union of Skills initiative. ERRIN is committed to skills development and calls for reinforcing the place-based dimension in the roll-out of the Union of Skills, recognising territorial diversity of skills challenges across all regional ecosystems in Europe.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN's Spring Annual General Meeting 2025 focusing on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027
On June 17, ERRIN members and regional stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for the network's Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) – an opportunity to take stock of recent achievements, reaffirm shared priorities and engage in timely discussions on the territorial dimension of the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape post-2027. This year's AGM was generously hosted by Wielkopolska Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and strategically held in connection to the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) 2025 Conference, organised the following day in Brussels.
News
Get the latest news from ERRIN and its members and learn about innovation opportunities in the European regions.
- By Maria Bostrom
Have Your Say on the European Innovation Act: Call for Evidence & Public Consultation now open
The European Commission has launched both a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation for the forthcoming European Innovation Act, a flagship initiative aiming to address the key challenges faced by all innovative companies in the EU in order to close the innovation gap between the EU and its global competitors. The feedback period is now open and will run from 8 July to 30 September 2025. ERRIN encourages all members to engage with this important initiative and submit your views through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
Net-Zero Industry Act – Key updates and open opportunities
The Energy and Climate Change Working Group hosted a webinar on the Net-Zero Industry Act, focusing on its implementation, skills development and regional opportunities. The session featured updates from DG GROW and DG EMPL, as well as a regional case study from Lusatia, Germany – Europe’s first applicant for a Net-Zero Acceleration Valley.
- By Paul Brunet
Funding opportunity: Accelerating climate-neutral and resilient cities with DUT call 2025
The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership will launch its DUT Call 2025 on 1 September, supporting projects that foster innovation across three critical urban themes: the 15-minute City, Circular Urban Economies and Positive Energy Districts.
- By Ana Nava
Join the Cities Mission Online Discussion Groups
NetZeroCities, where ERRIN contributes to citizen and stakeholder engagement, invites expressions of interest from cities across Europe to join the Cities Mission Online Discussion Groups designed to accelerate local climate action through structured peer learning and expert guidance.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Call for evidence open for the new EU tourism strategy
The European Commission launches a new strategy aimed at transforming the EU tourism sector to become more sustainable, resilient and competitive, in light of challenges ranging from climate change and regional imbalances to geopolitical tensions and structural fragmentation. In parallel with the launch of the strategy, the Commission has opened a call for evidence, inviting citizens, businesses and stakeholders to share their views on how best to shape this initiative. The feedback period is from 20 June to 12 September 2025.
- By Ana Nava
Apply to the Cities Mission Twinning Learning Programme
NetZeroCities, in which ERRIN is a partner, has launched a new call for applications for the Cities Mission Twinning Learning Programme. The Programme offers a unique opportunity for cities to engage in structured peer-learning with leading Mission Cities. Applications will be accepted until 12 September 2025.