The 271 European regions face new challenges, such as globalisation, demographic growth, climate change. In a difficult economic situation with sometimes great economic and social discrepancies on the European territory, the EU regional policy takes up three main challenges : keep solidarity, remain competitive and tackle the issues of the 21st century. The European Union contributes to finance projects in favor of regions, cities and the European citizens, thanks to the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In the framework of the debate on the European budget and future high priorities of the EU, the institutions and local stakeholders already make a special focus on the future of the cohesion policy after 2013. All representatives of European Member states, regions, cities and local authorities are invited to join this debate.