Local Authorities and Europe: Let's redesign our joint project

On 9–10 October, the 11th University of the AFCCRE brought together over 200 local elected representatives, institutional officials and European stakeholders for two days of exchanges on key issues: the future of European funds, climate and energy adaptation, and the role of territories in European integration. This major event hosted by the European and cross-border Lille Metropole highlighted the city’s pivotal role in driving European cooperation and dialogue.

The programme is available: here 

European Funds: Shifting from Spending to Results

The opening session featured Peter Berkowitz, Director at DG REGIO, presenting the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. While maintaining core priorities – cohesion, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, prosperity and security – the proposal introduces a decisive shift from a spending-based to a results-based approach, linking payments to concrete achievements. This raised strong reactions: local actors welcomed the focus on efficiency but warned that this model could privilege large-scale projects over smaller local initiatives.

In a second discussion, participants voiced concerns over limited financial envelopes and the planned merger of ERDF and ESF, fearing it may complicate rather than simplify procedures and blur territorial specificities. They also highlighted the risk of competition between CAP and ERDF under a single funding framework, potentially disadvantaging overseas and outermost regions. Finally, several warned of a re-nationalisation of fund management, should national governments favour their own flagship projects. 

Speakers reaffirmed that cohesion policy must remain central, with genuine simplification, transparency in performance criteria, and respect for the principle of partnership. Dominique Baert, Vice-President for Finance, Urban Policy Social Cohesion and Solidarity at Lille Metropole highlighted the significant leverage effects of cohesion policy. He also emphasised the need for real simplification. 

Climate, Energy Transition and Financing

The second day opened with a presentation by Mr Chauvière Le Drian, representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in France, underlining its growing role in financing the green and digital transition. France is currently the main beneficiary of EIB support, but access remains uneven across regions.

Participants called for greater alignment between national and EU climate objectives and raised concerns over the social dimension of the transition: while vulnerable households are supported, many middle-income families face high costs, such as those linked to electric vehicles. Without inclusive measures, they warned, the transition could deepen social divides.

Local innovation was showcased through examples such as Dijon Metropole’s Response project, or Strasbourg’s ClimateFit project, which is developing innovative climate financing mechanisms with different actors. Another inspiring case came from Leuven, which aims to become carbon-neutral by 2030 through a virtuous circle that mobilises citizens, businesses, researchers and institutions around local projects generating multiple co-benefits.

Cross-Border Territories: Laboratories of European Citizenship

Cross-border territories, which host nearly one third of EU citizens, act as laboratories of European citizenship by advancing new governance practices and deepening cooperation. As a founding member of the Eurometropole Lille–Kortrijk–Tournai, Lille Metropole plays a key role in shaping a Franco-Belgian cross-border area through a range of joint initiatives.

Conclusion: A Europe Close to its Territories

In conclusion, regional representatives reaffirmed 3 priorities:

• Preserve cohesion as a cornerstone of solidarity,

• Strengthen subsidiarity,

• Empower all territories to act locally in building a diverse and united Europe.