<p>On 20 and 21 May, regional development agencies from across Europe gathered in Brussels for EURADA’s annual General Assembly and Agorada conference. The central theme, “Regional Development in Challenging Times”, resonates deeply with East Netherlands: especially in uncertain times, regions make the difference.</p><h2>Regions power Europe from the ground up</h2><p>In East Netherlands, we contribute every day to the major European transitions in energy, digitalisation, health, circularity and food security. Our regional innovation thrives through close cooperation between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and governments. This so-called triple helix approach is precisely what Europe needs.</p><p>Theo Föllings, Programme Director at Oost NL and President of EURADA, opened the General Assembly with a powerful call for stronger regional cooperation and execution in the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF):</p><p>“Europe’s strength lies in its regions. Development agencies like Oost NL have proven to be stable, reliable partners in delivering European ambitions. That role must be recognised and reinforced.”</p><h2>East Netherlands connects European goals with regional action</h2><p>Ingrid Meijer (Oost NL) took part in the panel on post-2027 cohesion policy on behalf of ROM-Nederland. She emphasised the importance of accessible European programmes for innovative SMEs and the need for interregional cooperation to build strategic value chains.</p><p>“Every day in East Netherlands, we see entrepreneurs working on solutions to European challenges. With strong regional support, we make EU policy concrete and visible.”</p><h2>East Netherlands and Europe: Shared Challenges, Shared Action</h2><p>The message brought by Oost NL and ROM-Nederland in Brussels was clear:</p><ul><li>European transitions require strong regional execution</li><li>EU programmes must be more accessible to SMEs</li><li>Cohesion policy must remain relevant to all regions</li><li>Interregional collaboration is key to strategic value chains</li><li>Development agencies are reliable delivery partners for EU policies</li></ul><h2>Think East Netherlands: Harnessing Regional Strength for Europe</h2><p>Through Think East Netherlands, we showcase how our region collaborates on European solutions. We share knowledge, strengthen cross-border projects and build bridges with other regions — both in the Netherlands and across Europe.</p><h2>About EURADA</h2><p>EURADA is the European network of regional development agencies, representing over 60 members from more than 20 countries. The network promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange and the role of regions in European innovation policy.</p>

"No strong Europe without strong regions”

East Netherlands at EURADA Agorada 2025: Regions as the Foundation for Europe’s Transitions

"No strong Europe without strong regions”

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