The University of Granada will actively participate in the 24th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC), the largest annual event dedicated to regional policy in Europe, which will take place in Brussels from October 12 to 14, 2026. This event brings together policymakers, academics, experts, and citizens committed to regional development to exchange best practices, build collaborative networks, and explore innovative solutions to the territorial challenges facing Europe.

In the framework of this edition, the University of Granada is co-organizing a prominent session focused on connecting science, evidence, and public policies alongside the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, the United Nations Secretariat, the Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía), and the Granada City Council.

Titled “From knowledge to action: multilevel governance for territorial development”, the session will explore how multilevel governance can create effective spaces to embed scientific knowledge into the design and implementation of public policies, thereby strengthening regions and driving a stronger Europe.

In the context of discussions surrounding the future Multiannual Financial Framework, the session will address practical tools, governance models, and shared values to ground territorial public action in co-creation and scientific evidence.

Key details of the session

• Date and time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 11:00 to 12:30 CET.
• Location: Brussels (Square Brussels, Studio 211+212).
• Session code: 14PD264044.
• Format: Political/policy debate.
• Languages: English and Spanish.

Institutional participation and multilevel debate

The session will be moderated by a leading figure in public and territorial innovation:

• Esteban Romero Frías (University of Granada): Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability, and Entrepreneurship.

The panel of speakers will gather representatives from international organizations, the European administration, as well as regional and local governments:

• Carlos Torrecilla Salinas: Head of Unit at the European Commission (DG ENER – Task Force Housing).
• Ana Isabel Agudo Martínez: City Councillor / Representative of the Granada City Council.
• Íñigo Arbiol: Deputy Head of Unit at the United Nations Secretariat.
• María José López Sanfeliú: Representative of the Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía).

This panel debate will bring together global, European, regional, and local perspectives to analyze how research, scientific evidence, and community knowledge can be articulated in territorial decision-making.

These interventions will share models and methodologies to strengthen the relationship between science, citizens, and public administrations, within the framework of a Europe increasingly oriented toward the co-creation of knowledge-based policies and solutions.

Why participate?

This session offers an excellent opportunity to:

• Discover practical models and tools to connect science and territorial knowledge with public policies.
• Understand the role of multilevel governance in the context of the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
• Expand collaboration networks with international institutions, public administrations, and academia.
• Position Granada and Andalusia as international benchmarks in university-driven territorial innovation and social impact.

How to register?

Registration for this session is entirely free and available through this link. In addition, we strongly encourage you to consult the full program of the European Week of Regions and Cities here.

We hope you can join us in this Europe-wide dialogue on the transformative role that universities play in our territories!

#EURegionsWeek