European Union: 28 countries, over 270 regions, 507 million people. Learn more about the EU and the regions and cities within it. In this course, experts, politicians, academics – and you! – will have a voice in Europe and its regions.

About this course

Did you know that three quarters of EU policies affect our everyday lives in our regions and cities? Did you know that regional and local governments in Europe manage two thirds of all public investments? Be it the economy, social affairs, territorial cohesion, education, youth or culture, energy, environment, transport, immigration – local government in Europe matters. The importance of the regional and local dimension has continued to increase in Europe. Among the EU institutions in Brussels, the European Committee of the Regions stands up for the rights of citizens, ensuring that the local perspective is heard and giving communities a voice in Europe. This introductory course aims to explain how the European Union works and what the European regions' place is within it. Join us to (re)define the role of regions in European policy making!