The European Summit of Regions and Cities is a gathering of local representatives organised by the European Committee of the Regions to discuss the EU's future challenges. This time, the Summit aims at increasing the impact and outreach of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The voices of regions and cities must be heard and listened to, as they are key contributors to the European project and play an essential role in placing citizens at the heart of Europe.

The 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities was organised within the framework of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. With the support of the French hosts and co-organisers, youth representatives, and a wide participation enabled by the hybrid format, the summit participants were invited to showcase their contribution to the recovery efforts and discuss new ways of cooperation in view of a more sustainable future.

PES Group members, speakers and also young elected politicians gathered ahead of the Summit, on 2 March, to exchange ideas and bringing forward a progressive vision for the future of Europe. This cannot be done today without thinking about the war in Ukraine and the meeting was the occasion to express our solidarity to Ukrainian people.

2022 has been declared the European Year of Youth. The goal of this meeting is to have an exchange with our young local and regional politicians their visions about the future of Europe.