On 23 September 2026, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Bureau will meet in Mullingar, Ireland, for its External Bureau meeting under the theme “Thriving and sustainable communities – building a Europe that works for all territories.” The event is part of the official programme of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The meeting will bring together senior European, national, and regional leaders, including Kata Tüttő, President of the CoR, Gillian Coughlan, Chair of the Irish Delegation to the CoR, Jerry Buttimer, Irish Minister of State, and Juanma Moreno, Vice-President of the CoR.
Discussions will focus on two key challenges facing Europe’s territories. The first debate, “Transitioning for stronger and more innovative regions”, will explore how regions can strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and economic resilience, drawing on perspectives from leading experts in cohesion policy, research, and enterprise development.
A second high-level debate,“The right to stay: Opportunity, services and quality of life across Europe’s territories,” will examine how regions can create conditions that allow people, particularly young people, to remain and thrive in their communities. Speakers will include representatives from Eurofound, SGI Europe, Housing Europe, the European Commission, and the European Youth Forum.
The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the Mullingar Declaration – “A Future worth staying for”, focusing on a strong place-based European strategy that empowers local and regional authorities, strengthens cohesion policy, improves access to jobs, housing and services, supports climate resilience and innovation, and ensures that people across all territories have a genuine opportunity to thrive in the communities they choose to call home.
The programme also includes a study visit to Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, an EU Just Transition-funded project, as well as cultural events showcasing the host region.