Representatives of metropolitan areas and research institutions from across Central Europe met in Turin on 12–13 November for a partner meeting of the MECOG-CE project. The event, hosted by the Metropolitan City of Turin, brought together project and associated partners to finalize the Strategy for strengthening metropolitan cooperation and governance in Central Europe and to discuss Action plans tailored to the needs and priorities of the project metropolitan areas.
Massimo Vettoretti, Head of the Economic Development Department of the Metropolitan City of Turin – European and international projects and programmes Unit, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Metropolitan City of Turin and said “Through the MECOG project, we are not only sharing good practices: we are building a real community of European metropolitan areas, united by the belief that effective metropolitan governance is essential to address the challenges of sustainable, balanced, and inclusive development. Together, we are demonstrating that cooperation across borders is the most effective way to design the metropolitan areas of the future. The meeting in Turin marks a key stage in our common path, over the next two days, we will review the progress achieved and discuss how to ensure that the results of our work can continue to inspire cooperation beyond the project’s lifetime.”
Strategy for strengthening metropolitan cooperation and governance in CE
The Metropolitan Research Institute, as the author of the document, presented the latest version of the Strategy for strengthening metropolitan cooperation in Central Europe. The updated strategy incorporated feedback collected over previous project phase, defined key priorities and instruments to support metropolitan development, and outlined concrete steps to further strengthen metropolitan cooperation among metropolitan areas. The Strategy therefore serves as a guide for European metropolitan areas to enhance governance, foster cooperation and promote territorial development.
From Strategy to action
A central part of the meeting was a workshop dedicated to the Action plans for strengthening metropolitan cooperation and governance, during which the metropolitan areas of Brno, Berlin-Brandenburg, Warsaw, Ostrava, Stuttgart, and Turin presented their plans. Each Action plan outlined specific measures to enhance metropolitan governance and partnerships in response to local challenges and priorities. Partners engaged in a constructive exchange, identifying opportunities for further cooperation and refining approaches to ensure practical application of the Strategy’s principles. The Action plans address a wide range of topics including enhancement of food cooperation, implementation of integrated transport system, revitalization of public space in housing estates, preparation of the next regional spatial development plan, development of technical tools for planning and many more topics tailored to each metropolitan area.
Shaping the future of metropolitan areas
During the afternoon session, participants also discussed the future role of metropolitan areas within the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Cohesion Policy of the European Union. The session explored how metropolitan areas could assume a stronger and more visible role in the upcoming EU programming period, emphasizing their contributions to sustainable urban development and innovation.
Preparing for the final phase
The meeting served to finalize the preparations for the project’s closing conference in Brno (19 March 2026) and to coordinate details of the upcoming seminar in the European Parliament (scheduled for 19 November 2025). The Brussels seminar will provide an opportunity to present MECOG-CE outcomes and recommendations directly to EU institutions and decision-makers.
Study visit on urban regeneration
As part of the meeting, partners took part in a study visit to Ex Caserma Beleno – Hub of culture and social innovation where they explored Italy’s approaches to urban regeneration, with a focus on social inclusion, revitalization of abandoned urban zones, and sustainable development initiatives.
A milestone toward lasting metropolitan cooperation
The meeting in Turin represented one of the final milestones before the project’s closure. It consolidated shared experiences and ensured that metropolitan partnerships will continue to thrive beyond the project’s lifetime.
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