The tenth edition of the European Congress of Local Governments (ECLG) will be held in Mikołajki, Poland, from March 3 to 5, 2025. Organized by the Institute for Eastern Studies Foundation, with VSF as a partner, the Congress serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of best practices, bringing together local leaders and stakeholders committed to community development.
With over 2,500 participants expected—including European local government leaders, public administration representatives, NGOs, academics, entrepreneurs, and international experts—the event represents a unique opportunity to address global challenges with local solutions. The theme of the 2025 edition, “Global Challenges – Local Solutions”, will guide the discussions and debates.
VSF will participate in the panel “Future Proof City – Can Cities Stand Up to Climate Change and Disasters?”, featuring a contribution by Director General Alessandro Costa. The discussion will address a crucial topic: the challenges arising from increasing urbanization and climate change pressures on cities, focusing on the importance of designing sustainable and resilient urban areas, while fostering cross-sector collaboration and local authority engagement to ensure a livable future for urban communities worldwide.
During the Congress, VSF Innovation Area Project Manager Luca Farina will speak in the panel “Innovation as a Catalyst for Strengthening Local Communities”, presenting the VSF study “From the Lagoon to the Moon: Exploring the Future of the Space Industry in Veneto”. Against the backdrop of the space economy’s growing international relevance, the study offers strategic insights that guide local stakeholders and help identify new regional development opportunities.
The program for the 10th European Congress of Local Governments features over 250 events across 15 thematic tracks, covering topics from economy and finance to regional infrastructure, innovation, investment, culture, education, security, and sustainable development. Through panel discussions, workshops, lectures, and networking sessions, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on innovative strategies and solutions for the future of local communities.
For further information, please visit the official event page: https://www.forum-ekonomiczne.pl/en/events/10th-european-congress-of-local-government.
