EU and international work
Region Stockholm's international efforts strengthen development and sustainable growth in the region. We are an active and dependable partner on the international stage. Our goal is to become Europe's most attractive metropolitan region.
Together with other regional stakeholders, we monitor and promote issues that are important to the Stockholm region.
The aim of these efforts is to:
- Maximise influence and agency in European and other international issues of importance to the Stockholm region and/or Region Stockholm.
- Optimise the added value of Region Stockholm's participation in EU projects and international networks and organisations.
- Increase interest in and knowledge about European issues and how they impact the operations of Region Stockholm.
- Enable the increased influx and utilisation of EU funds in the Stockholm region.
- Handle current events in the world around us.
To monitor and influence issues of importance to Region Stockholm, we participate in several different networks and organisations:
Stockholm Region EU Office in Brussels
Region Stockholm, together with the City of Stockholm and Storsthlm, is the majority owner of the Stockholm Region EU Office. The EU Office in Brussels monitors issues of importance to the Stockholm region at EU level, works with proactive lobbying and promotes the Stockholm region in Brussels. These efforts are conducted in close concert with other stakeholders from the region.
Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions
The Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR) is an organisation that monitors and strives to influence EU policy.
We collaborate with the other CPMR member regions on matters such as cohesion policy, transport, energy and climate, and maritime issues.
Cooperation agreement with Région Île-de-France
We have a cooperation agreement with the Île-de-France/Paris region. The agreement aims to promote partnerships in fields such as innovation, digital transformation and green solutions.
The Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas (METREX)
Region Stockholm is a member of the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas (METREX). This membership enables Region Stockholm to collaborate with other European metropolitan regions and contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experience within regional planning and metropolitan matters.
The EU's cohesion policy
Cohesion policy is the EU's primary investment tool for creating growth and jobs at local and regional level in Europe. The aim is to reduce differences and inequalities between regions in Europe.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Projects receiving EU funding from the regional and social funds have considerable impact on regional development. The Structural Fund Partnership in Stockholm County is responsible for determining which projects are to receive EU funding from the regional and social funds.
Here you can find current calls for project proposals within the funds and examples of prioritised EU projects. Region Stockholm has eight members on the Structural Fund Partnership board and hosts the secretariat.
Interreg Central Baltic
Interreg Central Baltic is an EU cohesion policy programme that supports project partnerships between Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Finland (including Åland).
Region Stockholm and Region Östergötland host national contact points for Interreg Central Baltic. These contact points are the links between stakeholders in Sweden applying for funding from the programme and the Joint Secretariat in Turku, Finland.
- Last reviewed on: 19 february 2025