BSR Cultural Pearls at the European Week of Regions and Cities as a REGIOSTARS 2026 finalist

In October, BSR Cultural Pearls travelled to Brussels for the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities (12–14 October 2026). Every year, the event brings together regions and cities from across Europe to share projects, ideas and solutions for their communities.

Our project managers Lena Backes and Felix Schartner Giertta attended as REGIOSTARS 2026 finalists. BSR Cultural Pearls was one of 25 projects selected from 274 applications for the competition, which recognises EU-funded projects that show excellence and new approaches in regional development.

During the week, Lena and Felix presented the project’s work with small towns in the Baltic Sea Region and shared the Cultural Pearls story on stage. They also met people from regions and cities facing similar challenges, from population decline to building stronger local communities, and exchanged experiences on how culture can strengthen social resilience.

The week ended with the REGIOSTARS award ceremony on 14 October. While we did not take the trophy home this time, we returned with new contacts, fresh ideas and a great deal of inspiration. Congratulations to all six winning projects!

Most of all, we are proud that the experiences of our Pearl towns became part of the wider European conversation on Cohesion Policy and resilient regions.