From 11 to 14 November 2025, Robert Pyka, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof. (project manager), Krzysztof Bierwiaczonek, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof., Małgorzata Suchacka, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof., and Zuzanna Neuve-Église, PhD from the Institute of Sociology at the University of Silesia participated in the 6th International Meeting of the MECOG-CE Project in Turin.
The meeting was devoted to discussing the draft strategy and action plans for strengthening metropolitan cooperation in Central Europe and exchanging experiences from the implementation of new solutions in six partner metropolitan areas. The partners discussed the directions for further development of the project, focusing on translating the concepts developed into practical actions.
The MECOG-CE project is currently entering a crucial phase of finalisation:
- Metropolitan Strategy for Central Europe – completion of a strategic document setting out directions for strengthening metropolitan cooperation in the region;
- Metropolitan Action Plans – each metropolitan area participating in the project develops its own plan, which translates the general objectives of the strategy into specific actions tailored to local needs and priorities;
- Seminar in Brussels (19 November 2025) – ‘The Metropolitan Imperative: Pathways for Enhancement of EU Competitiveness’ is a unique event organised at the European Parliament, dedicated to the role of metropolitan areas in developing the competitiveness and cohesion of the European Union. The meeting will be opened by MEPs Ondřej Krutílek and Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, and the keynote speech, entitled ‘From Local Engines to European Impact: Why Metropolitan Areas Matter’, will be delivered by Ivan Tosics (Metropolitan Research Institute).
The programme of the event also includes an expert panel with representatives from Eurocities, METREX – The Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas, and representatives from the cities of Brno, Stuttgart and Warsaw, as well as an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
The seminar will also be available to attend online. For more information about it visit LinkedIn.
Registration: https://lnkd.in/ejSGCP7h - Final conference in Brno (19 March 2026) – presentation of project results and discussion on the future of metropolitan cooperation after the completion of the MECOG-CE project.
The latest results of the MECOG-CE project can be found in brochures in English:
- Pilot actions – best practices that have been adapted to local conditions and implemented in partner metropolitan areas;
- New solutions – five proven approaches that strengthen metropolitan governance;
- Summary report – combining pilot actions and new solutions in a single publication.
You can follow updates about the project on LinkedIn.
Project members | Materials from the University of Silesia
6th International Meeting of the MECOG-CE Project in Turin | Materials from the University of Silesia