​At the 17th meeting of the CoR's Commission for social policy, education, employment, research and culture (SEDEC), held in Brussels on 21 February, members unanimously adopted the opinion "Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth" drafted by EA member Mikel Irujo Amezaga, representative of the government of Navarre to the EU.

In the opinion, Mr Irujo argues that interregional cooperation based on smart specialisation strategies will help to build and reshape the EU value chains by promoting the synergy of investments between the private and public sectors, thus contributing to the development of the EU economy as a whole, and outlines a number of proposals in this regard. The report follows his previous opinion "Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3): impact for regions and inter-regional cooperation" which was adopted by the CoR plenary in March 2017. Mr Irujo's opinion is scheduled to be adopted by the CoR plenary session in May this year.

Other topics discussed during the meeting include the modalities to strengthen the European identity through education and culture, boosting broadband connectivity in Europe and using cultural heritage as a strategic resource for more cohesive and sustainable regions in the EU.