​On 19 June, the Committee of the Regions' plenary session hosted a debate on the EU's support for regional research and innovation ecosystems, featuring two European Commissioners. The discussion centred on Regional Innovation Valleys, with Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, and Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, announcing the 151 regions across the EU selected to participate in this joint initiative between their departments.

Representing Ireland's Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the city of Galway, Declan McDonnell emphasized the importance of strong, well-funded cohesion and research policies. He highlighted that Regional Innovation Valleys are crucial for unlocking deep-tech potential and bridging the innovation gap.

Meanwhile, Sergio Perez Garcia, Director for External Action in the government of Navarra, noted that key elements for the future improvement of Regional Innovation Valleys include Smart Specialisation Strategies, European industrial value chains, knowledge exchange, and reinforcing Cohesion Policy.

Regional Innovation Valleys are projects aimed at boosting innovation and technology in specific areas to make them more competitive and cohesive within the European Union.