Representatives from the Southern Regional Assembly recently participated in the sixth interregional study visit of the PROXIMITIES project, which took place in Craiova, Romania, from 3-5 June 2026. The visit was hosted by the South-West Oltenia Regional Development Agency (ADR Sud-Vest Oltenia) and brought together project partners from across Europe to exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to creating more liveable, connected and sustainable communities.
The study visit focused on the concept of the proximity economy and how local and regional authorities can improve access to services, amenities and opportunities closer to where people live. Through a combination of presentations, workshops and site visits, partners shared experiences and learned about successful initiatives that are helping to strengthen communities and enhance quality of life.
A highlight of the programme was the PROXIMITIES Masterclass, which brought together experts and practitioners to discuss the role of proximity-based services in supporting local development. Topics included business engagement in amenity hubs, tourism clusters, urban economy initiatives and integrated service provision.
During the visit, participants explored a number of examples of good practice in Craiova and the wider region. These included the Craiova Historical Centre, which serves as an integrated amenity hub supporting local businesses and community activity, as well as significant investments in green and blue infrastructure such as Pedagogic Park and Romanescu Park. Site visits provided valuable insights into how these projects are improving accessibility, wellbeing and overall quality of life for residents.
Discussions also examined approaches to urban regeneration, sustainable mobility and citizen participation, including the R.E.G.E.N.E.R.A.T.E Craiova initiative, public transport modernisation projects and innovative methods of engaging citizens in local decision-making.
Participation in the study visit provided the Southern Regional Assembly with an opportunity to learn from successful initiatives being implemented across Europe and to explore how similar approaches could help inform future policy development within the Southern Region. The visit also reinforced the importance of interregional cooperation and the exchange of good practices in addressing shared challenges facing communities.
The PROXIMITIES project aims to promote new models of liveability and proximity in peripheral neighbourhoods and communities by improving access to services, amenities and opportunities closer to home. Through ongoing collaboration with European partners, the Southern Regional Assembly is helping to identify and transfer innovative solutions that support the development of more resilient, inclusive and people-centred places.
