Connecting European Chambers will take place in Brussels on 2-3 December 2026, bringing together the European Chamber community for its flagship event on EU project development and cooperation. Two days of high-level discussions, practical workshops and networking will be followed by a dedicated Unioncamere Europa side event for colleagues from the Italian Chamber system.
How can Chambers of Commerce strengthen their role in European projects and translate EU priorities into tangible opportunities for businesses and local communities? This question lies at the heart of Connecting European Chambers 2026, now in its eleventh edition.
Organised by Eurochambres, the event will bring together more than one hundred Chamber representatives from across Europe to discuss the contribution of EU-funded projects to supporting SMEs, fostering innovation and driving Europe's key economic transitions. At a time of evolving European policies and funding priorities, the event aims to promote a more strategic approach to project development by strengthening the links between EU initiatives, business needs and long-term regional impact.
The programme will combine high-level policy discussions with hands-on working sessions. Alongside strategic reflections on the future of EU policies and funding programmes, participants will take part in practical and interactive workshops exploring key aspects of EU-funded projects. The Working Groups will focus on three priority areas of particular relevance for Chambers of Commerce and SME support: entrepreneurship, sustainability and tourism.
The initiative's distinctive value lies in its practical dimension. More than a forum for discussion, it provides a European platform where participants can exchange experiences, address common challenges, identify new partnerships and explore more effective approaches to project implementation. Networking and peer learning will run throughout the programme, strengthening the capacity of Chambers to act as European connectors between EU policies, regional ecosystems and businesses.
For the Italian Chamber system, the event will once again be complemented by a dedicated follow-up initiative. Unioncamere Europa will organise a side event for Italian colleagues, beginning on the afternoon of 3 December, after the conclusion of Connecting European Chambers, and continuing on the morning of 4 December. The programme will offer an opportunity to build on the outcomes of the European event, reinforce national cooperation and further strengthen the Italian Chamber system's networks, expertise and project development capacity.
Participation in Connecting European Chambers therefore represents a valuable opportunity for Chambers wishing to enhance their European dimension, expand their partnership networks and further develop their project management expertise. Chambers across the Italian system are encouraged to plan their participation in Brussels well in advance, also with a view to attending the subsequent Unioncamere Europa side event.
Registration is open until 25 November 2026. Further information, the full programme and registration details are available on the official Connecting European Chambers webpage.