Impacts of COVID-19 in the cities and regions of the EU-27

ÖIR, Spatial Foresight and t33 analysed the impacts of COVID-19 on cities and regions, as well as their territorial resilience in light of future shocks. Activities included a territorial sensitivity analysis and case studies in nine regions and cities across the EU-27. Findings highlight the important role these regions and cities played in terms of dealing with the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic. Structural and territorial factors, such as economic overspecialisation, geographic specificities, and social challenges, put regions at higher risk of negative impacts of systemic shocks, such as a pandemic. Further, resilient governance capacities are important for cities and regions to effectively manage systemic shocks and mitigate their local impacts.