So far, the process of analysing and programming structural funds has taken place mostly on a regional level with regard to internal factors for development. Inter-regional comparative analysis and the transfer of know-how are still under-used when programmes are drawn up. Solutions for tackling the challenges identified in each region are only sought on the local, regional or, at the best, the national level. International cooperation is often seen by regional players as the icing on the cake and is only rarely considered as a useful tool for the regional learning process. Overall objective / Objectif général The general objective of the RFO is to include inter-regional cooperation in the debate on the future use of structural funds in regions and on key policies for sustainable development and competitiveness, with personal involvement of the presidents of the regions in a common dialogue on the future of their regions, and transferring the internal debate on future priorities for regional development to the European level. Expected results / Résultats attendus The expected result of the RFO is a strategic approach to regional competitiveness and to sustainable development with the backing of the presidents of the partner regions, in order to achieve a marked impact on the new generation of programmes for structural funds. The RFO aims to establish closer links between regional, national and European funding of policies for competitiveness and sustainable development. In the long term, the RFO hopes to secure the development of a policy for the future on a regional scale and amongst the regions and to create partnerships at project and strategic level so that these can be included in the implementation of structural fund programmes.