Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Represented at State of the Megaregions Conference in Brussels

The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) was represented by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Daryl Barron, at State of the Megaregions’ Day 2026 in Brussels on 13 October. Held during the European Week of Regions and Cities, the conference brings together policymakers, regional leaders and infrastructure experts to explore how cross-border megaregions can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and connectivity.

This marked the first time the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor has been invited to participate, reflecting growing recognition of the Corridor as an emerging European cross-border economic region. Connecting the island’s two largest cities, DBEC is home to approximately 2.2 million people and 38% of the island’s businesses.

This year’s conference, themed The Power Within: Europe’s Megaregions in an Era of Pressure, focused on the role of cross-border regions in supporting economic growth, strategic infrastructure and long-term investment. Participating in the opening session, Megaregions as Europe’s Untapped Political Resource, Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron, highlighted the importance of recognising functional economic regions such as the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor as partners in shaping future European policy and investment.

Discussions focused on the need for more flexible funding mechanisms to support projects spanning EU and non-EU jurisdictions, particularly where they deliver shared economic benefits. Participants also highlighted the importance of strategic investment in rail, energy and water infrastructure, and the role of megaregions in delivering projects at scale and attracting investment that individual jurisdictions may struggle to secure independently.

Reflecting on the conference, Lord Mayor, Councillor Daryl Barron said:

“It is hugely significant to see the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor represented alongside some of Europe’s most established megaregions. Megaregions provide the scale to deliver transformative projects and attract investment that individual jurisdictions often cannot secure alone. Europe now needs more flexible funding mechanisms for projects that span EU and non-EU jurisdictions, together with greater investment in rail, energy and water infrastructure that is essential to competitiveness, productivity and long-term economic growth.”

The conference highlighted the growing role of megaregions in enhancing competitiveness, strengthening resilience and supporting sustainable economic development. For DBEC, participation marks an important milestone in raising the Corridor’s profile within a network of leading European megaregions and ensuring its experience of developing a cross-border economic region is represented in future European policy and investment discussions.

Further Information

For more information on the State of the Megaregions initiative and the work of STRING Megaregion, visit: https://stringmegaregion.org/