As the new programming period has started, the AER is willing to look into the role that regional authorities actually play in European politics and in Europe in general in 2014. The study will focus on several questions, such as: To what extent is the subsidiarity principle implemented in European countries? Have Regions seen their competences and influence developed in the last years? How does multilevel governance look like in the various European states? If we consider the case of EU regional policy, to what extent has the partnership principle been respected for the setting up and implementation of this key policy for European regions? The study will be published in 2015 at the occasion of AER’s 30th Anniversary.