AER Events
As part of its governance structure, AER organises two committees’ plenaries and one General Assembly every year.
AER’s political voice, the Bureau, meets at least twice a year. The next meeting will take place at the end of November 2017.
For all other events that AER is a part of, or organising, see our event page.
AER Activities
AER Summer Academy
The concept of the AER Summer Academy evolved in 1996 as a response to the increase in AER member regions coming from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. These regions often had different needs to the traditional AER members from the countries of Western Europe. In particular, these new regions were trying to introduce new approaches to their work in order to prepare themselves for eventual EU membership. The regions of Western Europe had a great deal of relevant experience that they could share with their counterparts in the pre-accession countries. The Summer Academy was therefore designed as a tool to facilitate the exchange of experience and information.
Regional Innovation Award
Since 2006, the RIA aims at honouring European Regional Authorities’ actions which have stimulated, fostered and implemented innovation in their territory. It aims at promoting best practices as well as to demonstrate how regions can contribute to regional economic welfare. The AER award is tailor-made for regions and thus focuses on specific aspects that are relevant for regional development. This prize is of symbolic value and produces a significant return in terms of image and visibility for the winning regions.
Most Youth Friendly European Region Award (MYFER)
The AER Most Youth Friendly European Region Award, honour each two years a region for an innovative initiative which greatly succeeds in highlighting the importance of youth policies at the regional level.