On 30 January 2013, AER contributed to the organisation of a hearing in the European Parliament on the characteristics and priorities of the Dnipropetrovsk region (UA), which was presided over by MEPs Gabrielle Zimmer (DE), Miroslav RANSDORF (CZ) and Jaromir KOHLICEK (CZ). From the Ukrainian side, Vice-Prime Minister Olexandr VILKUL introduced the hearing giving an overview on the recent activities in Ukraine regarding regional development and decentralisation and then passing the floor to the other representatives from Dnipropetrovsk region who informed participants about the energy efficiency projects, the role of local government, and environmental aspects. Pascal GOERGEN, AER Secretary General, emphasised the important role of interregional cooperation and informed participants that AER is ready to assist regions in their cooperation efforts.