About
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.
The Summer Academy has since evolved into an annual forum for exchange of experience in the area of regional development in Europe.
Objectives
- To facilitate the exchange of experience and good practices between regions on issues of common interest.
- To facilitate exchanges between policy makers and young people.
- To support mutual learning.
- To promote regional democracy in Europe & implementation of the principle of subsidiarity.
- To provide an opportunity for regional representatives to build networks with their peers across wider Europe.
- To foster interregional co-operation.
- To highlight regional good practices and promote the host region
- To promote European construction and European identity among young people
Promo-video!
Video credits: @Maramures County Council
Summer Academy Organising Committee (SAOC)
Each year, the AER Summer Academy is organised by an Organising Committee consisting of a group of approximately 10 AER Member regions, which each make a financial contribution to the event and provide speakers.
The host region is responsible for the logistical organisation of the event, under the guidance of the Organising Committee.
If your region would like to join the AER Summer Academy Organising Committee, please contact our Secretariat.
Members of the SAOC
Participants
They should be regional politicians or officers working in regional administration, with specific responsibility and/or experience in relation to the topic of relevant Summer Academy or having a strong personal background and commitment to the topic.
Youth participants should be aged between 18 and 30 years and should be active in regional youth bodies, e.g. youth councils, political parties etc. To participate in the AER Summer Academy, youth participants must be nominated by their regional authority. The regional authority will therefore pay the registration fee on behalf of the youth participant. Regions are invited to register 2 young people. Exceeding number of registrations will be confirmed after the close of registrations according to availability.
