About 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.
The Summer Academy has since evolved into a biennial forum dedicated to the exchange of experience and good practices in the area of regional development in Europe, with a particular focus on youth involvement.
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 and the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity.
- To provide an opportunity for regional representatives to build networks with their peers across wider Europe (i.e. both in EU and non-EU countries).
- To foster interregional co-operation.
- To highlight regional good practices and promote the host region
- To promote European construction, European identity, and meeting between young people.
*The AER Summer Academy 2022 was awarded the European Citizen’s Prize for Ireland by the European Parliament.
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. They contribute financially to the event, and as such are entitled to lead a workshop at the Summer Academy, showcasing their region’s expertise and best practices in a topic of their choice (in line with the main theme of the event).
The host region of a Summer Academy is in charge of the logistical organisation of the event. The AER Secretariat works jointly with the host region to elaborate the programme, to invite relevant speakers and relevant stakeholders, and to develop the communication and promotion strategy. The SAOC provides guidance and support.
Members of the SAOC
Catalonia (ES) – Catalan Youth Agency
Participants to AER Summer Academy
They should be regional politicians or officers working in regional administration, with a specific portoflio and/or experience in relation to the topic of the Summer Academy. Priority is given to the SAOC regions and to member regions of the AER.
The Summer Academy is also open to participants coming from the European institutions (EU or Council of Europe), and from (youth) civil society organisations.
Youth participants should be aged between 18 and 30 years and should be active in regional youth bodies, e.g. youth councils, student councils, youth parliaments, civil society organisations, political parties etc. To participate in the AER Summer Academy, youth participants must be nominated by their regional authority, and/or a (youth) civil society organisation in the region. Underage participants must provide a Parental Consent Form.
Contact Persons
If your region is interested in joining the AER Summer Academy Organising Committee, or if you have any question about the Summer Academy, please contact the Programmes Coordinator at the AER Secretariat, Lorène Weber ([email protected]), or the Communications & Events Manager, Barbara Polin ([email protected]), or the Member Relations Coordinator, Justin Sammon ([email protected]).
