There is no European democracy without regions. This is the core message of the AER 40th Anniversary Debate, hosted by AER President Lukas Mandl on 9 December 2025, which will gather regional and institutional representatives from across Europe at the Lower Austrian Liaison Office in Brussels. For forty years, AER has highlighted the role of regions in anchoring European … [Read more...]
AER Activity Report 2024 – Place-Based and International: How Regions Drive Innovation
The Assembly of European Regions is proud to present its annual Activity Report for 2024. The theme of this year's report is 'How Regions Drive Innovation - Place-Based and International'. Throughout 2024, AER regions showcased how their grassroots expertise plays a vital role in sparking and sustaining sustainable innovation across sectors, driving business growth and … [Read more...]
Highlights of the AER 40th Anniversary & General Assembly 2025 | Maribor Innovation Forum
From 17 to 19 June, more than 150 representatives of European regions gathered in Maribor, Eastern Slovenia, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). The anniversary was an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of 40 years of interregional cooperation. It was also a source of inspiration for discussions of the 2025 General Assembly, … [Read more...]
Ukraine Focus Group: Europe shows solidarity in wake of attack on Kryvyi Rih—Vice President Miliutin
Established in February 2023, the AER Focus Group on Ukraine has proved to be a crucial gateway for sharing vital information among Ukrainian and European regions, particularly strategic in the context of the illegal war of aggression being waged against Ukraine. Click here to know more on how the Focus Group came to life. On 4 April, 2025, a horrific missile attack targeted … [Read more...]
The Future of Agriculture: the role of European Regions
Towards the European agriculture of the future The resilience of European agri-food supply chains, the impact of climate change and digital innovation on new agricultural models, and the generational renewal and well-being of farmers are only a few of the issues shaping the present and future of European agriculture. As illustrated in its position paper and demonstrated … [Read more...]
AER Elections 2025 – Shape the Future of Our Network
An Electoral General Assembly on the occasion of the AER 40th Anniversary The 2025 AER General Assembly in Maribor (Eastern Slovenia) will mark the election of the new political leadership of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), including its Presidency, Executive Board and Political Bureau. Deadline to apply for the AER Presidency and AER Executive … [Read more...]
Highlights of the AER Autumn Bureau & Working Group meetings | Insights of the CL-YE study visit in Brussels
The AER Autumn Bureau and Working group meetings in Brussels on 3 and 4 December wrapped up a year of intense political engagement for and with European regions. The Bureau also hosted a study visit of the Erasmus+ project Climbing the Ladder (CL-YE), which aims to explore models and mechanisms of youth engagement at regional and European levels. For the AER Bureau, … [Read more...]
Why and how place matters | Highlights of the Partnership Leadership Programme Dúiche at the Irish College Leuven
From 14 to 18 October 2024, the Dúiche programme at the Irish College Leuven welcomed executives from development agencies, community development practitioners, public officials, and policymakers to explore how and why place matters in a global economy. In a world shaped by the unrelenting pressure of globalization, the place-based approach represents a paradigm shift from … [Read more...]
The AER at the 22nd European Week of Regions and Cities
Empowering communities requires action on multiple levels and fields. During the European Week of Regions and Cities, the AER political leadership put forward our commitment to advocating for Cohesion Policy as means to ensure territorial cohesion and boosting competitiveness. President Albert Castellanos (Catalonia, ES), Vice President Linda Helén Haukland (Nordland, NO) … [Read more...]
Job Vacancy – Programmes Coordinator (Applications CLOSED)
Role Description The Programmes Coordinator manages the AER’s three flagship programmes: Eurodyssey, the Summer Academy and the Youth Regional Network (YRN). This entails network management, event organisation, advocacy, as well as budgetary and administrative tasks related to the Programmes’ functioning. The Programmes Coordinator reports directly to the AER Secretary General … [Read more...]
Applications for the 2024 competition ‘School Public Budget’ of the Poltava Region are now open
From September 15, 2024, it is possible to submit project ideas for the competition 'School Public Budget' of the Poltava Region. This initiative, established by the Poltava Regional Council, aims to engage youth and strengthen collaboration with local governments and executive authorities to enhance civic awareness. The competition encourages the pooling of resources and … [Read more...]
Job Vacancy: Financial and Administrative Manager (Strasbourg, France)
About the job The Financial and Administrative Manager will be responsible for overseeing the general financial administration of the association, including a part of the Assembly of European Region’s finances related to EU-funded projects. Prior experience in bookkeeping is essential for success in this role. Key responsibilities include financial reporting and related … [Read more...]
AER President issues statement following recent attacks on Ukraine
In the first week of September 2024, a Russian barrage targeted the civilian populations and infrastructure of Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Lviv and Poltava. In the aftermath of this deadly attack, AER President Albert Castellanos issued the following statement: 'There are no words to fully express the injustice of such an appalling, callous attack on the … [Read more...]
Highlights from the Summer Academy of Culture in Bodø | Insights of the CL-YE study visit on models of youth engagement
Bodø, the first European Capital of Culture within the Arctic Circle, welcomed participants from all over Europe for the AER Summer Academy 2024. Co-organised by Nordland County Council and the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the Summer Academy explored best practices, experiences and examples of how culture can foster youth inclusion and engagement. The Summer Academy … [Read more...]
Job Vacancy: Institutional Relations & Advocacy Coordinator (Applications CLOSED)
Role Description Reporting directly to the Secretary General, the Institutional Relations & Advocacy Coordinator will play a central role in coordinating and implementing the AER’s advocacy strategy, in collaboration with the AER’s members. The holder of this position will develop and maintain strong relationships with institutional stakeholders to maximise influence and … [Read more...]