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...]
Internship: Communications, Events and Programmes
The Assembly of European Regions is looking for a Communications, Events, and Programmes Assistant to join the Brussels team in Autumn 2024 for at least 3 months. Starting and ending dates are flexible with a preference for early-mid October. Deadline: 15.09.2024 COB. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Established in 1985, the AER is the largest … [Read more...]
The AER welcomes Vania Freitas as Secretary General
Vania Freitas has been appointed by the Executive Board as Secretary General of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). Previously in charge of institutional relations and advocacy for the AER, Vania Freitas brings to the network over fifteen years of experience in developing political priorities and strategies for membership-based organisations in international contexts. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2024 AER General Assembly & Spring Bureau meeting | 8th Black Sea Summit | Batumi, Ajara
The AER 2024 General Assembly, the Spring Bureau Meeting, the Bioeconomy Working Group meeting and the 8th Black Sea Summit took place from the 12 to 14 of June in the vibrant city of Batumi, in the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. The three-day event gathered regional representatives and stakeholders across all of Europe and represented an opportunity to foster interregional … [Read more...]
AER Activity Report 2023 — ‘Regions Skilled for the Future’
The Assembly of European Regions is proud to present its annual Activity Report 2023. The theme of this year’s report is “Regions Skilled for the Future“, an expression of AER’s commitment to supporting its member regions in localising and delivering upon 2023 as European Year of Skills, a flagship initiative launched by the European Commission in November 2022. The cover … [Read more...]
Farewell message of AER Secretary General
Dear AER members, partners and friends, In March, I have announced my intention to take on a new professional challenge. As agreed with the Board, I have passed the baton to our Institutional Relations & Advocacy Coordinator, Vania Freitas who is now managing the Secretariat as Interim Secretary General until my successor is chosen. Definitely: It has been a highly … [Read more...]
Upcoming management change at the AER
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is preparing for a change at the helm of its Secretariat: Secretary General Christian Spahr has announced his intention to take on a new professional challenge. Following consultation with the Executive Board, he will pass the baton at the end of April to the AER Institutional Relations & Advocacy Coordinator, Vania Freitas who will … [Read more...]