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...]
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...]
The AER is hiring its new Secretary General (Applications CLOSED)
About the Assembly of European Regions The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is not just the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe; we are a beacon for democracy, good governance, and regional innovation. Founded in 1985, our mission is to empower regions and foster a sustainable future through collaboration. With over 130 member regions from more than 25 … [Read more...]
The AER is hiring a Financial and Administrative Manager (Strasbourg/Brussels) (Applications CLOSED)
Do you have a strong background in financial management? Do you enjoy providing high-quality administrative support to a team? And do you have work experience e.g., in an association, with EU-funded projects, in an international environment or a small company? If this sounds like you, you might be our new Financial and Administrative Manager (full-time). You will handle the … [Read more...]
AER Manifesto for the European Elections 2024: Trust in the Future Through Stronger Regions
In a world in turmoil, building trust in the future passes through fostering stronger local and regional democracies. The AER Manifesto for the European Elections 2024 underlines the importance of involving regional governments in European crisis management, and in creating a prosperous, sustainable, inclusive, and politically integrated Europe – especially in view of the … [Read more...]
The AER is hiring an EU Finance and Administrative Manager (Strasbourg/Brussels) – APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Are you a numbers guru, with experience in EU project management? And a good organiser who is happy to reinforce an enthusiastic, small, international team with a wide range of responsibilities? If so, you may be our new EU Finance and Administrative Manager. Apply now! We are looking for a colleague to successfully support our Project Unit in the financial management of … [Read more...]
Highlights of the AER Winter Dialogues 2023 – Autumn Bureau Meeting & MEET Intergenerational Debate
The AER Winter Dialogues on 29 and 30 November 2023 in Sankt Pölten, Lower Austria were an opportunity to practice and showcase the different activities which build the AER's pan-European network, from the Workshop on Mental Health chaired by Värmland to the Bureau session on the future Cohesion Policy. Workshop on Mental Health and Study Trip to the Agrana Plant The AER … [Read more...]
The YRN is back among the Congress Youth Delegates! Highlights from the 45th session, October 2023
By Sigrun Myrvang, Chair of the YRN Committee on Youth Participation and Governance With the Youth Regional Network (YRN) being revived in March this year, so are partnerships, such as the long-standing one between the AER and the Youth Delegates’ programme of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Sigrun Myrvang, Chair of the YRN Committee on … [Read more...]
Real Cohesion is (not a) YOUTHopia – Highlights from the YOUTHopia project
Cohesion Policy is the net that holds EU regions together. As pan-European communication campaign, YOUTHopia's aim has been highlighting the threads that create this net. Managed by the AER and ereb.eu (former Cafebabel) as media partner, YOUTHopia brought to light Cohesion Policy-funded opportunities which enable regions to work for a greener, more inclusive and cohesive … [Read more...]