On the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, AER President, Albert Castellanos Maduell has issued a statement of solidarity with the people of Ukraine on behalf of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). In line with the fundamental values of democracy, human rights and cooperation that underpin our Statutes, this statement … [Read more...]
Ukraine Focus Group—new partnerships between Catalonia Trade & Investment and Ukrainian Regions
At the launch of a new platform for cooperation between EU and Ukrainian enterprises, Catalonia Trade and Investment (ACCIÓ) signed letters of intention with Ukrainian member regions Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk It is no secret that financing Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery will depend, to a large extent, on significant financial support from international institutions, … [Read more...]
[Partner Search] Region Jönköping is looking for partners in Smart Specialisation Strategies
Has your region developed a Smart Specialisation Strategy? Region Jönköping in Sweden is searching for other regions in Europe—preferably with comparable challenges—to collaborate, learn and exchange experiences relating to Smart Specialisation (S3) strategies. Jönköping County is starting work on their the smart specialisation strategy, both in the region itself, and … [Read more...]
Regional Innovation Valleys — join AER to put regional priorities on the EU Innovation Agenda
AER calls on members to strengthen regional perspectives on EU innovation policy, and build partnerships for future funding opportunities The European Commission has launched a call for expression of interest for Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), to strengthen and advance European innovation ecosystems. Under the New European Innovation Agenda, RIVs will aim … [Read more...]
AER Ukraine Focus Group—Regional Partners for Reconstruction
AER's unique community of regional stakeholders is focusing minds to support Ukraine's recovery AER's Focus Group on Ukraine has continued work in earnest in the three months since its first meeting in Cluj-Napoca, Romania in late March. At the second meeting in Barcelona on 28 June, co-organised with the Government of Catalonia, the Focus Group was proud to welcome … [Read more...]
2022 Summer Academy wins European Citizens’ Prize
The 2022 AER Summer Academy is one of two Irish projects selected as winners of the prestigious ‘European Citizens’ Prize’ for 2023. Awarded every year by the European Parliament, the European Citizens’ Prize goes to projects “organised by people or organisations that encourage mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU, cross-border … [Read more...]
AER Activity Report 2022 — ‘Regions for the Next Generation’ is out now!
The Assembly of European Regions is proud to present our annual Activity Report for 2021 - 2022. As 2022 was the designated the European Year of Youth by the European Commission, the theme of this year's report is fittingly titled 'Regions for the Next Generation'. In keeping with this theme, Habile Studio's cover visual shows the tertiary education rate among young people … [Read more...]
AER Focus Group on Ukraine – tell us how your region can support!
AER's peer-to-peer Focus Group coordinates support for Ukraine On the one year anniversary of Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against of Ukraine, the Assembly of European Regions created a new platform bringing regions across Europe together to coordinate support of our fifteen members Ukrainian in Ukraine. On 7 February 2023, the AER's Executive Board adopted a … [Read more...]
2022 AER General Assembly–online registrations close Monday, 10 October!
The Assembly of European Regions has announced the date and venue for its biggest statutory event, the annual General Assembly. The General Assembly is the highest authority of AER and convenes representatives of all its full members across Europe. The 2022 General Assembly will take place in Brussels, Belgium and online on 14 October, and AER is proud to announce it will be … [Read more...]
AER’s Regions stand with Ukraine – European solidarity in action
Last February, Ukraine suffered the full force of Russian aggression. Russia's military invasion of the country marked the beginning of an escalation of violence that has led to thousands of Ukrainians losing their lives, millions more becoming refugees, and has thrown Europe into a military conflict on a scale not seen in decades. In the six months since the invasion, … [Read more...]
The AER Summer Academy Is Back!
With the European Year of Youth in full-swing, the AER is delighted to announce that our flagship youth event, the AER Summer Academy is returning in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. In partnership with Donegal County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta, this year's Summer Academy will take place from 29 August until 1 September in the stunning surroundings of County … [Read more...]
The AER Spring Meetings—Shaping our Common Future
Last week, the AER held its virtual Spring meetings. From sharing ideas for collaboration in our working groups, to reaffirming our political priorities in our Bureau, these meetings showed the value of bringing members together to meet new challenges and shape our common future. The day began with an energetic and fruitful brainstorming session on the AER action plan led … [Read more...]
AER releases statement on Invasion of Ukraine
Ahead of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on 22 February, AER President, Magnus Berntsson and Secretary General, Christian Spahr issued a statement of solidarity with the people of Ukraine on behalf of the Assembly of European Regions. In line with the values of democracy, mutual respect and dialogue that underpin the Statutes of the Assembly of European Regions, the … [Read more...]
MIT’s ‘Innovators Under 35’ Festival returns to Europe — submit your nominations
In partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta, the prestigious "Innovators Under 35" Festival Europe comes to Gaoth Dobhair in County Donegal (IE) on 19-21 May 2022. What is IU35? Selected by MIT's Technology Review, Innovators Under 35 is an annual list that recognises outstanding young pioneers from across the globe. Each year, brilliant men and women under 35 are … [Read more...]
Skillnet Training Session II – Making the Most of Direct Grant Funding Programmes
"Accessing European funding is often complex. We want to help our nearly 140 members in 30 countries make the best of these possibilities." This is how Christian Spahr, AER Secretary General opened our second webinar on EU funding opportunities for regions, "Unboxing the MFF - Accessing Direct Grant Funding Programmes". The programmes under discussion: Erasmus Plus, … [Read more...]