On the occasion of the AER General Assembly in Maribor and the Maribor Innovation Forum, AER members will have the opportunity of sharing good practices and practical experiences on the topic of bioeconomy. Nataša Ritonija, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, brought together a large coalition of stakeholders to offer a hands-on learning experience, … [Read more...]
Interview with Daniel Schützer, Chair of the AER Working Group on Mental Health
The Chair of the AER Working Group on Mental Health Daniel Schützer from Region Värmland (SE), shares his motivation for taking on this role, introduces himself, talks about the achievements of the Working Group so far, and about the collaboration with other member regions and the AER YRN. Could you please introduce yourself? My name is Daniel Schützer and I have … [Read more...]
Hydrogen: Fostering Regional Collaboration and Learning
On 27th November 2024, the AER Working Group on Green Hydrogen hosted a webinar on Green Hydrogen Ecosystems featuring regional examples and an update on EU support to green hydrogen development in the regions. This objective was to promote shared learning among regions involved or interested in developing green hydrogen ecosystems. Green hydrogen ecosystems are … [Read more...]
The Role of Regions in Europe’s Green Hydrogen Transition
Green Hydrogen ecosystems integrate the production, storage, and use of hydrogen from renewable sources. They play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, strengthening energy security, and promoting economic growth by fostering innovation and generating employment opportunities. Understanding Green Hydrogen Ecosystems A green hydrogen ecosystem is a comprehensive … [Read more...]
Working Group on Green Hydrogen: A year in activities
The working group on green hydrogen, established in Autumn 2022, facilitates knowledge sharing between regions in wider Europe. The group is chaired by Albert Castellanos, Catalonia (ES), who is supported in his work by two Seconded Officers: Albert Ballbé and Elena Herrero Pérez. Below is a recap of the activities carried out in the context of the Working Group on Green … [Read more...]
New Chair for the Working Group on the Bioeconomy!
The working group on the bioeconomy, established in Spring 2022, facilitates knowledge sharing, experience, and best practices between regions in wider Europe. On June 12, 2024, Nataša Ritonija, representative from East Slovenia (SI) was nominated as the new chair of the group. She will be supported in her engagement by is Brina Lazar, as Seconded Officer for the Working … [Read more...]
Bioeconomy: resources for policymakers
The ambition of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is to facilitate exchanges among European regions to share challenges and opportunities and prepare for future partnerships and projects. In this context, the AER Secretariat mapped a series of resources to help policymakers navigate the abundance of online resources and information. Knowledge for … [Read more...]
The Role of Regions in Decarbonising Europe
Last month, Albert Ballbé, programme manager at the General Directorate of Industry at the Government of Catalonia, who is also leading the activities of the AER Working Group on Green Hydrogen, contributed to the European Backbone Talk "Why Regions Matter" organised by Hydrogen Metropole Ruhr. An integrated hydrogen economy Regions have a pivotal role in shaping the … [Read more...]
Interculturalism: A Strategy for Europe’s Future
On Wednesday, 27 March 2024, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities held the roundtable on "Intercultural Regions: Embracing Diversity". The session brought together experts and representatives from different European regions to share insights and good practices related to implementing interculturalism strategies and fostering a more sustainable and inclusive Europe … [Read more...]
The MYFER Award is back! Be the next Most Youth-Friendly European Region
Send your project applications before the 21st of June and make your mark! The MYFER Award (Most Youth-Friendly European Region) is back and ready to celebrate the incredible youth initiatives and projects taking place across the member regions of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)! As a biennial award, the MYFER Award offers regions the chance to showcase their … [Read more...]
EU-Belong at One Donegal Social Inclusion Week
EU-Belong will organise its second Knowledge Transfer event in Donegal (IE), "Intercultural Integration:A Shared Journey towards Equality and Belonging" on the occasion of the One Donegal Social Inclusion Week. EU-Belong, an AMIF-funded project led by the AER and gathering 11 regions, is pioneering inclusion by using an intercultural approach to innovate policies and … [Read more...]
EU-Belong at High Level EU Event
On February 9, AER Secretary General Christian Spahr spoke at the plenary roundtable of the high-level policy forum and ministerial conference on "The Integration of Newcomers by EU Member States" organised by the Government of Flanders in the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council. A High-Level Policy Forum and Ministerial Conference on the Integration of … [Read more...]
EU-Belong at Conference on Experimenting at Local Level to Improve Participation
On January 25th, EU-Belong Project Manager Emanuela Pisano spoke at the final event of the PISTE project, to share how EU-Belong is using the intercultural approach developed by the Council of Europe to innovate regional policymaking. By working with small and medium towns on the one side and regions on the other, the two initiatives promote migrant participation in policy … [Read more...]
Access to Quality and Affordable Housing for all
Access to adequate and affordable housing is a crucial determinant of successful integration. Housing conditions have a substantial impact on employment and education opportunities and on the interactions between migrants and host communities. Poor housing conditions and segregation can exacerbate divisions, which undermine social cohesion. Inclusive housing is, therefore, … [Read more...]
Why Innovative Skills are the Catalyst for Rural Areas
On 25 March, the Assembly of European Regions hosted the "Ambitious Skills and Innovation Strategies: A Territorial Approach" webinar. The event was part of the series of webinars on EU funding opportunities organised within the Skillnet project (co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme) to bring together experts in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and to … [Read more...]