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...]
Press release – The Youth Regional Network is selected to take part in the EU Youth Test at the European Economic and Social Committee
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) has been officially selected to take part in the EU Youth Test at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EESC will hold a first online kick-off meeting on the 3rd of September, gathering the youth organisations who will participate in the initiative. The meeting will represent the occasion to introduce the participants … [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...]
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...]
Join our new AER Task Forces!
AER Task Force on Cohesion Policy The discussion about the future of the EU's cohesion policy is gaining momentum. In just a few years, the European Commission will unveil its proposals for the next EU programming period. Key institutional actors and stakeholders are already thinking about how cohesion policy has worked in the past and present, and they're exploring ways … [Read more...]
Bureau Debate – Next Generation Skills: Regions shaping the Future of Work
Barcelona, Catalonia - 29 June 2023 10.00 - 12.00 The Fourth Industrial Revolution along with the digital transformation driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demographic change and the digital and green transition, are profoundly changing the nature of work, leading to new ways of working and creating new jobs. Maximising the opportunities these trends offer will … [Read more...]
EU-Belong: Diversity for Better Inclusion is a Shared Responsibility
On Tuesday 28th March, the EU Committee of the Regions was the setting for an exchange among public authorities and other stakeholders on the topic of migrants’ inclusion. In particular, the development of multi-level strategies promoting diversity as the backbone of thriving societies was showcased. The intercultural approach and its development within the EU-Belong project … [Read more...]
AER stands with Ukraine
Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine violates international law, undermines global security, and tears innocent lives apart. In the face of this merciless brutality, the Assembly of European Regions stands with Ukraine, its citizens, our members and friends. The future is (more) Europe and Ukraine is part of it Since its inception in 1985, the Assembly … [Read more...]
NEW AER Taskforces 2023-2025 set for launch
During the 2022 Autumn Bureau Meeting, the AER members decided to establish two new Taskforces which will address the political priorities of the Bureau for the period of 2023-2025. Taskforce on Active Citizenship Why? The year 2022 has been key in setting a precedent for strengthening our democracies by enabling new participatory processes and putting citizens’ … [Read more...]
AER Position on Youth – Call for Amendments
AER is inviting members to offer their amendment proposals to the Draft Position on Youth. This includes the regional youth councils in our member regions: the AER is very much attached to including youth voices in the process, make sure to spread the word among youth councils and youth organisations in your regions! The closing date for submitting amendments is the … [Read more...]
AER Position on Jobs, Growth & Investment – Call for Amendments
AER is inviting members to offer their amendment proposals to the Draft Position on Jobs, Growth & Investment. The closing date for submitting amendments is 14 November 2022. Amendment proposals can be submitted using the online form below: About this Amending Process This consultation aims to invite all AER members to offer their amendment … [Read more...]
Summer Academy Bureau Debate – Recovering together: youth policy in Europe
According to the OECD, the COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on the education, employment, mental health and disposable income of youth all across Europe, most notably due to public health restrictions. As this report from the European Parliament show, lower and unequal access to education and training, higher unemployment and a reversal of many positive social and economic … [Read more...]
Journey towards the Future of Europe – AER takes part in the Conference on the Future of Europe
Today on Europe Day, the Conference on the Future of Europe ends. This Conference was a citizen-led series of debates and discussions to enable people from across Europe to share their ideas and help shape our common future. The Conference, as a major pan-European democratic exercise, was the first of its kind and gave European citizens the great opportunity to debate … [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...]
NEW AER Task Force on Youth!
On the occasion of the AER Spring Bureau Meetings 2022, members decided to establish a new Taskforce focused on youth. Background Following the announcement made by President von der Leyen in her 2021 State of the Union address, the Commission adopted in October 2021 its formal proposal to make 2022 the European Year of Youth (EYY). The objectives of the … [Read more...]