Brussels, 3 February 2026 – Representatives of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) met with Commissioner Magnus Brunner, responsible for Migration, to underline the essential role of regions in the design and implementation of EU migration and inclusion policies, particularly in the context of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The AER delegation, … [Read more...]
Shaping Europe’s Agricultural Future: AER Meets Commissioner Hansen
On 2 February in Brussels, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) took a strong and united message to the European Commission: Europe’s future agricultural and rural policies must be shaped with regions, not for them. AER President Lukas Mandl, Vice President for Agriculture Harold Zoet, and Jan Klopman, Bureau rapporteur on the MFF, met with European Commissioner for … [Read more...]
Beyond 2027: The Future of Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget
On 20 January 2026, the future of Cohesion Policy within the next EU long-term budget was at the centre of a high-level dialogue between AER President Lukas Mandl, CoR President Kata Tüttő, and prominent Members of the European Parliament committed to defending subsidiarity, multi-level governance, and the place-based approach beyond 2027. AER and CoR reaffirm the shared … [Read more...]
The Political Bureau adopts the updated position on Cohesion Policy post-2027
10 December — During the meeting of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) Political Bureau, its members formally adopted the updated AER Position Paper on Cohesion Policy post‑2027. Cohesion Policy remains a cornerstone of the European Union’s commitment to economic, social, and territorial convergence. It strengthens the Single Market, drives sustainable growth, and … [Read more...]
Dialogue on Cohesion Policy Post-2027: Bridging Regions & the European Parliament
🏛️ AER Autumn Bureau Meeting 📅 10 December 2025 | 🕘 09:20 – 10:20 Shaping the Post-2027 Cohesion Policy Framework Cohesion Policy is one of the European Union’s most important instruments for strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion, fostering development, and reducing inequalities between regions. As discussions begin for the 2028–2034 … [Read more...]
No Services, No Stay: Turning Access Into a Right – AER Bureau debate
Official Launch of the AER Task Force on Access to Services📅 10 December 2025 | 🏛️ AER Autumn Bureau Meeting Building a Europe Where Everyone Has Access to Essential Services Access to quality essential services—education, healthcare, housing, transport, digital connectivity—is a cornerstone of well-being and equality. Yet, across Europe, many citizens in rural, … [Read more...]
Policy Briefing | MFF 2028 – 2034: Regional Development at Stake
The European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, worth €1.98 trillion (1.26% EU GNI), introduces National Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) as the main delivery mechanism for EU funds, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund (CF), Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and other instruments. While the … [Read more...]
Join the new AER Task Force on Access to Services!
About the Task Force Building upon the AER Political Priorities for 2025-2030, members of the AER Political Bureau during the Spring meeting in Maribor (June 2025) decided to establish a new Task Force on Access to Services, which will run from 2025 to 2027. This Task Force seeks to improve the design and delivery of essential services across all European regions, … [Read more...]
NEW PUBLICATION – Building Inclusive Regions: The EU-Belong Model for Intercultural Integration
How can regions across Europe effectively support the inclusion of migrants and refugees, while taking into account local diversity, needs, and capacities? This is the challenge the EU-Belong project set out to address. The outcome is an innovative and adaptable model that supports regions in embedding intercultural principles into local governance, helping to build stronger … [Read more...]
A Multiannual Financial Framework That Works for All Regions
A call for an EU budget that works for every territory, every community, every citizen, by the AER Bureau rapporteur on the MFF negotiations, Jan Klopman (Flevoland, NL) In response to the European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 –“An ambitious budget for a stronger Europe”– the Assembly of European Regions are calling for … [Read more...]
The 2025-2030 AER Political Priorities
Working for the European Regions of 2030 Every five years, the Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions sets the political voice underpinning the AER's priorities as a pan-European and independent network. At the Spring Bureau meeting that took place in Maribor, Slovenia, on 18 June 2025, members agreed on the direction of the AER for the upcoming five years. The … [Read more...]
The Future of Agriculture: the role of European Regions
Towards the European agriculture of the future The resilience of European agri-food supply chains, the impact of climate change and digital innovation on new agricultural models, and the generational renewal and well-being of farmers are only a few of the issues shaping the present and future of European agriculture. As illustrated in its position paper and demonstrated … [Read more...]
Highlights of the AER Autumn Bureau & Working Group meetings | Insights of the CL-YE study visit in Brussels
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...]
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...]
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...]