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...]
“Making Culture a Strategic Resource for Europe and its Regions”
There is a great risk in neglecting culture as part of recovery policies. Culture is not a luxury for the few, it contributes to collective wellbeing and human values, as well as to generate jobs and growth. The unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard the cultural and creative sector, affecting millions of jobs, in a sector that contributes to 4.2 % of the EU … [Read more...]
Setting our Political Agenda — the 2021 AER Autumn Bureau Meeting
On 2 December 2021, members of the AER Bureau gathered together online to discuss the work carried out by the Task forces, and decide on our political priorities for 2022. But what does the AER Bureau do, you ask? The role of the AER Bureau is to act as the primary political voice of the AER. From democracy and citizens participation, to sustainable transport and tourism, … [Read more...]