The category contains a collection of AER posts, linking to archives, videos, position papers and much more

Briefing note: A Resource efficient Europe under the Europe 2020 Strategy

2 August, 2013 By Editor

Briefing note published by AER for the Summer Academy in Nyköping, Södermanland (S) (18 - 23 August 2013) Energy, natural resources and environment have been present in a political discourse for a while now and local, national and international authorities have been mobilised to undertake actions addressing sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental challenges. The … [Read more...]

Thematic dossier n°31 on Faced by the crisis, Regions at Europe’s bedside – Summer 2013

8 July, 2013 By Editor

Faced by the crisis, Regions at Europe's bedside Table of contents: Editoria: Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, AER President Regions, an important lever out of the crisis Regions lead in eco-innovation First summit in Pescara. Dealing with the crisis Outcomes from Pescara – Roundtables Second summit in Warsaw. EU, national, regional policymakers tackle … [Read more...]

AER’s response to Commission’s “Investing in Health”

28 June, 2013 By Editor

Adopted unanimously at the AER Social Policy and Public Health Plenary session held in Barcelona on 28th June 2013 Recognising the value of health Healthcare budget cuts and modernisation investments Solving the dilemma of healthcare workforce at regional level Regions are the labs of tomorrow’s care systems: involve them! Use of structural funds: increase … [Read more...]

New tools for policy making – the IDeal Index:

9 June, 2013 By Editor

The report suggests the use of the IDeal index to improve the lackings of GDP as an indicator of the true progress of a society. This new index takes into account life expectancy, perceived satisfaction over one’s quality of life and socio-economic and environmental parameters. “The enclosed phrase ‘I deal’ also carries the idea of ‘I participate in the sustainable development … [Read more...]

AER background note on integrated care

2 June, 2013 By Editor

Integration of care services is emerging as a central challenge of health care delivery, particularly for patients with elderly and complex chronic conditions. In 2003, the World Health Organisation (WHO) already began to identify it as one of the key pathways to improve primary care (World Health Report: 2003); in 2004, the European Commission declared integrated care as vital … [Read more...]

Economic crisis: 10 recommendations from regions

26 May, 2013 By Editor

Confronted by the crisis which affects Europe as a whole, Regions must take up the challenge and act as a true driving force to make proposals and impulse new policies at regional level. Their current economic difficulties should not prevent them from fully exploiting their strengths and potential. European Regions must work together in order to bring trust back to their … [Read more...]

Political report on “Rurality and regional development: Unlocking our territories’ economic and social potential”

2 May, 2013 By Editor

"There is a temptation to focus on a number of points and targets which appear to increase effectiveness, for example, placing an emphasis on competitiveness, urban areas and innovation. This is justifiable, but only to a certain point! Beyond this, there is a real risk of imbalance". Jean-Paul Denanot, Raporteur President of the Limousin Region (FR) Chairman of the RUR@CT … [Read more...]

Political report on “IDeal Index: Measuring real tangible progress and quality of life in the European regions”

2 May, 2013 By Editor

"Even though its contribution may be important, money doesn’t buy happiness, and neither do simple production and output. Indeed, it stands to reason that one should not rely strictly on GDP figures to judge socio-economic health". Beat Vonlanthen , State Councillor Minister of Economic Affairs-Canton of Fribourg (CH) (Use Pop Out button to Download/Open) or download it in … [Read more...]

Briefing note on local government in the Ukraine

25 April, 2013 By Editor

Table of contents: Ukraine - historical background Attempts of decentralisation in Ukraine Local and regional government in Ukraine - legal basis Local and regional government in Ukraine - overview Current issues for local and regional government in Ukraine International support for decentralisation in Eastern Partnership countries (Use Pop Out button to … [Read more...]

Political report on “The Role for the Regions in Enabling a Future for Electric Vehicles”

2 April, 2013 By Editor

"There is a pressing need for Europe to reduce it’s carbon emissions and transport is one of the key areas through which this can be achieved. I believe that electric vehicles have an important role to play in attaining this, and in the future mobility of European regions". Melville Kendal, Rapporteur Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council (UK) (Use Pop Out button to … [Read more...]