You will find in this section all the articles published in our news section on our home page.

The Vienna conference on co-existence pays lip service to freedom of choice’

6 April, 2006 By Editor

The 'Freedom of Choice' conference on co-existence, organised by the European Commission and the Austrian Presidency of the EU, has not born fruit, to the regret of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). Following our meeting at the end of March with European Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, we expected more from this event. However, once at the conference, we simply … [Read more...]

The AER and Commissioner Hübner agree on opening a wide debate on the future of interregional cooperation

3 April, 2006 By Editor

'Interregional cooperation is essential for the future of cohesion policy. We of course regret the discontinuation of the INTERREG label and the significant reduction in the support granted to interregional cooperation, but we wish more than ever to move forward. We therefore propose that all stakeholders meet to put forward innovative proposals on how the European … [Read more...]

The Alsace Region: An example of structural funds management

3 April, 2006 By Editor

Efficient and successful decentralisation Despite, or rather due to our concerns over the future of cohesion policy and the difficulties in managing the structural funds, we are determined to use our experience and know-how to Europe's advantage.' This is the constructive spirit in which Adrien Zeller, Vice-President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and President … [Read more...]

How to improve health and social services in the Regions? The private sector can be a partner

27 March, 2006 By Editor

Vojvodina (SRB), 27 March 2006 "Our goal today is to find innovative solutions that create efficient health and social services at the regional level" stated Stig-Erik Westmark, President of the Committee for Social Cohesion, Social Services and Public Health of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and County Councillor of Västmanland-S, at the AER meeting in … [Read more...]

‘Let’s finally adopt common European rules on coexistence’ the Regions ask

23 March, 2006 By Editor

Regions and their farmers need to have a choice whether they want to grow GMO crops or not. This is why, during the meeting with Commissioner Fischer Boel, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) called once again for the adoption of European directive on coexistence between GM and conventional/organic crops. On behalf of the AER, Dr Josef Martinz, Minister for Agriculture of … [Read more...]

The European Regions adopt their political strategy for gender equality

9 March, 2006 By Editor

Kiruna (FIN), 9 March 2006 In the context of International Women's Day, the European regions have confirmed their commitment to the promotion of gender equality and have adopted today the Kiruna Declaration, which defines their political priorities in this area for 2006-2007. The Assembly of European Regions (AER), the largest regional organisation in Europe, will focus on … [Read more...]

Regions As the Bridge Between Europe and its Citizens

8 March, 2006 By Editor

During a meeting today with Commissioner Margot Wallström, AER-President Riccardo Illy presented concrete reccomendations for how to improve the link between citizens and the EU. 'Regions are responsible for the management of 70-80 per cent of EU policy and therefore can provide information to the European institutions about what works and what does not. Their involvement in … [Read more...]

The European Regions want to take part in the world wide movement in favour of sustainable energy!

2 March, 2006 By Editor

Wels, Oberösterreich (A), 2 March 2006 The World Sustainable Energy Days ended today on a positive note for the future of sustainable energy sources. The Assembly of European Regions (AER) was partner of this summit which brought together during three days in Wels (Oberösterreich-A) 930 experts, among them many representatives of energy agencies and regional and … [Read more...]

Resolution from the AER Presidium

17 February, 2006 By Editor

Brussles (B), 17 February 2006 The members of the Presidium of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), meeting in Brussels on 17th February 2006 and having discussed the outcome of the vote in the European Parliament on the proposed Directive on services in the internal market, have adopted the following resolution: 1. We welcome the European Parliament's decision to … [Read more...]

The European regions call on MEPs to reach a compromise on the Services Directive

14 February, 2006 By Editor

The 255 member regions of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) call upon the European Parliament to reach a compromise on the Services Directive during its debate on Tuesday 14th February 2006. 'The debate on the services Directive has lasted for almost two years. Since the very beginning, the AER has raised the citizens' concerns over this Directive. The regions now call … [Read more...]

Village+ Sustainable Development European Label: and the winner is … the County of Lake Tisza

26 January, 2006 By Editor

Today, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) will award the first Village+ Sustainable Development European Label. This label is aimed at supporting and promoting the territories in Europe which have adopted a proactive strategy in favour of environmentally-friendly tourism. The goal is also to encourage European citizens to discover specific regional identities in a … [Read more...]

The AER honours the European Most Youth-Friendly Region

24 November, 2005 By Editor

Hungarian County of Veszprem is declared winner among 31 candidates Strasbourg (F), 24 November 2005 The Assembly of European Regions (AER) has celebrated the third edition of the Youth-Friendly Region prize, on the occasion of its General Assembly. 31 regions from across Europe, among which 10 AER non-member regions, took part in this competition. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, … [Read more...]

General Assembly 2005 in Strasbourg

24 November, 2005 By Editor

President Barroso joins the European Regions in Urging Member State Governments to Adopt Financial Perspectives Strasbourg (F), 24 November 2005 750 political regional representatives from throughout Europe, as well as representatives of the European Institutions, joined the General Assembly in Strasbourg today to celebrate AER 20th anniversary. Riccardo Illy, … [Read more...]

Regions important factors for stability and economic growth

4 November, 2005 By Editor

Odessa (UA), 4 November 2005 About 200 presidents and political representatives of regions from all over Europe are today meeting in Odessa, under the auspices of the AER, to discuss the importance of regions for stability and economic growth. Experts at the conference, including Professor Charles Ricq of Geneva University, Prof Reinhard Mussgnug of Heidelberg University … [Read more...]

Economic attractiveness, jobs creation, access to services: the AER’s ambition for rural areas

20 October, 2005 By Editor

Devon (UK), 20 Otober 2005 In their final declaration, the 150 participants to the Assembly of European Regions' (AER) Conference on 'Promoting competitive regions: what role for rural areas in the Lisbon strategy' today in Devon County Council (UK), stated that "rural areas represent an important part of the new EU territory and are therefore a key factor of cohesion and … [Read more...]