The Assembly of European Regions is proud to present its annual Activity Report for 2024. The theme of this year's report is 'How Regions Drive Innovation - Place-Based and International'. Throughout 2024, AER regions showcased how their grassroots expertise plays a vital role in sparking and sustaining sustainable innovation across sectors, driving business growth and … [Read more...]
You will find in this section all the articles published in our news section on our home page.
Highlights of the AER 40th Anniversary & General Assembly 2025 | Maribor Innovation Forum
From 17 to 19 June, more than 150 representatives of European regions gathered in Maribor, Eastern Slovenia, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). The anniversary was an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of 40 years of interregional cooperation. It was also a source of inspiration for discussions of the 2025 General Assembly, … [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...]
Advocacy in Action: Insights from the Workshop on Youth Participation (YRN GA 2025)
[article written by Mathilde Colarte, Chair of the YRN Thematic Committee on Youth Participation & Governance] At this year’s Youth Regional Network General Assembly, we didn’t just talk about advocacy:we practiced it! During the workshop on “How to Advocate Efficiently”, participants cametogether to explore how to turn ideas into impact. And what an energizing … [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...]
Youth Regional Network General Assembly 2025: Changing the Present to Shape the Future
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) General Assembly took place in Brussels on 3-4 April 2025, bringing together young leaders and activists from across Europe for two days of cultural exchange, capacity building, and democratic participation. The event kicked off on Thursday with a flavorful cultural potluck, where participants shared traditional dishes from their regions, … [Read more...]
A Green Pioneer: How Eastern Slovenia Leads in Bioeconomy Innovations
On the occasion of the AER General Assembly in Maribor and the Maribor Innovation Forum, AER members will have the opportunity of sharing good practices and practical experiences on the topic of bioeconomy. Nataša Ritonija, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, brought together a large coalition of stakeholders to offer a hands-on learning experience, … [Read more...]
AER Elections 2025 – Shape the Future of Our Network
An Electoral General Assembly on the occasion of the AER 40th Anniversary The 2025 AER General Assembly in Maribor (Eastern Slovenia) will mark the election of the new political leadership of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), including its Presidency, Executive Board and Political Bureau. Deadline to apply for the AER Presidency and AER Executive … [Read more...]
EU-Belong Final Conference in Strasbourg: A Regional Approach for an Intercultural Europe
On 25 and 26 March 2025, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) hosted the third and final EU-Belong Knowledge Sharing Event in Strasbourg, Grand Est (France). This concluding conference marked the end of the 40-month-long AMIF funded EU-Belong project, which has promoted intercultural inclusion and regional cooperation across Europe Under the coordination of AER, 10 regions … [Read more...]
Democracy at the heart of Europe’s sustainable transition | Insights from the MAIA & I-CHANGE Policy Roundtable
On 20 March 2025, the AER as MAIA ambassador was invited to the policy roundtable on behavioural change and civil society knowledge in the European sustainable transition organised by the MAIA & I-CHANGE projects in Brussels. The event gathered experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss the role of behavioural change and citizen engagement in driving Europe’s … [Read more...]
Interview with Daniel Schützer, Chair of the AER Working Group on Mental Health
The Chair of the AER Working Group on Mental Health Daniel Schützer from Region Värmland (SE), shares his motivation for taking on this role, introduces himself, talks about the achievements of the Working Group so far, and about the collaboration with other member regions and the AER YRN. Could you please introduce yourself? My name is Daniel Schützer and I have … [Read more...]
Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation | Insights from the EU-Belong Webinar
On 7 March 2025, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the Government of Catalonia hosted a highly insightful webinar addressing human trafficking and labour exploitation. This event, part of the EU-Belong Knowledge Transfer Cluster on How People Work and Create, brought together experts and regional stakeholders to discuss challenges, best practices, and innovative … [Read more...]
AER Statement on third Anniversary of Ukraine Invasion
On the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, AER President, Albert Castellanos Maduell has issued a statement of solidarity with the people of Ukraine on behalf of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). In line with the fundamental values of democracy, human rights and cooperation that underpin our Statutes, this statement … [Read more...]
EU-Belong at the Open Doors Podcast: Intercultural Regions, Migration and Belonging
To celebrate World Justice Day 2025, Vania Freitas (AER Secretary General) and Marlen Niubó Edeler (Catalan Coordinator of the Committee for the Assistance of Refugees) feature on the Open Doors podcast, an initiative by UNITEE (New European Business Confederation) presented in their online magazine The New European. In this half-hour episode, they share personal and … [Read more...]
Call for Photographer/Videographer | EU-Belong Final Conference | Strasbourg, 25 March 2025
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is seeking a photographer/videographer to cover the Final Conference of the EU-Belong project in Strasbourg in March 2025. The photographer/videographer will cover the first day of the Final Conference of the EU-Belong project in Strasbourg on 25 March 2025 (times tbc, most likely from 9/10 AM - 6 PM). The required outputs are photos of … [Read more...]