After the COP 21 in Paris last year that led to a historic agreement in the reduction of 40% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2013, the COP 22 in Marrakech is the COP of implementation measures. With the danger of a State like the United States withdrawing its engagement, the mood is bleak in the COP corridors. Another illustration of the importance of local and regional … [Read more...]
These are networks of regions focused on a specific thematic and/or a geographic area. They contribute to the work of the Assembly of European Regions by keeping its members updated on a wide range of topics, while they can easily disseminate information and raise awareness throughout the network. The articles below showcase initiatives and actions of our partner networks.
Partner networks
In a view to further and enhance AER's work for the benefit of its members and in order to position itself for the next years as a dynamic and outward looking network, AER develops constructive relationships with a wide range of thematic and geographic networks in order to benefit from their expertise and know-how. Structured cooperation with an increasing number of … [Read more...]
A down to earth conference on the use of Space for economic growth
NEREUS Space4growth and Jobs Conference In 2014, the European space systems Galileo and Copernicus (the European Earth Observation program) entered the stage of operability, providing free access to space-based data and signals to European citizens. Local and regional authorities (LRAs), are the largest reservoir of potential users of space-based services and products. In … [Read more...]
AER and AEBR : joining forces on rural and urban challenges
Cross-border Urban and Rural integrated areas - Challenges and Chances" was the topic of the annual AEBR conference which took place in Liège (B) on the 7th of November and to which AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli was invited as a keynote speaker. Together with Danuta Hübner, MEP and Chair of the Regional Development Committee of the European Parliament, and other high … [Read more...]
AER and CIRCOM Regional sign partnership agreement
On 6 November 2013, The Assembly of European Regions and CIRCOM Regional signed a partnership agreement concerning exchange of expertise in themedia field at the Press Club in Brussels. This agreement was signed by AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, and Jacques Briquemont, President of CIRCOM Regional. Founded in 1973, CIRCOM Regional (European Association of Regional … [Read more...]
AER President at CALRE General Assembly
On 21-22 October, AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli attended the General Assembly of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE) in Brussels at the regional parliament of Brussels-Capital. Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, who had been invited by Françoise Dupuis, President of CALRE and President of the Brussels-Capital Parliament, demonstrated AER's will to … [Read more...]
New lifelong learning partnership
President, Hande Özsan Bozatli, opened, on Monday 30 September in Lyon (Rhône Alpes – F), the 11th European University of the Foundation of European Regions for Research in Education and Training (FREREF). Together with Jean-Jack Queyranne, President of the Rhône Alpes Region and Mercedes Bresso, Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions, AER President defended the role of … [Read more...]
Essential for rural development:
The agenda of the working group on agriculture and rural development was quite packed on 24 September. After a presentation by Iman Boot from DG Agri on the European Innovation Partnership (EIP), members discussed the current setting up of operational programmes and the difficulties regions face in having their voice heard at national level. But all in all, the topic that … [Read more...]
Regions, Innovation and business – a new partnership
AER signed a partnership agreement with the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), in order to widen its influence and gain new access to know-how about the business world. How to create innovative enterprises? How to ensure that they are sustainable and contributing to job creation and long lasting development of our territories? These are the most … [Read more...]
AER joins forces with the Airports Council International Europe
In order to raise the profile of AER's interest in regional airports and to join forces with other stakeholders advocating the same cause, AER signed a partnership agreement with Airport Council International Europe (ACI Europe) during their annual General Assembly, taking place in Istanbul, 11-12th of June 2013. Stemming from this cooperation, AER published together with ACI … [Read more...]
Regional airports and State aid: AER is preparing its lobbying action
At the invitation of the ACI Network (Airports Council International) - which gathers almost 400 regional airports in Europe - the AER Secretary General presented the AER at the ACI’s annual conference in Lyon. In front of over 100 representatives from airports, he highlighted the work of the AER’s working group on Regional Airports and presented their key arguments, focusing … [Read more...]
AER meets the European Press Clubs
On 18-19 April 2013, the AER Press and Communications team attended in Brussels the annual congress and general assembly of the European Federation of Press Clubs. On that occasion the Brussels Press Club started its one-year presidency of the Federation. New applicant members were welcomed: Kiev, Jerusalem, Lille and The Hague. This event was a lobbying opportunity for AER … [Read more...]
AER in Portugal
Our Secretary General, Pascal Goergen met Mr Almeida Henriques, Secretary of State for Economy and Regional Development, in Lisbon, in view of the Continental Portugal regions’ membership. Three regional meetings were held shortly thereafter: with Mr Pedro Saraiva, President of the Centro region, Mr Antonio Costa Dieb, President of the Alentejo region and Mr David Santos, … [Read more...]
Regionalisation and democracy
On 10 October AER has organised, in cooperation with the Congress of the Council of Europe and the Alsace Region, a Conference on "Regionalisation and Democracy." Nearly 200 people attended the debate, which was held during the 1st World Forum on Democracy. The AER was represented by its President, Michèle Sabban, while the President of Commission 3, Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, … [Read more...]
ERRIN-AER Policy Debate “Horizon 2020”
On 18th September AER has co-organized with ERRIN (The research and innovation network for regions), a policy debate on Horizon 2020 and its regional dimension. Invited speakers were Keith SEQUIERA (Member of Cabinet of Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn in charge of Research, Innovation, Science) and Mikel LANDABASO (DG REGIO). In an informal setting with around 15 regional … [Read more...]