The work plans of the working groups are their actual backbone and ensure both coherence and continuity in the activities realised during the year. They are also a useful tool to compare results against objectives. This is why on 4 November the AER Committee 1 members gathered to discuss the mandates and work plans of their three existing working groups (energy and climate change, rural development, and regional airports) before their plenary meeting. The creation of a 4th working group focusing on Investments, Business and SMEs was also proposed and later approved by the plenary. The meetings were intense and ended late at night but resulted in practical proposals, which will in turn contribute to making regional development policies more efficient through sharing of good practices, networking and project development.