It is with much gratitude and appreciation that the AER President and Executive Board members share the following message from the AER Secretary General.

Dear AER members, partners and friends,
 
I hope this message finds you in good health and that you have had a nice Summer. I write to you today to inform you that I am embarking upon a new professional challenge, and that my time at the Assembly of European Regions has come to an end. The process to find my successor is underway. In the meantime, Ms Vania Freitas will be the acting Secretary General. 
 
Running an ambitious and transformative organisation such as AER, made up of passionate and dedicated people, has been truly awe-inspiring. Together, we played our part in building stronger regions and striving for more sustainability and solidarity in Europe.
 
Stronger regions come with a strong cohesion policy. The latest positive developments on that front show the strength of AER’s advocacy and the power of working together with members, fellow networks and partners.
 
More sustainability comes with further localisation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The AER agenda on informing and assisting regions to achieve these goals, as well as our contributions to the SDG and climate negotiations, make us a key European regional player in the field. Read more here.
 
Greater solidarity is illustrated by the leading role we have taken in helping regions deal with the influx and integration of refugees and migrants through European projects and the launch of the Intercultural Regions’ Network.
 
For a more comprehensive picture of our latest actions see our new activity report.
 
As a final note, I would like to thank the AER President and Executive Board members for their support and trust; my team for their commitment and professionalism and all the AER members, partners and friends for their engagement and passion.
 
In my new assignment as Director of the Interreg North West Europe programme, I shall uphold the same passion for territorial cooperation.
 
I wish you all the best. Let us keep in touch!