Dear AER members, partners and friends,
In March, I have announced my intention to take on a new professional challenge. As agreed with the Board, I have passed the baton to our Institutional Relations & Advocacy Coordinator, Vania Freitas who is now managing the Secretariat as Interim Secretary General until my successor is chosen.
Definitely: It has been a highly inspiring experience to serve regional democracy across Europe, and the diversity of our continent. It has been a privilege to stand up for pan-European values, cross-border solutions, and sustainable innovation.
Politics must be made close to the people – our network proves this every day. Together, we are able to make the voice of regional governments clearly audible – be it in meetings with EU Commissioners or with trusted allies such as the Council of Europe and the Committee of the Regions. And we are creating real communities for shared solutions.
Many good memories of joint successes have come together. A few examples are our big conference on sustainability with global partners, the launch of our biggest EU-funded project on inclusion, strengthening the regions’ voice at the Conference on the Future of Europe, or our book with best practices of citizen participation. New communities on green innovation and the relaunch of our youth network have created impetus for our network, and the growing number of Ukrainian members show us that the EU is not yet complete and that our values must constantly be defended.
It has been an honour to serve this network with a noble purpose: to better serve the needs of citizens. The AER’s mission is becoming more relevant again for Europe in these challenging times.
Our network brings very special people together. I have always been impressed by the diversity of cultures, brilliant ideas, and tangible mutual enrichment. Thus, I would like to thank you for the shared journey. In particular, President Albert Castellanos and the Board for your trust; the formidable team of our Secretariat for your brilliant ideas and commitment, and you all – members and partners – for your co-creation and the pleasant collaboration for common goals. I will keep excellent memories of many of our conversations.
I wholeheartedly wish the AER all the best for the next stage. Let us keep in touch – I look forward to further exchanges based on our commitment to shared goals.
Christian Spahr
