Assembly of European Regions

Partner Event: World Sustainable Energy Days
2021-06-21 12:00 - 2021-06-25 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Wels, Pollheimerstrasse 1, Wels, Wels, A-4600, Austria
The World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED) is a yearly event taking place in Wels, Austria – in member region of Upper Austria. This years edition will take place as a Hybrid Event from 21-25 June. How can the EU achieve a climate-neutral society by 2050? What can be done to drive a sustainable EU economy? How can this be financed?
This event, like in previous editions, includes 6 conferences and Innovation Workshops:

European Pellet Conference
Energy Efficiency Conference
Energy Efficiency Policy Conference
Industrial Energy Efficiency Conference
Smart E-Mobility Conference
Young Energy Efficiency Researchers Conference

Interested in taking part in these conferences, you can find more information here.

REGISTER NOW: Unboxing the MFF Session II — Accessing Direct Grant Funding Programmes
2021-09-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
***UPDATE — LINE-UP ANNOUNCED!***
Date: 24 September 2021
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 CET
Venue: Online (via Zoom)
Background
On 17 December 2020, after months of painstaking inter-institutional negotiations against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the European Union adopted the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), its long-term budget for 2021-2027.
Together with the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, the MFF represents an unprecedented €1.8 trillion of funding to support Europe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU’s long-term priorities across different policy areas. It is therefore essential that Europe’s regions get training with these instruments to ensure a robust and sustainable recovery.
That is why as part of the Skillnet Project, the AER has put together 3 information sessions to help regions make the most of the MFF and NextGenerationEU Package. Featuring insights from experts at the European Commission, these webinars will give regions guidance on how to plan initiatives and projects that can benefits from the different funds.
What’s in it for regions?
The second session of the ‘Unboxing the Multiannual Financial Framework’ series will cover some of the main direct grant funding programmes, notably Digital Europe, Creative Europe, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe (Pillar 2) and Life. Participants will get insights on:

The overall structure and features of the MFF 2021-2027;
Highlights and updates on the new EU programmes Digital Europe, Creative Europe, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe (Pillar 2) and Life;
Insights on funding streams within the NextGenerationEU recovery package.

Participants will also have a chance to put their questions to the European Commission directly in our extended Q & A session.
Meet our Speakers!
We are delighted to announce the following experts will join this webinar:

Erasmus+: Dario Nicolella, Programme Manager at Erasmus+ Coordination Unit, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission
Creative Europe: Jutta Kastner, Programme Manager at Creative Europe Unit, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission
Digital Europe: Andreas Geiss, Head of Unit Research Strategy and Programme Planning at DG Communications Networks, Content & Technology, European Commission
Horizon Europe: Vera Fehnle, Policy Officer at European Semester & Country Intelligence Unit, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission / Clement Evroux, Policy Officer at Common Policy Centre – Common Strategic Planning & Programming Service Unit, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
Life: Jean-Claude Merciol, Head of Unit, LIFE Governance, Administration, IT & Support Service Unit, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission / Pierluca Merola, Policy Assistant, Energy Efficiency Unit, Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission

How can I take part?
This session will take place via Zoom. As places are limited we encourage you to register now before registrations close. Regions are welcome to invite local stakeholders (SMEs, NGOs, Academia, etc) who would benefit from insights on these new instruments.
***
This training session is organised as part of the Skillnet Project, which is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission. Skillnet aims to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s role and capacity to design high-quality VET programmes tailored to current societal needs through enhanced transnational and cross-sectoral partnerships. To learn more about funding opportunities within the Skillnet Project, visit our dedicated Partnerships in Focus Hub.

AER General Assembly & Agenda 2030 Conference: Transforming Regions, Changing the World
2021-10-28 - 2021-10-29 | Strasbourg, 1, Place du Wacken, Strasbourg, 67000, France
AER General Assembly
The General Assembly is organised in tandem with the Agenda 2030 Conference, hosted by the Region of Grand Est (France).
The General Assembly will take place on 28 October from 10:15 to 12:30 CET online and on-site at Maison de la Région, 1 place Adrien Zeller, F 67000, Strasbourg.
Registration for on-site and online participation is now closed.
Overview Agenda:

Thursday, 2 December (all times CET)

9:00-11:00Executive Board Meeting

11:00-11:15Coffee Break

11:15-12:00CoFoE Drafting Group

12:00-13:00Lunch

13:00-15:30Autumn Bureau Meeting

15:30-16:00Coffee Break

16:00-17:30Eurodyssey Forum

Friday, 3 December (all times CET)

9:30-11:30Knowledge Sharing session with Executive Board (for Executive Board members; parallel session)

9:15-11:45Eurodyssey Breakout session (parallel session)

11:30-12:00Coffee Break

12:00-13:00Campfire session on EU Projects & Services

Direct Links:

Invitation Letter
Draft Agenda
Practical Information (transport, accommodation, etc)

Wherever you are, we hope you can join us. You can find more information on the Agenda 2030 Conference below and on the dedicated website HERE.

Registrations are closed — AGENDA 2030 CONFERENCE
On-site registrations are now closed. Online registrations for our high-level conference ‘Agenda2030: Transforming Regions, Changing the World’ are open until until 21 October!

Our keynote speeches, plenary sessions and panels will be available to stream live via YouTube in English and in French on the day, so there is no need to register in advance.
You can find out more about the keynotes, panels and plenaries by reading the articles in the event Agenda HERE.
Stay updated via the official Regions2030.com website!

What is the Agenda 2030 Conference? 🌍
The goal of the Conference is to show that regions play a key role, alongside cities, in facilitating the transformation required to successfully implement and achieve the 17 Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda.
This Conference will take place on 28 and 29 October on-site at the Region of Grand Est in Strasbourg (FR) and online. The AER will hold its Executive Board and General Assembly meetings in tandem with the Conference on-site and remotely.

What can Participants Expect?💡
Hosted at the Region of Grand Est (FR), the AER and our global partners will gather local and regional stakeholders from around the world for two days of discussion, debate and sharing of ideas on how to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Read the programme HERE.

Get insights on the SDGs at our Plenary sessions:
High-Level Panel Debate: Transforming Regions, Changing the World
Thursday, 28 October: 15:00-16:30 CET [Hemicycle Room]: This panel debate will discuss challenges that know no borders, and assess recommendations to increase multi-stakeholder involvement in the development of policy strategies related to the SDGs. President of United Cities and Local Governments and Mayor of Al Hoceima (Morocco), Mohamed Boudra, will join this debate.
Panel Discussion: The Way Forward — Achieving Sustainable and Resilient Regions in a Post-pandemic World
Friday, 29 October: 12:00-13:00 CET [Hemicycle Room]: AER President, Magnus Bertnsson, will lead a discussion on the state of play regarding implementation of the SDGs at local and regional level. The panel will assess the consequences and opportunities that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about, and set out ideas in order to achieve sustainable and resilient regions in a post-pandemic world. Leen Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga (PT) and Member of the European Committee of the Regions are among the speakers who will take part in the discussion.

Share ideas for transforming regions at our Workshops:
On Friday, 29 October, the AER and our global partners will host hybrid workshops on different themes related to the SDGs. You can find out more about them by clicking the links below, and indicate which workshop(s) you would like to join in person or online via by clicking the relevant button in the blue box above.
Please note that you can only register for two workshops. One taking place from 9:15-10:15, and one from 10:30-11:30. Zoom links will be provided closer to the date.
Peace: The Future Is Yours — Inclusive and Participatory Institutions for All
Organiser: AER Task Force on Democracy
9:15-10:15 CET: This workshop will focus on the critical role of democratic, inclusive governance in delivering the SDGs. Good practices will also be exchanged on how to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring the voices of the most marginalised and under-represented communities to policy decision-making, in order to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
Planet: Protecting Biodiversity, Achieving Sustainable Development
Co-organised by AER Task Force on Climate & Regions4
9:15-10:15 CET: This workshop will explore how local and regional governments can drive action to protect biodiversity, delivering on the SDGs and enabling a green and resilient recovery from the pandemic.
Partnership: How Can Regions Deliver on Voluntary Reviews?
Organiser: Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CoE)
9:15-10:15 CET: The objective of this workshop is to highlight the importance of regional and local input into national reviews, in the context of the overall need for greater regionalization of SDG implementation.
People: Hate speech — Towards a Comprehensive Approach
Co-organised by Intercultural Regions Network, Intercultural Cities Programme (CoE) and Includ-EU Project
10:30-11:30 CET: Includ-EU has partnered with the Intercultural Regions Network and the Council of Europe to shed light on the application of the intercultural integration concept at the regional level, focusing on one main topic, hate speech.
Prosperity: Leaving No Youth Behind — Building resilient, sustainable and prosperous cities and regions
Organiser: AER Summer Academy
10:30-11:30 CET: ‘Leaving No Youth Behind’ means that the green and ‘just’ transitions can only be achieved in full partnership with all members of society –regional and local authorities, civil society and young people– so that no one and no territory is left behind. This session will look into good practices of intergenerational governance facilitating youth leadership in the shift to a sustainable and prosperous path.

Getting to Strasbourg 🇫🇷
Those travelling to Strasbourg are invited to take a look at the Info Pack for information on travel, hotels and Study Visits HERE.
AER members are cordially invited to join the meeting of the General Assembly on 28 October. The agenda for the General Assembly will be available shortly.
It will be possible for those unable to travel to join these meetings remotely. Online-only registration will open closer to the date of the Conference. Registrations for all on-site events will close on 8 October.

Share your ideas for achieving Agenda 2030! 📩
Got a best-practice on one of the Sustainable Development Goals you want to share? Contact us with articles and videos from your region! We’ll give them pride of place on our Agenda 2030 Website and dedicated Twitter page — and don’t forget to follow. Find out all the ways you can get involved HERE.

COVID-19 Rules & Requirements 🔍📝

Please note that all attendees on-site must comply with COVID-19 rules and regulations in France. At the entrance, participants will present a valid health pass, alongside proof of identity (national ID, passport…). Failure to provide the aforementioned documents will prevent the attendees from entering the venue or participating in the events, with no liability to the AER, the Region of Grand Est or its partners.
The rules and regulations can be consulted in English on the French Government’s regularly updated website HERE. In line with these rules, attendees will be required to present an EU-valid COVID-19 pass that provides one of the following:

a completed vaccination certificate;
a negative PCR or antigen test no more than 48 hours old;
proof of recovery from COVID-19: a positive PCR or antigen test result taken at least 15 days prior to and not longer than six months before the Conference.

Attendees are obliged to abide by the sanitary rules and requirements at all times while in attendance on-site. The AER or Grand Est Region cannot be held responsible for any expenses incurred by persons denied entry or ejected for failure to produce valid COVID-19 documents and/or to adhere to sanitary rules.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Agenda 2030 Conference.

Skillman International Forum 2021 Webinar: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Education and Training
2021-11-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
As part of the Skillman International Forum 2021, the AER is delighted to bring you a webinar on fostering entrepreneurship in education and training.

Date: 16 November 2021
Time: 15:00-16:00 CET
Venue: Online

Skillman International Forum 2021
The Skillman International Forum 2021 is taking place from 15-18 November 2021 and plans to redefine the future of learning in the advanced manufacturing sector. This year the forum addresses three main topics: Digital and green revolution, Micro-credentials and Sharing is caring.
About the webinar
The global pandemic has left many freelancers and entrepreneurs without income for months, which imposes an incoming challenge to stimulating entrepreneurship.If we want Europe to continue to nurture talent, create great startups and compete on a global scale we need to teach entrepreneurship. This will require joint efforts from the public and private sectors, as well as regional, national governments and European Institutions.
In this webinar, we will have a glimpse of different actions needed at different levels to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial mindset and discuss local challenges for their implementation and replicability.
Moderated by Manos Andread (Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs).

For more information contact:
a.comacchio@aer.eu
projects@aer.eu

This webinar is organised as part of the SKILLMAN series of webinars on redefining the future of learning in the advanced manufacturing sector.
SKILLMAN is a partner of the SKILLNET project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission aiming to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s role and capacity to design high-quality VET programmes tailored to current societal needs through enhanced transnational and cross-sectoral partnerships.

Skillman International Forum Webinar: Capacity Building in Higher Education II- A European Strategy for Universities
2021-11-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
As part of the Skillman International Forum 2021, the AER is delighted to bring you a webinar on capacity building in higher education.

Date: 17 November 2021
Time: 14:00-15:30 CET
Venue: Online

Skillman International Forum 2021
The Skillman International Forum 2021 is taking place from 15-18 November 2021 and plans to redefine the future of learning in the advanced manufacturing sector. This year the forum addresses three main topics: Digital and green revolution, Micro-credentials and Sharing is caring.
About the webinar
How can the EU further support the higher education sector to contribute to the twin digital and green transitions?
The higher education sector is key for finding solutions towards a sustainable and more digital Europe, as well as for equipping students (and professors) with the competences that our fast-changing society and economy need.
The webinar will look at digital capacity building opportunities, ensuring it is reinforced and made more resilient, especially considering the COVID-19 impact on learning. Next to the digital aspect, we will also discuss green and sustainable capacity building solutions for higher education.
Moderated by Johanna Pacevicius, AER Policy & Knowledge Transfer Coordinator.

For more information contact:
a.comacchio@aer.eu
projects@aer.eu

This webinar is organised as part of the SKILLMAN series of webinars on redefining the future of learning in the advanced manufacturing sector.
SKILLMAN is a partner of the SKILLNET project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission aiming to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s role and capacity to design high-quality VET programmes tailored to current societal needs through enhanced transnational and cross-sectoral partnerships.

AERxDYPALL | CoE Study session - Climbing the ladder, capacitating youth leaders
2022-04-24 - 2022-04-27 | European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS), 30 Rue Pierre de Coubertin, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, Grand Est, 67000
The AER is partnering with the DYPALL Network and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe to host the study session Climbing the ladder – Capacitating youth leaders to facilitate youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level. This event will take place from 24 to 30 April 2022 in the European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS), France.

What are the objectives of the study session?
The study session will focus on two of the five strategic priorities of the Council of Europe youth sector: Revitalizing pluralistic democracy and Youth work. In addition, it aims to create and test a learning module based on non-formal education that includes vital skills (such as advocacy principles, outreach strategies, facilitation skills) to encourage youth leaders to take action at the local level and multiply their learnings and attitudes with their peers as well as map new forms of participation that emerged during the pandemic.

Who can participate?
25 youth leaders aged 18-30 years old, residing in one of the Council of Europe Member States, will be selected as beneficiaries of this CoE Study Session. The activity is targeting:

Current and Former Youth delegates to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities;
Youth leaders and young people with a strong interest in youth participation;
Young representatives of local and regional youth councils and similar participation structures;
Youth workers who are committed to empowering young people as key actors in decision-making processes.

N.b.: Previous experience in the youth sector, specifically related to youth participation in decision-making processes and youth work, is not necessary but is welcomed.
Youth delegates sponsored by an AER member region may be privileged to participate. Young candidates must indicate on the application form their connection with AER in the “Organisational information” or “anything you would like to add?” sections. Following the application deadline, those selected will receive a confirmation email and an invitation to attend the event.

Applications CLOSED!*

*The successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with the official invitation to participate in the CoE Study Session scheduled for 24-30 April 2022.
Practical information
Reasonable flight/trip expenses shall be reimbursed up to 350 Euros. Local transport from/to the venue, accommodation, meals, and visa costs are fully covered in exchange for a 50-Euro fee to be deducted from the reimbursements. Please, refer to the official call for participants for further details on reimbursements.
N.b.: Booking arrangements can only be done after receiving the email confirmation and invitation from the organisers.

Covid-19 related information
In view of the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection of the participants will be made to secure that the travel rules set in place by France and the health and sanitary measures of the Council of Europe are fully taken into account.

Contact
For any questions or inquiries regarding the event, please contact Andrés Muñoz (a.munoz@aer.eu).
You can also address your inquiries to Gianluca Rossino at gianluca.rossino@dypall.com

1st AER-ENoP Forum on New Forms of Democratic Engagement
2022-06-01 09:30 - 2022-06-02 16:45 | Comet Louise, Place Stéphanie 20, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Comet Louise, Place Stéphanie 20, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
How to actively involve citizens in policy development in order to regain political trust and add legitimacy to political decisions?
On 1-2 June 2022, in Comet Meeting-Louise, and Online, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) will co-organise a Forum dedicated primarily to innovative and more participatory forms of democratic engagement.
A new form of politics is gaining steam. Providing an alternative to traditional representative routes, citizen assemblies and other forms of deliberative democracy try to help governments through discussing and developing recommendations on needed steps to safeguard a healthy and stable world. Practical examples on direct involvement of citizens in democratic processes enable an open discussion on particular policy challenges and giving recommendations to elected governments. Involved citizens are randomly selected to reflect the demographic diversity of the population. The process is typically facilitated by an independent and apolitical organisation, which brings in experts across a wide range of disciplines, as well as competing interest groups and the voices of those personally affected by the issue in question. Building up on this, ENoP and AER are initiating a project that would capitalise on successful examples and good practices, while at the same time discussing the full potential and future of such direct involvement of citizens in democratic processes.
How the project is built?
The first part of the project consists of a 1.5-day forum where different examples and experiences of citizen assemblies from different country contexts are presented, aiming to:

Help the EU to formulate/design its deliberative policies/approaches in Europe and for its
international cooperation programmes;
Highlight the opportunities and challenges of direct involvement of citizens in democratic
processes, as well to allow for an exchange of lessons learned from different forms of deliberative
processes ;
Discuss the options of relationship between those assemblies and representative
bodies/governments and elaborate recommendations for different options of structured
engagement of citizens in policy making (based on the experiences from the case studies).

Following the forum, a series of studies will be compiled, based on the following criteria:

The good practice model has innovative elements
The good practice model has achieved and recorded concrete results
The achieved results are relevant to the people living in the region, municipality, commune
The good practice model is sustainable and replicable to other regions, municipalities, communes

Speakers Include

Marcin Gerwin, PhD, Center for Blue Democracy, Specialist in Deliberative Democracy and Sustainability
Toma Šutić, Member of the Cabinet of Dubravka Šuica, European Vice President for Democracy and Demography
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk, Poland
Mathilde Bouyé, Démocratie Ouverte & World Resources Institute – presenting the French Ctizens’ Convention on Climate
Prof. David Farrell, The Irish Citizens’ Assembly Project
Karl-Heinz Lambertz, Rapporteur of Congress of Local Regional Authorities, and President of German-speaking Community of Belgium
Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament; and Vice President for European Integration & Wider Europe, Assembly of European Regions

More speakers are to be confirmed so stay tune!

Check out the Programme HERE
Interested in attending?

Contacts:
Anna Comacchio, Project and Policy Officer, a.comacchio@aer.eu
Gisela Guari Cañada, Institutional Relations & Advocacy Officer, g.guari@aer.eu

European Week of Regions and Cities 2022 - Regions4Youth: Strengthening Cohesion Through Youth Empowerment ONLINE WORKSHOP
2022-10-11 09:30 - 11:00
How can youth development contribute to achieving territorial, economic and social cohesion?
Empowering our next generation empowers all of us.
Territorial, economic and social cohesion cannot be achieved without providing younger generations with opportunities to thrive and without including them in decision–making processes. The COVID–19 pandemic has put a heavy burden of both sacrifice and uncertainty over young generations. It is today crucial for policymakers to place future generations at the core of policies and to foresee how empowering our young people from a civic, social and economic perspective can be a catalyst for recovery and real cohesion across Europe.
The year of youth
The European Year of Youth provides a unique opportunity for European regions to identify ways of better supporting youth participation and autonomy. Young generations often have a strong sense of territorial development, and roots, not to add sustainability and protection. In parallel, they are keen on embracing innovation and modernity for growth and the bettering of society. It is therefore fundamental to better link youth and cohesion policy; their mutually reinforcing potential can only benefit to EU’s cohesion objectives as well as regional and territorial prosperity. Through our EU funded projects, youth exchange programme and political work, the AER has worked tirelessly to create avenues for civic participation of young people, and empower them at local and regional level.
Why?
The purpose of this high–level workshop is bring together policymakers, civil society and most importantly young people to demonstrate how promoting youth development in our regions can drive territorial, economic and social cohesion. Equally important, to explore how best practices from AER regions can be scaled–up across Europe.
Who?
This panel will engage AER members both online; putting young people from civil society in the driving seat of discussions with regional policymakers from our network. We will use interactive tools like Sli.do and a “reverse Q and A” with our on–site AER regional politicians to ensure a lively conversation with youth voices, concerns and priorities front and centre.

REGISTER NOW: Regional Business Forum 2022
2022-11-15 - 2022-11-30 | Novi Sad/online, Serbia
It is our pleasure to invite you to the fifth edition of the Regional Business Forum (RBF), taking place as a hybrid event. You are most welcome to join us online and in Novi Sad, Vojvodina from 15-30th November, 2022.
The Regional Business Forum is an annual international forum to exchange ideas on support for SMEs, promote business and commerce, incentive the possibility to collaborate and share best practices between regions.

This worldwide event provides additional support to companies to find international partners. The participants will be offered a chance to have B2B meetings with companies and institutions participating in the Forum, according to their own needs and based on the information on registered participants.
You can access the platform for organisation of “one-on-one” meetings by clicking the following link: https://rbf2022.b2match.io/ which provides the opportunity to promote business cooperation between regions.
The sectors which will be presented are as follows:

Information and communication technologies and the creative industry
Circular Economy
Green Agenda
Agriculture and food processing industry

The invitation is addressed, in particular, to regional chambers of commerce, regional development agencies and institutions supporting SMEs development.
We therefore invite you to register as soon as possible. You can find the official invitation for AER members HERE.
For further information, please consult the RBF website. Should you have any questions, please email rbf@vojvodina.gov.rs or call +381 21 487 4431.

PEACE 25: Everyday Peacemakers Conference
2023-06-09 08:00 - 18:00 | Irish College Leuven, Janseniusstraat 1, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
To mark the 25th anniversary year of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) invites you to join its PEACE 25: Everyday Peacemakers High-Level Conference in Leuven, Belgium on the 9th of June.
Organised in partnership with the International Fund for Ireland and hosted by the Irish College Leuven, the Conference will focus on community-based Peace and Reconciliation initiatives in Ireland and across Europe.
We are delighted to announce that European Commissioner and former Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness, will open the Conference on 9 June.
The AER invites its members and partners to join seminars with leading experts and practitioners on the following themes:

Support for Peace and Reconciliation initiatives;
Women’s leadership in peace-building;
Cultural and community-based initiatives for reconciliation.

If interested in attending the event please RSVP to reception@irishcollegeleuven.eu.
VIEW THE PROGRAMME BELOW:
PEACE25 Programme

AER Delegation to the Europa Forum Wachau (21-24 June 2023) - Call for participants (closed)
2023-06-21 14:30 - 2023-06-24 14:00
APPLY HERE
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is a partner of the Europa Forum Wachau, which will take place from the 21st to the 24th of June 2023, in Göttweig Abbey (Stift Göttweig), Lower Austria.
The Europa Forum Wachau was established in 1995, following Austria’s accession to the European Union. It is a yearly high-level discussion forum, addressing current European challenges in various Salons and Plenary Sessions. The Forum values the input and participation from young European citizens in the different sessions, and includes a Youth Event. The Europa Forum Wachau is a unique opportunity to foster exchanges and intergenerational dialogue between European citizens, and to reinforce the sense of European belonging. The event gathers elected representatives (heads of government, ministers, EU Commissioners…), but also business, cultural and media representatives, as well as (young) European citizens and representatives from the civil society.
As partners of the event, the AER is assembling a delegation of 6 young participants, to take part in all activities of the Forum (including its Youth Event), and represent the AER and its Youth Regional Network (YRN). One of the young participants should be an elected political representative at local or regional level.
Eligibility of the participants

Participants must travel from France. They don’t need to be French citizens or residents, but they must travel from France;
Aged between 18 and 30 years old;
Priority will be given to applicants based in one of the AER member regions in France (Grand Est and Corsica);
Priority will be given to applicants belonging to a youth council or a youth organisation in Grand Est or Corsica, and willing to join the AER’s Youth Regional Network.
We will also consider applications from other regions, but priority is given to our members.

Practical information & Travel Reimbursement rules

Arrival day & Welcome event: 21st of June. Transfer by bus from the Vienna Central Station to Stift Göttweig will be organised and covered by the organisers (departure at 14.30 from the station).
End of the event & Departure day: 24th of June. Transfer by bus from Stift Göttweig to the Vienna Central Station and then to Vienna International Airport will be organised and covered by the organisers (departure at 14.30 from Stift Göttweig, estimated arrival at the airport 16.30).
Accommodation and meals are covered by the organisers;
The accommodation will be at the Jugendquartier Stift Göttweig;
Travel reimbursement up to 275€ per participant after the event, upon presentation of all supportive documents (original boarding passes / train tickets / bus tickets and invoices / receipts). Detailed information will be sent by the AER Group Leader to all selected participants.
Participants can arrive a day before (20th of June) in Vienna if they wish to visit the city and/or if more convenient with their transport options, but they will have to cover their meals and accommodation themselves for this day / night.

Deadline to apply
Please send your application by filling in this Application Form, no later than 20/04/2023.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Group leader & Contact person
Please contact Lorène Weber (l.weber@aer.eu), Programmes Coordinator at the AER Secretariat, for any question you may have.
APPLY HERE

PROGRAMME HERE

MEET Project | Debate "Net Zero: a Green Deal or a Green Dream?"
2024-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Rue André Fauchille 6, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
Join us on the 26th of March from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in Brussels for the debate: “Net Zero: a Green Deal or a Green Dream?“.
The AER and the European Leadership Programme are excited to introduce you to Mr. Gaël Giraud, economist, Director of Research at the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), professor at the French École nationale des Ponts et Chaussées and author. He directs the Environmental Justice Program at Georgetown University (USA), and his research work focuses on the interaction between economics and ecology.
Do not miss the unique opportunity to engage in a debate accounting for the challenges represented by the green transition and our economic model.
Register here for this event, and be quick, the capacity is limited only to 20 people!
About the MEET Project
With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.
MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.
Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!
The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.
About the European Leadership Programme (ELP)
The European Leadership Programme is a five month long formation where the Fellows receive leadership training and support in their vocation discernment during their time in Brussels. The Fellows live and work in the heart of Europe, they help marginalised communities, receive coaching and professional mentoring. Check here for more information.

Partner Leadership Programme: 'Dúiche' - Capitalising on Culture, Competing on Difference—Why and How Place Matters?
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-18 | Irish College Leuven, Janseniusstraat 1, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
What is “Dúiche”?
This Workshop is named Dúiche from the Irish word for native place, derived from the root ‘dú’, meaning earth or land. Dúiche emphasises a sense of belonging, identity and responsibility, and stresses the interconnectedness of place, people, culture, language and the ecological balance between human and non-humans.
This Workshop at Irish College Leuven (BE) is designed to inspire, and stimulate the development of internationally- competitive European enterprises rooted in unique places through the creation of ‘real value’. It is not a business or entrepreneurship ‘bootcamp’. Rather, it is an integrated mix of reflective lectures, discussions, study visits, guest speakers and hands-on case studies, all designed to foster sustainable and innovative enterprises, especially in marginal regions throughout Europe.
Background
At a time when national economies and societies are increasingly questioning the impact of
the homogenising forces of globalisation and the relative risks and rewards of complex
global supply chains, the ‘local’ matters more than ever. If anything, the consequences of
the pandemic have only heightened interest in ‘place-based’ enterprises.
Throughout Europe, indigenous enterprises, especially those characterised by a commitment to authenticity and possessed of an ecologically and socially sustainable mind- set, offer a critical counterbalance to rootless multinationals. Sense of place, distinctiveness, identity, the arts, character, culture and commerce are inextricably linked in ways that extend well beyond the ‘cultural industries.’
In today’s experience economy, meaning, tradition, authenticity, culture, language, and sense of place are often key elements in attaining a competitive advantage by ‘scaling deeper’ – that is, rooting sustained competitive advantage in distinctive and authentic (including intangible) local resources.
Distinctive cultural and natural resources stimulate imagination, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting shared value creation, global citizenship, ecological integrity and community regeneration.
Major Themes & Who Should Attend
Some of the topics covered in the Workshop include:
– Authenticity and Tradition
– Place, Sense of Place and Rootedness
– Real Value, Meaning and Purpose
– Place-Based Enterprises and Transformative Experiences
– Community Development and Cooperative Enterprises
– Competitive Advantage of Distinctive Local Resources
– Scaling Deeper
The workshop is ideal for:
Executives in development agencies and community development practitioners,
public officials and policy makers engaged in supporting economic, social, and
cultural development, and supporting SMEs, especially those located in marginal
regions throughout the EU.
Entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs and business owners,
especially those who might benefit from understanding more about place-based and
sustainable ventures in sectors such as food, tourism, crafts, renewables, the
creative economy, the green economy, marine resources and the digital economy.
Cost of Workshop
The cost of the workshop is EUR 1,750. You can purchase a ticket directly HERE. For any questions, please contact reception@irishcollegeleuven.eu
View the Brochure!
Dúiche Brochure

Ukraine Focus Group @ 2024 Smart City World Expo Congress
2024-11-07 10:00 - 13:30
The Ukraine Facility is the European Union’s main investment instrument for Ukraine up to 2027, worth EUR 50 billion. A key aim is to foster partnerships between Ukrainian and European businesses. It is therefore of critical strategic importance that companies in Ukraine and AER’s membership can make the best of the opportunities available under the Ukraine Investment Framework; to learn precisely how they can avail of these instruments to drive Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.
At the same time, Ukrainian and international enterprises, regions and other stakeholders need opportunities to come together; to foster partnerships, unlock investments and build new trade relationships that will drive Ukraine’s economic recovery. Equally, in the spirit of the Marshall Plan, we must leverage the power of the transatlantic relationship; working with US partners to deliver on an ambitious, smart agenda for reconstruction and recovery.
Hosted by AER President, Albert Castellanos Maduell and ACCIÓ Trade and Investment as part of the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress, the purpose of this high-level meeting of the Ukraine Focus Group is to:

Bring together Ukrainian, European and international representatives to set out major initiatives of support from Europe and the United States;
provide an opportunity for companies interested in investing in Ukraine and from Ukraine to meet implementing institutional partners, notably the European Investment Bank (EIB).
bring enterprises together in a tailored matchmaking session to network to build partnerships, and;
highlight the transatlantic opportunities and networks open to Ukrainian stakeholders, and the importance of transatlantic cooperation in driving a smart, sustainable reconstruction.

Speakers

Cristina Serradell Quincannon (moderator), Director, International Trade Unit at ACCIÓ Trade & Investment

Serhii Pohoreltsev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Spain

Albert Castellanos Maduell, President, Assembly of European Regions (AER)

Manuel Szapiro, Director, European Commission Representation in Barcelona

Fernando Torija, Head of European Investment Bank Group Office in Spain

Paul Costello, Senior Programme Manager, GMF Cities, German Marshall Fund of the United States

Member Event - World Sustainable Energy Days | Wels, Upper Austria - 24-27 February 2026
2026-02-24 - 2026-02-27 | Wels, Pollheimerstrasse 1, Wels, Wels, A-4600, Austria
Energy transition and energy independence at the World Sustainable Energy Days 2026
Energy transition leads to energy independence. This is the core motto of the World Sustainable Energy Days, taking place from 24 to 27 February 2026, in Wels, Upper Austria, an AER member and leader in the climate transition. In recent years, Upper Austria has reduced gas emissions by 42% and ensures that 72% of indoor heating and 33% of primary energy comes from renewables.
The World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED) is a high-level international conference that presents policies, technologies and business models which increase competitiveness and energy affordability. Every year, WSED welcomes over 650 participants from more than 60 countries.
Event highlights

6 thematic conferences (European Pellet Conference, Energy Efficiency Conference, Energy Efficiency Policy Conference, Energy Communities, Industrial Energy Transition Conference, Smart E-Mobility Conference)
Young Energy Researchers conference
80+ renowned speakers on market trends, policies, technologies and innovation
20+ hours of networking
Poster Presentations

Audience
The audience includes representatives from the entire value chain of energy transition, including:

stakeholders from the private sector, such as energy companies and technology and equipment companies, service providers, planners, developers, and the financing community
representatives from the energy transition research community
representatives of the EU, national, regional and local levels

Registration & Information
