Assembly of European Regions

Urban Responses To Refugees: The Case of Gaziantep
2018-01-25 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | Brussels, Belgium
This event is part of Friends of Europe’s Migration Action initiative, which examines the imperative of migration in the context of economic sustainability and demographics, as well as its impact on public services, communities and security. Friends of Europe’s approach is based on seeing migration and integration as assets rather than as threats. Changing the current narrative surrounding migration, by emphasising the positive over the negative and presenting citizens with a realistic picture of migration, is one of their key aims. Involving cities and municipalities, private foundations, national governments, international institutions and more, is key to ensuring a more horizontal and holistic approach.
Refugee flows, while not new, have sent many systems into shock over the last several years, creating tensions between states and their international obligations, as well as between national and local governments. Indeed, while cities are often able to demonstrate resilience on the surface, issues of finance, governance, integration and urban planning are all linked to local systems which are being tested in ways for which they were not designed. The Turkish city of Gaziantep, lying less than 100 km north of Aleppo, is one such place. Despite the challenges of hosting such a large population of newcomers – of the 600,000 Syrians in Gaziantep, only 40,000 live in refugee camps – local authorities have successfully employed innovative solutions in response, including the creation of Turkey’s first municipal migration affairs unit in 2016. Sitting close to the source of so much human mobility, what lessons can be learned from Gaziantep’s experiences?

What are the conditions that lead certain cities to effectively respond to an influx of refugees, while others fall into seeming chaos?
How have Turkish municipalities like Gaziantep improved their ability to host and support large numbers of refugees, and what challenges have they faced along the way?
What should the Turkish national government and the European Union do to ease pressures at the local level?
What role has the private sector played in supporting refugees in Gaziantep and throughout Turkey?

Speakers include
Hande Bozatlı, Honorary President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)
Kati Piri, Member of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)
Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep, Turkey
Moderated by
Dharmendra Kanani, Director of Strategy at Friends of Europe
Registration

Amanda Rohde, Programme Executive
Tel.: +32 2 893 98 11
Email: amanda.rohde@friendsofeurope.org

World Sustainable Energy Days 2018
2018-02-28 08:00 - 2018-03-02 17:00
Once a year AER member region Upper Austria becomes the world capital of sustainable energy. AER is a longtime partner to this event which focuses on clean energy and energy efficiency.
Clean energy in practice
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are key to boost the economic competitiveness of the EU, its member states, regions and individual businesses. Resulting economic growth provides jobs and the ability to invest in the further progress of the clean energy transition to the benefit of all citizens. Clean energy for economic competitiveness and how to make the clean energy transition work for business, planet and people will therefore be core themes of the World
Sustainable Energy Days 2018.
The event will feature policies, technology innovation and market development. It offers a unique combination of conferences and interactive events.
The annual conference brings together more than 700 delegates from over 50 countries from business, public sector and the research community.
An AER political delegation will attend the event as decided on the occasion of the Committee 1 Plenary meeting in London (see AER Action Plan). Politicians of AER member regions, who would like to represent AER at this event can contact the AER Coordinator for Policy and Knowledge exchange Johanna Pacevicius .
Call for contributions: Young Researchers
The World Sustainable Energy Days are organising a Young Energy Researchers Conference and Young Energy Researchers Award. Dedicated to the next generation of professionals and experts, two conference tracks present the work and achievements of young researchers in the fields of biomass and energy efficiency. As a region, you want to make sure young researchers in your region get visibility and recognition. This is their opportunity to shine!

Call for papers – deadline: 10 October 2017
Young researchers (born after 1982) are invited to submit contributions by 10 October 2017 at www.wsed.at/call. Submissions are welcome from all scientific fields. A high-level scientific committee selects papers for oral and poster presentation. Visit our website for detailed information.
Awards “Best Young Energy Efficiency Researcher ” and “Best Young Biomass Researcher”
The best contributions will be honoured with the awards “Best Young Biomass Researcher” and “Best Young Energy Efficiency Researcher”. The researchers will each receive 1,000 Euro as prize money. The winners will be selected from the oral presenters.

The organiser covers the costs of accommodation, meals, participation and local transport for up to 60 selected young researchers. Further information: www.young-researchers.eu
Here you can read about Upper Austria’s achievements in the energy transition
Programme

Direct links
Detailed programme of events
Registrations & Information
Travel and accommodation

YRN General Assembly and Spring Plenary meeting 2018
2018-03-15 - 2018-03-18
Register Here
The Youth Regional Network’s General Assembly and Spring Plenary Meeting will take place in Bodø, Nordland (NO) from 15-18 March 2018.
Deadline for registration: 1 March 2018
Please find the programme below:

Minutes & Presentations
Minutes of the 2018 YRN GA & Plenary Meetings
“How’s your friend feeling?” (County Council of Värmland)
Workshop: SDG-4 Quality Education (Gloria Vitaly, YRN)
YRN Presidium Report 2017-2018
Documents and information
Registration Link
Practical Information
Programme
Invitation Letter
Detailed Agenda + Working Documents
2017 Annual Report – YRN Presidium

AER Spring Committees Plenaries
2018-03-20 - 2018-03-22 | Arad City Hall, Bulevardul Revoluției 75, Arad, Arad, 310130, Romania
The spring plenaries of the three AER committees took place in Arad (Romania), from 20 till 22 (am) March 2018.
Registration closed
An innovation ecosystem brings together diverse actors which work for technology development and innovation. This includes policy makers, economic development agencies and chambers of commerce, universities, research institutes, colleges of engineering, business schools, companies, funding agencies, venture capitalists etc.
Across wider Europe, regions engage in multilevel cooperation to support the development of such innovation ecosystems either within their own territory, or in collaboration with neighbouring regions and cities, in national and cross-border frameworks. Regional policymakers will share experiences on what makes an innovation ecosystem and what makes it thrive. How to best organise multilevel cooperation for this? Participants will exchange about common barriers and enablers and identify useful recommendations to improve policies and practices.
A major milestone at the Spring plenaries will be the development of the Committees’ work programmes: all regions are invited to share initiatives they would like to develop within the network, with the AER priority “A democratic, cooperative, inclusive and sustainable Europe of Regions”. The plenaries are the perfect place to find partners for the implementation and develop new collaborations and projects*.
*Not sure who was who at the plenaries? Ask the Secretariat for an introduction!
See what happened during the event
AER in Arad, Romania for Spring Committee Plenaries

Applications for elections in AER Committees
Other Information
Practical Information
Programme
Invitation Letter
Working Documents
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Study visit on the energy transition
2018-04-17 - 2018-04-19
On the occasion of the London Committee 1 plenary meeting, members agreed to organise a study visit on the energy transition in Gelderland (NL) to share and learn from each other’s experiences.
The Province of Gelderland invites all AER members to take part in a study-visit to get to know this unique multi-stakeholder collaboration for an energy-neutral Province.
See the programme here
Registration Closed
Deadline (30 March)
Study visit
The main focus of the study visit, which will be organised in cooperation with other interregional networks, will be the bottom-up approach for the energy transition, which was implemented in the region. This multi-stakeholder cooperation was materialised by the Gelders’ Energy agreement (GEA). The shared goal is to make the province energy-neutral by 2050. Local and regional industries, governments and NGOs’ in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands, have pledged for the province to become energy-neutral by 2050. It facilitates a co-creative process where initiatives, actors, and energy are integrated into society.
To this aim local and regional industries, governments and NGOs’ in the province of Gelderland have set ambitious goals for themselves. The energy agreement facilitates a co-creative process where initiatives, actors, and energy are integrated into society.
Good practice sharing:
Participants will share good practice and experience, they will in particular:

observe GEA’s working process
meet with GEA’s regional partners
carry out visits to observe regional results
participate in a serious game on energy and the diverging interests of stakeholders to exchange about challenges.

Who can participate?

Regions
Regional businesses
Knowledge institutes

Study visit presentations
CleantechRegion.ppt
CoopWindpowerNijmegen.pdf
NijmegenGreenCapital.pptx
TinyHouseMinistekCleantech.pdf
Practical Information
Hotels in Arnhem

Hotel Harrhuis
Holiday Inn Express
Rijnhotel
Hotel Arnhem Central
Hotel Molendal
Design Hotel

Transport from Schipol

The train to Arnhem city is under the hall of the airport shops
From the airport the train goes every 30 minutes from 06:58 to 20:58. After 20:58 it goes every 30 minutes with a switch to Utrecht

Transport from Düsseldorf

For transport from Düsseldorf please consult the onlytrain website.

Related Articles
Study visit on the Energy transition: you’re invited!

Eurodyssey Events & Forum 2018
2018-04-18 12:00 - 2018-04-20 16:00
Following the successful Eurodyssey Forum 2017 in Sibenik, this time we propose a new format to Eurodyssey members in order for them to make the most of the Forum as well as to interact with various stakeholders in the field of youth mobility. Eurodyssey members are invited to participate in every session programmed from the 18th to 20th of April.
Their role on the 18th of April (“Discover Eurodyssey” event) will be central to provide information to young job-seekers interested in joining the Eurodyssey network. Additionally, Eurodyssey regions may be asked for contributions and inputs on 19th morning to feed into the proposed panel discussions. On the 19th afternoon, the General Assembly will take place at the premises of Actiris to discuss the state of the play of the programme as well the annual calendar.
But there will be also some room for leisure! Following the General Assembly, Brussels International is organising a cultural event either on the theme of chocolate or beers (according to members’ preferences expressed in the registrations forms) which are indeed the two main local attractions of the city of Brussels.
On the last day (20th of April), Eurodyssey correspondents are invited for a working session dedicated to discuss the operational implementation of the programme by exchanging good practices, showcasing lessons learnt, brainstorming on the promotional strategy of the programme as well as discussing the mentoring technicalities for new members joining the network.
Do not miss out on the chance to join us for this year’s edition by filling in the “Registration form for Eurodyssey members” (closed)!
Brussels Capital-Region will be hosting this event (Brussels International and Actiris).

Check out the detailed programme!

Are you a Eurodyssey member?
Register below and find out more about the event by contacting Olga Conde Martin from the AER Secretariat.
Registration for Eurodyssey Members (CLOSED)

You’re not a member of Eurodyssey?
Visit this article, to find out more about how you can make the most of the Eurodyssey events. Already convinced? then please follow the non-member registration link below!
Registration for non-Eurodyssey Members (CLOSED)

Look out! Come and discover Eurodyssey at the Brussels Event! (Registrations closed)

Useful information:
Practical Information
Detailed programme
Invitation letter
Eurodyssey Events’ presentations
Laurence Hermand, Wallonia, European project AKI
Emilio Terrado, Valencia, “The European Social Fund (ESF)”
Clothilde Dorieux, Actiris, “Funding support for professional mobility in Europe”
Andrés Muñoz (AER), “Five steps towards becoming a Eurodyssey member”
Laurence Hermand, Wallonia, Arlette Bronne, Brussels-Capital Region, “Eurodyssey Pilot Actions”

Eurodyssey Forum’s presentations and documents
2018 Eurodyssey Forum Report
2017 Eurodyssey Statistics Report
AKI project, Wallonia, “Assessment of transversal competencies” document
2018 Eurodyssey Hosting Calendar
Eurodyssey age range limit of trainees by region
Olga Conde (AER), “2017 Eurodyssey Statistics” presentation
Agneta Kardos, Timis (RO), “Eurodyssey 2017 report from the Secretariat” presentation
Freddie Martyn (AER), “Re-branded Eurodyssey website” presentation
Laura Pitteri, Trentino’s Presentation
Anna Ascani, Umbria’s Presentation

Videos
Brussels-Capital Region, Eurodyssey promo-video
Istria, Croatia, “20 years of Eurodyssey”

Pictures
Pictures by Brussels-Capital Region

Contact:
Andrés Muñoz Rojo
Phone: +32 2 400 10 54
E-mail: a.munoz(at)aer.eu
Skype ID: am-rojillo
Languages: en, fr, es
Articles by Andres

Programmes
Eurodyssey
YRN
Summer Academy

Silver Economy Awards Ceremony
2018-05-03 13:00 - 19:30 | Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard, Brussels, Belgium
The First European Silver Economy Awards Ceremony will take place on 3rd May 2018 (14:00-19:30) in Brussels, hosted by the Committee of the Regions.
The Awards Ceremony will be the opportunity to learn more about the nine finalists who will present their solutions and to award the three winning applications from the categories: public authorities, non-for profit organisations and for profit stakeholders.
It will be a perfect event to enhance networking among the different actors of the Silver Economy at EU level and to provide matchmaking opportunities.
Powered by the EU-funded SEED project, the European Silver Economy Awards aim to celebrate innovative ICT related products or services, in all sectors that help to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. It is essential to raise awareness of and strengthen the European Silver Economy.
You can download the draft agenda here
Find out more on the Silver Economy Awards Website.

AER Bureau Meeting & General Assembly
2018-05-23 - 2018-05-24 | Oppland, Norway
The 2018 Spring Bureau Meeting and General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions took place in Oppland (NO), from 23 to 24 May 2018.
What happened?
Highlights from the AER General Assembly and Bureau Meeting!

Detailed agenda
Detailed Agenda of the General Assembly
Detailed Agenda of the Bureau Meeting
Call for nomination
The minutes of last year’s General Assembly in Lower Austria (AT) can be found here.
Direct Links

Participants list
Practical Information
Invitation Letter
Draft Programme
Working Documents
Detailed Agenda of the General Assembly
Detailed Agenda of the Bureau Meeting

Mobility Scouts - European Final Event
2018-06-05 13:30 - 17:30 | Committee of the Regions, Rue Belliard, Brussels, Belgium
Aim of the event
Accessible and available services and environments are obviously major prerequisites for participation. Older people as experts of their own life know best how services and public spaces should be designed and organised to meet their needs.
The Mobility Scouts Erasmus+ project (www.mobility-scouts.eu) supports older men and women to contribute to the creation of age-friendly environments and services.
The European final event will be the opportunity to:

get to know good examples of age-friendly communities in Europe
discuss whether professionals are prepared to co-create age-friendly Communities
exchange experiences about the training of Mobility Scouts in five European countries (Austria, Germany, Lithuania, Italy and the Netherlands)
network with experts in the field

Find out more and register here.

EU Funding Seminar for our Croatian Regions
2018-06-06 | Varaždin County Palace, Franjevački trg 7, Varaždin, Varaždin, 42000, Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
AER organised an event on EU Funding hosted by our member region Varazdin in June 2018. The seminar focused on EU funded projects and how AER can help Croatian regions to take an active part of them.

See some photo highlights here.
Programme

Contact

Elin Berglie
Tel: +32 2 400 10 22
E-mail: e.berglie(at)aer.eu
Skype ID: eberglie
Languages: se, en, fr, pt
Articles by Elin

Single point of contact for regions
Induction for new members
Members’ happiness

Photo credit: Sobrecroacia.com on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

Funding Seminar for our Albanian regions
2018-06-21 10:00 - 14:00
AER will be organising an event on Funding opportunities hosted by our member region Korça in Albania in June 2018. The seminar will be focusing on EU funded projects and how AER can help Albanian regions to take an active part of them.
Programme

Register here

Contact

Elin Berglie
Tel: +32 2 400 10 22
E-mail: e.berglie(at)aer.eu
Skype ID: eberglie
Languages: se, en, fr, pt
Articles by Elin

Single point of contact for regions
Induction for new members
Members’ happiness

Photo credit: Timon91 on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

2018 AER Summer Academy in Maramures
2018-08-06 00:00 - 2018-08-10 00:00
REGISTER HERE (CLOSED!)

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Deadline for payment and registration: 31 July 2018

The 2018 AER Summer Academy will be held in Maramures, Romania from August 6th-10th, with an optional programme on the 11th. This year’s theme is Cultural Heritage for Regional Attractiveness, which coincides with the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
As a distinctive mark of each region, cultural heritage is a central part of every society. It is visible in architectural, natural, industrial and urban wonders. Experienced in the traditions passed on to each generation, cultural heritage is also a critical component of regional development. Delegates will share experiences about how cultural heritage contributes to the vitality and intrinsic value of their region. Through interactive workshops attendees will explore what cultural heritage means for regional policy makers and how it can contribute to the attractiveness of regions as places for people to work, live, and travel in.
General Programme

REGISTER HERE (CLOSED!)
Useful documents:
Practical Information
Detailed Programme
Registration form
Presentations
Plenary Sessions

Virgil Ș. Nițulescu, Ministry of Culture and National Identity (RO)
Steliana Cojocariu, Ministry of Tourism (RO)
Ramona Culda, National Board of Employers and SMEs (RO)
Ion Georgescu, The Paper Mill Association (Moara de hârtie) (RO)
Bert Ludwig, Director of European Heritage Volunteers
Anamaria Diaconu, National Institute for Cultural Research and Training (RO)
Peter Hurley, Founder of Intercultural Traditions Association (Marmures, RO)
Dan Carpov, Head of Tourism Information Office (Maramures, RO)

Workshops

‘Preserving the old while embracing the new’ (YRN)
‘A heritage restored: Maramures heritage projects’ – Mihaela Lite (Maramures, RO)
‘A heritage restored: Maramures heritage projects’ – Claudia Breban (Maramures, RO)
‘Celebrating the Heritage of Astrid Lindgren’(Jönköping, SE)
‘How regions can develop city-marketing tools through street art’ (Brussels Capital Region, BE)
‘Communicating the essence of a heritage site’ (Gävleborg, SE)
‘Turning cultural heritage into jobs’ (Flevoland, NL)
‘New heritage through the Norwegian Youth Festivals of Art’ (Østfold, NO)

Videos

Official Video of the 2018 AER Summer Academy in Maramures!

Welcome words by Magnus Berntsson, President of AER
Welcome words by Gloria Vitaly, President of YRN
‘Your Country, Your Tradition’ – Romanian World Heritage (by UNESCO)
‘The Carpathian Region as an attractive tourist destination – Maramures Region’ (by Carat)
Maramures Region – Hyperlapse Video
Daniel Les, famous potter from Maramures (by Fascinatia Mestesugului)

Pictures
Just click here to download all the pictures by Maramures County Council !
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Join the AER 2018 Summer Academy group on Facebook to get the latest
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Help us to spread our Facebook event!
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An unforgettable Summer Academy in Maramures

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New cultural heritage through the Norwegian Youth Festivals of Art (UKM)

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Black Sea Summit
2018-09-05 - 2018-09-06
AER is organizing the 7th edition of its Black Sea Summit on 5-6 September 2018 in Odessa (UA).
In partnership with the German Marshall Fund and hosted by the region of Odessa, the Summit will tackle the synergies between the Black Sea and the Danube area.
The event will be the occasion to present the opportunities this region offers for peace and prosperity in Europe.
With a distinguished list of speakers and participants, we hope you will (re)-discover the wealth this part of the world has to offer.
AER is also proud to present the role interregional diplomacy plays in Europe to a wider audience gathered by its partner, the German Marshall Fund.
We look forward to seeing you in Odessa!
Programme

Practical Information

Register here

AER Autumn Committee Plenaries
2018-09-25 - 2018-09-27 | Assembly of AP Vojvodina, Vladike Platona bb, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, 21000, Serbia
The 2018 Autumn Committee Plenaries will be hosted by the region of Vojvodina in Serbia.
Open Data will be in the spotlight during the Cocktail Debate. AER members will discuss how opening public data supports the emergence of startups in regions. The panel will bring together speakers from startups, regional policymakers, experts on design and data to discuss why, how and for what regions should open their data and look at challenges and opportunities.
Everyday, public institutions collect and generate enormous quantities of data. This data can be re-used to create or improve services both private and public. By opening public data, regions can boost innovation, transparency and efficiency. However this raises a number of challenges concerning the usability and acessibility of data. Moreover, organisations which open up to the public change the way they work with the public and how they engage with citizens. Open Data is therefore fundamentally linked with governance.
Other topics adressed during the series of events organised in Vojvodina include

The sharing economy: at the plenary meeting of the AER Committee 1 on Economy & Regional Development
Social entrepreneurship: at the plenary meeting of the AER Committee 2 on Social Policy & Public Health
Civil servants’ exchange programme: at the plenary meeting of the AER Committee 3 on Culture, Education and Youth
Using the Sustainable Development Goals as a policy framework: at the meeting of the Committee 1 Working Group on Energy & Climate Change
Sustainable urban mobility: at the meeting of the Committee 1 Working Group on Transports and Mobility
Welcoming unaccompanied migrant children: at the Breakfast Debate organised by Committee 2
Waste management in rural areas: at the meeting of the Committee 1 Working Group on Rural Development

You will find the detailed programme here.

Registration
The 2018 Autumn Committee Plenaries will be hosted by the region of Vojvodina in Serbia.
The deadline to register is the 15th of September
Should you need an official invitation letter please do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat.
This Autumn’s plenaries will happen in parallel to the Regional Business Forum. Find out more about it here!

We look forward to welcoming you to Vojvodina.
Registration
Direct Links
Registration
Practical Information
Invitation
Detailed programme
Minutes of the 2018 Spring Plenaries in Arad
Working documents: minutes, detailed programme & progress reports
Contact person

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Cohesion for Enlargement: Thriving in a stronger union
2018-10-11 14:30 - 16:00 | Square – Brussels Convention Centre, Mont des Arts/Kunstberg B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
The European Week of Regions and Cities 2018 is taking place 8-11 October in Brussels, and AER will be hosting a workshop on Cohesion for Enlargement: Thriving in a stronger Union.
The event will be held on 11 October from 14:30-16:00 at Square – Brussels Convention Centre.
In the context of evolving debates and negotiations on the new EU budget and future cohesion policy post-2020, and the EU’s renewed commitment to the Western Balkans, this workshop will look at the role cohesion policy plays in strengthening the enlargement process in the region. Has cohesion policy helped bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU? Does the proposed cohesion policy framework preserve its relevance as a cornerstone in the EU-Western Balkans partnership? Is the proposed reform fit for a stronger and enlarged Union? These are some of the questions to be explored in this workshop debate.
Registration is now closed
If you have any questions please contact:
Vania Freitas
v.freitas@aer.eu

SCEWC: Food, Sustainability and Governance in the Digital Age
2018-11-14 09:30 - 10:30 | Gran Via Venue, Hall 1 and 2, Barcelona, Spain
As announced at the Vojvodina Committee 1 plenary meeting, AER is organising a side event on Wednesday 14 November on Food, Sustainability and Governance in the Digital Age in the context of the Smart City Expo World Congress.
This event will look at food from different perspectives to support sustainable regional development. The objective is to share experiences, discover stories and to identify fields for action which can start now.
Smart City Expo World Congress will be an ideal place to address the many modern aspects of food and policy making, as these are at the crossroad of innovation, sustainability, wellbeing, health and territorial cohesion.
Registration
Regional stakeholders interested in attending this side event will receive a 3 days pass for the trade fair of Smart City Expo. These passes will provide access to all side events: http://www.smartcityexpo.com/en/visit/passes-and-prices
If you would like to attend, or if your region would be interested in sharing best practices, please contact Johanna Pacevicius
You will then receive a code to register on the Smart City Expo World Congress page.

Draft Agenda

09:30

Introduction

09:32

Sharing experiences
With:
–Raimondo Mandis, Member of staff of the President of Sardinia as expert in agriculture, agrofood and internationalization of the segments, Member of the national council of Slow Food and President of Slow Food Cagliari
–Samuel Féret, Senior project manger at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM IAM), Project Manager Interreg Europe project ECOWASTE4FOOD
–Elisa Bodenstab, Founder of Youth initiative Perpetuum Mobility Germany, and representative of citizens initiative “Verwenden statt verschwenden”
2 main angles:

Governance for sustainable food production
Co-creation, rural-urban links and citizens participation in the Digital Age to support sustainable food production
Can technology improve rural-urban links and more importantly co-creation for sustainable food production? What is needed to encourage citizens participation for sustainable rural and urban development? In a world which is deemed to further concentrate population in cities, how to ensure fair and sustainable food governance? How to feed cities?

Food systems & supply chains: a territorial approach
Supply chain innovation & sound resource management
How to innovate supply chains, support short food supply chains and sustainable food systems? How to avoid food waste? How to encourage the production of quality food? How to use food innovation for sustainable regional development? How to innovate to limit the climate footprint of food production?

10:00

Priority areas for action

10:06

What is special about the Digital Age?

10:12

The role of regions

10:30

End of the meeting

YRN Autumn Plenary 16 - 18 November, Cascais
2018-11-16 14:00 - 2018-11-18 13:00 | Casa das Histórias Paula Rêgo, Av. da República 300, 2750-475, Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
On the occasion of its hosting of the 2018 European Youth Capital, we are very pleased to
announce that the YRN Autumn Plenary themed “Glocal Youth” will take place in Cascais, Portugal from the 16 – 18 November 2018.
REGISTER HERE (CLOSED)
Deadline for registrations: 6 November 2018

Programme

European Youth Capital 2018: Cascais

Working documents
Minutes from last Spring Plenary Meeting
Draft Agenda Committee 1 for Economy and Regional Development.
Draft Agenda Committee 2 for Social Policy and Public Health.
Draft Agenda Committee 3 for Culture and Education.
Report on Artificial Intelligence, Science and Technology
Report on the Norwegian Youth Festivals of Arts
Statement on SDG 4 – quality education
Statement on Youth Involvement
Concept note – Glocal Youth
Concept note – Democracy in the digital era
Concept note – Youth and Agenda 2030
Presentations
YRN Presidium Report
AER Sales Presentation, Elin Berglie
AER updates, Andrés Muñoz
Workshop Debate 1 – João Simões, JEF
Workshop Debate 2 – Marco Espinheira, Municipality of Cascais
Workshop Debate 3 – Fernando Santomauro, UCLG
Workshop Debate 3- Soraia Carvalho, Municipality of Cascais
SDGs – MecklenburgVorpommern
SDGs – Värmland County
Pictures
Click here to download the pictures of the YRN 2018 Autumn Plenary! Photo credits: @ Alexander Eriksson / Eriksson Media
Useful Links
Draft programme
Practical information
Invitation letter

AER Autumn Bureau Meeting 2018
2018-11-21 - 2018-11-22
The AER Autumn Bureau Meeting will take place in Gelderland (NL) from 21 till 22 November 2018.
Registration

Programme

Direct Links
Programme
How to come prepared
Working Documents
Background Note – Debate on Migration, Diversity and Integration
Invitation Letter
Registration
Practical Information

The Sharing Economy: Reshaping the way we do business
2018-12-04 | Zinneke Room, BIP, 10-11 Place Royale 1000 Brussels, 10-11 Place Royale, Bruxelles, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
As is now a tradition and has been promised during the elaboration of the Committee 1 work programme, Brussels Capital will host this year again a mutual learning event on a current and transversal topic. This year it will be the Sharing economy, which will be in the spotlight. The event will be organised in cooperation with Catalonia.
The event will raise awareness on the evolution of the business landscapes. The collaborative and platform economy request new business models but also different types of support to citizens in their roles of entrepreneurs, consumers, workers. What does this mean for policy makers? Where can policymakers play a role? Why it is necessary to have a holistic approach?
Stakeholders from the private and public sector, industry specialists, entrepreneurs, and policy makers will engage in genuine exchange. The idea is to share and discuss initiatives which can be implemented right away. A major asset of these events is to discover projects and initiatives and hear of stories first hand. In a setting where each participant is a contributor, the event will highlight opportunities and points of action of the sharing economy.
Participants will:

Share regional experiences on the development of the collaborative economy and how this is impacting areas as diverse as work, education, culture or health
Hear from different stakeholders what they see as threats and opportunities of the sharing economy
Examine the role of regions: are there new roles emerging?
Discuss social and economic impacts, needs in terms of policy making and fields for cooperation
Learn about funding opportunities for regional stakeholders: both companies/ organisations & regional governments
Learn about regional examples: presentations by companies from the sharing economy

List of participants
Presentations

Keynote, Lieza Dessein, Project Manager SMart
Information on funding & support to the Sharing Economy, Camille Lepinay, NCP

The Sharing Economy in real life: meeting stakeholders from the Sharing Economy

Dimitri Berliner, Communa
François Gerard, Helpper
Louise Carton, Scooty
David Vuylsteke, PiggyBee
Xavier Marichal, Usitoo

Our photo album

Agenda

08:45

Registrations & Coffee

09:15

Welcome
Magnus Berntsson, President AER
Jean Luc Vanraes, President AER Committee 1, Chair Working Group SMEs & Investments
Lluís Juncà, General Director for Economic Promotion, Competence and Regulation, Generalitat de Catalunya

09:30

Introduction
The European Commission’s view on the Sharing Economy
Henning Ehrenstein, Deputy Head of Unit, E1 – Service Policy for Consumers, DG Growth, European Commission

09:40

Keynote: Inspiration
Lieza Dessein, Project manager SMart

10:00

Sharing experiences
Parallel discussion groups

Business in a world of mega-changes
How to encourage entrepreneurship, and support innovation?
The sharing economy represents a wide span of very different types of businesses, spanning from very green and very social to large companies which can in some cases have predatory behaviours
How to help disrupted industries to change or to protect what needs to be safe-guarded.
How to support citizens in their roles of entrepreneurs, consumers, workers?
What kind of support do businesses need?

Contributors:
– Jean Luc Vanraes, President AER Committee 1, Chair Working Group SMEs & Investments
– Mar Alarcón: CEO SocialCar
– Camille Lepinay, Enterprise Europe brussels, EU-GIVE project
– Philippe Eiselein, Social Entrepreneurship, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Moderator: Aurora Sanz, Lawyer Grant Thornton

Sky’s the limit, or is it?
Ethics: what is good, what is desirable, how to build open, inclusive & cohesive societies?
The platform economy can support very positive initiatives but it could also multiply the impact of organisations harming regional development, social cohesion or inclusion: where to draw a line?
The platform economy is supported by technology, how to ensure technology is inclusive and doesn’t amplify existing biases?
What is fair?
How can the sharing economy contribute to territorial cohesion?
To define the role of regions it is essential to be able to identify first what is positive or negative for society. This requires dialogue with the different stakeholders of the sharing economy and citizens at large to avoid using old solutions for new challenges.

Contributors:
– Víctor Moyano, Fundación Creafutur
– Xavier Marichal, CEO of USITOO
– Dimitri Berliner, cofounder of Communa
Moderator: Albert Cañigueral, Founder Consumo Colaborativo

Towards an uberisation of public services?
The role of governments and regions specifically: from regulation, taxes and protection to collaboration
What used to be a model disrupting only transports and tourism may soon drastically change the way we envision public services such as transports, health and care or employment agencies. These changes reveal differences between rural and urban areas, as well as differences between regions which invest significantly in public services and regions which experiment considerable gaps
The platform economy poses new challenges to governments in terms of taxation but also in terms of protection of citizens, security or health. Different governments have taken steps to at the same time provide protection to workers and impose taxes. The disruption however goes further than taxes and insurances and involves changes in the very role of governments and the way they share information and collaborate with other entities.
What kind of cooperation is possible between the public sector and the stakeholders of the platform economy?

Contributors:
– regional representative
– François Gerard, Managing Director Helpper
– Yves Muyters, Project Manager KlaarIsKees
– Mayo Fuster, Dimmons director of research on collaborative economy, Open University of Catalonia
– Èlia Ferrer, Public Affairs Manager, mytaxi The Taxi App
Moderator: Anna Merino Castelló, Economist, Expert in competition, better regulation and digital markets.

Education & training
Preparing tomorrow’s workforce for new business models & priorities
The world is changing and so is business.
When the priority is on having access to and not owning, how to enable citizens to invent and implement tomorrow’s services and products?
How do we ensure we are not creating obsolete workers?
What are the skills and competences with high added value in this new context?
Where should the focus be in terms of education?
What can be the lessons learnt from cooperatives, which are a model that has been existing long before the platform economy?

Contributors:
– regional representative
– Lieza Dessein, Project manager SMart
– academic
Moderator: David Vuylsteke, PiggyBee founder

11:00

Coffee Break

11:45

Let it grow!
Reports from the discussion groups: findings and proposals for action

12:20

Information on funding & support to the Sharing Economy
Camille Lepinay, NCP Brussels

13:00

Working and Networking Lunch

15:00

The Sharing Economy In Real Life
Meet companies from the Sharing Economies

16:30

End of the event

17:00

Apéritif at La Chaloupe d’Or, Grand Place

List of participants
Presentations

Keynote, Lieza Dessein, Project Manager SMart
Information on funding & support to the Sharing Economy, Camille Lepinay, NCP

The Sharing Economy in real life: meeting stakeholders from the Sharing Economy

Dimitri Berliner, Communa
François Gerard, Helpper
Louise Carton, Scooty
David Vuylsteke, PiggyBee
Xavier Marichal, Usitoo

Our photo album
https://www.flickr.com/gp/145789058@N05/6LgN71

International Migrants Day: Promoting Diversity in Regions
2018-12-18 09:00 - 18:00 | Barcelona, Barcelona, 08034, Spain
To mark this year’s International Migrant Day, the Assembly of European Regions and the Region of Catalonia are organising this conference on promoting diversity and integration of migrants at a regional level on 18 December in Barcelona.
The Conference will bring together representatives of regional authorities, high-level institutional officials and other stakeholders from across Europe.
Our invited speakers and participants will share their experiences and good practices in diversity management at regional level, including examples of policies, programmes and projects promoting inclusion, participation in civic, economic and political life, positive intercultural interaction and the sense of belonging.

Participant’s travel, accommodation and food will be covered by AER – AMiD project (see the reimbursement guidelines for more details).

Working languages: English, Catalan, Spanish

For further information please contact Vania (v.freitas@aer.eu) in the AER Secretariat.

Direct Links
Programme
Background Note
Roundtables Concept Notes
Practical Information
Reimbursement Guidelines

Eurodyssey Website Training
2019-02-14 09:00 - 2019-02-15 17:00 | Departament de Treball, Affers Socials i Families, Passeig del Taulat, 266-270, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
REGISTER HERE (CLOSED)
Deadline for registrations: 15 January 2019

The Presidency of Eurodyssey and the AER Secretariat are organising together an event in Barcelona, from 14 to 15 February 2019, aimed to facilitate a training on the new Eurodyssey website and the programme’s communication. The event is targeting the participation of the “technicians” from member regions who are in charge of managing the website on a regular basis. Due to room capacity reasons, a maximum of 2 correspondents per region/delegation are invited to register.
The first day, February 14th, will consist of two sessions, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. These will allow participants to get acquainted with the new Eurodyssey website and learn about various communication tools for the promotion of the programme.
The morning of February 15th will be dedicated to good practice sharing and a discussion on the operational implementation of the programme through workshops conducted by member regions. Additionally, a short meeting of the Steering Committee will take place in the afternoon.

On the occasion of the launch of the new website in 2019, the AER Secretariat strongly encourages all member regions of Eurodyssey to join this important training session in Barcelona.

Draft Programme

Presentations
2018 Eurodyssey Statistics – Ugo Poifol
Outcomes from the communication workshop – Erica Lee
Outcomes from the working groups discussions – Day 2
Minutes of Workshop B – Working Groups Day 2 (FR)
2018 Eurodyssey Statistics
You can download here the 2018 Eurodyssey Statistics Report!
Pictures & Infographic
Click here to get some pictures of the Eurodyssey Website training event.
You can also download here the Eurodyssey infographic.

Useful Links
Draft programme
Practical information
Invitation letter

World Sustainable Energy Days 2019
2019-02-27 - 2019-03-01 | Wels, Wels, 4600, Austria
Once a year AER member region Upper Austria becomes the world capital of sustainable energy. AER is a longtime partner to this event which focuses on clean energy and energy efficiency.
What are the World Sustainable Energy Days?
The new Clean Energy Package is changing Europe‘s energy markets. “Energy efficiency first” and “global leadership in renewables” are at the core of Europe’s commitment to a clean energy transition. This requires strong policies, competitive businesses, technology innovation and investments. The WSED conference
address policies, innovation and business in specialised conferences and interactive events. It connects people from business, the public sector and research and empowers them to embrace the change.

In 3 days, the event offers delegates:

6 dedicated conferences, including the European Energy Efficiency Policy Conference, the European Pellet Conference, the Industrial Energy Efficiency Conference and the Smart E-Mobility Conference,
technical visits to innovative energy projects,
a major tradeshow on building efficiency and renewable energy with 1,600 exhibiting companies

Direct links
Full Programme (PDF) here
Visit the website to find out more!
Registration
Interested in registering? You can sign up online here.

***
If you require further information, do not hesitate to contact Tina Wu, Member Relations at the AER Secretariat.

AER Spring Committee Plenaries
2019-03-26 - 2019-03-28 | Conference Hall – Elite Grand Hotell, Drottninggatan 1, Örebro, Örebro, Sweden
The spring plenaries of the three AER committees took place in Örebro (Sweden) from 26 till 28 March 2019.
Work programmes
During the statutory plenary meetings of the Committee on Economy & Regional Development, the Committee on Social Policy and Public Health and the Committee on Culture, Education and Youth, AER members developped jointly the Committees’ 2019-2020 work programmes. Only one rules apply for this exercise: everything is possible!
Thematic activities
The seminar and on site thematic activities revolved around food, innovation and health.
The seminar ‘Food for thought Action!’ A regional approach to innovating food systems, was an opportunity for regions to share how they innovate food systems to achieve:
-nutrition for healthy and sustainable diets
-climate and environmental sustainability
-circularity and resource efficiency
-innovation and empowering communities.
A Breakfast Debate on youth entrepreneurship was organised
The following workshops took place:

Energy and Climate Change: the SDGs as a policy framework
Transports & Mobility: Open Data & Blockchain
The AMID workshop on multilevel cooperation for migration policies
Available opportunities for AER members in current projects

Presentations
Joint plenary 26 March
-Presentation video of Örebro
–The SDGs at regional level, Ida Texell Member of the Swedish delegation Agenda 2030
–Update on the AER strategy on projects: Luca Magri, AER Coordinator for Finance of EU projects
–Update on AER Bureau & advocacy: Vania Freitas, AER Coordinator for Institutional Relations
–Presentation video of the 2019 Summer Academy in Vojvodina
Seminar ‘Food for thought Action!’ A regional approach to innovating food systems
–Sensory research within the field of Gastronomy – a multisensory perspective in order to promote healthy eating, Åsa Öström, Örebro (SE)
–Nutrition & mental health Robert Jan Brummer, Örebro (SE)
–Olimpia Neagoe, County Councillor of Dolj (RO), Chair of the AER Working Group on Rural Development
–Peter Medved, Eastern Slovenia (SI), Secretary of the Development Council of Cohesion
–Circularity in household waste and biogas production, Erik Lagethon, Oppland (NO), Adviser Regional Development production
–Thomas Norrby, European Network for Rural Development (ENRD), Sustainable and circular food value chains, value in rural regions & inclusive territorial development
Committee plenaries
–Committee 1 plenary meeting
–Committee 2 plenary meeting
–Committee 3 plenary meeting
Workshop of the Working group on Energy and climate
–The SDGs – involvement in all political areas, Helena Lindemark, Founder and Vice President of 2022 Initiative Foundation
–The SDGs – the political vision at regional level, Mats Gunnarsson, Regional Opposition Councillor
–Ambitious Climate Goals & the implementation of the SDGs, Therese Hjelseth, Area manager Energy & Climate, Örebro (SE)
Workshop of the Working group Mobility & transports
–Open data in public transport: Carin Carelind, Head of IT, Östgötatrafiken, Sweden
–Blockchain in logistics: Robert Högberg, Project Manager SmartLog, Region Örebro County, Sweden
–Challenges ahead for regional airports: Roger Estefors, AER expert on regional airports
–2018 Report on regional airports, Roger Estefors, AER expert on regional airports
AMID workshop on multilevel cooperation for migration policies
–The Partnership for Social Innovation in Örebro County
Workshop on available opportunities for AER members in current projects
–Scirocco Exchange project on integrated care systems
Topics & Context
Find all articles regarding the background and content of events as well as progress reports and information on elections here:
-Spring Plenaries Background & content
Other information
Detailed Programme
Working documents
FINAL IMPORTANT INFO EMAIL TO PARTICIPANTS
PRACTICAL INFO
GDPR Compliance
Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this event. If you do not wish your image to be recorded, please contact the AER secretariat.
Please also note that a list of participants will be published on this website in due course. Only the names and organisations of the individuals will be listed. No contact details will be made public. For any queries, please contact e.lee(at)aer.eu.

A European Folk Festival
Varaždin County is organising an international folk festival on 25-29 June 2020. This event will feature 10 ensembles from 10 ...Read More

Integrated care systems: a practical approach
To innovate healthcare and improve the patient’s journey, more integrated care systems are essential. A range of opportunities is available ...Read More

The Committees’ 2019-2020 work programme is out!
On the occasion of the Committees’ plenaries in Örebro, AER members identified the topics which matter most for them and ...Read More

Food in Focus at Spring Plenaries in Örebro
The AER Spring Committee Plenaries, which took place from 26-28 March 2019 in Örebro County, Sweden, revolved around food, innovation ...Read More

Elections results for the AER Spring Committee Plenaries
The elections took place at the AER Spring Committee Plenaries in Örebro on the 26th and 27th of March. Each ...Read More

Candidates for AER Committees’ elections
The AER Election Committee has been screening applications for open positions within the Committees. The elections will take place at ...Read More

Committee 1 Progress Report Spring 2019
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Regional Development and Economy gather in plenary meeting. This is ...Read More

Committee 2 Progress Report Spring 2019
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Social Policy and Public Health gather in plenary meeting. This ...Read More

Committee 3 Progress Report Spring 2019
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Culture, Education and Youth gather in plenary meeting. This is ...Read More

Innovating food systems: what are regions doing?
Policymakers from all over wider Europe will gather at the 2019 Spring Committee Plenaries in Örebro (SE), where AER is ...Read More

Breakfast Seminar: The Sustainable Development Goals and regional growth – Is it possible?
2019-05-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Oslo Region European Office, Rue du Luxembourg 3, Brussels, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
Breakfast seminar: The Sustainable Development Goals and regional growth – Is it possible?
Date: May 15th 2019, 09.00 – 11.00
Venue: Oslo Region European Office, Rue du Luxembourg 3, Brussels

The sustainable development goals (SGD) call upon governments, businesses and civil society to come together and work towards a sustainable planet, leaving no one behind. Many, if not all regions, are working towards this in one form or another.
A major pitfall exists in that it is easy to fall into when working towards the SDGs are so-called “cherry picking”, i.e. selecting a few goals to focus on while neglecting others. However, in doing so, one might actually end up strengthening one goal, but at the expense of others. Therefore, the 17 SDGs must be viewed as a whole, and it then becomes more clear that they are both interconnected and interdependent.
One of the main questions one might ask, is this: How can a region ensure that they contribute toward the SDGs while at the same time ensuring economic growth? Is this possible, or are they mutually exclusive?

It is therefore important that we have tools to help us analyse and monitor the trends towards the SDGs.

The goal of the seminar is to showcase the tools and best practice exciting to help regional governments to implement and monitor the SDGs.

Agenda

Presentations
If interested, you can find below all the presentations which were given during the Breakfast Seminar:

“How to build a new region in light of the SDGs?” Erik Lagethon, Advisor Regional Development, Oppland County Authority (NO)
“A territorial approach to the SDGs” Stina Heikkila, Policy Analyst OCDE
“Implementing SDGs in regional planning – more than words?” Eva Hallström, Regional Councillor Värmland (SE)
“The SDGs in Flanders” Ine Baetens, Expert Sustainable Development Flanders (BE)

The Seminar was filmed as well, and you can find the video on the official Facebook page of the Oslo Region European Office.

General Assembly and Spring Bureau Meeting - Larnaca (CY)
2019-06-05 - 2019-06-06 | Larnaka, Larnaka, Cyprus
Watch the video overview of the General Assembly & Spring Bureau Meeting below!

The 2019 Spring Bureau Meeting and General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions took place on 5-6 June in Larnaca, Cyprus.
Presentations
Find the individual presentations in the Google Drive Folder.
SEE HERE List of Registered Participants (at 27 May 2019)
READ THE FINAL EMAIL TO PARTICIPANTS HERE
Agendas & Documents
General Programme of Events
See the full overview of the events taking place in Larnaca HERE.
General Assembly

Agenda
Working Documents

Voting: We remind you that in accordance with article 4.3 of the AER Statutes, each region is entitled to one vote during the GA. Should your region not be able to take part in the GA, proxy voting is possible by filling in the Proxy form here.
Bureau Meeting

Agenda
Working Documents

Special Activities
Explore the villages of Cyprus. Copyright © 2019 Larnaka

Guided Tours
The Larnaka Tourism Board shall provide an English-speaking guide for the tours on the 5th and 7th of June 2019. If you wish to participate in one or both Guided Tours, please register here.
The deadline for registration is 24 May 2019.

Walking City Tour on 5/6 from 10:00 until 12:00. Meeting point is at Europe Square and the tour will cover the main attractions of Larnaka city seafront, most of which can be found on the Larnaka Cultural Walk Map (can be downloaded from here).
Excursion in Lefkara picturesque village on 7/6 from 9:00 until 15:00. More information about Lefkara can be found here. The tour shall also include a stop at Eleni Mimi Dairy in Skarinou village to see a demonstration of halloumi making and also tasting of halloumi and anari cheese with honey.

Gala Reception
The AER Gala Reception at the Larnaka Medieval Castle Gardens will take place on 5 June at 20:30. Registration is required on the event sign-up form.
Larnaka Medieval Castle. Copyright © 2019 Larnaka

Practical Information
Venue for Meetings
Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca
Atlantidon 2, Larnaca 6058, Cyprus

Overnight Accommodation

Radisson Blu Larnaca (Conference Venue)

130EUR single occupancy
170EUR double occupancy

Other Recommended Hotels

Hotel Josephine – 2.8km to the conference venue

75EUR single occupancy
85EUR double occupancy

Reservation by email at info@thejosephinehotel.com mentioning the AER General Assembly.
Frangiorgio Hotel – 2.3km to the conference venue

75EUR single occupancy
85EUR double occupancy

Reservation by email at frangiorgio@cytaner.com.cy mentioning the AER General Assembly.

Public transport
Public transport from the airport to the city centre and the Radisson Hotel is available:
Route 419 (click here for the schedule and here for the map).
Route 425 (click here for the schedule and here for the map).
Invitation Letters
You can download the generic invitation letter to the AER General Assembly and Spring Bureau Meeting:

Invitation Letter PDF document

Do not hesitate to contact e.lee@aer.eu in case you require further information or assistance for the bookings.
We look forward to welcoming you in Larnaca!

'Connecting the dots' - Multi-level, Multi-actor Migration
2019-06-05 10:00 - 16:30 | Larnaka, Larnaka, Cyprus
The Assembly of European Regions is pleased to invite you to two inclusion days, starting with:
A Round Table and World Cafe’ Exchange Session
‘Connecting the dots’
Multi-level, Multi-actor Migration
AMiD Targeted Meeting 3
Larnaca, 5 June 2019
Timing: 10.00 – 16.30
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca (Atlantidon 2, Larnaca 6058, Cyprus)
Programme: HERE
About the Event:
This event aims to bring regional and local authorities together with civil society organisations and representatives of European Institutions to share experiences and methodologies on how to achieve a common approach among different stakeholders and a better multilevel coordination on welcoming migrants and refugees.
Participation is encouraged from experts working in the areas of social affairs, migration, inclusion, and diversity in AER’s member regions in local & regional authorities around Europe.

Individuals from organisations, such as NGO’s, working in this field may qualify for participation, pending an endorsement mandate (available HERE) from their region.
Travel and accommodation costs for participation will be covered in the context of the European project “AMiD – Access to Services for Migrants with Disabilities“. Full details about the reimbursement procedures can be found HERE.
On 6 June, the AER Bureau Meeting will take place. Participants attending the AMiD workshop are welcome to attend the Breakfast Seminar and Taskforce on Migration taking place on this day. The full programme for the Bureau can be found HERE.
On the evening of 5 June, a Gala Reception will take place at Larnaca Medieval Castle Gardens. Participants of the AMiD workshop are invited to attend this event.
Due to a limited number of places eligible for reimbursement, participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
To do so, please click on the link below:

Let's rEUnite: Knowledge Sharing Workshop
2019-06-06 08:30 - 10:00 | Larnaka, Larnaka, Cyprus
On the occasion of the 2019 General Assembly and Spring Bureau Meeting in Larnaca (CY), we are organising a knowledge sharing workshop in the context of the Together for Cohesion: Let’s rEUnite! Project (DG Regio).
During this Knowledge Sharing Workshop, participants are encouraged to share their communication campaigns and reflect on examples from regions: together, we want to evaluate best practices in communication which show the beneficiaries of European cohesion funding in regions.
Please also let us know about your campaigns in advance: We are currently collecting communication campaigns and events on European Cohesion Policy. The best campaigns will be prominently displayed on a newly created website. This central hub is one of the main outcome of Let’s rEUnite and will garner attention not only from the EU Institutions but also from the regions and citizens themselves! Please find further information about the benefits in this article.
Venue: Conference Room: “Gideon I” – Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca
Registration: Please sign up to the workshop below (this is a separate registration)
Additional information: Breakfast will be provided.
We look forward to find out how you communicate on Cohesion Policy to make sure your campaign gets heard across Europe!

Agenda

8:30-8:35
Introduction

8:35-8:50
Co-definition of criteria to evaluate good practices for communication on Cohesion Policy

8:50-9:00
Analysis of regional examples

9:00-9:30
Joint evaluation and selection of good practices

9:30-9:40
Conclusions on selection

9:40-9:55
Presentation by MC Group (tbc) & exchanges around communication on Cohesion Policy

9:55-10:00
Closing & upcoming steps

YRN General Assembly and Spring Plenary 2019 - Wrocław, Lower-Silesia (PO)
2019-06-14 13:00 - 2019-06-16 13:00 | Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
The AER Youth Regional Network’s General Assembly and Spring Plenary 2019 will take place from 14-16th of June in Wrocław, Lower-Silesia (Poland).
Agenda

Registration
Please find the registration link here: https://youthregionalnetwork.typeform.com/to/bkNvP4
Please note that the registration is open until the 22nd of May.
Contact
For any practical question, please contact Mr Pawel Narolski: pawel.narolski@gmail.com

2019 AER Summer Academy - Novi Sad, Vojvodina (RS)
2019-07-01 17:30 - 2019-07-05 23:30 | Assembly of AP Vojvodina, Vladike Platona bb, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, 21000, Serbia
On the occasion of its hosting of the 2019 European Youth Capital, the AER Summer Academy will take place in Novi Sad, Vojvodina (RS) from 1-5 July 2019. This year’s theme is “Youth is future, youth is Europe” in the wake of the 2019 Elections to the European Parliament.
The Future of Europe is YOUth!
Watch the promo video below or on our Facebook page

REGISTRATIONS CLOSED!

Local and regional authorities play a unique articulatory role between citizens and EU institutions. In the context of ongoing discussions on the Future of Europe, regions’ voices are of paramount importance not only to pave the way forward for the EU but also to ensure that citizens are included in the (re)construction process of a more sustainable, social, prosperous and democratic Europe. The only direction to go in is one in which young people are included in EU decision making and at the centre of its policies.
Hence, the participating regions at the 2019 Summer Academy will show off, by exchanging innovative ideas and good practices in various fields, the potential of young people to bring about a social transformation and rethink the way Europe can meet the challenges of the future.
The 2019 Summer Academy will then provide a hub for mutual learning on various topics of great relevance for young people –in line with the European Youth Event Report 2018 – Speak up Europe!:

Youth is democratic participation and European citizenship.
Youth is diversity and equal opportunities for all.
Youth is social entrepreneurship and sharing economy.
Youth is a driving force for green development.

Last but not least, the 2019 Summer Academy programme is offering participants an exciting opportunity to visit on 4 July one of the top European and world music festivals: EXIT music festival!
General Programme

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Jönköping’s approach to youth participation
"How to encourage active participation among first-time voters at the local level in the European election?" Coinciding with the 2019 ...Read More

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Brussels-Capital Region and its commitment to youth entrepreneurship
Written by Juan Antonio Gallardo Roca, Brussels International. “How to make youth entrepreneurship smart?” Coinciding with the 2019 European Youth ...Read More

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Østfold’s Solutions to Youth Entrepreneurship
Coinciding with the 2019 European Youth Capital, the region of Vojvodina (RS) will host the AER Summer Academy 2019 in ...Read More

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Zürich’s Youth for Debate!
Coinciding with the 2019 European Youth Capital, the region of Vojvodina (RS) will host the AER Summer Academy 2019 in ...Read More

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: AMiD workshop on Migrants with Disabilities
"Opportunities for all abilities" The AMiD-Access to services for Migrants with Disabilities project is landing in Novi Sad, Vojvodina (RS) ...Read More

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: become a YRN entrepreneur for a day!
Coinciding with the 2019 European Youth Capital, the region of Vojvodina (RS) will host the AER Summer Academy 2019 in ...Read More

Looking back at the 2019 AER Summer Academy in Vojvodina!
The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (RS) hosted the 2019 AER Summer Academy, engaging almost 100 participants from all over Europe ...Read More

Discussing the Future of European Youths at the 2019 Summer Academy
Now that the 2019 Summer Academy is over, it is very fair to say that this year's edition was a ...Read More

Plenary Presentations

Youth is Social Entrepreneurship and Sharing Economy –Vladimir Nikic, Business Incubator (RS)
AP Vojvodina’s Report – Tamara Glišić-Krivošija (AP Vojvodina, RS)

Workshop Presentations

How to encourage active participation among first-time voters at the local level in the European election? – County of Jönköping (SE)
Youth for Debate – Canton of Zürich (CH)
Participatory budgeting for youth inclusion, AP Vojvodina (RS)
Opportunities for all abilities – AMiD-Access to services for Migrants with Disabilities project
Youth at the forefront of green development, Maramureș County Council (RO)
How to make youth entrepreneurship Smart? – Brussels-Capital Region (BE)
Regional Solutions to Global Challenges in Youth Entrepreneurship – Østfold County Council (NO)
E-Kampen: Become an entrepreneur for a day! – AER Youth Regional Network (YRN)

Pictures
Here you can find all the pictures from the AER 2019 Summer Academy!
Stay in touch!
We know that during the Summer Academy you met a lot of awesome people, and to help you stay in contact with them we have created this Facebook group for all the participants.

The Future of Rural Areas in Europe - Brussels (BE)
2019-07-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Saxony Liaison Office, Avenue d'Auderghem 67, Etterbeek, 1040, Belgium
On 9 July, the Landtag of the Free State of Saxony and the Assembly of European Regions will be hosting an event titled “The Future of Rural Areas in Europe”. AER President Magnus Berntsson will be giving a keynote speech during this event, along with Bernd Lange, District Administrator of Gorlitz and CoR Member. Following the keynote speeches, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Mr Michael Schmitz with MEPs Mrs Constanze Krehl and Dr Peter Jahr, Mag. Jan Korytar from Liberec City Council, Mr Paul van der Sluys from the Flemish Land Agency and Mag. Daniela Fraiß, Director of the Austrian Association of Municipalities in Brussels.
REGISTRATION
To register, please send an email directly to veranstaltung@bxl.sachsen.de
EVENT DETAILS
The event will be taking place at the Saxony Liaison Office in Brussels.
Address: Avenue d’Auderghem 67 B-1040 Brussels
Date: July 9, 2019
Time: 18:00
Big cities and rural areas both contribute in enabling dynamic development, and with increasing digitalization, and work has become independent irregardless of location in many areas. Rural areas are increasingly being used as a location for businesses and as a center of life.
However, the eligibility of rural areas and demographic problems repeatedly show that the potential of rural areas is not fully recognized or used appropriately. It is therefore a concern of this event to motivate decision-makers at European level to work more for rural areas. Comparable challenges and best practice examples will be discussed from different European regions to show that rural areas offer many opportunities for individual development, economic success, intact nature and prosperity.
GENERAL PROGRAMME
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