Assembly of European Regions

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 (Europe/Paris) | 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.

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Committee 1 Progress Report Spring 2019
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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
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SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: become a YRN entrepreneur for a day!
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Looking back at the 2019 AER Summer Academy in Vojvodina!
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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
programm_en

Training Seminar "Cities and Regions: New Actors of Change in Europe"
2019-08-26 17:00 - 2019-08-30 13:00 | Abbaye de Cluny, Rue du 11 Août 1944, Cluny, 71250, France
In partnership with the European College of Cluny, AER is organising a Training Seminar which will take place in Cluny (FR), from 26 – 30 August 2019. It will be entitled “Cities and Regions: New Actors of Change in Europe”.
This training seminar will help you understand how sub-national governments have emerged as key actors on the international scene and will give you tools to develop your region’s influence in Brussels and internationally.
On this account, local and regional authorities are invited to attend a 5 days Training Seminar to participate in conferences, round table discussions, study visits, and case studies to determine how to engage in further interregional cooperation.

Presentations
Day 1
AER Introduction, Johanna Pacevicius
Regionalisation: Diversity & Trends, Enrico Martial
Roundtable: Cluny, from European collaboration to territorial networks

Day 2
Regions: Cooperation & Influence in the EU, Malin Stegmann Mc Callion
Regions & EU Funds, Anne Rouessard

Day 3
Liaison Office in Brussels, Lower Austria, Franziska Stadelmann
Aspal-Agency for Active Labour Policies Sardinia, Maria Gabriella Fenu
A regional concerted strategy for international development, Bourgogne Franche Comte, Magali Pausin
Co-development, how to practice collective intelligence, Georges Van Billoen
Civil Servants Exchange Programme, Larisa Križan BreljakCluny
Post-master degree: Innovation, governance, and territorial design in Europe, Boris Chevrot

Breakfast Seminar: Innovation in healthcare design - what have we learned?
2019-09-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Brussels, Belgium
Region Värmland (SE), the Scottish Government TEC and Digital Health Care Innovation Division, and AER, are organising a breakfast seminar on the topic of health innovation.

The goals of the seminar are to:

Highlight the European Union perspective on digital and healthcare innovation
Showcase the approaches to design and digital innovation in healthcare adopted by Scotland and Sweden
Discuss and share lessons learned in other regions

Speakers:

Filip Domanski, Policy Officer, DG SANTE, European Commission
Tomas Edman, Co-ordinator, Experio Lab Sweden, Sweden
Professor George Crooks, CEO, Digital Health and Care Institute, Scotland

Why Design?
Health Innovation requires the development of knowledge and sharing of methods and resources, as well as collaboration in:

Developing the competence and ability to use design in healthcare
Contributing to the spread of innovations, work procedures, methods and tools
Implementing and supporting research
Opening the way for collaboration with other actors

The design method is based on an iterative approach to solving challenges from the user’s perspective. Based on this knowledge, we develop new solutions that can be tested on a small scale early on, together with the users. The creative, collaborative and user-centered approach helps us to create sustainable healthcare services and better patient experiences.
Current challenges
Worldwide, models of health and care are struggling to meet the challenge of our ageing population. Digital health and care interventions are recognised as key to the solution in tackling this crisis. The use of modern technologies and digital services is not only changing the way we communicate, but they also offer us more innovative ways to monitoring our health & well-being, giving us greater access to personal data for self-management. Together these advancements lead us to a convergence of information, technology, people and connectivity which can improve health and care outcomes.
By innovating in digital health and care we can support our ambition towards:

Reducing inefficiencies in healthcare delivery
Improving access
Reducing costs
Increasing the quality of care
Making our health services more person-centered
Personalising medicine for each patient’s unique needs

Presentations
–Digital and health care innovation in Europe, Filip Domanski, Policy Officer, DG SANTE, European Commission
–Healthcare from a service perspective: the Experio way, Tomas Edman, Co-ordinator, Experio Lab Sweden, Sweden
–Scotland’s national innovation centre for digital health and care, George Crooks, CEO, Digital Health and Care Institute, Scotland

YRN Autumn Plenary & UYD
2019-09-15 - 2019-09-19
AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) is very proud of the partnership with the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe (CoE) 20th University on Youth and Development which took place in Mollina, Málaga (Spain) in September 2019.
This was also an occasion to celebrate the YRN Autumn Committee Plenaries themed around the UYD’S 2019 annual focus “Youth & Justice” in line with the UN SDG 16 – “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.

Useful Information:
Overview programme
20th UYD Infopack
UYD Concept Note
UYD Call for activities
Presentations
AER and Eurodyssey Introductory Presentation – AER Secretariat
YRN Introductory Presentation – YRN Presidium
Ice-breaker Activity – AER Secretariat
Log-frame Analysis Presentation – AER Secretariat
Advocacy Plan Presentation – AER Secretariat
Communication & Awareness-raising Campaign Presentation – AER Secretariat
Working Documents
Concept Notes
Audio-Visual Material:
Pictures
Outcomes’ Videos:

Outcomes Committee 1
Outcomes Committee 2
Outcomes Committee 3

Official Pictures & Videos:
Official pictures by North-South Centre of the Council of Europe on Flickr
Official videos by North-South Centre of the Council of Europe on Facebook:

UYD BEHIND THE SCENES
UYD at glance
“Youth and Justice”
Activities of the 20th UYD

Useful links:
AER-Youth Regional Network (YRN)
Policy Paper on Sustainable Development by the European Youth Forum
Manual for Workshops with Young People by the CONVEY Pilot Programme
Global Education Guidelines by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe
Compass: manual for human rights education with young people by the Council of Europe
Mediterranean New Chance Project by the Union for the Mediterranean

How to apply?
25 YRN members and youth representatives from all AER member regions can apply to be part of this reference platform for youth participation in Europe!
To find out more about the applications, read this article!
Applications are welcomed from members of the YRN and youth delegates from all AER member regions before 12 August 2019. In order to prepare your application, you can check HERE the concept note of the 20th UYD and the call for activities for further information regarding the programme and practicalities.
A screening process will take place and selected candidates will be contacted no later than mid of August to confirm their participation in the UYD. The selected youth delegates will benefit from free meals and accommodation in single, double and triple rooms from 15-19 September. Additionally, the transfers from Málaga Airport and Antequera Railway Station to the venue will be facilitated by the organisation.

Check the video of the 2018 edition of the CoE North-South Centre University on Youth and Development!

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Autumn Committee Plenaries - Podčetrtek (SI)
2019-09-24 - 2019-09-26 | Podcetrtek, Podcetrtek, 3254, Slovenia
The annual Autumn Committee Plenaries of the Assembly of European Regions took place on September 24-26, 2019, in Podčetrtek, Slovenia.

Useful Links

General Programme of Events

Practical Information

Committee Elections 2019

Detailed Programme

Working Documents

Presentations

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Regional Business Forum - Second Edition
2019-10-01 - 2019-10-03 | Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, 11 Hajduk Veljkova St, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
Regional Business Forum – Second Edition
Date: 1 – 3 October 2019
Venue: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, 11 Hajduk Veljkova St, Novi Sad

The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina will host the Second Edition of the Regional Business Forum, it will be an opportunity for companies to exchange their business ideas and find new partners.
Following the success of last year’s forum, this year’s Regional Business Forum will be organised in partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, Vojvodina Development Agency and the Novi Sad Fair.

Sectors Involved:
– Agriculture & Food
– Metal Processing Industry
– Automotive Industry
– ICT
– Creative Industries

Want to know more?

We look forward to having fruitful discussions in Novi Sad, but first…

For more info about the event please read this article.

REGIONerating Europe
2019-10-08 09:15 - 10:45 | European Committee of the Regions, Rue Van Maerlant, Brussels, Brussels Capital Region, 1030, Belgium
The European Week of Regions and Cities is an annual four-day event during which cities and regions showcase their capacity to create growth and jobs, implement European Union cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and regional level for good European governance. It will take place from 7-10 October 2019 in Brussels.

AER is proud to host a workshop in the context of #EUregions week:
REGIONerating Europe
As a new European Parliament has recently been elected and a new Commission is being appointed, this workshop will stimulate debate around key challenges facing the EU today and how regions can help to create a more democratic, inclusive and sustainable Europe. In this session, regional leaders from across Europe will discuss how regions are tackling these challenges and how to better involve regional authorities and their citizens in EU policy-making and implementation so that EU policies and legislation deliver the best outcomes for EU citizens, building a Union they trust and support.
How to reach out to citizens and foster their engagement, in particular, young people, in the EU democratic process and policy-making? How to make cohesion policy and its role in building a more democratic, inclusive and sustainable Europe more visible to its citizens? How to more effectively involve local and regional authorities in EU policy-making in order to bring the EU closer to its citizens? These and more will be some of the questions to be explored during the workshop.

*please note you need to sign in with EU Login to register for this and all #EUregionsweek sessions

Date: 8 October
Time: 9:15 – 10:45
Venue:
Building CoR – VM building, Room VM 1.
Address: Rue Van Maerlant, 1040 Brussels
Visit the #EUregionsweek homepage

Eurodyssey Forum 2019
2019-10-23 - 2019-10-25 | Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardinia, 09100, Italy
The Eurodyssey Forum 2019 took place in Cagliari, Sardinia on 23-25 October 2019.
For this year’s Forum, the Secretariat extended the invitation to the person responsible for communications in your region to think up together a communication strategy for Eurodyssey.

Programme Overview

Working Documents
Statistic Report 2018 (Full version)
Statistics Report 2009-2019
Statistic Report 2019
Hosting Calendar Form 2020
Eurodyssey Employment Results 2017
Eurodyssey State of Membership 2019
Presentations
Presentation Statistics Report 2018-2019
EY Comms Guidelines
Workshop “How to communicate EY across Europe”
ASPAL Presentation (Sardinia Region)
CASMI Presentation (Sardinia Region)
Civil Servants Exchange Programme for Forum (Varazdin County)
Communication Presentation (Wallonia Region)
Eurodyssée Presentation (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region)
“How youth mobility can contribute to regional development” (Tuscany Region)
Eurodyssey Report 2019
The Eurodyssey Final Report 2019 can be found HERE.
Eurodyssey Elections 2019
On 24 October, the following individuals were unanimously (re)elected by the Eurodyssey member regions present:

Position
Incumbent

Chair
Esther Estany Campos (Catalonia, ES)

Member region
Laurence Hermand (Wallonia, BE)

Member region
Arlette Brone (Brussels-Capital, BE)

Member region
Agneta Kardos (Timis, RO)

Member region
Emilio Terrado Vicente (Valencia, ES)

Member region
Vitória Soares (Açores, PT)

Pictures
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AMiD Final Conference
2019-11-05 13:00 - 17:45 | European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Rue Belliard 99, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
SAVE THE DATE!
The Assembly of European Regions is pleased to invite you to:
The AMiD Final Conference
Date: 5 November 2019
Timing: 13:00-18:30
Venue: European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Rue Belliard 99, B-1040, Brussels

AMiD – Access to services for Migrants with Disabilities project is an EU funded project that aims to support the efficient management of the reception and inclusion of migrants with disabilities in the EU. The conference is organised in collaboration with the AMiD consortium.

Aims of the conference:
– Explore the main project results from the national reports of the participating countries, the Needs Assessment Tool and the training modules
– Improve the knowledge of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and local authorities in order to meet the needs of migrants with disabilities arriving in Europe more successfully
– Discuss the most important trends, needs and challenges on the topic ‘disability & migration’ with key experts in the field

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.

Useful Links

General Programme

Registration Link

For more info about the AMiD project please visit this webpage.

Check the video of Magnus Berntsson, President of AER, presenting the AMiD Project:

Migrants with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups of society🤝@europeanregions actively support their integration at local level! Find more #Regions4Integration stories on ➡https://t.co/LvA4LcPSkP@MagnusBerntsson pic.twitter.com/hwKXld8QEc
— European Committee of the Regions (@EU_CoR) July 17, 2019

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International Youth Forum Dialogue
2019-11-15 - 2019-11-19
The International Youth Forum Dialogue needs you!
Are you interested in youth policy? Do you have experiences to share on how to promote effective communication among young people? Do you want to jointly address the challenges connected to youth?
If so, then this event is for you…
When and Where:
The International Youth Forum Dialogue will take place from 15 to 19 November 2019 in Batumi, Adjara (Georgia).
Who should participate:
This dialogue platform will bring together 50 representatives from 20 countries between the age of 18 and 29 who have a background and expertise in youth policy.
The dialogue will take place in English and the LEPL Youth Regional Center will cover all costs (accommodation, local transportation, meals and other related costs) during the stay except flight tickets.
Main Topics:

Georgian practice of Youth Policy
UN Youth Policy
Global Trends
Ideas & Projects related to youth policy

How to Apply:
If you are interested, please contact AER Member Relations, Tina Wu, at t.wu@aer.eu.
Further information will follow very shortly!
**Please do not book your flights until confirmation of participation is given**

Smart City Expo World Congress - Barcelona (ES)
2019-11-19 - 2019-11-21 | Gran Via Venue, Hall 1 and 2, Barcelona, Spain
The Assembly of European Regions will again be taking part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) from 19-21 November in Barcelona (ES). The 2019 edition of the SCEWC aims to be the meeting point to encourage all stakeholders (from technology industries to policy-makers and entrepreneurs) to engage in dynamic action to enable a sustainable and inclusive future.
There will be 5 main tracks that will be touched upon during this expo:

Digital Transformation
Urban Environment
Mobility
Governance & Finance
Inclusive & Sharing Cities

During the expo, there will also be parallel events such as the Smart Mobility Congress, the Circular Economy European Summit, the Sharing Cities Summit and the Digital Future Society Summit. During last year’s edition, there were over 21,000 visitors from 700+ cities and 146 countries.
AER will be hosting an event on Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Regional Perspective in Integrated Care. This event will take place on 19 November in the South Agora from 10:00-11:15.
Additionally, Mrs Lilijana Madjar, Director and Head of the Western Cohesion Region of Slovenia will be speaking in an event about Smart Mobility: Active and Micro Mobility to Achieve Low-carbon cities. This will take place from 14:45-16:45 in the Mobility Room of the Congress.
Should you be interested in attending, AER has received 10 free Expo passes (100 euro value) which will give you access to the Smart City Expo World Congress & Smart Mobility Congress Exhibition Floors; access to all the Side Events; Access to District Agoras sessions; and Access to Activities such as brokerage events, matchmaking activities, etc. We have also received a 25% discount on both Congress & Expo passes. If you would like to attend, please contact Tina Wu at t.wu@aer.eu
**Please note these passes are for AER member regions**

Autumn Bureau Meeting - Brussels Capital (BE)
2019-12-05 | Brussels Capital
The autumn meeting of the AER Bureau took on 5 December 2019 in the Brussels Capital Region.
The Bureau came together to adopt AER’s political priorities for 2020-2025 and it also hosted two debates with European parliamentarians on the Sustainable Development Goals and Digitalisation.

A draft agenda for the event is accessible at the link below:

The Working Documents can be downloaded at the link below:

Presentations from the event can be downloaded via the link below:

Photographs from the event can be viewed at the link below:

Revisit the highlights from the event in the articles below:

2019 Autumn Bureau Meeting in Brussels
The Autumn edition of the twice-annual AER Bureau Meeting took place in Brussels on 5 December 2019, hosted by the ...Read More

Bureau signs off on Political Priorities 2020-2025
During the Autumn 2019 Bureau Meeting that took place on 5 December in Brussels (BE), Bureau members adopted AER Political ...Read More

Debating the Role of Regions in the Digital Era
During the AER Bureau Meeting which took place in Brussels on 5 December 2019, the AER Taskforce on Digitalisation hosted ...Read More

Glocalising the SDGs – Moving Together in the Right Direction
The AER Taskforce on the SDGs organised a Panel Debate entitled ‘Glocalising the Sustainable Development Goals’ in the context of ...Read More

Regions in the Digital Era
The Assembly of European Regions will host a debate focused on the topic of Digitalisation on the 5th of December ...Read More

AER Debate on Glocalising the Sustainable Development Goals
The AER debate on Glocalising the Sustainable Development Goals will take place in Brussels on 5 December from 14.30-16.00. As ...Read More

Road to the Future Project - Final Conference
2020-01-20 - 2020-01-21 | BIP Brussels, 2-4 Rue Royale, Brussels, Brussels Capital, 1000, Belgium
The Final Conference of the Road to the Future “I Choose Europe” Project will take place on 20-21 January 2020 in Brussels.

Agenda

Registration

For more information, please contact the AER Projects Unit.

World Sustainable Energy Days
2020-03-04 - 2020-03-06 | Wels, Pollheimerstrasse 1, Wels, Wels, A-4600, Austria
The World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED) is a yearly event that takes place in Wels, Austria. This year’s edition takes place from 4-6 March. It is jam-packed 2 days with 6 conferences covering best practices & experiences from both the private and public sector, financing opportunity, policy initiatives, network opportunities, tradeshow with 1,600 exhibiting companies and study visits.
The conference includes:

European Pellet Conference
European Energy Efficiency Conference (includes all the conference below)
Energy Efficiency Policy Conference
Young Energy Efficiency Researchers Conference
Industrial Energy Efficiency Conference
Smart E-mobility Conference

This year, selected participants from regional & local administrations can receive financial support, which is provided in the context of the Prospect Project. Indeed, the project is hosting a workshop in the context of the WSED on Green Financing. Participants can especially obtain insights into which instruments work in what contexts and how they can be successfully applied in your region or city. The financial support includes:

Up to 200 Euro as contribution to travel and accommodation costs
Free entrance to the European Energy Efficiency Conference (4-6 March 2020, participation fee: value of 330 Euro). Apply for support here!
