Assembly of European Regions

[REGISTER NOW] YRN Online Workshops on Youth Participation | 28 February, 1 March, 4 March 2024
2024-02-28 18:00 - 2024-03-04 20:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Zoom
Register now! The Youth Regional Network Thematic Committee on Youth Participation and Governance and the Timis County Youth Foundation are organising 3 interactive workshops for young changemakers!

WORKSHOP OUTLINES

REGISTER HERE*

*The workshops will take place on Zoom. Registration is mandatory for each workshop. It is highly recommended for participants to attend all 3 workshops to benefit from the full training.
The purpose of the workshops is to inform young people about what youth participation entails, and how youth participation models, structures, opportunities, etc. can help them become more involved, active citizens. Each workshop has a different focus, allowing participants to fully familiarise themselves with the concept of youth participation, and to put the newly gained knowledge into practice through interactive activities.
The workshops will take place as follows:

28 February, 6 PM CET – The Concept of Youth Participation
1 March, 6 PM CET – Formal and Informal Participation Structures
4 March, 6 PM CET – Participation and Project Planning

If you attend the three sessions, you will receive an Official Certificate of Attendance, from the AER Youth Regional Network.
Participants will have the opportunity to benefit from mutual learning, share opinions, experience, best practices, collaborate on tasks, and interact with young people from all over Europe.
Both the YRN Committee on Youth Participation and Governance and the Timis County Youth Foundation will facilitate the sessions, provide their input and share their experience. The YRN will also present its Youth Participation Toolkit and explain some concrete ways in which they have facilitated youth participation in the Committee’s activities.
Contact
For more information, please contact the YRN at yrn.tc-youth-participation@aer.eu and the AER Secretariat t.nicolaescu@aer.eu.

MEET Project | Breakfast Debate with MEP Lukas Mandl
2024-03-06 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Brussels) | AER Brussels Office, Rue d'Arlon 63, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Join us on the 6th of March in our AER office in Brussels for a Breakfast debate with Lukas Mandl as part of the EU- Funded Meet Project. During the morning event, Lukas Mandl will address the upcoming 2024 EU elections, citizenship and participatory democracy as main topics. There will be space to ask questions and discuss the important topics surrounding the Future of Europe, such as sustainability and inclusion.
Please complete our registration form if you would like to attend.
About the MEET Project
With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.
MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.
Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!
The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.

[Sold out] Youth Regional Network (YRN) General Assembly | Zalău, Sălaj County, Romania | 14-17 March 2024
2024-03-14 - 2024-03-17
Save the Date & Apply! The Youth Regional Network (YRN) will gather in Zalău (Sălaj County, Romania) for their annual General Assembly, between the 14th and the 17th of March 2024!

DRAFT AGENDA
CLICK HERE TO APPLY*
*Your application will be reviewed, and the AER Secretariat will send a confirmation email to the selected participants. Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving a confirmation email.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
# Event’s location
The YRN General Assembly will take place in Zalău, Sălaj County, Romania.
The location can be reached by flying to the Cluj-Napoca “Avram Iancu” International Airport. Shuttles (3 maximum: morning, mid-day, end afternoon) will be organised by Sălaj County between Cluj airport and Zalău on Thursday 14 March, and between Zalău and Cluj airport on Sunday 17 March. Selected participants only will receive detailed information and schedule of these shuttles. Pre-booked taxis could constitute an option if necessary.
Once you receive your confirmation email from the AER Secretariat, it will be mandatory to send us your exact arrival and departure times. Otherwise, your participation will be canceled.
# Accommodation
Hotel options in Zalău are to be communicated to selected participants only. The current prices are approximately between 30€ and 60€ per person and per night (prices vary if you opt for a shared room with another participant, or for a single room).
# Solidarity Fund
Young participants whose travel costs cannot be supported by their region, a regional council, a youth regional council, a youth organisation, etc., may apply to the MEET/YRN Solidarity Fund. If accepted, the AER can cover up to 200-250€ of your travel and accommodation costs, as a reimbursement by bank transfer after your attendance to the entire event, and if you provide all necessary supportive documents (invoices, receipts, original boarding passes, train tickets, bus tickets). The reimbursement may exceed 250€ depending on the final number of participants.

WHAT IS THE YRN AND ITS GENERAL ASSEMBLY?
Created by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in 2008, the Youth Regional Network (YRN) is a cross-regional youth platform, promoting active youth participation at regional level. The YRN provides young people with an opportunity to express policy recommendations, foster debate and capacity-building, to exchange good practices, to reach out to decision-makers, and to influence policies. JOIN THE YRN HERE.
The YRN General Assembly is an annual event where YRN members and young people interested in the programme have the opportunity to gather around workshops, capacity-building activities and debates, to exchange views and ideas with other young people from across Europe.
The YRN General Assembly is also the moment to elect the YRN Presidium for a one-year mandate. Here, members of the YRN only have the chance to elect the YRN President, Vice-Presidents and Chairs of the Thematic Committees. YRN members only can apply to such positions (the application form is included in the registration form to the present event), with priority given to YRN members based in AER member regions. Voting and eligibility rights are detailed in the YRN Statutes.
# MEET Intergenerational Debate on the Future of Europe
The YRN General Assembly 2024 will include a MEET Intergenerational Debate on the Future of Europe. The MEET project (Mobilise Europe = Engage Together) is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Commission and led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), in partnership with the AER. Ahead of the 2024 European elections, the MEET project aims at offering space for diverse groups of European citizens to discuss the future of Europe at local and regional level. The MEET Regional Debates aim at creating space to make youth voices heard and to foster intergenerational debate between young people and politicians.

AER & Interreg NEXT MED | Online info session | Funding Opportunities
2024-03-14 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Brussels)
Are you looking into funding opportunities for projects in the Mediterranean region?
Join us for an online information session with the managing authority (the Autonomous Region of Sardinia) of the Interreg NEXT MED funding Programme on 14 March from 10am – 1pm (CEST).
The online event will focus on the Programme and the funding opportunities it gives to EU and non-EU countries in the Mediterranean region. For the first time, the Programme is open to Algeria and Turkey (more info on the Programme and eligible countries here).
Together, we will delve into funding opportunities and the first call for project proposals, with an interesting outlook on future calls for projects foreseen for the next years.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to have a dedicated Q&A session with the managing authority of the whole funding Programme, as we will have time to address general aspects, such as how to be part of the first project call, and specific aspects, such as funding rules and how to find partners to join forces in applying for funding.
The event is open for AER members and non-AER members, but we recommend checking the eligibility area with its list of countries to be sure that you are within the geographical area of interest!
Have a look at the agenda of the event!
Please complete the registration form if you would like to attend.

EU- Belong | Intercultural Integration: A Shared Journey towards Equality and Belonging
2024-03-20 08:00 - 2024-03-21 19:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland
The EU-Belong knowledge-sharing event was hosted by Donegal (Ireland) from 19 to 21 March 2024 on the occasion of One Donegal Social Inclusion Week. One Donegal Social Inclusion Week is coordinated by Donegal County Council and aims to highlight the very positive work being done, not only by the Council but also by other statutory and community organisations, to raise awareness of social inclusion-related issues in Donegal.
The EU-Belong knowledge-sharing event was co-organised by the AER and Donegal County. It gathered international experts, regional politicians and civil servants, professionals, and volunteers engaged in creating intercultural societies to:

Learn in detail about the policies and practices employed in Donegal for intercultural integration.
Meet peers working on similar challenges in different regions across Europe
Engage in mutual learning, get inspired by each other’s experiences and insights, create sounding boards, spaces for reflexivity and continuously improve policies and practices.
Showcase regional initiatives: Feature speakers from Donegal and EU-Belong regions sharing approaches to building inclusive and intercultural communities.
Highlight the principles of interculturalism and their translation in real life: Emphasize core principles such as equality, the diversity advantage, meaningful interaction, and active citizenship.
Discuss key operational elements

AGENDA & PRESENTATIONS
EU-Belong One Donegal Social Inclusion Week Conference

Welcome address, Emanuela Pisanò, EU Belong Project Manager, Assembly of European Regions

Donegal: a Landscape of Multiple Collaborations

One Donegal Social Inclusion Week & The Donegal Black and Ethnic Minority Strategy, Charles Sweeney, Social Inclusion, Donegal County Council
EU-Belong pilot projects in Donegal: Supporting Pathways, Denise McCool, Team Lead Community Development & Sustainability, and Sinead McDaid, Team Lead, Enterprise & Employment at Inishowen Development Partnership
Communities Against Racism Actions (CARA) Donegal, Nolunga Shologu, Community Links Worker & Project Lead for CARA- DONEGAL, and Sheril Davies, CARA facilitator

Moderated by Fadl Mustapha, Donegal Youth Service and Co-Chair of Implementation Group – Donegal Black and Ethnic Minority Strategy
Journeying towards equality and belonging: experiences from regions across Europe

Listening better to improve policymaking: the case of the Timis Minority Council, Agneta Kardos, EU-Belong Project manager, Timis, Romania
Addressing the issue of youth gangs through street education, Marzio Barbieri, Social, inclusion and equal opportunities policies, Emilia Romagna, Italy
The intercultural approach in rural areas: an instrument for regional attractiveness, Joakim Sandberg, Director of Cultural Affairs, Västerbotten, Sweden
Introducing interculturalism into public institutions and their agenda to address societal challenges, Agnieszka Szczepanik, Migration Specialist – Intercultural Advisor, Poznan, Poland

Moderated by Emanuela Pisanò, EU Belong Project Manager, Assembly of European Regions. Co-moderated by Vania Freitas, Coordinator for Institutional Relations & Advocacy, Assembly of European Regions.

Charting the course of intercultural policies & practices in Ireland

Presentation by Geraldine McTavish, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Gaelic Athletic Association
Presentation by Sharon McLaughlin, EDI Lead for Atlantic Technology University Letterkenny, and 2 students
Presentation by Carmel Irandoust, Founder of NETLOVE

Moderated by Micheal O’Heanaigh, AER Vice President for Youth, Culture & Tourism
Visit to Intercultural Coffee Morning: Inishowen Partnership’s projects
Visit One Million Stars Exhibition
Community Cornerstones: learning with and from stakeholders

Donegal Intercultural Platform, Paul Kernan, Project Coordinator DIP, and Balume Dube, Community Worker DIP and Training & Development lead, Think Equality Donegal project
Donegal Travellers Project, Kate Hagan, Community Development & Health Worker, Hugh Friel, North West Roma Health Coordinator
Donegal Youth Service, Loraine Thompson and Fadl Mustapha
Donegal Volunteer Centre, John Curran, Manager
Donegal Local Development Company, Joleen Kuyper Machado, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer
Donegal Regional Culture Centre, Jeremy Howard, Director, Regional Cultural Centre, and Dr. Harriet Purkis, Curator, Living in Donegal Project

Facilitated by Johanna Pacevicius, Coordinator Policy & Knowledge Transfer, Assembly of European Regions
Closing Addresses

Christina O’Donnell, Staff Officer, Social Inclusion Unit Donegal County Council & EU-Belong project Manager
Emanuela Pisanò, EU Belong Project Manager, Assembly of European Regions

Read the full concept and agenda of the event
For more information, contact Mirjam de Jong (m.dejong@aer.eu)

The event is the second EU-BELONG transnational knowledge sharing event aimed at supporting regions in addressing current societal challenges through intercultural and multi-stakeholder policies. EU-Belong is a 3-year project run by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and 12 partners, and co-funded by the AMIF Programme (AMIF-2020-AG-CALL) of the European Union.

MEET Project | Green Horizons: navigating decarbonization, critical raw materials and recyclability
2024-03-20 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Brussels) | North Sweden European Office, Av. des Arts 11, Brussels, 1210, Belgium
Join us on the 20th of March for the debate on “Green Horizons: navigating decarbonization, critical raw materials and recyclability”
The event will dive deep into the crucial nexus of decarbonization, critical raw materials extraction and recyclability. We are happy to welcome key experts from the Swedish region Norbotten, known for its significant deposits of critical raw materials, alongside private sector representatives offering insights into the latest trends in recyclability and decarbonization efforts.
This debate aims at fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration towards a greener, more sustainable future in the European Union and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the path towards decarbonisation and responsible resource management. Please complete our registration form if you would like to attend.
About the MEET Project
With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.
MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.
Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!
The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.

MEET Project | Writing the story of Europe: 2024 EU Elections and the next chapters| Debate in Letterkenny (Ireland)
2024-03-22 15:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Central Library Letterkenny, Oliver Plunkett Road, Leterkenny, Ireland
Join us on the 22nd of March in the Central Library in Letterkenny for a discussion about the upcoming EU elections and the Future of Europe.
We will address the upcoming 2024 EU elections, citizenship and participatory democracy as main topics. There will be space to ask questions and discuss the important topics surrounding the Future of Europe, such as sustainability and inclusion.
Please complete our registration form if you would like to attend.
About the MEET Project
With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.
MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.
Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!
The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​(CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.

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

Debate - Feeding the Future: Regional Perspectives on Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Renewable Energy House, Rue d’Arlon 63/67, 1040 Brussels
Join us on the 18 April 14.00-15.30 in Brussels (Renewable Energy House, Rue d’Arlon 63/67) for an engaging debate: “Feeding the Future: Regional Perspectives on Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe“.
AER and the Province of Gelderland are inviting regional representatives, institutional stakeholders, farmers, and rural actors to engage in a lively discussion on the future EU agricultural and rural development policies.
The debate will explore the prospects for a new era in farming and rural policy in Europe, focusing on the opportunities to build a more resilient, sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future as we move through the digital and green transition. It will serve as an opportunity to understand what European regions, farmers and rural communities need from the future EU Common Agricultural Policy, setting the stage for discussions on shaping a policy and support framework that aligns with the evolving needs of our people – who need healthy and affordable food – our agricultural sector and our rural areas.
Confirmed Speakers
Harold Zoet, Regional Minister of the Province of Gelderland and Chair of the AER Task Force on Agriculture and Regional Development
Isilda Gomes, Chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for Natural Resources and Rapporteur on “Future of the Common Agricultural Policy”
Rūdolfs Pulkstenis, Vice President, CEJA – European Council of Young Farmers
Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium
Ricard Ramón i Sumoy, Deputy Head of Unit for policy perspectives, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
You can find more details in the concept note HERE.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe.
Register HERE.
Refreshments and networking opportunities will be available following the debate, and we invite you to stay and engage further. The debate will be organised by the AER Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Development chaired by Harold Zoet, Regional Minister of the Province of Gelderland, as part of the MEET project.
About the MEET Project
With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.
MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.
Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!
The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.

Online study visit on Mental Health in Odesa -23 April 2024
2024-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Odessa, Ukraine
On the occasion of the AER Winter Dialogues, the members of the AER Working Group on Mental Health agreed to organise a virtual study visit to Odesa (UA) to learn about measures implemented in the region, to address mental health needs in the current context of the war, in particular for children
Peer learning for mental health policies
The AER Working Group on Mental Health, which kicked off activities in October 2023, is chaired by Daniel Schützer (Värmland, SE). The working group is collaborating closely with the AER Youth Regional Network.
On the occasion of the Winter Dialogues in Lower Austria (AU), the group held its first in-person workshop. Members exchanged about the challenges linked to social isolation, deep fake and changing relationships in an online world, as well as emergencies such as natural and geopolitical disasters.
Members of the group expressed interest in hearing more about regional policies and practices via virtual study visits. This enables policymakers, and field specialists to:

learn from each other
learn about regional specificities
discover new perspectives and angles for policymaking
understand the rationale and approaches used in the development of mental health policies
learn about implementation challenges and elements of success.

Discover Odesa’s policies and practices for mental health
(click on hyperlinks to access presentations)

Introduction, technicalities

Johanna Pacevicius, AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer

Welcome words

Daniel Schützer, Chair of the AER Working Group on Mental Health

Moderation

Kaltum Hussein, International advisor, Department of Regional Development, Värmland (SE)

Introduction by Odesa

Vadym Shkarivskiyi, Deputy Chairman of the Odesa Regional Council

Presentation #1 by Odesa:
Mental & physical rehabilitation
in the Odesa Region

Anna Velichko, Regional coordinator of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How are you?”
Yuliya Yermakova, Psychotherapist of Odesa Regional Mental Health Center

Video 1
Rehabilitation center

Video 2
Maternity hospital in shelter

Video 3
Hospital of Bolgrad District: rehabilitation & salt room

Presentation #2 by Odessa:
Department of education and science of Odesa

Oksana Uglik, Head of the Department of Preschool, Correctional Education and Social Work of the Department of Education and Science

Video 4
School

Video 5
School in the shelter of Safianove

To join the AER Working Group, exchange with peers and contribute to shaping future activities please fill in this form
For more information on AER Working Groups, please contact AER Policy Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius

Photo credits: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Addressing Racial Injustice, Discrimination, and Bias in AI within Public Administration
2024-05-28 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/Brussels)
Join the conversation! On 28 May 2024 the AER and the DG of Migration, Asylum and Antiracism of the Government of Catalonia organised a webinar on “Addressing Racial Injustice, Discrimination, and Bias in AI within Public Administration” in the context of the EU-Belong knowledge transfer clusters

Public administrations and their service providers are increasingly using AI applications to accelerate their operations, analyse big data sets, assess risks and make decisions. Usages may involve for instance support to recruitment processes, fraud control, the assessment of requests for benefits, the security of public spaces or border control.
Risks of AI usage in public services
Several studies, including the Council of Europe’s 2023 Study on the impact of artificial intelligence systems (…), have highlighted the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), with regards to increased discriminations of vulnerabilised people. Automated decision-making systems, have indeed in some cases led public administrations to implement wide systems of discrimination and unprecedented injustice.
A changing legal landscape
In March 2024, the European Parliament adopted the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (“AI Act”) establishing common rules and obligations for providers and deployers of AI-based systems in the EU internal market. At the same time, the Council of Europe finalised the draft Framework Convention on artificial intelligence, which is the first legally binding global instrument to address the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and is based on the Council of Europe’s standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

What is new about these texts?
What should policymakers be aware of when designing policies and practices?
What should they be looking at specifically when buying services from consultancies or tech companies?

A webinar for better policymaking
In a rapidly evolving landscape policymakers and regional stakeholders may find it difficult to simultaneously gather useful and up-to-date information, while also identifying areas where they can act and create impact.
This webinar gathered experts who shared:

how they work to address racial injustice, discrimination, and bias in AI within public administration
what are the main changes ahead and how to prepare
what they see as the main elements for effective policymaking and civic participation on the topic of AI & discriminations
what their advice is to politicians, civil servants, and different regional stakeholders

Draft Agenda

13:00-13:07

Welcome

Laura Sentis Margalef, EU Belong Project Officer, Department for Equality and Feminisms of Catalonia

13:07-13:10

The Intercultural Regions Network

Joan de Lara, Senior officer, Department for Equality and Feminisms of Catalonia

13:10-13:20

Introduction on AI

Sofia Trejo, Researcher in AI Ethics and Specialist in the ethical, social, political, and cultural dimensions of AI, Barcelona Supercomputing Center

13:20-13:25

Q&A

13:25-13:35

AI, discrimination and human rights protection

Menno Ettema, Head of Unit, Hate Speech, Hate Crime and Artificial Intelligence, Directorate of Equal Rights and Dignity, Council of Europe

13:35-13:40

Q&A

13:40-13:50

The intersection betweenanti-racism and digital rights

Sarah Chander, Senior Policy Advisor at European Digital Rights and co-founder of the Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice

13:50-13:55

Q&A

13:55-14:05

Fighting racism in digital intelligence

Paula Guerra Cáceres, Antiracist activist and Head of Advocacy at Algorace

14:05-14:10

Q&A

14:10-14:20

Roundtable discussion

14:20-14:25

Q&A

14:25-14:30

Conclusion & Announcements

Laura Sentis Margalef, EU Belong Project Officer, Department for Equality and Feminisms of Catalonia

More Information on AI in Public Administration
For readers interested in exploring the topics of AI bias and discrimination further, the following resources provide valuable insights and in-depth research:

Gender Shades: Research on face recognition software and its biases.
AI Bias and the Roma Community: Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) has published a comprehensive report discussing AI bias in relation to the Roma community. Read the report in EnglishLeer el informe en español
EU Artificial Intelligence Act: Learn about the common rules and obligations for AI providers and deployers within the EU internal market.
Machine Learning Harm Framework: Harini Suresh and John Guttag provide a framework for understanding sources of harm throughout the machine learning lifecycle.
Amnesty International Case Study: Examine the impact of algorithmic discrimination in public services through the Dutch childcare benefits scandal.
Recommendations by Sarah Chander (Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice):– Beyond Bias: Discussion on AI-driven systems and debiasing efforts.– Civil Society Recommendations on the AI Act: Read the political statement and the recent status update.– Discriminatory Surveillance and Migration Laws
Algorace Website: For more information on algorithmic fairness and race, visit the Algorace website.
Council of Europe Resources:– Framework Convention on AI and HR Democracy and the Rule of Law– Study on AI and Equality– Study on Discrimination and Algorithmic Decision-Making– Committee of Experts on AI, Equality, and Discrimination (GEC/ADI-AI)

YRN Open online meeting for World Environment Day
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Brussels)
Celebrate World Environment Day on the 5th of June at 19:00 CET with the Youth Regional Network (YRN)!
The World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. It celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world. It has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1973.
At this occasion, the YRN will be hosting a dynamic open online meeting, focused on building a sustainable future with young people, with Sustainability Expert Cameron Price as guest speaker.
Register and save your spot by filling out the registration form or by sending an email to the YRN Chair for Green and Sustainable Europe, Marsel Haka, at yrn-tc-green-sustainable@aer.eu. The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants only.

General Assembly & Bureau meeting | 8th Black Sea Summit in Batumi, Ajara, Georgia [REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED]
2024-06-12 08:00 - 2024-06-14 17:00 (Europe/Brussels) | 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi 6010, Georgia, 40 Rustaveli Avenue, Batumi, Georgia
General Assembly and Bureau meeting | 8th Black Sea Summit
AER Spring Bureau meeting & General Assembly 2024 at a glance
The Spring Bureau meeting will take place on 12 June 2024, the General Assembly on 13 June 2024.
The 8th Black Sea Summit at a glance
The Assembly of European Regions is co-organising the 8th Black Sea Summit with the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Georgia, from 12 to 14 June 2024. A high-level political conference on regional issues, the Black Sea Summit fosters critical discussions on the wider Black Sea region, whose developments are crucial for global politics and economy.
The venue of the Black Sea Summit & General Assembly / Spring Bureau Meeting is the Hilton Hotel in 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi 6010, Georgia.
Registrations are closed. If you are an AER member, please get in touch with AER Communications and Events Coordinator, Barbara Polin (b.polin@aer.eu).
Draft agenda*
*changes may occur for organisational reasons

Click here to read the detailed draft agenda.

Daily schedule
12 June 2024
Workshop of the Working Group on the Bioeconomy “Changing perspectives on resources for a sustainable bioeconomy” | 10:00 – 12:30
The Working Group on the Bioeconomy will examine different regional examples to innovate bioeconomy policies & practices, and will appoint a new Chair.

Interested in joining the Working Group on the Bioeconomy? Contact AER Policy and Knowledge Transfer Coordinator Johanna Pacevicius
Spring Bureau meeting | 14:30 – 17:30
The Bureau will define positions on key AER action areas and discuss our advocacy work for the coming years.
Direct links:

Draft Agenda
Working Documents

13 June 2024
General Assembly | 10:30 – 13:30
Direct links:

Draft Detailed Agenda
Working Documents

14 June 2024
Study visit to UNDP funded agro-farms in Machakhela National Park (12:00 – 16:00)

Bee-keeping, wine-making and innovative use of bio-mass are only a few of the activities implemented in agro-farms located in the Machakhela Protected Areas. This was made possible by support projects implemented by UNDP together with the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara Autonomous Republic and Khelvachauri Municipality, through financial assistance from the Global Environmental Facility – GEF and Japanese Government.
Useful travel information
Transportation

Free shuttle bus: The host region will organise free shuttle buses from and to the Batumi (BUS) and Kutaisi (KUT) airports. The schedule will be released consistently with the arrival and departure time of participants.

Interested in the service of free shuttle buses? Share your flight details here
Accomodation

For information about hotels in Batumi, please consult the offers on Booking.com
Preferential booking rates: The host region has secured favourable booking rates with the five-star hotels listed below. Booking fees and dates may vary.
Sheraton
Hilton
Le Meridian
Radisson Hotels

[SOLD OUT] AER Summer Academy 2024 - Bodø, Nordland (NO) - 12-16 August 2024
2024-08-12 16:00 - 2024-08-16 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Bodø, Nordland, Norway, Bodø, Nordland, Norway
The Summer Academy 2024 explores how culture can foster youth participation, and it puts into focus the issues of availability, accessibility, and inclusivity of culture across European regions.
Hosted by Nordland fylkeskommune (Nordland County Council), the Summer Academy 2024 will take place from the 12th to the 16th of August in Bodø, the European Capital of Culture. Driven by the key theme of ‘Fostering Youth Participation through Culture’, this edition will explore the relationship between culture, society, and economy through region-led workshops on the healing power of culture in humanitarian and social crises, its capacity to connect people from diverse backgrounds, its power to generate financial revenues from local assets and many other aspects of the generative power of culture.
As intergenerational dialogue and youth inclusion are at the heart of the Summer Academy, and the 2024 edition starts on the UN International Youth Day, the 2024 edition will feature the Award Ceremony of the MYFER Award, rewarding the Most Youth-Friendly European Region.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DETAILED AGENDA

*REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 10 JULY 2024*
Participation in the Summer Academy is subject to a participation fee, included in the registration form. Read below for more details.

What’s on the agenda?
The Summer Academy will include plenary sessions, workshops, study visit and cultural activities revolving around the main topic: fostering youth participation through culture.
The opening plenary session will include regional representatives, European institutional representatives and youth delegates (young elected politicians, youth county councils…) who will share their expertise and views, and engage in meaningful discussions.
The workshops are organised by members of the Organising Committee for the 2024 edition of the Summer Academy, namely:

AER: workshop on Mental Health Prevention and Planning, with the AER Working Group on Mental Health and the Youth Regional Network (YRN).
Catalonia: workshop by the Catalan Youth Agency and Sala d’Art Jove, “Inventing recipes to be (together)”.
Donegal County Council: workshop on “Intercultural integration and the EU-Belong project”.
Maramures County Council: workshop on Art Therapy.
Nordland County Council: workshop on “The Narvik War and Peace Centre”.
Údarás na Gaeltachta: workshop by Muintearas, “Cuisle na Gaeltachta / the Pulse of the Gaeltacht: an overview and insight into youth participation through Culture in the Gaeltacht”.
Østfold County Council: workshop on “The Blikkåpner project and Gallery F15“.
Autonomous Province of Vojvodina: workshop on ““Student participation in politics and decision-making processes”.
Kanton Zürich: “Democratic Culture in the Canton of Zurich”, with the Zürich Youth Parliament.
Local workshop: “Sámi Pathfinders and Sámi University College”, with representatives from the Sámi people in Bodø.

The study visits and cultural activities are organised by the host region, as a unique occasion to showcase their region’s richness, models and diversity, while valuing the cultural backgrounds of the other regions represented at the event, in a closing cultural evening!
The closing plenary is led by the youth delegates themselves, as a privileged feedback and interaction moment.
How to join the Summer Academy 2024?
To take part in the Summer Academy, participants are requested to purchase a ticket on Nordland fylkeskommune’s dedicated online platform (as you would purchase a concert or festival ticket).
The price of the ticket includes:

access to all activities of the Summer Academy (plenaries, workshops, cultural activities,s tudy visits);
accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø (booked directly by Nordland County Council for the participants) for 4 nights (arrival 12 August, departure 16 August);
all meals from Monday dinner to Friday breakfast;
airport transfers from Bodø airport, and transfers from the conference venue to the other activities.

The online platform to purchase the tickets is open! Three types of tickets are available:

Regular ticket: 600 EUR. Single room.
Discounted youth ticket: 300 EUR. Twin room (i.e. shared room between two young participants – same-sex only).
Local ticket (for participants living in Bodø only, and who don’t need a hotel): 100 EUR.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PURCHASE YOUR SUMMER ACADEMY TICKET
*REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 10 JULY 2024*
The Summer Academy: a high-level event recognised by European institutions
As part of the Climbing the Ladder Erasmus+ project, the Summer Academy enables participants to share their opinions on how and why culture matters, and what should change – or not – to make culture a driver for engagement in public life. The project’s main objective is to address the need for effective and meaningful structures, mechanisms and spaces for the active engagement of young people in policy-making and decision-making processes at local, regional, national and European levels.
The Summer Academy will be showcased as one of the three study visits of the CL-YE project, where relevant data about models and spaces for youth engagement will be collected. Both the AER and Nordland fylkeskommune are part of the project consortium led by DYPALL Network, a European platform gathering civil society organisations and local authorities from more than 30 countries, whose mission is to involve young people in decision-making processes, engage them as active citizens, and enable municipal and regional authorities to address the needs and interests of youth.
Did you know that the Summer Academy 2022 was awarded the European Citizen’s Prize for Ireland? Awarded every year by the European Parliament, this Prize goes to projects “organised by people or organisations that encourage mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU, cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit, and EU values and fundamental rights.”
In addition, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, a long-standing partner of the AER of the Youth Regional Network (YRN), had supported the 2022 edition of the Summer Academy, through the participation of their Secretary General and of their youth delegate for Switzerland.

Contact persons at the AER Secretariat: Lorène Weber (l.weber@aer.eu), Programmes Coordinator; Barbara Polin (b.polin@aer.eu), Communications & Events Coordinator; Justin Sammon (j.sammon@aer.eu), Member Relations Coordinator.

[Register!] YRN workshop - Sustainable Pathways: Youth-led Foresight for Territorial development
2024-10-05 12:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Brussels)
On the 5th of October, at 12:00 pm CET (Tirana time), the Youth Regional Network (YRN) invites you to join an inspiring two-hour workshop on the theme: “Sustainable Pathways: Youth-led Foresight for Territorial development”. The workshop is organised by the YRN Committee on Green and Sustainable Europe, in cooperation with two NGOs: RESU (Reinforce Sustainability) and NGA (Next Generation Advocates).

RESU (Reinforce Sustainability) is an NGO dedicated to safeguarding the environment. It offers expert guidance and support to individuals and communities. Their mission is to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a sustainable community.
NGA (Next Generation Advocates) is a youth-focused NGO dedicated to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in political decision-making. Their goals is to empower youth to become active agents of change and shape a better future for all.
What to expect from the workshop?
Collaborate with experts from RESU and Next Gen Advocates and explore innovative green policies and practical solutions. Gain a deeper understanding of environmental concepts, discover actionable steps for creating more sustainable communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, engage, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Location – Tirana and online
The workshop will be hybrid: participants based in Tirana will join in person at the RESU offices (Rruga Naim Frasheri Pallati 24, Tirana 1023), and the event is also open to online participants. The Zoom link will be provided to the registered participants only.
The workshop participants will receive an official certificate of participation from the YRN, upon request in the registration form.

For any questions and for the Zoom link, please reach out to the Chair of the YRN Committee for Green & Sustainable Europe, Marsel Haka, at yrn.tc-green-sustainable@aer.eu.

Breakfast Briefing on the Bioeconomy
2024-10-08 09:00 - 10:30 (Europe/Brussels)
The AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is inviting all AER members interested in working on the Bioeconomy to join a Breakfast Briefing on Circular Bioeconomy Strategies at the AER Brussels Office (Rue d’Arlon 63-67).
The event is organised together with key representatives from the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) for the pilot region of Podravje.
Join us to receive first-hand insights into how this topic is being addressed within the European Commission, and discuss possible project ideas together with like-minded peers from other regions, around coffee and croissants.

Event reserved for AER members only

Agenda Breakfast Briefing Bioeconomy(1)
The AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy
The working group currently includes 16 regions to exchange and innovate policies and practices: Innlandet (NO), Värmland (SE), Gelderland (NL), Flevoland (NL), Fribourg (CH), Donegal (IE), Udaras na Gaeltachta (IE), Adana (TR), Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality (TR), Grand Est (FR), Dolj (RO), Tirana (AL), Valencia (ES), East Slovenia (SI), West Slovenia (SI), and Umbria (IT). Any member of the working group can propose an activity.
It’s Possible to Join Anytime!
AER members can join an AER working Group at any time. To join the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, exchange with peers, and contribute to shaping future activities, please fill in this short registration form. To catch-up with the activities of the working group, check this link.
AER members can also propose new working groups on topics of interest, fostering innovation and impactful change.

European Week of Regions & Cities | Workshop 'Skills: (EU)Belong here - How intercultural strategies can boost talent attraction and retention'
2024-10-09 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Albert Borschette Congress Center, Brussels, Rue Froissart 36, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Join us on 9 October 2024 in Brussels for the AER Workshop during the 2024 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Workshop ‘Skills: (EU)Belong here – How intercultural strategies can boost talent attraction and retention’
The Intercultural Regions Network and the AMIF-funded project EU-Belong provide a blueprint for shaping regions’ policies and strategies via an intercultural approach. This workshop explains how this approach can help regions to boost diversity, and attract and retain the talent they need to prosper in the green, digital and demographic transitions. It will address the challenges in this area and show the importance of collaboration between levels of government and the relevant stakeholders.
Speakers:

Andrew McNulty, Arts and Cultural Diversity Officer, Donegal County Council
Lara Prociatti: Project Manager – Skills and Territories for Innovation Unit, ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory
Lupe Moreno Iturriaga: Deputy Director General of Migration, Refuge and Anti-Racism Coordination, Ministry of Equality and Feminisms (tbc)

Moderator:

Emanuela Pisanó: European Project manager, Assembly of European Regions

Don’t forget to register for the workshop!
About the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024
The European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 with its motto “Empowering Communities” takes place in Brussels 7-10 October.
Get ready to share ideas, connect with regions and cities from all over Europe, expand your network and knowledge, all while keeping up with the latest in regional and cohesion policy. Discover over 100 sessions, ranging from EU sessions, political workshops and participatory labs to short innovative formats, falling under four themes:

Competitiveness and convergence: two sides of the same coin
Regions strengthening European democracy
Smart and sustainable growth for regions
Regions got talent

Discover the whole programme and sign up for sessions to get the most out of the EURegionsWeek 2024!

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

Mental Health Challenges in Today’s Youth - A Regional Perspective, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, 22-23 October
2024-10-22 - 2024-10-23 | Rijeka, Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
Welcome to the enchanting Rijeka, former European Capital of Culture, the seat of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, future European Region of Gastronomy and European Region of Sport!
In the context of the AER Working Group on Mental Health, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is inviting all AER members to a conference on: Mental Health Challenges in Today’s Youth – A Regional Perspective, which will feature regional practices and experts from all over wider Europe.
Current needs in terms of mental health and wellbeing are on the rise all over Europe in a context of polarisation and a decline in the popularity of human rights. Recent events in the macroregion have raised concerns around violence at school and the impact of social media, fake news and isolation to name a few.
At global level there are major concerns around youth mental health, which is also a main topic for the AER working group on mental health and one raised by the YRN.
Mental health is a key resource for coping with the changes and crises that are occurring in our everyday lives. Economic crisis, explosion of violence, war migration and growing demographic change, further acceleration of digitization and introduction of artificial intelligence inevitably enhances social differences and the gap between those who have social and personal resources and those who are lagging behind.
The complexity of the topic of mental health, especially in the younger population, requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation. The conference is envisaged as an opportunity to share insights about risk factors and contemporary changes the younger generations are facing. Through the exchange of experiences, best practices and innovative approaches to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of all types of addiction, risk behaviours and associated conditions, the conference aims to find potential new solutions to current challenges through an interdisciplinary approach based on cooperation.
If you would like your region to be featured in the programme of this event, please contact AER Coordinator Policy & Knowledge Transfer Coordinator Johanna Pacevicius

Draft programme
Please note that the programme, practical information and registration form are all to be found directly on the event website
Photo credit: xbrchx

Youth Regional Network | Capacity-building weekend in Zürich
2024-10-31 16:00 - 2024-11-03 08:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Rathaus Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Save the date and register! The AER Youth Regional Network (YRN) will gather in Zürich (Switzerland) for a capacity-building weekend, from the 31st of October to the 3rd of November 2024! We warmly thank the Canton of Zürich for hosting and co-organising the event, and for their commitment to ensuring youth participation in civic and political life.
The event is open to all members of the YRN, and to AER members working on youth issues, such as regional politicians in charge of Youth, or the Youth Coordinators in regional administrations.
The event is coordinated by the Canton of Zürich, the YRN Presidium (President, Vice-President and Chairs of the Thematic Committees), and the AER Secretariat. Participants are expected to arrive on the 31st of October (a welcome dinner is planned), and will depart on Sunday 3rd November throughout the day.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DRAFT AGENDA

The event will start with a panel discussion on the topic of “Enhancing youth participation in democratic life: sharing best practices and challenges from Zürich and the Youth Regional Network”.
The YRN Committees will organise capacity-building workshops on their respective topics: Youth Participation, Gender Equality, Mental Health, and Green and Sustainable Europe.
Cultural activities will allow the participants to learn more about the City of Zürich.
The event will be joined by local stakeholders involved in youth participation and inclusion, such as the Chancellor of the Canton of Zürich, a Government Councillor, the Head of the Koordinationsstelle Teilhabe, and the Zürich Youth Parliament.
Solidarity Fund
Young participants whose travel costs cannot be supported by their region, a regional council, a youth regional council, a youth organisation, etc., may apply to the YRN Solidarity Fund. If accepted, the organisers will cover up to 350€ of your travel and accommodation costs, as a reimbursement by bank transfer after your attendance to the entire event, and if you provide all necessary supportive documents (invoices, receipts, original boarding passes, train tickets, bus tickets). The reimbursement may exceed 350€ depending on the final number of participants. Please wait for a confirmation by the AER Secretariat and the YRN Presidium before making any travel arrangements.
Accommodation & Meals
All lunches and dinners are covered from Thursday dinner to Saturday dinner.
The participants are expected to book their accommodation themselves. The Canton of Zürich recommends the ho(s)tels below, but participants are free to book in any ho(s)tel of their choice. The event’s main venue will be the historical town hall in Zürich, the “Rathaus” (address: Rathaus, Limmatquai 55, Zürich), so participants may want to book an accommodation at a walking distance, or with direct public transportation to the venue.
Recommended ho(s)tels:

Jugendherberge Zürich (youth hostel) | Available on: youth hostel.ch; booking.com
Ibis Budget Zurich City West | Available on: Accor website; booking.com
Novotel Zurich City West | Available on: Accor website; booking.com
Ibis Zürich City West | Available on: Accor website; booking.com

How to attend the event?
Please fill in the application form by clicking on the button below. Please do not make any travel arrangements until your participation is confirmed by the organisers.
Who to contact?
Please contact the AER Secretariat at l.weber@aer.eu and the YRN Presidium at presidium.yrn@aer.eu for any question you may have.

Eurodyssey Forum 2024 | Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the EU, Brussels
2024-11-04 20:00 - 2024-11-07 20:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Brussels, Belgium
The Eurodyssey Forum is the yearly statutory event of the Eurodyssey programme, providing the Eurodyssey regions with an opportunity for in-person peer-learning, sharing of experience, best practices, challenges, and planning the next steps of the programme. With its capacity-buildingworkshops, plenaries, study visits, cultural activities and informal networking moments, the Eurodyssey Forum is the not-to-be-missed event for the Eurodyssey community!
In 2024, the Eurodyssey Forum will take place in Brussels, from the 4th to the 7th of November, hosted at the Delegation of the Governement of Catalonia to the European Union. The agenda will also include a visit of the European Parliament, and two walking tours in Brussels (one focused on Art Nouveau, and the other on bande dessinée).
CLICK HERE FOR THE AGENDA
**********
REGISTRATIONS ARE MANDATORY – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registrations are open until the 25th of September, with priority given to the regions participating in the Eurodyssey programme. The Forum will be open to other regions only if there is space left after the Eurodyssey regions’ registrations.

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

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

Speakers

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

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

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

Manuel Szapiro, Director, European Commission Representation in Barcelona

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

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

[REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN] Regional Business Forum 2024, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
2024-11-20 08:00 - 2024-12-06 17:00 (Europe/Brussels) | NOVI SAD, Serbia
It is our pleasure to invite you to the VII Regional Business Forum (RBF), taking place as a hybrid event. You are welcome to join online or in person in Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia, from November 20 to December 6.
The Regional Business Forum is an annual international forum to exchange ideas on support for SMEs, promote business and commerce, incentive the possibility to collaborate and share best practices between regions.
The RBF offers additional support to companies in finding international partners, giving participants the chance to have in-person B2B meetings on November 20, and online meetings when registered via the Forum platform from November 21 to December 6.
The emphasis at this year’s forum will be on the application of artificial intelligence in the following areas:

Agricultural and food industry,
Metal processing industry,
Information and communication technologies.

For more information, visit https://www.rbf.vojvodina.gov.rs. For any enquiries, email rbf@vojvodina.gov.rs, or call +381 21 487 4431.

Webinar: Green H2 Ecosystems
2024-11-27 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Online
The AER Working Group on Green Hydrogen was pleased to invite representatives and stakeholders from all AER member regions to participate in a webinar on green hydrogen ecosystems on 27 November 2024 from 10:00-11:30 CET.

What is a green H2 ecosystem?
Green Hydrogen ecosystems integrate the production, storage, and use of hydrogen from renewable sources. They play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, strengthening energy security, and promoting economic growth by fostering innovation and generating employment opportunities.
A green hydrogen ecosystem is a comprehensive network that encompasses the production, storage, distribution, and utilisation of hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. This ecosystem integrates various technologies, infrastructure, and stakeholders to create a sustainable and carbon-free energy cycle.
The challenge of building and nurturing ecosystems
Green hydrogen is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in industries that are hard to electrify, such as steel and cement production, as well as long-haul transport like shipping and aviation. However, building new ecosystems comes with significant challenges, including high production costs, obtaining renewable energy for the electrolysis process, and a lack of infrastructure throughout the entire value chain.
This webinar aims to foster mutual learning between regions working or interested in working on Geen Hydrogen to share about the development of green hydrogen ecosystems, their pivoting from pilot to more mature ecosystem, enablers and barriers as well as potential collaboration ideas.
Agenda

10:00-10:10

Albert Ballbé Programme manager at the General Directorate of Industry at the Government of Catalonia: Introduction

10:10-10:35

Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations and Communications of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership: Research and innovation activities in hydrogen technologies in Europe

10:35-10:45

Q&A

10:45-11:00

Katarína Sasaráková, Project manager Kosice Department of regional development: Development of the Kosice Green hydrogen Ecosystem

11:00-11:10

Q&A

11:10-11:20

Jordi Candela, Director of Aeroports de la Generalitat, Catalunya: The use of hydrogen technologies at the Alguaire Airport project

11:20-11:30

Q&A
Conclusion

For more information, please contact AER Coordinator for Policy and Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius

[REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED] Regions Shaping Europe’s Future | Autumn Bureau & Working Groups
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-04 | Brussels, Belgium
At its Autumn meeting on 3 December, the AER Bureau will pave the way for a strategic discussion on the interests of regions in an evolving European landscape.
By bringing together regional representatives, political leaders and EU policymakers, the AER Bureau will explore how regions can position their interests within the new EU policy leadership to shape policies consistent with their priorities. The discussion will focus on guiding political direction and setting policy priorities, ensuring that regions are recognised as indispensable partners in the policy-making process.
On 4 December, the event will include hands-on workshops by the AER Working Groups on Green Hydrogen and on Mental Health. These meetings will be crucial for sharing grassroots expertise, bring together committed policymakers to learn from each other, reinforcing the role of regions in Europe as key drivers of a sustainable future.
Participants will also have the option of joining visits to different EU institutions and advisory bodies to gain insights on their new asset and priorities after the EU elections of June 2024. These optional visits will take place in the context of the Erasmus+ project Climbing the Ladder (CL-YE) and will welcome up to 15 AER members each.

Daily planning

3 December 2024
Visit to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) | 10:00-12:00, EESC (Rue Belliard 99/101, 1040 Bruxelles)
Registered participants are welcome to join the guided visit to the EESC , which will feature an exclusive conversation with Ms Susannah Hallgren, Representative of the EESC Youth group.
AER Autumn Bureau meeting | 14:00 – 18:00, European Parliament (Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Bruxelles)
The AER Autumn Bureau, hosted by MEPs Lukas Mandl and Alexander Bernhuber will represent an opportunity for a strategic discussion on the interests of regions in the next term 2024-2029 of the European Commission, and the European Parliament. This high-level debate will serve as a critical opportunity for AER regions to unite, strategize, and strengthen their voice in the new European political cycle, setting a foundation for proactive engagement with EU institutions over the coming years.

Draft overall agenda

Wednesday 4 December
Breakfast briefing on ‘How to build resilient societies to promote mental health’ | 9:00-10:30, Renewable Energy House (REH) (Rue d’Arlon 63-67, 1040 Bruxelles)
The breakfast briefing will explore the intersection between healthy democracies and mental wellbeing, discussing both recent publications from the European Joint Research Centre and publications on participatory democracy and resilient societies, and regional practices focused on improving resilience and mental wellbeing.
Visit to European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) | 9:30 – 10:30 ( Bd Simon Bolivar 34, 1000 Bruxelles)
Registered participants will have the opportunity to engage in an exclusive presentation on the Erasmus+ and CERV funding programmes.
Visit to the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) | 12:00-13:00, European Committee of the Regions (CoR) (Rue Van Maerlant 2, B-1040 Bruxelles)
Registered participants are welcome join the guided study visit to the CoR. Recommended arrival time is 11.45.
Workshop on Green Hydrogen by the AER Working Group on Green Hydrogen | 11:00-13:00, Renewable Energy House (REH) (Rue d’Arlon 63-67, 1040 Bruxelles)
Join peers from across Europe to explore the role of regions in developing hydrogen value chains and fostering regional and transnational collaborations to scale the European hydrogen economy.

Registrations closed on 20 November 2024. If you are an AER member, please contact AER Communications and Events Coordinator Barbara Polin (b.polin@aer.eu)

Deadline for visits to EU institutions and advisory bodies: 4 November 2024
Deadline for registering in the Bureau meeting and Working Groups: 20 November 2024

Click here to know more about Climbing the Ladder

EU-Belong Webinar | Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation
2025-03-07 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Zoom
Join the conversation! On 7 March 2025, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the Government of Catalonia are hosting a webinar on human trafficking and labour exploitation as part of the EU-Belong Knowledge Transfer Cluster on How People Work and Create.
Date: 7 March 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM CET

About the Webinar
This webinar will explore the challenges and best practices in tackling human trafficking and labour exploitation across European regions. Experts will examine why trafficking happens, present a case study from Catalonia, and discuss how Pomerania (Poland) is addressing the issue.
The webinar is aimed at policymakers, administrative personnel, and regional stakeholders working on migration-related topics.
On the Agenda

Trafficking for Labour Exploitation: A General Overview
Ms Giovanna Leuzzi (PhD Researcher, Universitat de Barcelona) – Expert in European and local policies on human trafficking, providing insights into the European and Catalonian context.
Agricultural Campaigns and the Agri-Food Sector: The Case of Catalonia
Ms Júlia Olarieta (Fruita amb Justícia Social) – Activist working to support and empower migrant workers in the agri-food sector through a mobile information and advice service across Ponent (Catalonia).
Good Practice from Poland: The Pomerania Region’s Approach
Pomerania Region Representative (EU-Belong Project Partner) – Overview of migration policy in Pomerania, their EU-Belong pilot project, and future actions to combat trafficking and support victims.
Q&A Session

Join us for this insightful discussion and gain valuable knowledge on combating human trafficking and supporting victims across Europe.

EU-Belong Final Conference | A Regional Approach for an Intercultural Europe
2025-03-25 - 2025-03-26 | Strasbourg – Region Grand Est Office, 1 Place Adrien Zeller, Strasbourg, 67070, France
In 2025, AER celebrates its anniversary with 40 years of regional cooperation. In the same year, the EU-Belong project comes to an end, and a new phase of the Intercultural Regions Network begins. This milestone is not just about reflecting on past achievements—it’s an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of intercultural integration in regions across Europe.
On 25-26 March 2025, AER, in partnership with the Grand Est Region and the Council of Europe, will host a high-level EU-Belong conference showcasing successes, promoting cross-regional cooperation, and gathering insights for future initiatives. The first day will focus on institutional exchanges, while the second day will be dedicated to technical meetings.
This event reaffirms AER’s commitment to fostering collaboration between regional governments and key stakeholders in the intercultural sector. As the third EU-Belong transnational knowledge-sharing event, it will highlight successes, promote cooperation, and generate insights for future initiatives.
Places are limited. To register or in case of questions, contact AER EU Project Manager Emanuela Pisanò (e.pisano@aer.eu).

The event is the third EU-Belong transnational knowledge sharing event aimed at supporting regions in addressing current societal challenges through intercultural and multi-stakeholder policies. EU-Belong is a 3.5 – year project run by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and 12 partners, and co-funded by the AMIF Programme (AMIF-2020-AG-CALL) of the European Union.

Youth Regional Network (YRN) General Assembly | Brussels, Belgium | 3-4 April 2025
2025-04-03 - 2025-04-04 | AER Brussels Office, Rue d'Arlon 63, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Join the Youth Regional Network General Assembly 2025!
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) is excited to announce its annual General Assembly, taking place in the heart of Europe at the AER office in Brussels. To ensure wider participation, (most of) the event will be held in a hybrid format, though we strongly encourage in-person attendance to maximize networking opportunities and engagement.
DRAFT AGENDA
Registrations are now closed
*Your application to attend will be reviewed, and the AER Secretariat will send a confirmation email to the selected participants. Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving a confirmation email.

What to Expect
Founded in 2008 by the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the Youth Regional Network (YRN) serves as a dynamic platform for young people to engage in regional governance. It empowers youth to participate actively in policymaking, exchange ideas, develop skills, share best practices, and collaborate with decision-makers to drive meaningful change.
The YRN General Assembly is a key event for young leaders and members of the YRN to come together, reflect on past activities, and shape the future of the network. Highlights of the event include:

Presentation of the Activity Report by the outgoing Presidium
Interactive workshops and cultural activities
Exchange of ideas and best practices with young people from across Europe
Election of the new YRN Presidium for a one-year mandate

For detailed information about the YRN General Assembly and the YRN Presidium’s composition, mission and responsibilities, check the Statutes, Rules of Procedure and Description of responsibilities. You can also join the YRN here.

Practical Information
Venue: AER Office, Rue d’Arlon 63, 1040 Brussels – Easily accessible by public transport and fully equipped for accessibility needs.
Accommodation: Participants are encouraged to explore various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to hotels. Shared accommodations can be arranged upon request to help reduce costs.
YRN Solidarity Fund: AER offers financial support of up to €150 (potentially more based on the number of applicants) for 15 selected participants whose travel costs are not covered by their regional council, youth council, or other organizations. This reimbursement will be provided after the event upon submission of valid receipts and documents.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded young leaders, contribute to policy discussions, and be part of a vibrant youth network shaping regional policies in Europe.

For any questions, please contact the AER Programmes Coordinator, Jeanne Demonque, at j.demonque@aer.eu.
We look forward to welcoming you to the YRN General Assembly 2025!

Online Study Visit | Humanizing Psychiatric care – Seeing the Person, Not the Illness
2025-05-07 09:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Brussels)
On May 7, 2025, from 09:00 to 11:00, the AER Working Group on Mental Health is glad to invite you to an online study visit to Adult Psychiatry Department in Karlstad, Värmland Region, Sweden, or ‘the healing house‘.
About the ‘Healing House’
The name of ‘healing house’ reflects Region Värmland’s approach to psychiatric care. Its professionals are committed to continuous training for treatment and safety, to make sure to always see the person behind the illness, not just the illness itself. As a result, the adult psychiatric care in Värmlands is one of the psychiatric wards with the lowest number of coercive measures on patients. In terms of services to the public, the ward consists of psychiatric outpatient clinics and psychiatric inpatient care. The inpatient care includes a psychiatric emergency department and four acute care wards, each specializing in different areas such as mood disorders and psychotic disorders. The region in Värmland also has a forensic psychiatric ward within the region.
The Region Värmland is eager to welcome you to this digital study visit, where we will showcase the adult psychiatry services and provide insights into the care process for patients in psychiatric inpatient care in Karlstad.

[REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED] General Assembly, Bureau & AER 40th Anniversary | Maribor Innovation Forum | 17-19 June 2025
2025-06-17 08:00 - 2025-06-19 17:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Registrations closed on May 23, 2025. If you wish to be included in the list of participants, please reach out to AER Communications Coordinator Barbara Polin (b.polin@aer.eu)
Celebrating 40 Years of Connecting Regions, Inspiring Europe
Since 1985, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has proudly amplified the voice of Europe’s regions. For four decades, the AER championed interregional cooperation as catalyst for deeper European integration, better governance, and more inclusive societies.
As 2025 marks a historic milestone, the AER and Eastern Slovenia warmly invite all members and partners to Maribor, on 17-19 June, to celebrate our legacy and shape the future of the AER as a pan-European, independent network. Recognised as European Best Green Capital and Tree City of the World, Maribor’s commitment to sustainable innovation offers the perfect backdrop to a landmark edition of the General Assembly and Spring Bureau meeting 2025. From 17 to 19 June, their discussions will be enriched by the insights and reflections of the Maribor Innovation Forum, a high-level conference on how to foster place-based innovation and enable European competitiveness with regions’ expertise.
2025 General Assembly & Spring Bureau meeting
The 2025 General Assembly and Spring Bureau meeting will take place on 18 June and they will mark the election of the new political leadership of the Assembly of European Regions, including the President, Executive Board and Political Bureau.
AER General Assembly 2025 (18.06.2025, 9:00-13:00)

Draft Agenda
Working Documents (available soon)

AER Spring Bureau Meeting 2025 (18.06.2025, 14:30-16:30)

Draft Agenda
Working Documents (available soon)

Voting Rights and Membership Fee Requirements
In accordance with article 5.3 of the AER Statutes, each region is entitled to one (1) vote during the General Assembly. Should your region not be able to take part in the General Assembly, it is possible to request proxy voting by using this form.
As outlined in the AER Statutes, members who have not paid their membership fee will have their membership rights suspended. This means that representatives from those regions will not be eligible to vote or stand for election at the General Assembly on 18 June in Maribor, nor for positions within the Bureau. To ensure full participation, we kindly encourage all members to settle any outstanding fees by 4 June.
Place-Based Innovation in Practice
Circular economy and sustainable tourism are key pillars of the place-based innovation practices pioneered by Eastern Slovenia. During the study visit on Circular Economy to the demonstration sites of Nigrad and Ptuj (more information here), participants will have the opportunity to explore how the EU-funded projects CINDERELA and Circsyst explore innovative approaches to waste and water management as well as to secondary raw materials. The study visit on Sustainable Tourism to Štajerska (more information here) will show how tourism can enhance the visibility and accessibility of local traditions and assets, from wine-making to local farming.
Draft Programme
AER_GA2025 + MIF programme_1606_fin
Click here to download the programme.
Travel Information
Venue
The event venue is the charming Old Puppet Theatre of Maribor, an ancient Minorite monastery completely renovated (Vojašniški trg 2A, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia).

Accommodation
June is high touristic season in Maribor and Slovenia. Please make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time. The host region have secured favorable rates at the following establishments. When booking, please specify that you will be attending the AER event.
All hotels are within walking distance from the event venue of the Old Puppet Theatre (Vojašniški trg 2A, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)
Hotel Maribor**** (https://www.hotelmaribor.si/en)
Hotel City **** (https://www.hotelcitymb.si)
Hotel Orel *** (https://hotel.hotel-orel.si/en)
B&B Hotel Maribor *** (https://www.hotel-bb.com/en/hotel/maribor)
Travel
The closest airports to Maribor are Ljubljana Airport (LJU) and Zagreb (ZAG). The host region recommends the shuttle service Goopti to travel from/to Maribor.
For more information, please consult the AER Information Package.

For questions, contact the AER Communications Coordinator Barbara Polin.
