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

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

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

A European Folk Festival
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Integrated care systems: a practical approach
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Food in Focus at Spring Plenaries in Örebro
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Candidates for AER Committees’ elections
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Committee 1 Progress Report Spring 2019
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Committee 2 Progress Report Spring 2019
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Committee 3 Progress Report Spring 2019
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Innovating food systems: what are regions doing?
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Breakfast Seminar: The Sustainable Development Goals and regional growth – Is it possible?
2019-05-15 09:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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
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SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Østfold’s Solutions to Youth Entrepreneurship
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SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Zürich’s Youth for Debate!
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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 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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 (Europe/Paris) | 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

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Committee 2 Progress Report Autumn 2019
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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 (Europe/Paris) | 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
You may find some photos from the event at this link.

Related Articles

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AMiD Final Conference
2019-11-05 13:00 - 17:45 (Europe/Paris) | 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

“Massively thought-provoking” – AMiD project Final Conference
Massively thought-provoking... That was the first reaction of one of the participants to the conference. The final conference of AMiD ...Read More

National insights. AMiD closer look at everyday situation of migrant with disabilities
AMiD project looks at the topic of migrant with disabilities under different angles. The very starting point of the journey ...Read More

Throwback Thursday: reflecting on the achievements of the AMiD project…
The AER flagship project on migration, AMiD-Access to Services for Migrants with Disabilities, has been running since early 2018. Soon, ...Read More

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

AMiD workshop: multilevel cooperation for migration policies
On the occasion of this year Spring Plenaries in Örebro (SE), AER is organising a workshop on multilevel cooperation for ...Read More

At International Migrants Day event, regions share intercultural approaches to diversity, inclusion
On 18 December, AER marked International Migrants Day in Barcelona. A source of inputs for the AMiD project (Access to ...Read More

Good practices on refugees and disability inspired AMiD project
Refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities is the main target of AMiD project. Started on January 2018, the project team ...Read More

AER members share knowledge to improve situation for refugees in their regions
On 24 and 25 January 2018, AER co-organised several events focusing on local and regional responses to the Syrian refugee ...Read More

Fairer Assessment for Migrants with Disabilities? Accomplished, with the AMiD Project!
Good news for AER partners! EASPD, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities, and AER, together with ...Read More

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!

CANCELLED: Spring Plenaries 2020 - Covasna County
2020-03-11 - 2020-03-12
CANCELLATION OF THE AER SPRING COMMITTEE PLENARY IN COVASNA

Dear AER members,

Due to the worsening situation of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in Europe over the last two days, especially in the countries where most participants of the AER Committee Plenary come from, the expert authorities have advised us to cancel our meeting next week in Covasna.
This advice has been given to us in order to contain the spread of the disease among our members and staff but also to avoid spreading COVID-19 to areas where the number of people having contracted the virus is very limited, such as Romania.
It is our duty to do our share in preventing further propagation of the virus.
We know you will understand the exceptional nature of this decision.
We would like to thank our host region, Covasna, for their understanding and support in this decision.
We will be in touch with you about other AER meetings in due time.

Yours sincerely,
Mathieu Mori
Secretary-General

Registration

Registration has NOW CLOSED

Agenda

Practical Information

Working Documents

Culture, a pillar of sustainable regional development
The AER conference “Territorial Approaches to Regional Development” focusing on the ways in which regions address differences between urban and ...Read More

Smart specialisation & rural areas: the case of Covasna
"Smart specialisation strategies in rural areas, inclusion & wellbeing" was the topic of a debate which was foreseen to take ...Read More

Rural-urban relations in times of COVID-19
The AER conference "Territorial Approaches to Regional Development” focusing on the ways in which regions address differences between urban and ...Read More

Territorial Approach to Smart Specialisation: Experience from Värmland
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the AER Spring Committee Plenaries in Covasna County, Romania. The debate ...Read More

Connectivity & Infrastructure in Europe
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Spring Committee Plenaries of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in Covasna were cancelled ...Read More

A Regional Approach to Reduce Brain Drain
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AER Committee Plenaries in Covasna were cancelled. Committee 3, which focusses on youth, education ...Read More

Territorial approaches: the governance of Abruzzo for rural areas
To facilitate continuous knowledge flow between regions a series of articles and interviews is being published on the topic which ...Read More

Committee 1 progress Report Spring 2020
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Regional Development and Economy gather in plenary meetings. This is ...Read More

Committee 2 Progress Report Spring 2020
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Social Policy and Public Health gather in plenary meetings. This ...Read More

Committee 3 Progress Report Spring 2020
Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Culture, Education, and Youth gather in plenary meetings. This is ...Read More

Webinar - Learning about Communicating European Cohesion Policy
2020-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Join our webinar to discuss with EU Commission Official about the perspective of cohesion policy, and to learn how to effectively communicate cohesion policy activities through the inputs from communication experts and regional practitioners.
Background
‘Together for Cohesion: Let’s rEUnite!‘ is a communication campaign co-financed by the Directorate-General of Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission and coordinated by AER in cooperation with mc Group. For more than one year we have been actively engaged in raising awareness about the real-life benefits of cohesion through the direct involvement of citizens and stakeholders.
About
The webinar will provide participants with the opportunity to acquire or increase their knowledge about cohesion policy, including insights on the next programming period, as well as on how to effectively communicate its actions and benefits.
Participants
The webinar is designed to offer a learning experience to all the actors engaged with cohesion policy and its activities at all levels of government, this means European, national, regional and local authorities, citizens, and stakeholders.
Speakers

Michiel Rijsberman: Regional Minister from Flevoland & Chair of the AER Task Force on Cohesion Policy (TBC)
Diego Villalba de Miguel – Deputy Head of the Communication Unit of the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy
Jan Pycha: Senior Project Manager and Team Leader at mc Group and partner of the project Together for Cohesion
Chiara Vivaldelli: European Project Manager at the Province of Trento, and representative of the Province for the project Together for Cohesion
Cornelia Carmen Madaras: Advisor at the Foreign Affairs Office of the Alba County Council, and representative of the County for the project Together for Cohesion

Moderator: Mathieu Mori, Secretary-General of AER
*****
Please register for Learning about Communicating European Cohesion Policy on Jun 16, 2020 2:00 PM CEST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1226878362675290891
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Event Password: [REDACTED]

Agenda
Click Here

Concept Note
Click Here

Localising Agenda 2030: how regions can help meet the SDGs
2020-06-24 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Join us for our online debate on “Localising Agenda 2030: how regions can help meet the SDGs”, on Wednesday 24 June from 14:30 to 16:00 CEST.
UNDER DISCUSSION
Regions and cities have been the first responders to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, coping with the immediate impact on their health systems, and enforcing lockdowns while sustaining families and local businesses. In its economic recovery plan, the European Commission has recognized the instrumental role of regions for a sustainable recovery. Now more than ever, local and national authorities should join forces towards achieving a more resilient global society. With 2030 a decade away, regions should take a lead on implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and equality within and among countries.
Key questions include:

What is the role of regions in attaining SDGs and how can they make sure that these are not taking the back seat in the current health crisis?
What tools and key partnerships can be identified to strengthen resilience of regions and communities?
What role do regions play in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe aimed at giving European citizens and localities a greater say on how the European Union could better work for them?

SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Aziza Akhmouch, Head of the OECD Division for Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development
Magnus Bertnsson, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)
Raffaele Cattaneo, Minister for Environment and Climate of Lombardy (IT); member of the Regions 4 Steering Committee
Damià Calvet, Minister of Territory and sustainability of the Government of Catalonia, representative of UCLG-Global Taskforce
Wallis Goelen, Senior Expert, European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy

Moderation by Dharmendra Kanani, Director of Insights, Friends of Europe

This event is part of a series of events focussing on the Sustainable Development Goals in the run up the Regions2030 Conference in Strasbourg in 2021.
We are partnering with Friends of Europe for this event and, as such, are offering a limited amount of virtual spaces– on a first come, first serve basis – allowing you to pose your questions and interact directly with the speaker as in any of our events. You will be visible directly on the screen too.
Alternatively, you may also watch the event via livestream and submit your question, tweeting @europeanregions @FriendsofEurope using #FoEDebate. The best written questions will be asked to the panellists.

Please fill in the registration link with your preferred option below.
>> Register for or decline the online event here
>> Watch the live-stream here

Intercultural Regions: Improving Access to Services
2020-06-29 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
We are pleased to invite you to a webinar on the ways in which regions can improve the accessibility of public services for better integration policies and practices with insights from IOM and the Council of Europe.
Regional and local authorities are at the forefront when it comes to addressing integration needs in practice. The Covid-19 pandemic has strongly tested systems in place, revealing tremendous needs but also the resourcefulness which exists at local and regional levels. This shows how essential it is to create opportunities for structured and meaningful mutual learning on integration in order to enable regional and local authorities to share good practices and improve policies and practices.
To facilitate these exchanges, AER and the Council of Europe have launched the Intercultural Regions Network, chaired by Oriol Amorós, Secretary of Equality, Migration and Citizenship for the Government of Catalonia. The network provides support for regions to design, implement and evaluate diversity and inclusion strategies.
During this webinar, Dominik Zenner, Senior Migration Health Advisor, IOM Regional Office for the European Economic Area, the European Union and NATO, will share the experience of IOM on improving the accessibility of public services for third-country nationals. He will highlight the importance of access to health services, an issue which has become particularly salient with the COVID-19 crisis. Irena Guidikova, Head of Division, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Programmes, Council of Europe will explain how using an intercultural approach to providing public services dramatically changes the quality and efficiency of services. She will share implementation examples from around Europe.
Speakers:

Oriol Amorós, Chair of the Intercultural Regions Network, Secretary of Equality, Migration and Citizenship for the Government of Catalonia.
Dominik Zenner, Senior Migration Health Advisor, IOM Regional Office for the European Economic Area, the European Union and NATO
Irena Guidikova, Head of Division, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Programmes, Council of Europe
Nuria Diez Guardia, Policy Officer, European Commission Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Unit C2 – Legal Pathways and Integration.

Moderator: Johanna Pacevicius, Coordinator Policy & Knowledge Transfer AER

This webinar is organised in the context of Includ-EU, an EU-funded project which contributes to building more inclusive and cohesive European societies by enhancing knowledge, driving innovation and stimulating cooperation between local and regional authorities in the European Union.
This event will be recorded. By registering for this event, you agree to allow the Includ-EU consortium to publish the recording online and to use it for the promotion of the project, for capacity building and mutual learning. Please let us know if you do not agree with the use of the recording.
We look forward to you participating in the discussion.

Watch Back
CLICK HERE

Agenda
Click here to download

Handouts
Includ-EU infosheet
Oriol Amorós’s presentation: Intercultural Regions Network
Dominik Zenner’s presentation: Access to health matters!

Contact
projects@aer.eu

Includ-EU is funded by the European Union’s Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The project runs from January 2020 to December 2022 and involves the following partners: The International Organization for Migration, the Assembly of European Region, the Associazione Nazionale Comuni Italiani Sez. Reg. Toscana (IT), the City of Tilburg (NL), the Secretariat for Equality, Migrations and Citizenship of Catalonia (ES) and the Region of Crete (GR).

Webinar "The EU Green Deal: Challenges and opportunities for EU regions in times of COVID-19"
2020-09-14 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Brussels)
Date: 14 September
Time: 16:00-17:15 CEST
Venue: Online
Registration: Fill in this form
The AER series on European Green Deal launched in collaboration with the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development of the Catalan Government (CADS) will celebrate its first webinar: The EU Green Deal: Challenges and opportunities for EU regions in times of COVID-19. During this online session, it will be discussed the key role that the European Green Deal and its Just Transition Mechanism will play in regions and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its implementation. On this occasion, the panellists will reflect on the relevance of this European growth strategy concerning building more resilience and economic recovery to tackle the consequences that will be confronted by European regions in a post-COVID-19 era.
This panel debate will bring together representatives from the European Commission, regional authorities and think tanks to address these key questions:

How the COVID-19 pandemic can accelerate the European green transition?
How the European Green Deal can build more resilience and boost economic recovery from this crisis in European regions?
How can regions strengthen a green and inclusive recovery?

Speakers:

Albert Castellanos, Vice President for Sustainability, AER
Peter Berkowitz, Head of Unit, Smart and Sustainable Growth, Director-General for Regional and Urban Policy,
European Commission
Céline Charveriat, Executive Director, Institute for European Environmental Policy
Nicola Campitelli, Minister for Urban Planning and Territory, Maritime Domain, Landscapes, Energy and Waste, Abruzzo Region (IT) / Member of the AER Sustainable Development Taskforce

Moderation by Arnau Queralt, Director of the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development of
Catalonia and chair of the European network of Environment and Sustainable Development
Advisory Councils (EEAC)

For further details and information see the concept note with the programme.
REGISTER NOW!

#EURegionsWeek – Eurodyssey35: Regions on the move
2020-10-14 09:30 - 11:00 (Europe/Brussels)
The Assembly of European Regions is pleased to announce one more contribution to the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC). For the first time, the Eurodyssey programme will be featured in the #EURegionsWeek through our virtual participatory lab, Eurodyssey35: Regions on the move, which will take place on 14 October at 9:30 AM.
In this session, policy-makers, regional officials and young activists will engage one another in an open dialogue on what is at stake for youth development, and the instrumental role of youth mobility in fostering territorial cohesion and a sense of European identity.
Mobility is at the core of European integration. For over 25 years the EU has actively promoted the mobility of students, researchers and citizens to deliver in strategic policy areas: employment, education and inclusion. Since 1985, the AER has put regions at the forefront of fair mobility for young people through our Eurodyssey programme. Regional and local authorities have a key part to play in driving youth development and tackling barriers to short-term mobility and longer-term cohesion.
Through parallel discussions, the audience will not only take a deep-dive into the ins and outs of youth mobility but will also challenge the invited storytellers to reflect upon the linkages between fair mobility, quality employment, social inclusion and active European citizenship.

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Closing date: 7 October 2020
Speakers:

Mr Hrvoje Kovač, Chair of AER Subcommittee on Youth, Assembly of European Regions (AER).
Ms Jovana Majstorovic, Board Member, European Youth Forum.
Ms Floor Van Houdt, Head of Unit for Youth policy and Volunteer Solidarity, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.

#EURegionsWeek - Achieving 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through Cohesion Policy
2020-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 (Europe/Brussels)
One more year the Assembly of European Regions will be taking part in the European Week of Regions and Cities, together with its partners: Regions 4, ORU Fogar, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Catalan Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (ACCD), and the European Union EUROsociAL+ Programme.

The webinar to be held on 15 October will aim to address the main question of “How cohesion policy can make regions deliver for a sustainable and fair Europe, and progress on the implementation of the SDGs“.

The Sustainable Development Goals should be met leaving no one and no place behind. Cohesion policy will be an essential instrument for countries, regions, and municipalities to make progress towards the SDGs through its multi-level and multi-stakeholder implementation approach and investments in strengthening people’s skills, creating job opportunities, fighting poverty and social exclusion, supporting small and medium enterprises, as well as addressing major global issues such as climate change and migration. Regional and local governments must ensure cohesion policy programmes bring about the best outcomes for sustainable development and the localization of the SDGs, turning the 2030 Agenda into reality across Europe.

Speakers:
Stefano Marta, Coordinator Territorial Approach to the SDGs, OECD, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
Agustí Fernández de Losada, Specialist, EUROsociAL+ Programme.
Marta Marín, Delegate from the Basque Country to the European Union, Basque Government.
Natàlia Mas, Secretary of Economy, Government of Catalonia.
Javier Sánchez Cano, Head of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Directorate-General of Development and Cooperation Catalan Government.

Moderated by Mr Magnus Berntsson, AER President

For further information and programme, please refer to the concept note.

Registrations closed

Webstream it here!

Lifelong learning: Upskilling and reskilling of 50+
2020-10-21 10:00 - 11:15 (Europe/Brussels)
We are pleased to invite you to the webinar “Lifelong learning: upskilling and reskilling of 50+” that aims to bridge the gap between the need for reskilling and upskilling and funding opportunities and programmes offered by the EU.

This webinar will highlight regional examples on upskilling and re-skilling and provide insights into the funding mechanisms used.
In the context of rapidly changing labour markets, the upskilling and re-skilling of adults has become a priority. Technological changes and digitalisation require new skills, while many regions in Europe are faced with both an ageing population and labour and skills shortages. People over 50 oftentimes are not the target group approached for the majority of employers and there is a consistent association between ageing and reduced participation in learning. Effective social inclusion and employment policies, therefore, require strong and regularly updated skill foundations.
During this webinar, Ms Elena Romanini, Senior Project Manager, Skillman, will explain different programmes and funds on lifelong learning offered by the European Union. Mr Michael Heaney, Chief Executive Officer, Údarás na Gaeltachta will share possibilities in which programmes and projects on re-skilling and upskilling are financed and implemented from the regional perspective. Ms Ana Gale, Director of Uciliste Studium – Institution for Adult Education will emphasize the importance of the development of the skills in accordance with the industry needs. She will share the implementation example on cross-border cooperation in the field of upskilling and reskilling adults.
The webinar will cover:

10.00 – 10.10 Introduction to the Skillman network and to the webinar (Valentina De Vico, Skillman Communication Manager)
10.10 – 10.20 EU fund opportunities for lifelong learning (Elena Romanini, Skillman Senior Project Manager)
10.20 – 10.30 Empowering adults to reskill and upskill (Michael Heaney, Chief Executive Officer, Údarás na Gaeltachta)
10.30 – 10.40 Cross-border cooperation in the field of lifelong learning (Ana Gale, Director, Uciliste Studium – Institution for Adult Education)
10.40 – 11.05 Panel discussion and Q&A session
11.05 – 11.15 Closing remarks

This webinar is organised in the context of SKILLNET, an EU-funded project which aims to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s role and capacity to design high-quality VET programmes tailored to current societal needs through enhanced transnational and cross-sectoral partnerships.

REWATCH IT NOW!

Regional Business Forum 2020
2020-11-10 | Online
It is our pleasure to invite you to the third edition of the Regional Business Forum (RBF), taking place as a hybrid event online and in Novi Sad, Vojvodina on 10 November 2020.
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 international forum provides additional support to companies to find international partners. The participants will have an opportunity to schedule and hold B2B meetings with companies and institutions participating in the Forum, according to their own needs, based on the information about the registered participants.
Following the success of last year’s edition, this year’s Regional Business Forum will focus on three main sectors:

Agriculture & Food;
the Construction Industry;
ICT and Creative industries.

The invitation is addressed, in particular, to regional chambers of commerce, regional development agencies and institutions supporting SMEs development.
We will shortly be announcing our speakers for the event, which will include an address from a very special guest. We therefore invite you to register as soon as possible.
For further information, please consult our article on the AER website and the RBF website. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sanja Siflis by:

Email: rbf2020@vojvodina.gov.rs
Phone: +381 63 565963

We very much look forward to having fruitful discussions both online and in Novi Sad!
