Official Launch of the AER Task Force on Access to Services
📅 10 December 2025 | 🏛️ AER Autumn Bureau Meeting

Building a Europe Where Everyone Has Access to Essential Services

Access to quality essential services—education, healthcare, housing, transport, digital connectivity—is a cornerstone of well-being and equality. Yet, across Europe, many citizens in rural, remote, or depopulated areas still face barriers that limit their opportunities to live, work, and thrive in their own regions.

The AER Task Force on Access to Services is taking action to close this gap. Its mission is clear: to improve the design and delivery of essential services across all European territories, ensuring fair access for all citizens and fostering vibrant, resilient and prosperous communities.

The right to quality essential services is enshrined in Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and supported by Article 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). These frameworks recognise that regional and local authorities play a key role in delivering services that meet citizens’ needs.

Aligned with the AER Political Priorities 2025–2030, the Task Force will turn political commitments into concrete action, contributing to the EU’s 2024–2029 goal of a Europe where people have “the right to stay” in their home regions—and to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 11).

Why This Event Matters

At the Autumn Bureau Meeting on 10 December 2025, the AER will host a high-level debate marking the official launch of the Task Force. The discussion will bring together regional authorities, EU policymakers, and institutional representatives to explore actionable solutions and policy strategies that can guarantee equitable access to essential services—particularly in rural and remote regions.

Participants will engage in a forward-looking exchange on how to:

• Promote the “right to stay” – enabling citizens to live and prosper in their home regions.
• Identify barriers that limit access to services such as housing, healthcare, education, employment, and transport.
• Develop territorial and place-based solutions through effective multi-level governance.
• Align regional and EU policies to strengthen territorial cohesion and support sustainable development.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for:

• Regional and local authorities and decision-makers
• Members of the European Parliament and European Commission officials
• Representatives of regional offices, think tanks, and policy networks
• Anyone committed to building a fairer, more inclusive Europe

Expected Outcomes

This debate will serve as a springboard for the Task Force’s ongoing work by:

• Showcasing best practices and innovative regional approaches.
• Identifying policy gaps and funding opportunities.
• Shaping recommendations and strategic actions to enhance access to services across Europe.

Together, we can ensure that no region—and no citizen—is left behind.

---

👉 Join us on 10 December 2025 to be part of this vital conversation and help shape Europe’s future of fair, inclusive, and accessible essential services for all.

Agenda

11:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Co-chairs of the Task Force kick off the event, introducing the objectives and scope of the discussion.

11:10 – Setting the Scene – Keynote Speech
Representatives from the European Commission and the European Parliament share opening statements on EU priorities for social and territorial cohesion and ensuring access to essential services.

11:20 – Regions in Action – Turning Access Into a Right
A dynamic discussion with regional authorities highlighting the challenges and opportunities in delivering essential services across all regions.
Focus areas:

• Housing 🏠
• Employment 💼
• Education 🎓
• Digital Connectivity 🌐
• Transport 🚌
• Healthcare 🏥

12:10 – From Regions to Institutions – The Way Forward
Engagement with institutional representatives to explore follow-up measures, policy alignment, and potential pilot initiatives to improve access to essential services.

12:25 – Closing Remarks
Final reflections and summary of key takeaways to guide the Task Force’s ongoing work.