Brussels (B), 11 September 2009

Focusing on the regions’ role in European decision-making, the first Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) Training Academy of the post-summer season concluded today in Brussels.

Around 30 representatives from regional offices in Brussels attended the two-day training session, which included a study visit to the Council of the European Union. The session targeted regional officers and politicians wanting to learn more about European institution decision-making, especially in the context of institutional lobbying at European level.

The new season of AER Training Academies will focus on issues such as Structural Funds and health, European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), innovation policy, women entrepreneurs and territorial cooperation.

Background:
Over a hundred participants from around 50 regions in 16 countries were represented at the four AER Training Academy sessions in the first half of 2009. The three sessions in Brussels and one in Istanbul focused on topics such as climate change and energy policies, territorial cohesion and Structural Funds.
Apart from gaining knowledge of the basic structure of the EU institutions, AER’s Training Academy “graduates” are afforded a greater insight into the practical workings of EU policy and decision-making, funding, lobbying and the regions’ relations with the European institutions.

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