The series of events organised by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) on 4-6 March in Aalborg under the title “Regional Development Strategies with and for the citizens” highlighted examples of regions having implemented  participatory approaches for policy-making. Evidently, the goal is to make the most of different feedback in order to avoid common implementation bumps along the way and multiply initiatives all over Europe.

In this vein, the health agreements in North Jutland (DK) enabled health professionals, regional and local authorities and patients to make decisions together on the basis of comprehensive data analysis of the regional health strategy for four years.

In Värmland (SE) a proactive policy improved parity in political parties and municipal and regional councils. In Donegal (IE) various regional development strategies were defined and implemented collaboratively, enabling effective cooperation of all stakeholders.