St-Pölten, Niederösterreich (A), 22 June 2001

The Presidium of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) met on 22nd June 2001 at the headquarters of the government of Niederösterreich, St-Pölten. The meeting was chaired by Vice-Minister President and AER President, Mrs Liese Prokop.

The Regions of Europe call for increased participation in EU decision-making. The AER Presidium mainly debated the future structure of Europe, whose foundations must be set before 2004. From the Regions’ point of view, the issue of the distribution of competences whilst respecting the right for institutionalised co-decision-making for the Regions should be at the top of the list.

The AER supports the Regions with legal competences’ call to become involved in the institutions at European level and their right to be represented at the European Court of Justice. Due to the heterogenity of the regional structures in Europe, the AER will act as a mediator between the stronger and the less strong Regions in order to draw up a joint position for all Regions, and in particular Regions from applicant countries.

The AER has great expectations for the Belgian EU Presidency, under which the Belgian Regions will chair several of the various sessions within the EU Committee of Ministers. The Presidium also decided to undertake a series of activities, especially the creation of a prize for the most youth friendly Region.

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