Assembly of European Regions

Connecting regions, inspiring Europe since 1985

You are here: Home / Archives for Citizens participation

This is the tag for all posts relating to citizen participation.

‘Elevating Citizens’ Voices’ – AER-ENoP Publication on Participatory Democracy at National, Regional and Local Levels

By

#Democracy is solid because it is not static: it constantly develops new forms of #citizenengagement. The AER is proud of the joint publication with ENoP- European Network of Political Foundations, which illustrates new forms of participatory democracy. It was presented last Thursday, 9.03.2023, at the European Parliament with opening remarks from AER Vice-President and MEP Lukas Mandl, the publication’s author, Maja Cimerman and editors Christian Spahr and Denis Schrey.

AER is proud of the joint publication with ENoP- European Network of Political Foundations, which illustrates new forms of #participatorydemocracy, and it was presented last Thursday at the European Parliament with VP Lukas Mandl.

The publication offers a close look at the opportunities and benefits of deliberative democracy in Europe and beyond. It examines selected successful models of participatory processes at local, regional and national levels. Thereby, it provides examples and food for thought for governments and civil society actors on how citizens can be directly involved in making decisions that shape their lives.
Download the publication
Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

SOLD OUT: AER Summer Academy 2022 – Donegal, Ireland

By

 

***PLEASE NOTE: ALL TICKETS ARE  SOLD OUT. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR TICKET, PLEASE CONTACT THE AER SECRETARIAT***

 

With the European Year of Youth in full-swing, the AER is delighted to announce that our flagship youth event, the AER Summer Academy is returning in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. 

In partnership with Donegal County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta, this year’s Summer Academy will take place from 29 August until 1 September in the stunning surroundings of  County Donegal, in Ireland’s Atlantic North-West.

2022 marks fifty years since Irish citizens voted by referendum to join the European Community, precursor the European Union in 1972. 2022 also celebrates the Irish language acquiring equal status to the other 23 languages in our Union for the first time. We are therefore enormously privileged to bring this year’s iteration to Ireland and the Gaeltacht [Irish-speaking region] during a year of important milestones for the country’s relationship with Europe.

The Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine have fundamentally changed expectations about Europe’s future. 2022 has become a time of big, existential questions about what Europe stands for, and what future we shape for the the next generation. Right now, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine Europe from a democratic, economic, cultural and social perspective.

The theme this year focuses on how young people in our regions can be empowered to answer these questions, and shape “A Europe for the Next Generation”. As we look to build back better, this year’s programme will focus on key key topics such as climate change, skills and education, cross-border and transnational cohesion and reconciliation, remote working and entrepreneurship.

As Europe works to build back better, regions are best-placed to ensure young people lay the building blocks for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all. Do not miss this opportunity to join regional leaders from all over Europe for a series of debates, workshops and excursions to enlighten and inspire.

Last but not least, the 2022 Summer Academy programme is offering participants an exciting opportunity to visit Derry/Londonderry City to learn about the Peace Process, take-in spectacular scenery on Inis Eoin island and Glenveagh National Park, visit the region’s unique rural innovation hubs, and sample Irish music and dance as part of our social programme—this is a programme not to be missed!

***

The 2022 Summer Academy is proudly brought to you by:

Call for participants – CoE Study session: Climbing the ladder | Deadline: 20 Feb

By

The AER is happy to announce a new partnership with the DYPALL Network and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe to host the study session Climbing the ladder – Capacitating youth leaders to facilitate youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level. This event will take place from 24 to 30 April 2022 in the European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS), France.

AER is looking for youth leaders coming from member regions to benefit from a one-week training module to acquire key competencies in the field of youth participation.

Interested? Then keep reading below!

A training session made by youth and for youth

The study session “Climbing the ladder – Capacitating youth leaders to facilitate youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level” focuses on two of the five strategic priorities of the Council of Europe youth sector: Revitalising pluralistic democracy (1) and Youth work (4).

Specifically, it aims to revitalize pluralistic democracy and promote quality development and recognition of youth work through sustainable actions plans, valorizing the role that young people can play in these processes. In regards to the priority of Revitalising pluralistic democracy, it focuses on the instruments for youth participation, as the aim of the session is to equip youth delegates, youth workers, representatives of local youth councils, and similar participation structures with practical knowledge and skills to foster processes of meaningful youth participation at the local level all around Europe.

In regards to the priority of Youth work, the activity will produce follow-up strategies to disseminate the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)4 on youth work, the recently adopted Final Declaration of the 3rd EYWC (specific focus on the policy frameworks and the Bonn process) and the report on youth work adopted by the Statutory forum of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

What are the main objectives?

The participants will expand their knowledge about youth work and youth participation in decision-making processes, including most recent trends while improving their practical skills in facilitating short activities and designing a youth dialogue process.

The specific objectives of the study session are to:

  • bring together and train 25 youth leaders from all around Europe about youth participation in decision-making processes at the regional and local levels
  • create and test a learning module based on non-formal education that includes vital skills (advocacy, outreach, facilitation, etc.)
  • explore the impact of Covid19 in the traditional and formal processes of youth participation.
  • empower 25 young facilitators committed to revitalising pluralistic democracy and foster youth political participation from the local to the European arena.

Who can participate?

25 youth leaders aged 18-30 years old, residing in one of the Council of Europe Member States, will be selected as beneficiaries of this CoE Study Session. The activity is targeting:

  • Current and Former Youth delegates to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities;
  • Youth leaders and young people with a strong interest in youth participation;
  • Young representatives of local and regional youth councils and similar participation structures;
  • Youth workers who are committed to empowering young people as key actors in decision-making processes.

N.b.: Previous experience in the youth sector, specifically related to youth participation in decision-making processes and youth work, is not necessary but is welcomed. 

What about participation costs?

Reasonable flight/trip expenses shall be reimbursed up to 350 Euros. Local transport from/to the venue, accommodation, meals, and visa costs are fully covered in exchange for a 50-Euro fee to be deducted from the reimbursements. Please, refer to the official call for participants for further details on reimbursements.

How to apply?

Youth delegates sponsored by an AER member region may be privileged to participate. Young candidates must indicate on the application form their connection with AER in the “Organisational information” or “anything you would like to add?” sections. Following the application deadline, only those selected will receive a confirmation email and an invitation to attend the event.

Please, visit the AER event page for further details on the practicalities and application procedures. Hurry up! The application deadline is set for 20 February 2022!

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Lead experience exchange: propose a new working group!

By

An AER working group provides a space for experience and knowledge exchange. The ground for mutual learning is the community the AER creates between member regions that have very diverse contexts and shared objectives. The AER community is one of its main added values when joining projects or developing advocacy activities.

As the mandates of current Working Groups have all come to an end, AER is offering the possibility to all members to propose to lead knowledge and experience exchange on a regional policy area that is important for them.

So… how to start a working group?

Contact the AER Secretariat and tell us what you are looking for!

If you’re not yet sure exactly about the activities or the specific focus of the working group you would like to lead, but you know you want to be engaged and lead a working group, contact us!

We’ll schedule a meeting to specify needs. We’ll help you identify the topic and main objective of the working group you’d like to set up and make sure this will indeed create value for you. We’ll help you to develop a draft proposal on the focus of the Working Group and identify a few potential activities, which you will then be able to share with other AER members.

What kind of topics?

At the AER we like to say that everything is possible!

Topics need to be in line with the Mission and Objectives of the AER, as defined in the AER Statutes

They need to be in line with the basic fundamental principles of the Council of Europe.

Who will be in the working group?

You may already know with which regions you would like to specifically cooperate with, in that case let us know and when needed we can facilitate the connection.

Working groups are open to all AER members. In order to propose a new working group, a core group of 1 leading region and at least 3 supporting regions are needed for the creation of a working group.

If you don’t yet know which regions you’d like to work with, let’s discuss! Together with the AER Secretariat you’ll be able identify peers in other regions who could be interested to work with you.

What kind of activities?

As per the AER Statutes, working groups are responsible for

  • Promoting networking and knowledge exchange between AER members on specific issues related to regional development; (8.3a)
  • Identifying and disseminating good practices. (8.3.b)

In this context, and depending on what you would like to achieve, activities can include activities to raise awareness on a topic and share existing practices, experience sharing, workshops to identify how to address shared challenges and societal changes, information sessions on funding opportunities, project development workshops…

The process to create a working group is detailed on this page.

There are many ways in which the AER offer and synergies with other activities can match your expectations. Contact us!

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Knowledge Transfer for Integrated Care – Sharing the Results with the International Healthcare Community

By

After almost a year of knowledge exchange and capacity-building support to healthcare authorities willing to adopt or scale-up integrated care, the AER and the project partners were eager to share the experience and the results of the SCIROCCO Exchange Knowledge Transfer Programme with a great variety of international healthcare professionals and practitioners.

The SCIROCCO Exchange is a project co-founded by the third Health Programme of the European Union and lead by the Scottish Government. It provides evidence-based capacity-building support to health and social care authorities across Europe for the adoption or scaling-up of integrated care within their local healthcare systems. In this context, the AER in cooperation with the Scottish Government have worked with nine healthcare authorities for the co-development and implementation of nine personalised knowledge transfer programmes aimed at preparing the ground for the transition towards integrated care and to improve existing system design.

Despite the constraints posed by the pandemic to in-person-activities and to the resources of the healthcare sector, the needs and objectives of the healthcare authorities were still confirmed and the knowledge transfer continued. While knowledge transfer activities were mostly re-shaped in an online setting, this did not limit their impact and rather offered new opportunities for learning, involving a larger number of experts, fostering long-term professional connections in the sector, as well as for relying on an active network of partners also for the exchange of knowledge and practices regarding new needs brought about by the pandemic (as with the organisation of the workshop COVID-19 – Mental Health & Well-being of Healthcare Professionals with Scotland and South Denmark Regions).

Hence, we have been eager to share our experience and results with the broader healthcare community in the context of two major international conferences – the 2021 European Health Management Association (EHMA) Annual Conference, and the 2021 North America Conference on Integrated Care (NACIC).

SCIROCCO Exchange Knowledge Transfer Programme at EHMA 2021 – Health Management: Managing the Present and Shaping the Future

From the 15th to the 17th of September, the AER took part in the EHMA 2021 annual conference organised online but through the lenses of Lisbon. The event gathered more than 400 representatives of the healthcare system to exchange about key challenges in leading and managing the current and future health services.

Through a poster presentation, the AER shared with the healthcare experts the process for the co-definition and the implementation of knowledge transfer in SCIROCCO Exchange, and how this was re-adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic in order to make it both resilient and equally effective in its capacity-building objectives.

Lastly, the paper for the poster was included in the EHMA 2021 Abstract Book published after the Conference.

SCIROCCO Exchange Knowledge Transfer Programme NACIC 2021 – Innovation. Inspiration. Integration: Co-designing for health and wellbeing with individuals and communities.

From the 4th to the 7th of October, the AER together with the Scottish Government, Kronikgune institute in the Basque Country, and the National Health Fund in Poland took part in the first NACIC 2021 Annual conference organised online in  partnership with the University of Toronto, KPMG Canada, HSPN and iCOACH. The event was a great opportunity to debate with over 300 healthcare professionals and patients about the importance of co-designing healthcare services with individuals in order to improve the effectiveness of health and social care system design and achieve more person-centred care.

In this context, the AER organised a workshop presenting how the SCIROCCO Exchange knowledge transfer programme was developed and implemented to provide local-based support for the adoption of integrated care, and especially to support citizens’ empowerment in the design and management of healthcare services. To this aim, the workshop shared first information concerning the overall process developed by the project, the tools employed and available for replication, and the knowledge transfer programme. Additionally, the experiences of the Basque Country and Poland were presented to provide concrete good practices on how knowledge transfer supported the healthcare authorities in preparing the ground for citizens’ empowerment within their systems.

Presentations from the workshop can be accessed here!

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Technical Vocational Education & Training and Civic Participation

By

Civic participation is a process in which people take collective action to address issues of public concern and can adopt many forms: from individual volunteering, community engagement efforts and organisational involvement to governmental support. With regard to governments, effectively engaging with stakeholders translates into better services, source ideas and knowledge, co-creation solutions and seizing new opportunities.

In the context of its participation in the Skillnet project, AER organised a webinar on the ways in which societies can improve civic participation in a qualitative way, by involving young people from more diverse backgrounds

High-quality civic participation is inclusive by design

To achieve high-quality civic participation, it is crucial to make sure to involve all regional stakeholders. Research shows there is a large participation gap between college students and other young people.

This webinar was facilitated by Aurora Carrasco Minguez, VET programmes Manager at Acción contra el Hambre. The event focused on the factors that can improve the civic participation of people in technical and vocational education.

Civic competences and lifelong learning

To provide insights on how to bridge civic participation and various forms of education Andrei Frank, Policy Officer SOLIDAR Foundation, shared the results of the 2020 Solidar Monitor, a research report on the topic of policy developments in the field of attainment of skills, through lifelong learning, for active participation in society.

This report looked at green and digital citizenship in Europe and beyond. It examined in particular how multistakeholder partnerships are beneficial to develop policies linked to this type of competences. Indeed both green and digital competences imply lifelong and holistic elements. These competences need to be constantly updated.

In order to ensure more inclusive and wider civic participation, multistakeholder partnerships across ministries and across society are needed to ensure this constant updating of civic competences. Partnerships between formal and non-formal education are needed

Good learning environments for all for better participation

Simon Johnson, Chair of the AER Working Group on Education and Acting Mayor of Nordland County (NO) shared the experience of his region. He explained that offering the possibility to all to participate in society is part of the political guidelines underpinning Nordland’s policymaking and which are based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Simon Johnson presented the way in which politcal goals are translated into strategy making processes and result in practices, which aim to provide all students, apprentices and trainees with a good learning environment. This entails measures aimed at promoting good health, wellbeing and learning and leads to building great life skills. Nordland is specifically targetting young people who are not enrolled in ordinary upper secondary education. One of the ways in which the region does this, is through the development of partnerships with businesses.

In order to foster civic participation skills such as critical thinking and ethical acting together with environmental awareness are embedded in the Norwegian Education Law. This means pupils have the possibility to participate in the classroom, at the level of the school as well as at local and national level. Other measures specifically target bullying.

This practice shows how building inclusive learning environments for all, with an approach that includes health and wellbeing, as well as providing structures for young people to participate in decision making -thus providing a space to build civic participation competences- contribute to foster more inclusive civic participation.

Building the TVET voice through the Peer Learning Clubs

In the context of the Skillnet project, TVET stakeholders are invited to share their views and experiences in the Peer Learning Clubs, in order to shape policy recommendations.

Maria Elena Romanini, Project Manager for the Skillnet project presented the Peer Learning Clubs. These four focus groups bring together experts from different backgrounds (TVET providers, companies, government representatives, and individuals) who engage regularly in the discussion of four TVET-related topics through online and on-site activities, with a bottom-up approach.

The four topics are:

PLC1 – Advanced Manufacturing Sector (sectoral dimension)
PLC2 – Advocacy & Policy Influencing (empowerment and social equity dimension)
PLC3 – Work-based learning and standards (QA and curricular dimension)
PLC4 – Train the trainers (operational dimension)

These Peer Learning Clubs are open to all interested stakeholders (see Skillnet website to join)

EU opportunities related to multistakeholder partnerships, civic participation and TVET

Get involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe!

Register to the European Week of Regions and Cities (11-14 October 2021)

Join the 2021 SKILLMAN INTERNATIONAL FORUM (15-18 November 2021)

The EU Youth Strategy: https://europa.eu/youth/strategy_en

The European Training calendar (ETC): Trainings within the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme, European Solidarity Corps and beyond: https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/european-training-calendar/

SALTO-Youth, Support, Advanced Learning and Training Opportunities for Youth: https://www.salto-youth.net/about/

European Solidarity Corps: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity

Erasmus+ Programme Guide: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/node_en

Erasmus+ Programme Guide, Youth Participation Activities: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/programme-guide/part-b/key-action-1/youth-participation-activities_en

[FORTHCOMING – January 2022] HORIZON EUROPE Call for Grants ‘The Future of Democracy and Civic Participation‘

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Advocating for Youth Participation at Regional Level

By

Do you want to learn more about the European Youth Goals and its Youth Strategy, the opportunities and challenges for youth participation at local and regional level, and how to develop and effective advocacy plan?

Read the Y-FED Training Handbook!

In 2018, as a result of a Structured Dialogue with young people, decision-makers, and other stakeholders, the European Union developed the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. This youth strategy set out to achieve eleven European Youth Goals. These aim to overcome main challenges that young people face in their daily lives, and present a vision of Europe that empowers young people to reach their full potential. 

Promoting the active participation of young people in decisions and actions at local and regional level is essential if we are to build a more democratic, inclusive and prosperous society. Active citizenship is understood as participating in democratic life with the main purpose of playing an active role in the development of society and contributing to the improvement of the well-being of its citizens. However, it is relevant to bear in mind that participation in democratic life is more than voting, hence, active citizenship is fostered by having the right, the resources, and the opportunity to participate and influence in decision-making processes, as to be engaged in actions that contribute to building a better society.  

In this regard, the project “Y-FED: Europe is what we make of it” co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme aims to bring the EU closer to its young citizens by developing a proposal for an improved institutional framework of the Union in line with the European Youth Goals. It supports their implementation by embedding them in the reformed EU institutional model and transposing them from the European to the local level.

Within the framework of this project, the Assembly of European Regions together with JEF Europe, organised an advocacy training seminar which aimed to empower young people to advocate for meaningful youth participation at local and regional level. Over three days in early March, 24 young activists from Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Spain, Malta and Poland learned the skills needed to advocate for their rights and priorities.

The training seminar kicked-off on Thursday 4 March 2021 with an introduction to the European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the European Youth Goals.

Following the European module, the main focus of the second session was on enhancing participants’ understanding of active youth participation in democratic and political life at regional and local level. Trainees got to learn about examples of best practices and non-formal education activities, which facilitated the identification of youth participation challenges as outlined in the European Youth Goals.

The last day of the training seminar aimed to build participants’ advocacy skills and provide them with the right tools to lobby for better youth participation. The trainees were split into 8 groups in which they had to develop an advocacy strategy based on the challenges for youth participation identified during the previous session. They also had to design a timeline of advocacy activities to be implemented at local and regional level to push for change. The challenges were the following:

  • young people’s lack of engagement, and critical thinking in decision-making processes on local and regional level
  • creating more inclusive communities for young people with fewer opportunities
  • instrumentalisation of young people for political goals by decision-makers
  • lacking opportunities for active participation for young people on local and regional level
  • difficulties in accessing organised groups and activities for rural/suburban youth
  • lack of information and networking amongst young people regarding current mechanisms for youth participation
  • lack of transparency in consultation processes with young people
  • financial and educational obstacles to empowering young participation

What’s next?

Following the training seminar, the trainees will implement their advocacy actions in European regions, which will be part of the follow-up activity within the Y-FED project.

Stay tuned to hear how the young activists will overcome the obstacles identified and improve youth participation at regional and local level.

Photo by UX Indonesia on Unsplash

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

How Smart is Your Food?

By

At a time where every aspect of our lives is getting “smarter”, can food get “smart”, too? The answer is yes, as will be demonstrated on 3 March at the AER’s 2021 Innovation Show – How Smart is your Food?, hosted by Gelderland (NL) in collaboration with Th!nk East Netherlands.

Every link in the food value chain is being transformed by digital innovation, and in particular by Economy 4.0. Research on nutrition is bringing fresh insights and innovative ideas that affect every stage from production and processing, right through to consumption.

Working towards nutrition security and sustainable diets, moreover, has been found to positively impact issues as diverse as climate change, health and citizen participation.

Food value chain innovation and the Green Deal 

Innovation at all levels of the food value chain is a topic which can mobilise stakeholders from highly diverse backgrounds, generate new collaboration ecosystems, and make a significant contribution to achieving the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions aimed at fighting the economic crisis, it is particularly urgent to ensure that innovation in food and food value chains continues to be adequately supported. As part of the 2021 Innovation Show, regions will share their experiences and elaborate the actions they are taking on this topic. Indeed, the central role of regions in supporting innovation and economic development on the one hand, and in advancing the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs on the other, makes mutual learning all the more important.

The event will also be an opportunity to hear how Europe’s recovery plan will be implemented at regional level, with a focus on smart food and value chain innovation, in order to achieve a resilient, carbon-neutral EU by 2050 as foreseen by the EU Green Deal.

Sharing ideas and shaping the future together

The goal of this event on smart food and value chains is to share ideas and shape the future together. Things do not happen by accident; they happen by design. Major societal challenges, therefore, call for the collaboration between all stakeholders to share ideas and plan the future.

We therefore invite stakeholders from the public and private sector, industry specialists, entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers to take this opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives at the 2021 Innovation Show. 

During this event, participants will: 

  • Hear what different stakeholders see as opportunities and threats in the field of food innovation
  • Examine the role of regions: are there new roles emerging?
  • Discuss the social and economic impact, as well as needs in terms of policymaking and fields for cooperation
  • Hear about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on innovation, especially on funding innovation
  • Examine and hear how Europe’s recovery plan will be implemented at regional level, with particular regard to smart food and value chain innovation, in order to achieve a resilient, carbon-neutral EU by 2050 as foreseen by the EU Green Deal

Agenda

10:30Welcome by moderator Simone Balhuizen
10:33Opening
Magnus Berntsson, AER President, Västra Götaland (SE) 
Christianne van der Wal, Regional Minister Innovation, Gelderland, (NL)
10:45The Smart Food & Value Chain Dialogue 
Innovation in food and food value chains presents both new opportunities and new challenges. Sitting at the crossroads between public health, innovation strategies, economic development and climate strategies, smart food and smart food value chains require a multilevel approach.

This Smart Food & Value Chain Dialogue will provide insights on the stakes at different levels of governance in Europe, present examples and give a perspective on future opportunities for regions and the European Union as a whole.

What are the main stakes at European and global level?What are the stakes at regional level?How to innovate for sustainable, climate-resilient, nutrition-dense and diversified food systems?Is it possible to innovate in the midst of a global crisis?

Nelly Kalfs, Mayor of Lingewaard
Representative from DG Agri, tbc
Moderation: Simone Balhuizen
11:00Talkshow: Smart food & Climate/Sustainability
This exchange will bring together different stakeholders to discuss current challenges and sharing examples of smart food and food value chain innovation and their expected impact on mitigating climate change. 

Speakers:
Martin Scholten, Principal Advisor to Executive Board, Wageningen University & Research
Paul Hospers, Project Leader, NEXTGarden
Representative from Murcia (ES), tbc
Moderation: Simone Balhuizen
11:25Talkshow: Smart food & health
Stakeholders will share their experience and how they are contributing to developing smarter food for better health. They will discuss the need for better science for better nutrition, to tackle challenges such as obesity, poor nutrition & poverty or active and healthy ageing. 

Speakers
Maartje Poelman, Associate Professor Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research
Thea van Kemenade, Director of Health, OnePlanet, (Gelderland, NL) 
Irene Lejegren, Chair of AER Task Force on Food, County Councillor, Örebro, SE
Moderation: Simone Balhuizen
11:50Wrap-up
Christian Spahr, AER Secretary General 
12:00Conclusion
Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

AER selected for the European Youth Event 2020! Apply now!

By

We are eager to announce that the European Parliament has granted AER to participate in the European Youth Event 2020 in Strasbourg! (Keep reading to join us in this exciting adventure…)

What is EYE2020?

From 29 to 30 May 2020, the European Youth Event will bring thousands of young people coming from all over Europe to Strasbourg (FR). The event is aimed to make young people active agents of change in the European democratic life rather than passive beneficiaries, by engaging in debates, workshops, hearings and digital activities on a very diversified range of topics. All the activities are co-created with partners, youth organisations and the participants.

The EYE2020 is the perfect opportunity for youth to share their thoughts, concerns, hopes and meet and inspire each other. And on top of that, some participants will also be able to present the most impactful ideas directly to the Members of the European Parliament.

If you want to find out more, take a look at the tentative programme or just visit the webpage of the EYE2020!

What are the selection criteria?

  • Be aged between 16 and 30 years old representing a regional or local youth entity.
  • Hold EU citizenship and residency. Citizens and residents from candidate countries are also eligible for sponsorship.
  • A clear explanation of your motivation and how you plan to employ the soft skills gained and the takeaways.
  • Proof of experience in youth work or related-initiatives you have carried out.
  • Proof of a mandate or person of reference supporting your application from the organisation/region you stand for.
  • young people with disabilities, from rural or remote areas and from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds will be prioritised.

AER and YRN members, particularly those coming from remote areas in Europe, have priority.

And the financial conditions?

The financial contribution is calculated on the basis of the following 2 elements per sponsored participant:

1. An amount depending on the distance calculated as follows: €0.045/km considering the most direct road return journey between the common point of departure of the group (town/city) and Strasbourg. If there is no common point of departure, it will be calculated based on the average travel distance.

2. Thanks to the sponsorship provided by the European Parliament, the selected youth delegates will benefit from free half-board (breakfast & dinner) accommodation in shared rooms from 28-31 May 2020. Lunch is not included and will be at the expense of the participants.

N.b.: Participants from non-EU territories, EEA or neighbourhood countries canNOT be part of the sponsored group.

Apply now!

If you are a young activist aged between 16 and 30 years old representing a regional or local youth entity and meet the aforementioned criteria, you then cannot afford to miss the fantastic opportunity of taking an active part in the EYE2020 in the name of AER!

Submission deadline:
22 January 2020

Only the 20 best candidates will be confirmed to form the AER’s delegation to the EYE2020 following the submission deadline.

Contact us!

For any questions related to AER’s participation to the EYE2020, please do not hesitate to contact Andrés Muñoz at the AER Secretariat:
e: [email protected] / t: +32 (0) 2 400 10 54

Photo credits: @European Parliament

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

The Role of Culture in Non-Urban Areas

By

The role of culture and social infrastructure in rural areas was discussed at the AER autumn plenaries in Podčetrtek. Indeed building on existing social infrastructure to develop cultural and economic activities is an essential element to increase territorial cohesion and citizens participation

A changing paradigm

The development of cultural activities has long been focused on major cities. This however was ignoring that a large proportion of the population lives in rural areas, towns, and suburbs. Only 40.4% of the population as per the EUROSTAT data hails in urban areas.

The logic which prevailed was that people living in urban areas would go to cities to enjoy culture. Even initiatives aimed at bringing culture to smaller cities often resulted to importing a ready-made product from the cities to rural areas.

The initiatives which were discussed during the autumn plenaries in Podčetrtek, showed how important it is to share and create excellent culture in rural areas. The example of rural touring for the enjoyment of art by rural communities, shared by Värmland (SE) in particular shows the need and value of using existing social infrastructure.

A structured dialogue between the EC & stakeholders in Europe

The EU programme Voices of Culture, is a structured dialogue between the European Commission and stakeholders in Europe.  Every year different topics are picked up for discussion in order to gain valuable input for EU and national policy, legislation, awareness campaigns and ideas for pilot projects.

The next Voices of Culture topic to be discussed is the role of culture in non-urban areas in Europe. Culture is vital for sustainable rural development and culture can play a major role is unleashing the potential in urban-rural and cross border cooperation.

Interested in joining the discussion?

A brainstorming meeting with 35 selected stakeholders from across Europe will gather in the rural town of Alfeld in Germany on the 4-5 February 2020 to discuss this topic. A brainstorming report written by the stakeholders will be presented at a Dialogue Meeting with representatives of the European Commission in April 2020. Relevant OMC thematic groups will also take onboard the recommendation from the sector on this topic.

The Brainstorming meeting for this topic has been scheduled on the 4th & 5th of February 2020 at Fagus-Werk in Germany. Dialogue meeting for this topic has been scheduled to take place on the 22nd of April, in Brussels, Belgium.

Application deadline: 10th of November 2019

Announcement of results: 25th of November 2019

For more information, you can visit this page.

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Takeaways of AER-YRN’s activities at the 20th University on Youth and Development

By

From 15 to 19 September, the Youth Regional Network of the Assembly of European Regions (AER-YRN) celebrated its Autumn Plenaries for the first time in the framework of the 20th University of Youth and Development (UYD) of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. 23 young participants from 13 different countries representing the AER-YRN at the 20th UYD actively engaged in workshop debates, committees’ work and joint thematic activities themed around the UYD’s 2019 annual focus on “Youth, Justice & Strong Institutions” related to SDG 16.

Advocacy on SDGs and innovative approaches to youth participation

In the morning of the 16th, the first workshop debate Glocal Youth Advocating for SDGs began with the participation of Benjamin Günther, board member of the European Youth Forum (EYF), who presented the work that the Forum undertakes in order to advocate for the inclusion of young people in the review and implementation of SDGs and, in addition, presented the main conclusions of the EYF Policy Paper on Sustainable Development.

Elitsa Hadzhieva, AEGEE-Europe: European Student’s Forum, also joined the discussion with the YRN delegates to stress the importance of enhancing cooperation in a more coordinated way among the different youth-led organisations in order to have a more unified voice when advocating for youth major rights towards the EU institutions and the UN. 

Benjamin Günther (European Youth Forum), Elitsa Hadzhieva (AEGEE Europe)

On Tuesday 17th, Bruno António, Coordinator of DYPALL Network and Nami Isaki, board member of the Centre For Intercultural Dialogue, shared insights and experiences at the workshop debate entitled (Co)innovating youth participation. The YRN participants not only learned about the principles of the Council of Europe (CoE) co-management system for participatory democracy but also heard the experience of Nami Isaki in establishing an influential network of youth-led organisations both at the local and national decision-making levels in North Macedonia and, more generally, in strengthening youth cooperation in the Balkans. 

Bruno António pointed out that the 2030 Agenda goes beyond the so-called roadmap to sustainability but it is rather an inspirational framework for engaging young people in active participation to stand for their own rights and, moreover, influence policy-making at multiple levels. Organisations such as the ones represented by Bruno and Nami are trying to change the concept of democratic participation by facilitating access to the decision-making process for all cohorts of young people, including the most disadvantaged groups.

Nami Isaki (CID) and Bruno António (DYPALL)

Intercultural dialogue and Global Education 

Abdelkader El Khissassi, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), took part in the second workshop debate Youth Inclusion and Intercultural Dialogue on the 18th of September. During the interactive discussion, Abdelkader insisted on the importance of mainstreaming an intercultural sensitivity for young people’s inclusion in the public sphere but also to build more democratic societies free from prejudice and discrimination. The UfM is currently developing a cooperation framework between youth platforms in the Mediterranean basin, such as the Youth Forum for the Mediterranean, with the purpose of fostering intercultural dialogue and cooperation beyond the European borders and thus create a project-oriented space for mutual understanding in the field of youth. 

Following the discussions on inclusion and interculturality, YRN participant Tiziana Fantucchio, as a representative of CESIE, organised an interactive activity to raise awareness on sexual violence through a changing-pair exercise that allowed participants to explore their own personal boundaries. Another activity was organised by Vahram Vardanyan, member of the YRN Presidium, to reflect upon SDG 16 and the linkages with gender equality, discrimination and xenophobia. 

  • YRN-AER Participants with Abdelkader El Khissassi (UfM)
  • CESIE’s activity

The last workshop debate on Education for Sustainable Development involved a number of guest speakers: Giuseppe Lipari, board member of OBESSU, and Rocío Cervera from the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. Giuseppe explained that OBESSU’s core goal is to increase the recognition of students as fundamental actors in shaping the educational policies and, to that end, the organisation commits itself not only to defend school student rights towards European Institutions and other relevant stakeholders but also to provide assistance for the development of school student representative structures at different levels. 

Rocío Cervera underlined three perspectives that are fundamental in the field of Global Education: multi-perspectivity; multi-stakeholder approach for advocacy purposes; and sustainable lifestyles, which links the notion of sustainable development to the individual responsibility of contributing to it. In this regard, Rocío concluded that “we are all educators and individually responsible for bringing about worldwide sustainable change”.  

  • Giuseppe Lipari (OBESSU)
  • Rocío Cervera (North-South Centre)

The work in the YRN Committees

Throughout the week, the 23 representatives of the AER – Youth Regional Network worked in the YRN committees putting a log-frame analysis (problem/alternative trees) into practice to identify a core issue related to SDG-16 hindering youth participation and the human (youth) right vulnerated. For this exercise, the participants integrated all relevant inputs received at the workshop debates and the outcomes of the log-frame analysis were used in a second phase to elaborate an advocacy plan. Following this advocacy reflection exercise, the participants discussed solutions to overcome the problems identified and came up with recommendations to lobby the regional and local entities they stand for.  

Outlining the main outcomes:

From these three days full of activities, workshops and debates concluded into many outcomes, although we could sum them all up into these three main outcomes:

  • Attitude: Self-awareness (youth as right-holders) and individual responsibility.
  • Skills: Analytical-advocacy planning skills.
  • Knowledge: Global challenges for local and regional actions.

Visit the event page to find all the presentations and materials of the AER – YRN’s activities at the 20th UYD.

Photo credits: @Luca Scognamillo / North-South Centre of the Council of Europe on Flickr

Takeaways of AER-YRN’s activities at the 20th University on Youth and Development

Takeaways of AER-YRN’s activities at the 20th University on Youth and Development

From 15 to 19 September, the Youth Regional Network of the Assembly of European Regions (AER-YRN) celebrated its Autumn Plenaries ...
Read More
Make this Week Last All Your Life – AER-YRN at the 20th UYD

Make this Week Last All Your Life – AER-YRN at the 20th UYD

From 15 until 19 September, 23 participants from 13 different countries represented the AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) at ...
Read More
Take a look at the AER-YRN's programme for the 20th University on Youth & Development!

Take a look at the AER-YRN’s programme for the 20th University on Youth & Development!

From 15 to 19 September, a group of young participants from 13 different European countries will represent AER - Youth ...
Read More
Apply now for the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe's 20th University on Youth and Development!

Apply now for the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe’s 20th University on Youth and Development!

AER - Youth Regional Network (YRN) is very proud to announce its partnership with the North-South Centre of the Council ...
Read More
Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

The 2020 European Youth Event is around the corner– make yourself heard!

By

The flagship event for youth is back for its 4th edition. From 29 to 30 May 2020, the European Youth Event will bring thousands of young people coming from all over Europe to Strasbourg (FR).

Young people as change-makers

The event is aimed to make young people active agents of change in the European democratic life rather than passive beneficiaries, so the EYE2020 is the perfect opportunity for youth to share their thoughts, concerns, hopes and meet and inspire each other. And on top of that, some participants will also be able to present the most impactful ideas directly to the Members of the European Parliament.

360-degree view

The EYE2020 will please everyone, through debates, workshops, hearings and digital activities, where all participants will be able to deal with an extremely diversified range of topics. Education, health, technology, climate change, migration, employment, health, human rights, political issues, just to name a few.

If you want to find out more, take a look at the tentative programme!

Make your contribution to the EYE programme!

What makes this event impactful is the contribution that everyone can make to shape this 4th edition of the EYE. All the activities are co-created with partners, youth organisations and the participants.

If you are interested in taking part in this event and contribute to the programme with an activity, then this call is for you! Check HERE the call for activities and submit your application before November 17th!

The European Parliament is committed to promoting inclusiveness and civic engagement. Groups can apply under certain conditions for financial contributions until Tuesday, 15th October 2019.

For further information, just visit the European Youth Event webpage.

Partner with AER for the 2020 EYE!

Youth participation is at the top of AER’s agenda as it is admittedly an important value for our member regions. AER is looking to form a group of 10 or more participants (aged 16-30 years old) from our member regions and host an interactive activity during the EYE2020 in line with our political priorities.

Therefore, if you wish to participate at the EYE2020 and apply to organise an activity together with AER, please express interest to Gisela Guari (e: [email protected] / t: +32 (0) 2 400 10 21)

You’re the architect of your own future, you’re the architect of this event

Photo credits: @The European Parliament

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Take a look at the AER-YRN’s programme for the 20th University on Youth & Development!

By

From 15 to 19 September, a group of young participants from 13 different European countries will represent AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) at the Council of Europe North-South Centre’s (NSC) 20th University on Youth and Development (UYD) in Mollina (Málaga).

AER – YRN will contribute to the programme of the 20th edition of the UYD with various seminars and activities in line with the main theme “Youth, Justice & Strong Institutions” in collaboration with other UYD partners. Scroll down to find out more!

“Glocal” Youth Advocating for SDGs

The 2030 Agenda established that young people are a driving force for development – but this can only be possible when they are well-provided with the skills and opportunities needed in order to reach their potential, support development and consequently contribute to peace and security.

The first workshop session scheduled on Monday 16th from 15:00h to 16:30h entitled “Glocal Youth Advocating for SDGs” will allow the participants to gain insights on how to integrate the SDGs targets, in particular the SDG 16, into the work and projects carried out within their organisations (regional youth councils, local NGOs, University associations, etc.) and on the opportunities and strategies for influencing and getting involved in the monitoring and accountability of the SDGs from the local level up to the global one. To this end, not only the participants will exchange good practices, project ideas or initiatives relating to the SDG 16 targets but will also have the chance to develop together an advocacy strategy towards including young people in the decision-making at all levels for effectively realising the goals of the 2030 Agenda. 

(Co)Innovating Youth Participation

As a matter of fact, participation is not limited to voting or standing for election, but also to active citizenship; and therefore, having the right, the means and the opportunity to influence in the decision-making. In particular, youth participation is the expression of a plurality of approaches for publicly engaging in democratic processes, beyond the conventional forms of participation.

On the 17th of September from 9:30 to 11:00h the participants will reflect upon different models of youth participation (both conventional and unconventional) and find out about the ins and outs of influencing the decision-making process from the very local level up to the global one. Along with Developing Youth Participation at Local Level (DYPALL) and the Centre for Intercultural Dialogue (ICD), the participants will learn about the principles of the Council of Europe co-management system for participatory democracy and will look into some research findings by DYPALL regarding models of youth participation in decision-making processes in the local governance that will inspire their conclusions.

Ultimately, the participants will play the role of decision-makers to think of ways of innovating youth participation at their respective spheres (Youth Councils and Parliaments, NGOs, Universities, etc.) in line with the SDG 16 and its targets of developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Youth for Intercultural Dialogue

The development of intercultural sensitivity is a quality needed for a young person to live in today’s pluralistic Europe. It enables them to take an active role in confronting social injustice and discrimination―on grounds such as gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability―and, ultimately, promote and protect human rights. Young people and youth organisations play a vital role in promoting and ensuring equality and non-discrimination and creating inclusive, diverse and cohesive societies free from prejudice and hate

On the 17th of September from 11:30 to 13:00, the participants will learn about self-awareness methodologies to identify injustice situations and the role that young people can play in building peace from an intercultural point of view. Furthermore, they will hold a discussion on how youth work and projects can prevent discrimination and translate the needs of vulnerable groups into inclusive policy-making within their communities.

Education for Sustainable Development

Education is admittedly a powerful tool to make individuals agents of change. SDG 4.7 calls on building “more democratic, inclusive and peaceful societies by integrating a more global approach into education”. Reorienting education towards sustainable development will equip individuals, communities, businesses and government with a better understanding of the economic, societal, and environmental horizons.

Through this last workshop session taking place on the 18th of September from 15:00h to 16:30h, the participants will look into evidence-based findings and policy recommendations for increasing public awareness of education’s central role in achieving sustainable development and the challenges to achieve quality, equitable and inclusive lifelong learning for all by 2030 as means to prevent youth discrimination or any form of injustice. Additionally, the participants will learn about multi-stakeholder strategies that could use in their work to spread global active citizenship and, ultimately, bring sustainable change to their local communities.

Discover the full programme!

The detailed programme is already available HERE!

For further updates and news related to the AER – YRN participation in the CoE North-South Centre’s 20th University on Youth and Development, please visit the event page.

Photo credits: @COE.INT /  @Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Apply now for the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe’s 20th University on Youth and Development!

By

AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) is very proud to announce its partnership with the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe 20th University on Youth and Development which will take place in Mollina, Málaga (Spain) in September 2019. This will be also the 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”.

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!

What is the NSC of the CoE University on Youth and Development?

The University on Youth and Development (UYD) is a partnership between the Spanish Government (INJUVE), the European Youth Forum (YFJ), the Spanish Youth Council (CJE) and other international youth-led organisations and youth-serving organisations aiming to:

  • Foster democratic participation and global citizenship among young people.
  • Uphold the universal principles, values and standards of the Council of Europe.
  • Implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Network –facilitated and coordinated by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe– provides a unique space for youth empowerment, offers non-formal education capacity building activities and endorses policies, mechanisms and tools for youth development, in order to increase the recognition of youth as agents for positive change.

Focus 2019: Youth & Justice

In many countries, unequal access to justice and discrimination in the judicial sector create barriers to civic and political participation, especially for traditionally marginalised populations such as young people, women and migrants. Therefore, this year’s focus on “Youth and Justice” provides a unique opportunity to reflect on young people’s access to justice as an integral element for more fair and sustainable development. In fact, to provide youth with legal empowerment is fundamental, not only to meet their basic needs but also an essential step for inclusive growth, enabling young people to tackle social inequalities and hold authorities accountable. 

Within this context, the SDG 16 is particularly relevant: accountable and transparent institutions, fair and accessible juridical systems and a society free from violence and discrimination are among the main elements that could guarantee a greater contribution from youth in translating policies into action towards the achievement of the UN SDGs. 

To that end, it is important that governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities work together with youth organisations and with other sectors of civil society, ensuring more efficient mechanisms of youth participation and more inclusive decision-making processes, following a bottom-up approach.

Come to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UYD!

Over 200 young activists, youth workers, experts from the field and decision-makers responsible for youth-related policies from all over Europe will meet in Mollina (Málaga) to exchange views and organise activities under the umbrella theme of “the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice and strong institutions”. The 20th edition of the UYD will take place at the Centro Eurolatinoamericano de Juventud (CEULAJ), a venue awarded with the Council of Europe’s Quality Label for Youth Centres.

From 15 – 19 September, the AER and YRN will participate and contribute to the programme with their own activities (training, workshop, seminars, etc.) within a common pedagogical framework: the Joint Programme. The joint programme of the University explores and develops the annual focus (Youth and Justice), giving the opportunity to all the partner organisations and their participants to reflect and interact around this topic, in view of a joint advocacy effort.

How to apply?

Applications are welcomed from members of the YRN and youth delegates from all AER member regions until the 12th of August. 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 the end 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.

Apply Now!

Have a look at UYD 2018!

Photo credits: @Council of Europe

Video credits: @UYD – NSC-Council of Europe

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

SUMMER ACADEMY 2019: Jönköping’s approach to youth participation

By

“How to encourage active participation among first-time voters at the local level in the European election?“

Coinciding with the 2019 European Youth Capital, the region of Vojvodina (RS) will host in the city of Novi Sad the AER Summer Academy 2019 from the 1st to the 5th of July. This year’s edition of the Summer Academy entitled Youth is Future, Youth is Europe will be dedicated to reflecting on the Future of Europe from multiple angles and the role that young people can play in building a stronger Europe. The region of Jönköping Iän (SE) will share its experience with the Summer Academy participants in mobilising young people to stand up for Europe and participate in the EU elections. Scroll down to find out more…

You have an appointment with Jönköping Region!

The region of Jönköping Iän (SE) will present on the 2nd of July a successful local project that has encouraged first-time voters to participate in the European elections in Sweden, including various methodologies to raise awareness among the young population on the importance of taking an active role in democratic processes.

Why you should attend this workshop?

Besides finding out more about the Region’s governance, participants will discuss the ins and outs to effectively include young people in public affairs by learning how this Swedish region animates young people to campaign for this year’s European elections. This initiative has been co-developed by the region and the municipality of Jönköping.

Jönköping is sending a message to young Europeans!

It’s Time for EU-fuss (Dags för EU-tjafs) is the name of this project, which aims at boosting the debate around the importance of youth turnout in the upcoming EU elections by simulating a talk show. Through the involvement of some Swedish influencers and singers, many young people from the region of Jönköping attended the events and got a clear message: Go vote!

Meet the speakers!

The region of Jönköping Iän (SE) will be represented by Sophia El Masry, manager of Europe Direct in Jönköping, and Chantal Côté is international strategist in the municipality of Jönköping.

How to participate?

If you wish to participate in this workshop and in many other activities, please visit the event page of the Summer Academy and discover the full programme.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the Novi Sad 2019 European Youth Capital!

Register Now!

Photo credits: Devin Avery, Unsplash

Follow AER!
Facebooktwitterlinkedinrss

Library

Statutory Documents
AER Strategies
Minutes
Media Kit
Activity Reports
Newsletters
European Regions Map

Join AER!

Become a Member

Job Opportunities

Sign up for our Newsletter

Website map