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AER Training Academy enters new season in Brussels

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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.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER and Valencia region highlight role of regional cooperation in fighting the effects of climate change

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Valencia hosts 14th AER Summer School

Valencia (E), 26 August 2009

AER secretary-general Klaus Klipp underlined in his speech at the 14th AER Summer School opening in Valencia the paramount importance that cooperation between regions in EU programmes and projects plays in tackling climate change.

Mr. Klipp emphasised the need to create regional lobbies to stand up for common European issues, such as water scarcity and droughts. He also noted that AER is currently developing several projects in the field, related to tourism, renewable energies and climate change.

Together with the director-general of the Valencian Regional Office in Brussels, Juan Manuel Revuelta, Mr. Klipp explained the goals of the 14th AER Summer School, which this year has gathered over 150 participants from across wider Europe to discuss policies related to water and climate change.

Since 1996, AER’s summer schools have been bringing together politicians and other representatives from youth civil society and regional authorities, along with European and regional experts, to explore a different topic every year.

At this year’s event, Mr. Revuelta highlighted the commitment of the Valencian Region to “face the problem of water scarcity, droughts and desertification which affects our region, as well as other places in the south of Europe”.

Mr. Revuelta also supported the major role of interregional cooperation in addressing this situation. The director-general further explained that “Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea has attracted 66 million euro to the Valencian Region in European funding, mainly in projects related to environment and energy efficiency”.

For this reason, Mr. Revuelta stated that “the Valencian Region leads the way in obtaining European environmental projects”.

He also stressed the role of the Fundación in establishing European partnerships in water issues, such as Wateregio, the European Water Network, which brings together 10 regions committed to finding solutions against water scarcity and droughts.

Specifically, the programme ENPI Mediterranean Basin has launched a new call, to be closed on October 20th, which welcomes the submission of projects in the field of cross-border cooperation. Likewise, the programme Life + has launched another call, to be closed on September 15th; Ecoinnovation, to be closed early September, and EuropAid, which allocates 70 million euro for initiative regarding environment, renewable energies and energy efficiency.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER Peer Reviews: Experts meet in Serbia to audit the region’s potential to produce energy from biomass

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Banja Luka, Republika Srpska (BiH), 24 July 2009

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) conducted a four-day energy audit in the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina-BiH), with the aim of assessing the region’s potential to produce electrical and thermal power from biomass resources, including wood, agricultural and municipal solid waste. Financially supported by the Central European Initiative’s Know-How Exchange Program, this initiative is based on a peer review methodology, established by AER in 2006.

As a region lacking important gas resources, yet covered by many rural areas and forests (47% of the territory), Republika Srpska seeks to diminish the extensive use of electricity by developing alternative energy productions technologies. It is estimated that some 800 000 m3 of wood might generate approx. 100 Gwh of green power a year. However, this potential is not harnessed in a proper manner. Much of the biomass waste is exported instead of being utilized in a domestic market.

The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in May 2008 opened an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, mobilize resources for low-carbon technologies and contribute to the green development of the country. However, this requires essential legal and technological capacities that BiH has just started developing. The establishment of a regulatory framework supporting the country’s biomass market will send a strong signal to international stakeholders and potential investors that the country is ready for implementing the Kyoto Protocol.

Through a series of meetings with actors concerned with energy matters, namely market regulators, private investors and government officials, experts from AER member regions (Maramures (RO), North Hungary and Friuli Venezia Giulia (I)) and AER representatives tried to identify factors that may hamper the development of biomass-based energy production in the Republika Srpska. These interviews aimed at spotting potential problem areas, such as:

– Legislation discrepancies with regard to the collection, disposal and removal of wood waste (legal obligation to clean the forest)
– Cost-efficiency of the energy production and supply chain (i.e. accessibility to forest, access to electrical grids, investment cost versus prizes for biomass-based energy production, structure of heating systems)
– Database availability and reliability

Furthermore, AER experts visited different sites, such as the woods managed by the Regional Forest Authority; a local sawmill; pallets and biodiesel companies; fruit growing manufactures, and a municipal waste disposal centre.

The report outlining the AER expert team’s conclusions will be issued at the end of September.


Background:

The objective of the peer review is to provide a host region with relevant expertise in a particular area. Peer review experts use a specifically designed benchmark to help identify strengths and weaknesses of region’s key strategies and policies. The project’s costs are shared between the AER and a host region. In most of the cases however, AER seeks extra financial assistance for the smooth functioning of this type of initiatives.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER President Michèle Sabban calls for member regions to make their voices heard in Copenhagen

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Strasbourg, 22 July 2009

Mrs Sabban, President of the AER, calls for member regions to make their voices heard in the coming important meeting in Copenhagen, where large world governance guidelines upon environmental matters will be decided. These guidelines, which will be composed in a treaty, will have decisive consequences for our societies, so it is crucial that Regions mobilise over the course of the next few months so that the voice of the Regions can be heard.

Download Mrs Sabban calls for member regions to make their voices heard in Copenhagen:

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For more information: [email protected]

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On the road to Copenhagen… North American and European Regions Unite in Climate Change Fight

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Brussels, June 26th, 2009

“The Assembly of European Regions (AER) has been a long time activist in favour of a model of local governance that fully includes the development of green energies, both in Europe and in the frame of North/South relations. Thus have I very naturally given a favourable answer to your invitation, as the AER joins forces with those who actively fight climate change.”It was with those words that the AER’s President, Michèle Sabban, addressed Quebec’s Prime Minister Jean Charest, Manitoba’s Prime Minister Gary Doer, The Climate Group’s CEO Steve Howard and Catalonia’s Minister for Environment and Housing, Francesc Baltasar i Albesa.

The Canadian provinces of Quebec and Manitoba, the Spanish region of Catalonia, The Climate Group and AER have come together to develop a strategy aimed at acknowledging the role of federal states and regions in the fight against climate change. Despite current efforts, this century’s continued greenhouse gas emissions will increase global warming and severely affect the ecosystem. Meanwhile, European energy policy will aim at raising the share of renewable energies among EU’s total energy consumption to 20% by 2020. “In view of the scale of the task before us, we can conclude that this is an emergency: everything must be done to bring regions together in the fight against climate change, especially when considering that the Copenhagen Summit is only six months ahead of us,“ said Michèle Sabban.

AER’s president introduced fellow speakers to the numerous initiatives launched by the AER’s member regions, such as the ‘European Regions for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources’ declaration signed in 2006 with the FEDARENE1 and supported by 86 regions to date. The declaration is a genuine commitment on behalf of the regions to fight global warming, and resulted in the adoption of ambitious goals in terms of greenhouse gas reduction.

In addition, AER’s Summer School this year will focus on developing responses to the challenge of dwindling natural resources. To be held in Valencia from the 24th to 28th of August, “Water, a commitment for our future” will pay special attention to water issues.

Michèle Sabban also invited her fellow speakers to follow the next AER General Assembly workshop results. On the 26th and 27th of November, the General Assembly in Belfort, Franche-Comté (F), will focus on sustainable development under the title: “Energising Europe: Regional Innovation and Diversity for Growth and Jobs.” AER will seek to enhance the visibility of local governments in the emerging field of environmental governance.

Michèle Sabban further emphasised the partnership between AER and GE Energy that has resulted in the creation of an “Energy Day” aiming to enable experts and decision-makers to gather and discuss regional solutions to issues related to energy efficiency, supply effectiveness and environmental awareness. “Energy Day” is the first co-operation program for European experts and regional decision-makers and will be held on an annual basis starting in April 2010.

AER’s president hailed the agreement signed today by Quebec and Manitoba with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and hopes it will trigger many others. Jean Charest, Quebec’s prime minister, was also glad that the role played by federal states and regions in the fight against climate change was acknowledged by the United Nations. “It is through our public policies and the course of our responsibilities in the field of energy, land settlement and transport that we can make a difference and spark a change in the right direction,” he said. AER has already come to an agreement with the UNPD that culminated in the Limoges Conference on Climate Change in March 2009.

1 European Federation of Regional Energy and Environment Agencies.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER answers two burning questions in the fall out to the European Elections

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Strasbourg (F), 10 June 2009.

Following yet another record low turnout at the European elections, Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) president Michèle Sabban (Île-de-France) offers a regional take on the two questions that everyone is asking and that MEPs themselves have not been able to answer.

Why did only 43% of eligible voters bother to turn up at the elections, and how can we increase voter “buy-in” before the next elections?

Michèle Sabban: It is most unfortunate and ironic – but far from unexpected – that the European elections were driven predominately by the national affairs of member states, rather than by the burning issues that need to be addressed at EU level. I say ironic because up to three-quarters of national legislation originates in Brussels and Strasbourg, a fact that was largely ignored by European institutions, member states and voters alike. In the five-year period leading up to the next elections, we need to make it very clear to European voters that their MEPs are a gateway to influencing most of the decisions that directly affect their daily lives.

Part of the problem, of course, has been that the European Parliament and institutions have not properly communicated this fact to voters. Clearly, Europe’s regions are much better placed than European or state institutions in communicating European issues to citizens. Regional politicians are more trusted, accountable and generally closer to citizens than their counterparts at higher levels. But for regional authorities and regional media to communicate Europe to citizens they need to be afforded a bigger role in European decision-making. Until the regions are fully heard on issues such as climate change and the economic downturn, expecting them to go the extra mile in convincing citizens to vote will always remain a tall order.

Despite a commendable EP campaign that attempted to clarify the major issues for voters, it was too little (the budget was relatively small) and too late (the campaign was launched just weeks before the election). For the next elections, such a campaign should amount to the final leg of a clear, extensive, long-term information campaign that is decentralised not only to state but also to regional level. That is the only way our voters will begin to treat the European elections with the seriousness they deserve.

Finally, we have to make it easier for citizens to cast their votes at the next election, since the current system would turn off from voting even the most engaged European. In some countries, for example, EU nationals living in another EU country had to register to vote in December 2008, a full 6 months before the elections. Moreover, the division of electoral lists in some countries are so bizarre that voters cannot possibly be expected to form a connection with their “local” MEPs. A sensible alternative would be to link voter lists to regional boundaries, thereby establishing a stronger connection between citizens and MEPs from their own regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER calls on all European citizens to vote at EU elections

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Strasbourg (F), 26 May 2009

The Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) president, together with the presidents of all AER member regions, are mobilising European citizens to vote at the European elections taking place in June.

With the European legislative elections approaching, AER’s member regions are mobilising citizens to vote. Beyond partisan oppositions, the European elections represent a crucial moment for EU democratic life. They are also a symbol of success of the European project: approximately 375 million voters from 27 member states are going to vote for a parliament that is unique – the only trans-national, multilingual and directly-elected parliament in the world.

This is why, while opinion polls are showing that many citizens do not plan to vote, AER’s 270 member regions are calling upon European citizens to vote.

AER president Michèle Sabban said “the choices made by voters have real consequences on everyday life. Whether it is in relation to the big questions such as the economic crisis and climate change, or everyday subjects such as health and transport, Europe plays a major role.”

Today about 80% of all decisions of national parliaments are a consequence of strategic decisions previously taken in Brussels. The implementation and execution of these regulations is very much taken care of by local and regional authorities. It is therefore in the strong interest of regions and their citizens to influence the decisions coming from Brussels. Under the new Lisbon treaty, the European Parliament will have for the first time the full rights of a parliament, including budget rights.

Since these legislative elections depend on Europe mobilising itself for its citizens, the presidents of AER member regions call upon European citizens to have a say in the election of their political leaders, so that they can defend their opinions and put their ideas into practice.

Download Mrs Sabban’s Appeal:

For more information: [email protected]

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First European Regions Energy Summit by AER and GE Energy

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AER and GE Energy come together to foster Europe’s future green energy plans on a regional level


Cologne, PowerGen Europe, 26 May 2009  

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and GE Energy launched European Regions Energy Day, a joint initiative to examine the energy challenges facing European regions today and to promote their possible solutions.

The European Regions Energy Day is the first summit to bring together regional decision makers and European energy experts and will be held annually from the end of April 2010 onwards in Brussels, Belgium. The summit aims to provide regional responses to current energy challenges, and to prepare the future of regional energy for generations to come. Economic efficiency, security of supply and respect for the environment are the major challenges that face the regions. The European regions are a key player in the choice of the energy solutions to be implemented in their territory.

By joining forces with GE Energy – an established European and global player – the Assembly of European Regions gains a unique gateway between globally renowned energy experts and regional public decision makers. The aim is both to support the European Union’s energy and environmental strategy and to facilitate the creation of a benchmark centre of expertise and solution provision in the energy field for all European regions.

Each year this summit will mark the conclusion of AER’s activity on energy issues of the previous year and stakeholders will be informed of the policy solutions developed in peer reviews and seminars. In 2009, AER will carry out four peer reviews with the aim of evaluating energy issues in the host regions and developing recommendations how to improve. At the European Regions Energy Summit technical experts, including GE Energy experts, and decision makers will then examine the various specific responses developed during the peer reviews and make concrete proposals for technological energy solutions.

AER has worked for several years to boost the role of local and regional institutions on energy dependency issues and respecting the environment. 86 AER member regions signed the AER – FEDARENE (European Federation of Regional Energy and Environment Agencies) declaration, a strategic tool translating broad energy objectives into more specific ones and a commitment of regions on measurable targets. The European Regions Energy Summit will provide signatories with recommendations how to reach their goals.

AER has however not limited its action strictly to the European territory. As a partner in a project with the UNDP based on a decentralized cooperation approach AER members support developing and transition regions in their day-to-day fight against climate change and related energy issues. The Europeans Regions Energy Summit will thus also be open for regions from the southern part of the world and bring them in contact with European regions.

An intermediary between European authorities and consumers, the regions today have key decision making powers, allowing them to tackle current geo-political and economic concerns.

“GE Energy is a natural partner for the AER because they are a European player with a wealth of experience in the wide variety of energy issues that each region across Europe faces today. GE also offers the full portfolio of energy and infrastructure solutions allowing them make recommendations to the regions based on every technological energy solution available today – be it in the coal, oil, green energy sources, natural gas or nuclear energy sources. It is also a company renowned for its integrity, something vital in the context of collaborations with institutional bodies”, states Michèle Sabban, President of the AER.

As proof of the investment of regional and local institutions in the energy field, the “Intelligent Energy – Europe 2009” program was adopted last March by the European Union. Envisaging the co-financing of projects aimed at energy efficiency, green energies and clean transport, this initiative has allotted more than 96 million Euro to municipalities and regions, 15 million of which is to be devoted to support local energy investment. A key objective of this program is to “remove barriers to markets, change behaviour and create a more favourable commercial environment in the energy efficiency and green energy market”.

“This summit is a concrete step for the AER, which in 2006 signed up to a “declaration of the European regions on energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources”, aimed at establishing the first quantitative objectives in terms of energy efficiency and sustainable development”, concludes Michèle Sabban, President of the AER.

For more information: [email protected]

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Regions pursuing innovative energy solutions with another MORE4NRG seminar

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Valencia (E), 7 May 2009.

Getting the right energy mix, moving on to higher energy efficiency and cutting down on energy consumption have been recognized by the European Union as the key measures to successful environmental management. In addition, the ambitious “3×20%” objective aims to shield Europe from potential energy breakdowns and to provide it with greater security of supply. It is evident that the responsibility for ensuring the achievement of these targets will fall to a great extent upon local authorities.

Regions are undoubtedly driving forces for ideas and concrete experiments for sustainable development; however, they still encounter myriad difficulties when it comes to the implementation of renewable energy technologies and promotion of energy efficiency.

How to overcome problems resulting from complex authorization procedures? What types of incentives should be implemented to expand clean energy applications rapidly and cost-efficiently? How to transfer critical knowledge about RES from excellence poles to local enterprises? These were only a few questions addressed by the participants in MORE4NRG seminar which took place on 6th and 7th May. Hosted by the region of Valencia, this conference capped off a series of the 3 state-of-the art seminars, which aimed at collecting and comparing different regional energy strategies.

The 3rd state-of-the-art seminar focused on the factors favoring or blocking the development of RES in the regions of Prahova (R), Lazio (I) and Valencia. Special attention was paid to the following aspects of their energy strategies:

– Political and strategic circumstances for the development of RES
– Legal conditions (national and regional)
– Spatial planning requirements
– Financial provisions
– Technical opportunities (R&D)

The conference culminated in the signature of the letter of commitment by all project partners and launched the partnership with Eurisy, the European association aiming to promote the use of satellite technologies.

Initiated by AER, MORE4NRG is one of the projects approved by the European Commission for further financing under Interreg IVC programme. The Province of Flevoland (NL) is the lead partner in this application.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER hosts panel discussion of European political groups and regional politicians

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Regions’ cross-examination of EP leaders “long overdue”

Strasbourg (F), 5 May 2009.

The European Parliament’s political groups last night faced a “cross-examination” hosted by the Assembly of European Regions (AER), Europe’s largest organisation of regional authorities.

Moderated by EU Observer’s Lisbeth Kirk, the panel discussion and audience Q&A brought together regional politicians and students to cross-examine EP political group representatives Gisela Kallenbach (GREENS/EFA, DE) Hannes Swoboda (PES, AT), Graham Watson (ALDE, UK) and Jan Olbrycht (EPP-ED, PL).

AER vice-president and leader of Devon County Council (UK), Brian Greenslade, said: “This is  a long-overdue iniative – it has shown that European and regional politicians have a lot in common, most notably the view that Europe needs the regions as much as the regions need Europe.”

On Cohesion Policy, Jan Olbrycht said: “It is important to consider regions as partners at national and European level….[but] if we want to have more for regions, we cannot focus only on the cohesion policy because there are other challenges emerging, for example climate change and de-population.”

On the Lisbon Treaty, Jan Olbrycht said: “What is sure is that the EU will face one big danger, the danger of the internal division of the EU, the division between the strongest and the weakest.”

On the Lisbon Treaty, Gisela Kallenbach said: “It will be a catastrophe if the Lisbon Treaty is not ratified, since it is not only important for the 27 member states but also for the integration of the states, for example, of the former Yugoslavia. And the treaty’s references to the principle of subsidiarity are especially important for cities and regions.”

On the Lisbon Treaty, Graham Watson said: “Lisbon doesn’t do much, but it does do something. There was a big agenda before 2000 to have a regional Europe. But the member states took fright and campaigned against it. But now the treaty can pave the way for the regions to take steps forward again. ”

On youth issues, Gisela Kallenbach said: “Nowadays young people already know that Europe offers them a lot of advantages, but the EU is investing too much on structural funds and too little on “soft” policies such as education and training.”

On youth issues, Roy Perry, AER member and Hampshire county councillor (UK), said: “Europe has to bring some results; it has to gain some points with young people by convincing them that a post-war Europe actually carries some importance in their lives, for example when it comes to issues such as climate change.”

On the economy, Hannes Swoboda emphasised that “the regions must be supported by national governments and the EU, and be given real incentives for new projects to restructure their economies in way that will create jobs and a greener economy.”

For more information: [email protected]

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AER-UNDP conference: European regions and African territories strengthen co-operation on climate change

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Limoges, Limousin (F), 31 March 2009.

Decentralising and strengthening co-operation between the European regions and African territories can play a vital role in tackling climate change, a conference organised by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) heard today.

Hosted in Limoges by the AER member region Limousin (F), the two-day conference brought European regional politicians together with their regional and state-level counterparts from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Morocco and Cameroon, along with civil society representatives, experts and academics from across Europe and Africa.

The Limoges Declaration (see link below), adopted at the conference today, recognises the “profound consequences on human health and economic activities” of global warming, and calls on all levels of government, NGOs, the private sector, social movements and international bodies to take a more “holistic approach” to climate change in the form of decentralised and strengthened co-operation.

The declaration further calls on the European regions to support sustainable development initiatives in Africa’s territories, especially in the promotion of energy efficiency, alternative fuel sources and the use of clean technologies. A number of European regions are already supporting such initiatives with growing success, as the partnership between the Limousin region and (the Republic of) Burkina Faso has demonstrated.

Download:

Quotes about the conference:

Michèle Sabban, AER president
I am especially pleased that our colleagues from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Morocco and Cameroon are taking part in this conference. AER’s member regions stand ready to share with African territories their knowledge, experience and good practice in climate change policy, and I am convinced that such decentralised, ground-up co-operation between our two continents can bring a huge contribution to the global fight against climate change.

Cécile Molinier, director, UNDP office in Geneva
Regional authorities play a crucial role in the implementation of climate change adaptation measures in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure planning, training and water resource management. And, due to their close outreach at local levels and to civic society, the regions can encourage public consensus by raising citizen awareness and integrating the poorest populations in climate change and related policies.

Jean-Paul Denanot, president, Limousin Regional Council
I want to underline the importance of diversity in a global issue such as climate change; the diversity of traditions, of approaches, of climates and territorial priorities, of developments and even of languages. This diversity makes our world richer; it also means that the public policy measures against climate change and commitment of global, European, national and regional authorities should be in synergy.

Blaise Compaore, president, Burkina Faso
My participation in this conference shows the personal interest I have in addressing environmental challenges. In my country, the emerging concept of eco-citizenship and environmental education has really raised awareness within the population, especially among young people.

Luc Bas, head of government relations, Europe, The Climate Group
It is impressive to see so many regions acting in the fight against climate change in Europe and especially to see them connect directly with their counterparts in developing countries. This shows that the claim for recognition as an important partner in the text of the Copenhagen agreement is a very rightful one.

Theodora Avgoulidou, advisor to the secretary-general, region of Central Macedonia (GR)
Success stories that have brought together regions from Europe to tackling major challenges can be transferred to third countries too. Co-ordinated action in water management, including the use of efficient and low-cost technologies as practiced at regional level in South-Eastern Europe through, for example, the Balkan Environment Centre, can provide a floor for integrated aquatic resources management globally.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER-UNDP Limoges Declaration

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This declaration has been drafted in March 2009 at the end of a joint AER-UNDP conference hosted in Limoges and bringing European regional politicians  together with their regional and state-level counterparts from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Morocco and Cameroon, along with civil society representatives, experts and academics from across Europe and Africa and state-level counterparts from Burkina Faso, Senegal, Morocco and Cameroon, along with civil society representatives, experts and academics from across Europe and Africa.
The final declaration states that decentralising and strengthening co-operation between the European regions and African territories can play a vital role in tackling climate change.

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Thematic dossier n°19 on Climate change – Winter 2008

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Climate change

Table of contents:

  • Editorial: Håkan Sandgren, President of AER’s ‘Economy and Regional Development’ Committee, County Councillor, Jönköping (S)
  • A climate package for Europe
  • Thinking in tandem: AER’s climate change working group
  • Interview: Annemarie Moons, regional minister for Noord-Brabant (NL) and coordinator of the AER working group on climate change
  • Climate Change: A Global Challenge. AER teams up with United Nations to create an integrated climate plan
  • Outline of the AER Summer Schools 2009
  • Disaster Strikes. How do regions plan for disaster?

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Launch of the European Platform of regional and local actors for development cooperation

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Strasbourg, Alsace (F), 17 November 2008.

The European Platform of regional and local actors for development cooperation was launched today on the occasion of the 3rd European Development Days in Strasbourg. The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is part of the platform led by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which will receive funding of 470.000 € over the next 2 years.

The overall objective of the action is to set up a platform of European local and regional authorities to facilitate networking, the circulation of information, the exchange of experiences and best practice, as well as the co-ordination of their initiatives and positions. The regular dialogue with the European Commission will help the transfer of information and messages from the Commission, and ensure that the Commission takes into account the role and positions of local/regional authorities on the main current areas of European development policy, such as decentralisation assistance, capacity building, the Euro-Africa partnership or the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

In this context, AER organised a round-table discussion on the common Climate Change project together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR) and others. The event marked the start of an ambitious cooperation programme in the field of climate change. This highly anticipated project aims at supporting regions in developing countries to adapt to climate change. AER’s role will be to participate in the project’s steering committee, disseminate information about the project among AER members and organise awareness & training workshop in Eastern or South-eastern Europe.

For more information: [email protected]

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INTERREG project “MORE4NRG” started in Norrbotten, AER project partner

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Luleå, Norrbotten (S), 26 November 2008

Project partners of the project MORE4NRG came together on 20-21 November for the kick-off meeting in Luleå, Norrbotten (S). MORE4NRG is one of 35 regional initiative projects that were approved from the 492 applications received under the first call INTERREG IVC.

To reduce the effects of climate change and prepare for the decline of the oil-age, European regions are taking action in promoting, developing and implementing renewable energy sources (RES) combined with energy efficiency strategies. More than 80 European regions have signed the Declaration “European Regions for Energy efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources”, initiated by the AER in 2006. In the wake of this declaration 11 EU regions, Flevoland (NL, lead partner), Abruzzo (IT), Gabrovo (BG), Lazio (IT), Maramures (RO), Norrbotten (SE), Noord-Brabant (NL), Prahova (RO), Västernorrland (SE), Valencia (ES) and Western Greece, joined forces with the AER in this project.

MORE4NRG will address these interrelated issues at an interregional level, combining the identification, analysis and processing of best practices in RES and energy efficiency for the benefit of all partners with specific support to the partner regions with less developed sustainable energy strategies.
The project4s methodology builds upon AER’s highly successful peer review programme, which began in 2006 with peer reviews on regional economic development and has since continued with peer re-views on regional tourism strategies.

A public opening conference will take place in Brussels in February 2009.

For more information: [email protected]

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