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NEW AER Taskforces 2023-2025 set for launch

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During the 2022 Autumn Bureau Meeting, the AER members decided to establish two new Taskforces which will address the political priorities of the Bureau for the period of 2023-2025.

Taskforce on Active Citizenship

Why?

The year 2022 has been key in setting a precedent for strengthening our democracies by enabling new participatory processes and putting citizens’ interests at the centre of decisions. Capitalising on the work of the Taskforce on Democracy, and with the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the AER recognises the need for continuing the path towards activating citizens’ participation through deliberative democracy mechanisms in place.

The Conference on the Future of Europe has offered the opportunity to enhance deliberative democracy at the European level by bringing the EU closer to its citizens and building a more citizen-focused Europe. Providing an alternative to traditional participatory routes, new representative deliberative processes have been established for better engagement and involvement of citizens in policy-making at all levels of governance.

In 2023, the European Commission will launch a new EU package to defend democracy, which will be part of the overall European Democracy Action Plan. This package will focus among others, on developing civic space and promoting citizen participation to bolster democratic resilience. 

What?

In view of the European elections in 2024, the AER calls on regional and local authorities to foster active citizenship by seeking innovation for greater participation of citizens in public decision-making. Thanks to the provision of the necessary deliberative participation tools and instruments, citizens will be able to be meaningfully involved in the democratic life of their local communities and resulting in more democratic governance.

Capitalising on the work of the Taskforce on Democracy, the AER will continue to ensure broad and equal participation of both women and men in political decision-making, as well as recognise the key role that young people can play in strengthening democracy and fostering sustainability in local communities.

How?

Does the focus of this Taskforce match the policy priorities of your region? Then become a member by filling out the form below!

Become a member!

Any questions? Contact Gisela Guari [email protected], Institutional Relations & Advocacy Manager at the AER Secretariat.

For any doubts or questions on the functioning of the Bureau Taskforces, please, check the Bureau Taskforce Terms of Reference.

Taskforce on the Future of Work – Digital Skills

Why?

During the 2022 State of the Union speech, the President of the European Commission announced that 2023 will be “the European Year of Skills”. 

Regions are already finding innovative ways to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation in light of the post-pandemic shift away from traditional office-based work. For instance, remote working—particularly in rural areas—will offer economic, social, cultural, environmental and territorial benefits, and enhance territorial cohesion.

Since the pandemic and the normalisation of working from home, remote working hubs have proliferated across Europe and in AER’s member regions. With the right mix of digital, childcare and transport infrastructure, remote working and digital innovation hubs are re-balancing economic activity towards rural areas and beyond urban centres. This new economic model can be a driving force for true territorial cohesion across Europe.  

There is a double benefit to bringing local people and their families back to rural communities: it increases entrepreneurship and job creation and reverses demographic, cultural and linguistic erosion caused by economic emigration—the so-called ‘brain-drain’ phenomenon. There are real benefits for urban areas, too; reduced pressure on school places, housing, water, sewerage and transport systems, as well as cuts to harmful emissions caused by commuter traffic. 

Indeed, marginalised and vulnerable groups (migrants, older people, NEETs, etc) may not reap the benefits of these new opportunities; lacking the computer literacy, language or human skills necessary to work remotely. More broadly, there is a skills mismatch between emerging labour market demands in new sectors and graduate qualifications; this gap must be narrowed to ensure that no one is left behind by this transition. Many peripheral regions also lack the capital resources, infrastructure or know-how to set up innovation or remote working hubs without significant support. 

Making progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and realising the potential of the digital and green transitions in our regions, towns, cities and villages; it is imperative that the gap between vulnerable groups and urban and rural societies is not widened.

What?

Capitalising on the work of the AER Taskforce on Jobs, Growth, and Investment, and taking into consideration the key recommendations from its position paper, the AER urges European governments and institutions to further invest in developing the skills needed to drive growth, and support the transition to a green and digital economy. Regions are playing a crucial role in supporting our societies through the digital transition; while overcoming the urban-rural divide to ensure no one is being left behind. 

Inclusive growth and job creation in new sectors and contexts will strongly depend on a skilled, reskilled and upskilled workforce with a set of digital competences adapted to new needs and work trends. In this regard, the members of the AER decided to establish during the last Autumn Bureau Meeting 2022 a Taskforce on the Future of Work and Skills.

The future of work has arrived in our regions, and it is in our hands to ensure that regional authorities and their citizens have the high-quality digital skills they need to thrive in the new labour market. At the AER, we stand ready to prepare our members to meet the challenges of the recovery and the twin transitions, promoting Europe’s social, economic and territorial cohesion.

How?

Does the focus of this Taskforce match the policy priorities of your region? Then become a member by filling out the form below!

Become a member!

Any questions? Contact Gisela Guari [email protected], Institutional Relations & Advocacy Manager at the AER Secretariat.

For any doubts or questions on the functioning of the Bureau Taskforces, please, check the Bureau Taskforce Terms of Reference.

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SMEs and regions meet at the 5th Regional Business Forum

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The 5th edition of the Regional Business Forum (RBF) started on the 15th of November in Novi Sad, in the Serbian AER member region of Vojvodina. A networking opportunity for regional businesses co-organized by AER and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, RBF brings together more than 200 participants from 20 countries.

The opening ceremony was an opportunity to highlight different components of successful regional cooperation. Opening speeches were held remotely by Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, AER President Magnus Berntsson, and on-site by Bosko Vucurevic, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, and Damir Zobenica, Vice-President of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and AER Vice-President for Regional Development & Investment.

“Building physical connections between economies are essential, but more is needed,” said Commissioner Várhelyi. The 30 billion euro worth Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans is that “more”. This Plan is designed together with the Western Balkans for the Western Balkans. It aims to connect the economies of the Western Balkans and bring the region closer to the European Union, boosting its attractiveness as a destination for investment. The project of the Common Regional Market, which eliminates barriers to the movement of people and goods, will represent a further consolidation of the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, at the Opening Ceremony of 5th Regional Business Forum

On the energy crisis, Commissioner Várhelyi recalled the support of the European Commission to the Trans Balkan Energy Corridor, which will connect the region’s electricity transmission systems and the neighbouring EU Member States. This is part of the one-billion Energy Support Package, a measure helping Western Balkans to cope with the immediate impact of the energy crisis as well as develop greener and more sustainable energy infrastructure.

AER President Magnus Berntsson highlighted the benefits of empowering regions through business-to-business networking and knowledge sharing. “Without the regions’ knowledge of local priorities, resources, and issues, no bouncing back from the pandemic is possible,” said President Berntsson. He recalled concrete examples of how AER helped regions to put their knowledge into practice. For example, AER played a major role in the Scirocco Exchange Project, which supported healthcare authorities to develop integrated care systems for their patients and efficient knowledge hubs.

AER President Magnus Berntsson at RBF

As the largest independent network of regions in Wider Europe, President Berntsson continued, 1/3rd of AER membership lies outside the EU and many in pre-accession countries, including in the Western Balkans. Inspired by its motto “ Connecting regions, Inspiring Europe ”, he affirmed that AER will continue its efforts of empowering regions for a stronger and more inclusive Europe.

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Bio-based Innovation to Decarbonise the Construction Sector

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On 6 December, the day before the AER Bureau, the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is organising a workshop on “The Bioeconomy & the New European Bauhaus“, which will look at bio-based innovation in the construction sector.

Bio-based innovation: a catalyst for change

The bio-based sector or bioeconomy, is a catalyst for systemic change. Indeed it opens new ways of producing and consuming resources while respecting our planetary boundaries. It contributes therefore directly to achieving the economic, social and environmental goals of the European Union’s Green Deal.

Massive impact in the construction sector

The construction sector has a considerable environmental impact, during the whole life cycle of buildings (construction, use, demolition) as well as the life cycle of construction materials.

In this context, bio-sourced construction materials, if managed in a sustainable way during their whole life cycle, have a major role in the decarbonisation of the construction sector. The development of technological innovation, value chains and skills ecosystems require however intense collaboration across sectors.

Creativity, sustainability, inclusion: it’s possible!

The New European Bauhaus is a creative and interdisciplinary EU initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences. 

The New European Bauhaus was launched by President von der Leyen in September 2021. It adds a cultural dimension to the Green Deal and accelerates the green transition with change on the ground that combines the values of aesthetics, sustainability, and inclusion.

Mutual learning to accelerate the development of the bioeconomy

The ambition of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges and opportunities. The activities organised by the working group are also laying the ground for future partnerships and projects.

The workshop “The Bioeconomy & the New European Bauhaus” will therefore look at:

  • European strategies supporting the decarbonisation of the construction sector
  • Societal challenges, the territorial approach
  • Technical innovations in bio-based materials, which are being explored and implemented in the regions
  • The state of play in the regions.

The programme of this workshop is available on the event webpage. As places are limited, registrations will be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

Share your experience!

It is still possible to propose policies and practices you are proud of in your region to be presented at the workshop on 6 December. Your experience matters and is interesting for other regions: this is what the mutual learning community is all about! If you would like to share your region’s experience in the decarbonisation of the construction sector via bio-based innovation, please get in touch with AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius.

More information on this topic

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Skills for the Bioeconomy @AER Summer Academy in Donegal

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The ambition of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges, and opportunities, and create the ground for future partnerships and projects.

Youth at the heart of the shift to green gold

On the occasion of the AER Summer Academy in Ireland, the AER working group on the Bioeconomy facilitated a workshop with young people, to challenge the current situation and ask how the bioeconomy can become the green gold for a sustainable future.

Getting the opportunity to increase knowledge and awareness around the challenges in the field of agriculture, especially for youth, was a wonderful and rewarding experience. The discussions and conversations we had during as well as after the workshop were very interesting, I learned that youth in other regions face many of the same challenges as we do in Norway with the low profitability, lack of free time and challenges with recruitment and finding substitute workforce when needed. In addition to the aforementioned challenges which I believe are essential to overcome for farming to become more attractive for the future generations, this workshop made me reflect a lot upon the importance of giving young farmers opportunities for development such through exchange programs. I brought this perspective with me into many conversations, and hopefully, it will lead to facilitation of such opportunities in the nearest future in my own and other regions.

Sigrun Myrvang, youth representative, Innlandet (NO)

Indeed sustainability has three pillars: economic, social, and environmental.

In an increasingly resource-scarce world, we want to lift and empower youths and young leaders, through our democratic institutions and build tolerance for each other’s needs. I think young people see this more clearly than previous generations

Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

The AER Summer Academy: a forum for exchanges

The AER Summer Academy is a forum for exchanges of experience when it comes to regional development and expertise in Europe.

Objectives:

  • Promoting regional democracy and the principle of subsidiarity.
  • Providing an opportunity for regional representatives to build networks with their counterparts across wider Europe.
  • Fostering interregional cooperation.
  • Promoting European integration, identity and sense of belonging among young people.
  • Facilitating exchanges of experience and good practices between regions, policy-makers and young people.
  • Supporting mutual learning.

The European Year of youth: an opportunity to reframe policies

The 2022 edition of the AER Summer Academy was a very special edition. Indeed, this was the first in-person edition since the COVID-19 pandemic. As has been shown since, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on youth. The event taking place during the European Year of Youth, was an opportunity to reframe policies and policymaking. This was the opportunity to make mobility and exchanges with peers across Europe possible again. To listen to young voices, and learn to listen better too.

Skills & the bioeconomy

The bioeconomy covers all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources. It spans over sectors as diverse as food, construction, energy and waste management. In the context of societal challenges such as climate change, food security, energy independence and environmental sustainability, the bioeconomy is deemed to generate solutions for a better use of resources, life-cycle management and the development of new materials.

Because the industries in the bioeconomy, the value chains, the collaborations between stakeholders are new, there are major challenges in terms of skills: both to develop the right skills and to attract & retain skills in the industry.

The workshop looked specifically at food and food production for the future, with sustainability and security as the tagline. A key focus was on young voices in relation to food production and education, innovation and recruitment.

Speakers:

Upcoming activities of the working group

The Working Group will organise an experience-sharing workshop on the sides of the AER Bureau meeting in December. The exact date of the workshop will be communicated ASAP

Regions interested in the topic, could be specifically interested in the following event which take place in the context of the European Week of Regions:

  •  Food 2030: Regions as agents of change for sustainable food systems and biobased solutions
    Region Värmland invited the CEO of Paper Province, a cluster organization, to present their experience in the transition to biobased solutions. The session will provide feedback on the Food 2030 policy and emphasise the role of regions in the green transition through a bioeconomic lens. The participatory lab will focus on food and sustainable food production. It will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on food systems and bio-based solutions directly to representatives from the European Commission.

If you would like to be informed about the activities of the Working Group on the Bioeconomy, please fill in this questionnaire (3 questions + contact details), it is possible to join anytime!

Photo taken in Donegal by Ainars Djatlevskis on Unsplash

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Interview with Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

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How exchanging experiences with other regions leverages knowledge and the ability to create impact: the Chair of the newly created working group on the bioeconomy & skills, Aud Hove, Innlandet (NO), shares about her motivation for setting up a working group within the AER network.

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Aud Hove, I serve as the deputy county mayor in Innlandet county, Norway. I come from a small mountainous village and municipality, named Skjåk, but due to my occupation, I currently live in Lillehammer. I have always been interested in bio-based business and nature management.

In Norway we have a saying “from the earth to the table” not different from EU new initiative Farm to Fork, emphasizing that value chains must play together and do no significant harm to others or the environment.

Our region, Innlandet needs our farmers and we need the industry so that people get what they need for a living. At the same time, I also believe that we must change some of our habits and consumption. Norway, Europe, and the western world consume far more than we produce and it is not sustainable in the long run.

What motivated you in launching the working group on the bioeconomy & skills?

The bioeconomy is both the past and the future. We have always harvested from the wood and fields, but oil, gas and coal have taken up too much space in the last decade.

I’m convinced that collaboration, experience sharing, knowledge, and research and education it is the key to success.

Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

The value chain in biomass and green carbon can be used more sustainably, wisely while we at the same time look for new products fit for green Innlandet and Europe.  

I’m convinced that collaboration, experience sharing, knowledge, and research and education it is the key to success. Bioeconomy, and circular economy is not only necessary for a green transition, but also our green gold, our future livelihood. 

What do you want to achieve with this working group?

Innlandet and Norway cannot solve global environmental challenges alone.

As emphasised in the Paris Agreement, the EU Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, international collaboration and solutions are needed. Sharing good examples and tackling common challenges across national borders is a part of Innlandet’s strategy.

We want to create a common understanding of different opportunities and challenges, by learning from others and sharing our best practices. Developing and improving the bioeconomy is part of the solution for climate and environment, and I think Innlandet has expertise and know-how which we can share with the rest of Europe.  

What will the working group do in the coming months?

Our ambition is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges, opportunities and maybe future partnerships and projects.

First we will facilitate a workshop on the occasion of the AER Summer Academy in Ireland with young people, where we will challenge the current situation and ask how the bioeconomy can become our green gold in a sustainable future. Indeed sustainability has three pillars: economic, social, and environmental. All three pillars must be weighted equally to get a fair distribution and a future in harmony. In an increasingly resource-scarce world, we want to lift and empower youths and young leaders, through our democratic institutions and build tolerance for each other’s needs. I think young people see this more clearly than previous generations.

Second, we are planning a meeting of the working group on the side of the AER General Assembly, during the European Week of Cities and regions, the second week of October 2022. This meeting will be focused on experience exchange.

In Spring 2023, we want to organise an online activity around project development.

Another activity we will carry out is the mapping of the specificities of each region and their good practices as a basis for matchmaking, study visits, potential projects

If this collaboration with other regions was a film, what would be the title?

“Together we can build a better and greener future”

Or: “Leapfrogging green bio-based transitions –  A tale of European Regions”  

Thank you Aud Hove for the interview!

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Summer Academy Bureau Debate – Recovering together: youth policy in Europe

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AER-SA-Debate-Youth-post

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

According to the OECD, the COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on the education, employment, mental health and disposable income of youth all across Europe, most notably due to public health restrictions. As this report from the European Parliament show, lower and unequal access to education and training, higher unemployment and a reversal of many positive social and economic trends for young people in Europe and beyond.

These new difficulties must be addressed to ensure a brighter future for all. One, in particular, stands out: the rise of mental health afflictions like depression and anxiety among the youth. For instance, almost two-thirds of people (64%) in the age group 18–34 years were at risk of depression in spring 2021. The pandemic brought to light the sheer number of people who are in need of support and how much work there is to do in that regard.

Discussing youth policy in Europe

With every challenge comes an equally important opportunity. Local and regional authorities have a critical role to play in supporting post-pandemic recovery, especially in regard to youth policy and programmes. The key to a more equitable and lasting recovery lies in finding new ways to support youth in their projects, harness their energy and passion and foster cross-generational and intercultural integration and cohesion.

This is why the AER is organising a Bureau debate on youth policy in Europe as part of our flagship youth event, the AER Summer academy.

This debate will bring together representatives of local and regional authorities, European Institutions and other relevant stakeholders to answer the following questions:

  • What should the focus of youth policy be in our post-pandemic European societies?
  • How can youth contribute to building more resilient and strengthened European regions? 
  • What can public actors do to avoid facing a “lockdown generation” and maximise the well-being of European youth?

The debate will take place on 31 August 2022 in County Donegal (IE).

This interactive debate will bring together regional and European policymakers and experts. It includes an extended thirty-minute Q & A where participants will have the opportunity to share their views and insights with our panellists. Don’t miss the chance to help shape AER’s work on youth policy in Europe!

The speakers have been announced!

Invited speakers to the panel debate will include:

  • Maria Koleva, Deputy Head of Cabinet; Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth – European Commission
  • Sabine Verheyen, chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) – European Parliament
  • Anne Karjalainen, Chair of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) and Chair of Kerava City Council – European Committee of the Regions
  • Frederic Piccavet, Vice-president – European Youth Forum
  • Clementina Barbaro, Head of Youth Policies Division – Council of Europe

Photo source: Getty Images

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Bioeconomy & skills: first meeting of working group

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On 22 June 2022, the AER working group on the bioeconomy and skills held its first meeting to define priorities and develop activities for the coming months

Getting to know each other

The working group aims to be a space for targetted experience sharing, finding resources and strategic intelligence, as well as developing initiatives and projects. For this to be possible it is essential to get to know each other and hear what makes the topic of the bioeconomy a current one in different regions across Europe.

The meeting therefore started with a presentation of each members and a pitch on the situation in each region.

Defining priority areas for exchanges

Members of the group discussed what they hoped to find in this group, and what they could share.

Three main areas stood out:

  • bio-based construction materials and techniques
  • new food systems
  • waste management: including clothes, digital waste (topic also relevant for food systems & construction)

In the context of the bioeconomy, where the industry, the value chain, the collaborations between stakeholders are new, there are major challenges in terms of skills: both to develop the right skills and to attract & retain skills in places where the industry is located

Planning activities

The working group was created based on a proposal by Innlandet (NO). The approach is to have light-weight working group, which will develop a few activities for the coming year, which can take place on the occasion of AER events.

The group agreed on the following activities:

  • Workshop of the working group on the occasion of the AER Summer Academy on September 1st, in Donegal. More information on the Summer Academy, the general programme of events and registration form is available here
  • Experience exchange event on the side of the AER General Assembly (onsite), which would also coincide with the European Week of Regions & Cities
  • Online meeting around project development (tbc whether brokerage event, or information on funding etc)
  • Mapping of the specificities of each region and their good practices as a basis for matchmaking, study visits, potential projects

About the AER working group on the bioeconomy & skills

The working group on the bioeconomy and skills was set up in Spring 2022, based on a proposal by Innlandet (NO), supported by Lower Austria (AU), Gelderland (NL), Värmland (SE). Indeed, to set up a working group a region has to find at least three supporting regions, which will help shape the activities, participate and contribute to the work.

The working group on the bioeconomy and skills is currently chaired by Aud Hove, Deputy Mayor of Innlandet (NO) and gathers representatives from Värmland (SE), Gelderland (NL), Fribourg (CH), Donegal (IE), Udaras na Gaeltachta (IE), Adana (TR), Eastern Slovenia (SI).

It’s possible to join anytime

If you are interested in collaborating with this working group, please fill in this short questionnaire so we know you better and can contact you. Working groups are exclusively for AER members. If you have any question, you can contact AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Exchange Johanna Pacevicius.

I want to set up a working group on another topic!

An AER working group provides a space for experience and knowledge exchange.

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 that

  • this will indeed create value for you
  • there is a match between expectation and resources

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…

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

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Inclusion, Creativity & Human Potential

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Labour participation is an essential building block for inclusion. It has a direct impact on access to housing, wellbeing and the ability of individuals to contribute.

A Holistic Approach to Labour Market Inclusion

The Includ-EU workshop “Inclusion, Creativity and Human Potential” on 14-15 June 2022 in Venice, highlighted regional policies and practices, that support stakeholders to build on their ideas, motivation, competences and experiences.

Speakers included:

  • Rossella Celmi, IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, Lead Partner of the Includ-EU project
  • Gloria Bondi, The Human Safety Net
  • Angelique Petrits, DG HOME
  • Rabab Ahmad, IOM’s Regional Office for the EEA, the European Union and NATO
  • Alan Barbieri, The Human Safety Net
  • Mónica Oltra Jarque, Vice President of and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policies of Generalitat Valenciana, Member of Intercultural Regions Network
  • Helena Castellà Duran, Adviser to the Minister of Equality and Feminism’ office, Catalonia
  • Stefano Rovelli, The Human Safety Net
  • Mays Kabouch, Coordination Entrepreneuriat IDF, Singa
  • Federico Mento, Director, Ashoka Italy

They shared how they are working to improve access to labour market -or accessed the labour market- the collaborations they implement, and how they learn from their peers to improve practices.

For the European Union, improving access to the labour market for all has deep implications both for the economy and for social cohesion. The challenge of integration and inclusion is particularly relevant for migrants, not only newcomers but sometimes also for EU citizens with a migrant background.

The EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027 states that

Ensuring effective integration and inclusion in the EU of migrants is a social and economic investment that makes European societies more cohesive, resilient and prosperous.

Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027, COM(2020) 758 final

This workshop therefore specifically focused on the benefits of peer learning for better policies and practices. It actually created a space where meaningful exchanges between peers would occur. At a time when everything is available online, it was important to design an experience that would nurture the network and encourage further collaborations.

Tapping Into Human Potential

In the afternoon, the interactive exhibition at the Home of the Human Safety Net provided participants with an opportunity to explore different dimensions of human potential and their own character strengths: Creativity, Perseverance, Leadership, Team spirit, Hope, Curiosity.

These character strengths were also highlighted in the exchanges with Yousaf Marufkhel, Mohammad Hossaini and Ali Rezai from the Orient Experience, an ethnic catering company founded in 2012 by political refugees and asylum seekers in the city of Venice.

It was born from the idea of making the experience and memory of the migrants’ journey (from Africa and the Middle East to Venice) meaningful through the proposal of a “menu” of dishes that retrace that itinerary.

The Migrant As An Innovator

In fact, the dishes are the result of the migrant’s encounters with other cultures and a personal reinterpretation and adaptation to the place where they are proposed. The Orient Experience makes it possible to transmit new knowledge and live a new sensorial and relational experience, through the conviviality offered by the food, the care of the place of refreshment where this otherness is breathed in.

The Orient Experience highlights the potential offered by the encounter between different cultures, and diversity as a source of innovation and education. It is a testimony of the figure of the migrant as an innovator.

Attendees had dinner at the Orient Experience to actually live the concept.

Collective Intelligence To Improve Practices

On the second day, participants were invited to work in small groups using the co-development methodology developed by Adrien Payette and Claude Champagne. This professional development approach focuses on the group & the interactions between participants to promote understanding and better practices. Co-development has two general objectives:

  1. improving a professional practice
  2. learn how to solve complex problems.

Co-construction, collaboration, sharing, individual and collective reflection are at the center of this approach, based on the idea that it is possible to “learn on your practice, by listening and helping colleagues to progress in understanding and improving their own practice”.

This session was the first of a series of sessions to be facilitated in upcoming events of the project. The  6-step co-development methodology helped participants to take advantage of the presence of their peers to unlock challenges and seize opportunities in a very concrete way.

Strategic Partnerships For Integration

The afternoon session started with a plenary moment, which includes the presentation of:

  • the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies on their multi-annual integrated programmatic document for work, integration and inclusion 2021-2027;
  • the Fondazione Leone Moressa, a private research institute dedicated to the study of the economics of immigration who will focus on the economic added value of migration.

This Includ-EU workshop was hosted at the premises of the Human Safety Net, a foundation created by Generali, which brings together non-profit organisations and the private sector in Europe, Asia and South America. It was therefore quite natural to look at strategic partnerships to tap into expertise, networks and resources outside government.

The two roundtables gathered the following representatives:

  • Simona Torre, Fondazione Italiana Accenture
  • Kenny Clewett, Ashoka – Hello Europe
  • Paola Cavanna and Dina Ulinici, IM Italy – Alt Caporalato
  • Massimiliano Giacomello, Consorzio Comunità Brianza –
    Hope Fund and the Bonvena Network
  • Carlo Massini, Hogan Lovells
  • Alice Dalfovo and Stefano Buzzati, Diagrammi Nord – Una casa per l’uomo
  • Anna Filippucci, MicroLab
  • Gianfranco Della Valle, Region of Veneto – Navigare

Exchanges showed the importance of getting opportunities to discuss shared objectives, ways to facilitate the work of NGOs, as well as the challenges related to different standpoints and perspectives.

Additional Resources

Here are some more resources from the Includ-EU project and findings:

  • More on labour inclusion in Includ-EU countries: https://includeu.eu/labour-inclusion/
  • Includ-EU Thematic Briefing on Education: https://includeu.eu/second-includ-eus-briefing-education/
  • Includ-EU Thematic Briefing on Housing: https://includeu.eu/first-includ-eus-briefing-housing/

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If you haven’t yet subscribed to the Includ-EU Newsletter, this is the place to be.

To get regular news about the project, the pilots, resources and upcoming events: follow Includ EU on Twitter @Includ_EU

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The Knowledge Transfer Toolkit is out!

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Are you aware of an innovative practice and would like to test in your region or would you like to strengthen cooperation with other peers across Europe and beyond to foster innovation within your regional ecosystem? The AER developed a Knowledge Transfer Toolkit gathering its long-lasting expertise in the field and its recent application in the context of the SCIROCCO Exchange project as to support regional and local authorities and other organisation in the design and implementation of effective knowledge transfer programmes and activities.

A tailor-made knowledge transfer programme

In the context of the SCIROCCO Exchange project on health systems innovation, the AER developed a knowledge transfer programme, which was personalised for nine health and social care authorities with the aim of preparing the local environment for the adoption or scale-up of integrated care.

The toolkit builds on the expertise of the AER and its application in the SCIROCCO Exchange project to offer transferable expertise and tools for the effective design and implementation of knowledge transfer programmes. It is aimed to support regional and local authorities, as well as any organisation wishing to use knowledge transfer for policy innovation, in developing and implementing activities that are tailored to their specific needs and objectives.

Download the Knowledge Transfer Toolkit!

Why knowledge transfer?

Knowledge transfer is a key approach to support policy innovation and capacity-building within different regional systems and sectors. By building on mutually beneficial collaborations among stakeholders it provides a framework for the exchange of know-how, capitalisation of learnings and tools, and the development of sustained collaborations. However, to ensure its effective implementation it is important to build on the specific regional context, needs, and objectives as to develop tailored knowledge transfer activities.

A toolkit for any collaboration or project

The toolkit offers:

  •  A process for the co-development of personalised programmes, accompanying the user through each step in the process.
  • A menu of activities, describing for each activity what it can be used for, what needs and intention that specific activity can address, and offering practical information for their organisation.
  • First-hand insights and learnings for the effective organisation of online and hybrid activities.
  • A list of key elements to ensure resilience and success in a knowledge transfer process.

By providing hands-on information and tools, the toolkit ensures a wide relevance and applicability policy areas, maturity levels and cultural contexts.

The AER as a knowledge transfer lab

Since its inception, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has built an expertise in policy learning providing opportunities and space for policy-makers and regional stakeholders to engage in cooperation, facilitating mutual learning and knowledge transfer activities. Throughout the years, created different methodologies for knowledge transfer – such as the peer review methodology -, as well as original formats of events – such as the AER mutual learning event on topics such as artificial intelligence or the smart food systems -. It developed programmes such as the AER Summer Academy as a format for structured exchanges between civil servants, young people and politicians; Centurio, the former civil servants exchange programme; or Eurodissey a youth mobility programme.

Moreover, thanks to its large and diverse membership, and the widespread organisation of knowledge transfer activities, the AER has developed a broad understanding of the type of knowledge transfer activities which create the most impact according to the regions’ specific objectives and the cultural contexts.

If you want to learn more about how the AER can support knowledge transfer among its members and broader international network, contact our Policy&Knowledge Coordinator, Johanna Pacevicius, and European Projects Manager, Birgit Sandu.

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The AER Spring Meetings—Shaping our Common Future

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Last week, the AER held its virtual Spring meetings. From sharing ideas for collaboration in our working groups, to reaffirming our political priorities in our Bureau, these meetings showed the value of bringing members together to meet new challenges and shape our common future.

The day began with an energetic and fruitful brainstorming session on the AER action plan led by Policy & Knowledge Transfer Coordinator, Johanna Pacevicius. This was a chance for members to share perspectives on the priorities for their regions and find areas of common interest for the work of AER. Members from Innlandet to Ireland shared approaches to addressing common challenges, for example, reversing brain-drain from rural areas through setting up remote-working hubs to draw young, highly-skilled people back to these peripheral regions, and how a place-based approach to the bioeconomy and sustainable tourism can help regions make the green transition work from an economic, social and environmental perspective. Members who are interested in getting involved in or learning more about our Working Groups should contact Johanna Pacevicius HERE.

AER member regions shared ideas for making Europe more liveable for the young generation.

Growth, Jobs and Investment—no Recovery without our Regions

The second part of the day was dedicated to the AER’s political work, which has continued in earnest since two new Task Forces were created in late 2021.

Of course, all things are overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which was noted by AER President Magnus Berntsson and Vice President, Lukas Mandl in their contributions at the opening of the Bureau meeting. The ongoing work of AER members in providing humanitarian support to Ukraine was noted by participants, with Secretary General, Christian Spahr, underlining that the AER Secretariat “is always happy to share information on how members can help the members in Ukraine.” [more information in our article HERE].

Turning to the recovery, the President welcomed participants to the Bureau debate on Growth, Investment & Jobs by stressing the need for territorial approach, “To build economic strength we must have input from local & regional authorities, & better aligned investments reflecting the specific needs of our territories.”

This lively debate welcomed participants from AER member regions, the OECD, the European Parliament, Commission and Committee of the Regions. What became clear in all contributions was how essential it is for regions to have a role in the recovery.

But why? Because regions “play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and have the knowledge of the real needs of their territories,” explained AER Vice President Alessandra Zedda. This hypothesis was supported by Karen Maguire, Head of the OECD’s Local Employment, Skills and Social Innovation Division, who pointed to regions’ ability to make targeted investments to boost growth. She noted that SMEs—the backbone of Europe’s labour market—have struggled with debt and productivity as a result of the pandemic, and in this context “local and regional action in terms of investments can be particularly effective” in helping them bounce back. Taking a a broader view, Chair of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, Dragoş Pîslaru stressed that there can be no recovery without input from regions, who are “crucial to changing our lives for the better after all the challenges and crises we face”.

Several AER member regions shared insights on how and in what sectors such “smart” investments can make a real impact. AER Vice President Albert Castellanos explained how Catalonia (ES) region has identified 27 strategic projects in high-tech, growth areas like green hydrogen, electric vehicles and microchip production to transform their economy. Similarly, Vice President Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh highlighted how pre-covid investments in remote working hubs have helped Irish-speaking “Gaeltacht” regions attract young talent from cities to rural areas. Improving technical and vocational education and training (TVET)—where there remains a labour shortage despite demand—is another area where regions can make an impact, as noted by Maria Elena Romanini, a TVET expert who presented AER’s Skillnet Project as a best practice in this field.

The European Union has stepped up to the plate to support such investments; mobilising unprecedented sums—more than €800 billion—to finance the recovery through its Next Generation EU programme. European Commission expert, David Lopes, explained how there are €200 million euro worth of grants from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) remaining to ensure a green and digital recovery from the pandemic.

Yet, despite these opportunities, there remain serious challenges for regions looking to make the best of instruments like the RRF, as noted by Cllr. Michael Murphy, Chair of the Commission for Economic Policy, European Committee of the Regions, “much work remains to be done when it comes to ensuring coordination and reducing competition with structural funds”. The AER will continue to push for local and regional authorities to have a real say in how recovery funds are invested to ensure a resilient, fair and green recovery for all of Europe.

Democracy, Sustainable Mobility & Connectivity—Regions shaping the Future of Europe

The second half of the Bureau was dedicated to adopting several position papers and setting political priorities.

With the Conference on the Future of Europe coming to a close this May 2022, the Bureau continues to push for greater regional involvement in political decision-making, thereby strengthening the voices of our citizens, as explained by Nina Björby, AER Vice President for Democracy. The vital work of the AER in promoting good governance and citizens’ participation resulted in the adoption of two complimentary position papers during the meeting; these new position papers covering “Recommendations on the Future of Europe” and “Democracy” can be viewed HERE and HERE.

The road to recovery is paved with sustainable transport infrastructure, and the AER’s Task Force on Sustainable Mobility & Connectivity has continued to ‘drive’ work on the ground to encourage uptake of sustainable mobility systems that serve environmental, social and economic ambitions in our regions. You can read the newly adopted position paper HERE.

Join our New Task Force on Youth!

Finally, in light of the European Year of Youth, the AER Bureau, led by its Vice President Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh has decided to set up a dedicated Task Force on Youth. With this Task Force, AER will join the discussions on Europe’s next generation in the context of the European Year, working to ensure the recovery reaches young people, a group who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

If youth is a priority for your region, you can get involved in the Task Force by checking out our article HERE.

Organised with the support of:

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Partner Search: resilient ecosystems for circular tourism

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Are you interested in joining a project within the new Single Market Programme (SMP)? The Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, a key stakeholder of Regione Umbria (member region of AER), is looking for partners to join their new project on COVID-19 recovery through sustainable tourism and SME support.

About the project proposal

With reference to the SMP call “COVID-19 Recovery Through Sustainable Tourism Growth and SME Support (SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME)”, the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria (IT) is leading a proposal on resilient ecosystems for circular tourism.

The general objective of the call is to monitor the sustainability performance of SMEs in the tourism sector, whilst boosting their awareness, development and capacity in the area of sustainable innovations. To this extent, the project aims to ideate, test and improve digital and sustainability solutions at the destination regional level for rural and slow tourism.

They are ideally looking for a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) involved in and dealing with sustainability as applied to the tourism sector from Italy, Spain, Albania, Finland, Poland. Within the scope of this Call, a DMO is defined as a public or private stakeholder/authority that manages a local, regional or national tourism strategy in one of the countries forming part of the consortium.

About the Single Market Programme

The new Single Market Programme (SMP) was adopted on 28 April 2021 and provides an integrated package to support and strengthen the governance and functioning of the single market. The EU funding programme helps the single market reach its full potential and ensure Europe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, the pandemic showed that the single market is yet to materialise in a number of areas and can improve in others, and that a well-functioning single market is crucial for the resilience of our economy.

How to take part?

If you are interested in joining this project proposal and contributing to its further development, don’t hesitate to contact the AER team by 15 February 2022. We would be happy to liaise you with the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria!

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Agenda 2030 Conference: Transforming Regions, Changing the World

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On 28-29 October, the Assembly of European Regions held our long-awaited Agenda 2030 Conference in Strasbourg, in partnership with Region Grand Est and the City of Strasbourg.

Against the backdrop of the hugely consequential COP26 Conference in Glasgow and the IPCC’s recent “Code red” report on global emissions, ‘Transforming Regions, Changing the World’ came at a crucial time where difficult decisions need to be made to save our planet for future generations. Now more than ever, regions, alongside cities, must have a key role in implementing and achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda.

Having entered the decade of action, this conference represented an opportunity to set out how regions can deliver on the commitments that were made six years ago. Over two days at the Regional Council of Grand Est, policymakers, civil society and AER members gathered in person and tuned-in online to discuss how to achieve the 2030 Agenda, and guarantee a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

2030 Agenda: Europe’s ambitious goals for the next decade

“I think Archimedes once said ‘Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world’. Well, I think that the Sustainable Development Goals are the lever and the regions of Europe are the fulcrum which the lever must be applied to, and we will go a long way towards changing our reality for the better.”

With these words European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, opened the first session of the conference, “Sustainable Development,” Commissioner Ferreira continued, “must be put in practice on a local and regional level, it can not remain on a theoretical level.”

The same principles were embraced by AER President, Magnus Berntsson, who addressed the key role of local authorities and the business community in fighting against social and economical inequalities, and accelerating the transition process towards an inclusive economy.

In her keynote address, Member of European Parliament, Anne Sander, pointed to the host city of Strasbourg as a proof of the effectiveness of a local, regional, and and multi-stakeholders approach in the policy-making process, as ‘a city where the voices of citizens are heard.’

Localisation and strong engagement of regions and cities were also the main topics addressed by Executive Secretary of UNECE, Olga Algayerova; who reminded participants that time is running short, and we must facilitate the creation of a circular economy through cohesion policy, digitalisation, community investments and the transition to a green economy.

To achieve the SDGs, it is essential to promote partnership among national, regional and local governments, as the most proximate representatives of citizens’ needs. In this regard, European Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, had an encouraging message, affirming that “regions and cities are the places where the inter-linkages among SDGs are boosted and where innovative green solutions can genuinely be implemented.”

Indeed, getting buy-in from citizens in their own communities is a core building block of a more sustainable Europe. Sharing the results of a recent AER Survey of more than 6,000 Europeans in six countries, AER Secretary General, Christian Spahr explained that among the different levels of government, regional and local authorities enjoy the highest level of public trust; giving them credibility to implement the SDGs in a way that meets the needs of citizens. Regional and local government were trusted by 52% of respondents, compared with 49% for European institutions and 41% for national governments.

Cohesion & Cooperation: sharing expertise on a regional level

How can we actually put SDG policies into practice on a regional and local level? Some noteworthy examples were shared by our guest-speakers during the high-level panel debate ‘Agenda 2030: Transforming Regions, Changing the World’ . Mohamed Boudra, President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), stressed the importance of localisation and building permanent and constructive cooperation among different levels of government. The existence of UCLG’s ‘Global Taskforce‘, whose goal is the coordination of local governments internationally, is a model of how this can be done.

Indeed, when it comes to the SDGs, it is crucial to prevent siloed implementation. Multi-level governance must avoid a “strictly sectoral approach”, said Regions4‘s representative, Iker Atxa Zaitegi, stressed the need to boost cooperation within regions by taking advantage of the interlinkages among the Sustainable Developments Goals.

In his contribution, AER Vice President for Sustainability, Albert Castellanos, emphasised the importance of building towards a “fair, balanced and equal labour market” which will reduce social inequalities and improve economic stability in regions and cities, in line with Goal 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth”. The idea of equality must be also applied to safeguarding our environment. In her speech, Prof. Dr. Daniela Kleinschmit shed light on the urgency of bridging the gap between rural and urban areas and ensuring real opportunities for the generations to come.

In this regard, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, Julia Dumay, explained how promoting a “culture of equality” throughout the city made possible to put human rights, citizens’ participation and the fight against discrimination on top of the local government’s priorities. This sense of community cooperation clearly came to light when, thanks to the help of City and Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, conference participants were able to visit the city “Eco-Quartier Danube“, where the local authorities promote living together within the neighbourhood and where sustainable innovative buildings meet the traditional port identity of the site.

From theory to action: how to put SDGs principles into practice

The second day of the conference started with a series of workshops focused on five main topics: peace, planet, partnership, people and prosperity. The aim of each session was to share knowledge on how to concretely implement the SDGs policies involving regions and cities.

In our workshop on Planet: ‘Biodiversity for Sustainable Development’, in partnership with Regions4, speakers discussed the key role of regions in protecting biodiversity by ensuring a green and resilient recovery from the pandemic; Renata Gómez, Biodiversity Programme Manager at Regions4, remarked on the need to ‘mainstream biodiversity’ by communicating it and creating public awareness. Citizens’ participation and engagement were also a central focus of the workshop on Peace: ‘The Future is Yours–Inclusive & Participatory Institutions for All‘. Lia Montaldi, Councillor of EmiliaRomagna Region, highlighted the essential features of good governance: an open and transparent government, where citizens’ participation and accountability are paramount to policymakers.

Participation and cooperation also requires encouraging regions to develop strategies and plans for the implementation of the SDGs on a local level; our workshop on Partnership: ‘How can regions deliver on voluntary reviews?’, organised with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CoE), showcased how through regionalisation and the use of regional reviews this objective can be successfully accomplished.

In the second part of the day, the discussion moved to the topics of people and prosperity. During the workshop on People: ‘Hate Speech: Towards a Comprehensive Approach’ (co-organised by Intercultural Cities Programme, CoE, and our Includ-EU Project), participants discussed effective management of diversity as an integral part of good and inclusive governance. Our moderator, Irena Guidikova, Head of Inclusion and Anti-discrimination at the Council of Europe, stressed that “when Hateful expressions jeopardise other rights such as the right to life or privacy, then those rights take precedence over freedom of expression”. One way to combat hate speech is through the WE CAN tools “to identify hate speech, monitor it, launch responses and evaluate their impact”.

Finally, our workshop on Prosperity: ‘Leaving No Youth Behind: Building resilient, sustainable, and prosperous cities and regions’ shed light on the great input that young people can have to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals — if they are given the right tools to do so. One of our guest speakers, Stefanie De Bock, co-spokesperson for Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG), noted the impact of climate change on young people and the need for greater involvement for them in decision-making, “young people suffer disproportionally from climate change”, yet the political system at present “does not create enough spaces for young people to be policymakers”.

The way forward – Achieving sustainable and resilient regions in a post-pandemic world

A huge challenge going forward will be aligning our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with the Sustainable Development Goals. The daunting question of “How?” was put to the speakers in our conference’s closing panel.

“There are no universal solutions. The reality of each region should design the changes that need to happen” said Gonzalo Pizarro, Regional Policy Adviser on SDG Integration for UNDP. Policymakers must consider local and regional specificities to guarantee a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic, starting with ensuring equal access to vaccinations and new social protection measures.

Leen Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, shared Pizarro’s view, and underlined the critical importance of supporting regions — especially the poorest ones — in creating plans of action. He further underlined the need to mainstream and increase the visibility of the SDGs in policy development, “we need to integrate the SDGs in every proposal and every paper to increase awareness and motivation” around their implementation.

Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, Portugal and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, reminded participants of the necessity of adopting a holistic and subsidiary approach to meet the global goals, by “strengthening the capacity of regions”.

Closing the debate, AER President, Magnus Berntsson, reaffirmed the hope that the recovery from the pandemic could give us the opportunity to empower partnership and knowledge sharing on a local and regional level, especially regarding the connection between rural and urban areas: “We have this connection between rural and urban areas and if we do not want to leave anyone behind, we need to make this connection work”, concluding that “to not leave anyone behind, we also need to make sure that we do not hold anyone back.”

Agenda 2030 Conference Manifesto: a shared commitment to action

Closing the Conference, the Assembly of European Regions and our partners reaffirmed our shared commitment to deliver Agenda 2030 and achieve the Sustainable Developments Goals by co-signing a Manifesto.

This was co-signed by AER President, Magnus Berntsson and Vice President — Treasurer, Christian Debève on behalf of Region Grand Est — and endorsed by our partners, Regions4 and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). The manifesto enshrines the principle of “thinking globally, but acting locally”. As Vice President Debève said in signing the manifesto, “we are humbly contributing to making the 2030 Agenda a framework for trans-border, international and European cooperation.”

You can find the conference Manifesto at this LINK. If your organisation is interested in endorsing it, please contact AER Institutional Relations & Advocacy Officer, Gisela Guari Cañada at [email protected].

We want to thank our co-organisers, partners, member regions and attendees for making such a success of the Agenda 2030 Conference. We look forward to continuing the journey towards 2030 together in a renewed spirit of partnership among all our member regions.

Co-Organisers

Event Partners

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A New Horizon for Europe: Navigating into the European Horizon for Research and Innovation

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The launch of the new Horizon Europe funding programme worth 95.5 billion EUR and its first round of calls have being sparking enthusiasm and interest among the multiple actors that were long awaiting for initiating and testing their innovative actions for the green and digital transition, as well as an inclusive economy. Yet, while the scope of the funding programme meets widespread societal demands, it may not be that easy to navigate within one of the world’s largest research and innovation programmes. What do you need to know? The article provides an overview of the main opportunities under this programme as well as the links to the recordings from the informative sessions held by the European Commission.

The new HORIZON EUROPE: Priorities and structure

As part of the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the European Union has established the Horizon Europe programme as successor of the well-known Horizon 2020. As its predecessor, #HorizonEU deploys a large-envelop of financial incentives to support research and innovation that will contribute to achieving the EU priorities across and beyond Europe.  

As defined in the First Strategic Plan 2021-24, in the first four years, the programme will focus its investments towards actions aimed at:

  • Promoting an open strategic autonomy by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains
  • Restoring Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and managing sustainably natural resources
  • Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy
  • Creating a more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society  

PILLAR II: Clusters, ‘EU missions’, and calls

It is especially under the second pillar ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness’ that the European Commission is providing the ground and support to different kind of stakeholders (universities, research institutions, public authorities, associations, NGOs, SMEs and large companies) for research addressing key societal, economic, and environmental challenges, and to reinforce and innovative the technological and industrial capacities in line with the EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.

A key novelty introduced with the Horizon Europe programme are the EU-Missions. Missions are commitments to address the most serious challenges that our world is facing and contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal, the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the Sustainable goals through a wide portfolio of actions – research projects, policy measures, or even legislative proposals.

Cluster 1 – Health

Actions supported under this cluster will be aimed at:

  • Improving and protecting the health and well-being of citizens through new knowledge, innovative solutions and the integration of a gender perspective to the preventions, monitoring, and curing of diseases
  • developing health technologies, mitigating health risks, protecting populations and promoting good health and well-being
  • making public health systems more cost-effective, equitable and sustainable

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Health Cluster is 21st September 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 6th October and will close on 21st April 2022 (1st February for 2-stages submissions).

EU-Mission: Preparing UNCAN.eu, a European initiative to understand cancer (deadline 20th October 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 1 Working Programme.

Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society

Actions within this cluster will contribute to strengthening the EU democratic values, safeguarding our cultural heritage, and foster inclusion and growth through socio-economic transformations.

The Cluster is divided in 3 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

  • 5 Calls under Destination 01 – Innovative research on democracy and governance (link to the recording of the info session on Destination 01)
    • Activities launched within this destination will contribute to reinvigorating and modernising democratic governance through the development of evidence-based innovations, policies, policy recommendations, and institutional frameworks that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement, gender equality and inclusiveness. Additionally, they will support enhancing transparency, effectiveness, accountability and legitimacy of public policy-making.
  • 6 Calls under Destination 02 – Innovative research on the European cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 02)
    • Activities launched under this destination will aim at protecting and promoting historical sites and monuments, artefacts, heritage sites, landscapes, museums and other cultural institutions, languages, customs, traditions, and values through new or existing conservation and restoration technologies and methods employing green and digital paths. Innovative management actions and models for cultural institutions will seek to expend the industry triggering inclusive growth, jobs, social cohesion and diversity,
  • 7 Calls under Destination 03 – Innovative research on social and economic transformations ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 03)
    • Actions launched under this destination will contribute to foster social and economic resilience and sustainability through an improved knowledge of the social, ethical, political and economic impacts of drivers of change – as digitalisation, demographic trends, globalisation, and migration. The implementation of research activities in the field will strengthen inclusive growth ensuring that no one is left behind especially in light of old and new societal and economic challenges.

The deadline for all the open calls under the Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society Cluster is 07th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 20th January 2022 and will close on 20th April 2022.

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 2 Working Programme.

Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space

Activities under this cluster will support digital, space, and key enabling technologies that are strategically important for Europe’s industrial future and especially for achieving a global industrial leadership in clean and climate-neutral industries, as well as autonomy in digital technologies and a secure data-agile economy.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Digital, Industry and Space Cluster is 21st October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 23rd November 2022 and will close on 05th April 2022.

EU-Mission: Better prepared regional and local authorities to adapt to climate change (deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 4 Working Programme.

Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility

Actions under this cluster will contribute to the fight against climate change by increasing the understanding of its causes, evolution, risks, impacts and opportunities, as well as by facilitating the development and implementation of more climate and environment-friendly solutions to the transport and energy sectors.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Climate, Energy and Mobility Cluster is 19th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 14th October 2021 and will close on 12th January 2022.

EU-Missions (deadline 14th September 2021):

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 5 Working Programme.

Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Actions financed through this cluster will support the reduction of environmental degradation, reversing the decline of biodiversity and better managing natural resources through transformative changes of the economy and society. They will contribute to the objectives of the EU Green Deal in relation to the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Climate Pact, initiatives under sustainable industry and eliminating pollution, the long-term vision for rural areas, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Cluster is divided in 7 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Cluster is 6th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 28th October 2021 and will close on 15th February 2022.

EU-Mission: Preparing the ground for healthy soils: building capacities for engagement outreach and knowledge(deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 6 Working Programme.

Are you seeking to develop or join a proposal under the calls above?

All the above topics are key priorities for the AER and its members, hence we are looking forward to support members and their stakeholders in the development of a proposal, as well as in the establishment or search of a consortium. To know more about how we can support you, have a look at this article on the services of the project unit and get in touch with our European Projects Manager! Additionally, the AER is glad to assess the possibility to join consortium working on the calls in light of the strong relevance of the topics for the AER.

SAVE THE DATE! the AER will offer the possibility to further explore the novelties and opportunities introduced by the Horizon Europe programme during the next MFF info session that will be held on September 24th! The session will look at several funding programmes: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and Creative Europe, Digital Europe, and Life.

Picture from Unsplash by Christian Lue

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Partner Search: New Project on Cultural Planning & Rural Development

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The region of Örebro County and the Coompanion Mälardalen in Sweden are looking for partners for a new project they are preparing within the Creative Europe programme, call for proposals CREA-CULT-2021-COOP-2 “European Cooperation projects (medium scale)”.

The project will focus on cultural planning and rural development. Cultural planning is a broad, interdisciplinary approach that weaves cultural perspectives into community planning. It is a geographical rather than sectoral concept that includes both tangible and intangible cultural resources, and is becoming increasingly important in sustainably society planning.

Cultural planning will form the starting point of this project. It takes the view that culture should not be treated solely as a sectoral theme, but as a cross-cutting/transversal dimension of all high-level EU policy initiatives, and indeed of cohesion policy more broadly. Therefore, culture needs to be recognised and incentivised as part of a place-based approach to the regional development of EU territories.

The purpose of this project then, will be to test and develop methods of cultural planning in rural development, and show how cultural planning can have a better impact in different national planning contexts. This will be based on international knowledge-gathering and exchange of experiences using cultural planning models.

The consortium is currently composed of partners from different countries in Europe representing both the public sector and social economy entities. In order to complete it, the Lead Partner is searching for a public sector partner from Eastern or Central Europe primarily (but also other countries) with an interest and experience in the cultural and creative sectors.

If you are interested in joining this project, please send your expression of interest by 15 July h 12:00 pm CEST and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us in case you would need additional information.

Contact:

Agnese Pantaloni, European Projects Coordinator ([email protected])

Photo by MUILLU on Unsplash

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AER Climate Debate: Back to Our Future – Regions Leading Europe’s Green Recovery

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The COVID-19 crisis brought the world to a standstill in 2020. City centres became ghost towns, economic activity slumped, and political priorities fell by the wayside as managing the pandemic became the all-consuming political focus. However, what has not stood still despite the pandemic is the alarming rate that our planet continues to heat up. Unless we align our recovery with our climate targets, another global pandemic will be a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’. The need to make up for lost time to meet these targets – all while ensuring a resilient recovery from the pandemic – presents a once-in-a-generation political challenge.

The scale of the task at hand has not been lost on Europe’s leaders, who are determined for the EU to spearhead global efforts to meet the Paris Climate Goals. Indeed, Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen’s lofty choice of metaphor – describing the European Green Deal as our “man on the moon moment” – reflects the political impetus to deliver a climate ‘moonshot’ by 2030.

But as any seasoned astronaut will tell you, a successful mission to a great degree depends on the people leading on the ground. That is why on 9 June as part of EU Green Week, the AER’s Task Force on Climate brought together international experts, EU and regional policymakers for an open discussion on how our regions can lead a sustainable, resilient recovery across Europe. Moderated by AER President, Magnus Berntsson, this was a chance to explore how regions can chart the path towards carbon neutrality, and ensure “a better, greener and more resilient future” for our villages, towns and cities.

Europe’s Moonshot – Leading the Mission on the Ground

All things in nature, including the climate crisis, are connected and demand a collective response. In his opening remarks, President Berntsson stressed the need “for joint action by all levels of government” to achieve global objectives. This was echoed by first speaker, Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme Brussels Office. She underlined that the “interconnected nature” of challenges like pollution, biodiversity loss and global warming means “they must be addressed together to maximise benefits and minimise trade-offs.” Regional and local authorities are essential actors in this effort, for example, by translating green funding into “effective stimulus policies that will lead us towards decarbonisation.”

The European Commission shares this view. Our second speaker, Elena Višnar-Malinovská, Head of Unit for Adaptation at DG CLIMA called for regions “to come on board the spaceship” to help reach emissions targets. Regions, she noted, have already started implementing effective climate and energy laws, adopted climate-friendly budgets, and will be essential in monitoring how closely Europe’s climate targets are being adhered to.

AER members are leading from the front on this issue. Arnau Queralt-Bassa, Director of the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development of Catalonia [ES], pointed to Catalonia Region’s new CO2 fund that would be paid for using a Carbon Tax. Another example came from Värmland Region [SE], where policies aimed at improving energy efficiency have seen a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from buildings, according to Eva Hallström, Chair of the AER’s Working Group on Energy & Climate. Similarly, Donegal County Council in Ireland is in the process of creating an energy agency and making use of “nature based solutions” to meet climate challenges. All of Donegal Council’s policy initiatives are being framed within a written “statement of intent” guided by the Sustainable Development Goals. So while regions are working on the ground to translate global ambition into local action, they cannot go it alone.

Global Challenges & Supporting Local Solutions

The climate crisis affects Europe’s regions in different ways and to varying degrees. A truly sustainable and resilient recovery is therefore only possible if it meets the diverse territorial needs of all Europe’s regions. Dominique Riquet, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur on the Opinion of the Committee on Transport on the Just Transition Fund, noted that many Eastern European regions will struggle to shift to climate neutral economies without “ambitious financial support”.

It also demands a real say for regions in implementing Green Deal legislation. “Regions” he stressed “will need to play a key role in drafting the legislation delivering the Green Deal to make sure regional differences are taken into account.” The success of the Green Deal will to a large degree “depend on the ability to tailor legislation”. He pointed to the success of regions in managing European programmes – in particular Cohesion Policy – as clear evidence of their experience and expertise in making sure that funding gets where it is needed. Mr Riquet stressed that regions “will be more important than ever” when it comes to implementing elements of the Green Deal like the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

This need for a territorial approach was further emphasised by our final speaker, Andries Gryffroy, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and its Rapporteur on the European Green Deal. “The Green Deal”, he said “is a credible plan, but must take “a bottom-up, balanced and targeted approach” if it is to effectively address the many environmental, economic and social challenges presented by the climate crisis. The same logic applies to national recovery plans. Chair of the AER working group on Transport and Mobility, Martin Tollén, pointed out that while regions are working hard to deliver sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, there are limits to what can be done going it alone. Mr Tollen underlined that “Regions need to be “fully integrated in the design and implementation” of national recovery plans to meet diverse territorial needs and drive the wider green agenda.

Other important disparities that need to be addressed were highlighted in contributions from AER members. Victor Vaugoin, Director of Lower Austria’s EU Liaison Office, said that the nexus between the green and digital transitions means that less well-resourced rural regions could lose out on new opportunities in the green economy. For this reason, it is essential that the digital skills gap is addressed to ensure a fair transition. Another vitally important concern – gender equality – was highlighted by Värmland [SE] Councillor, Kenneth Johansson from the AER’s Equal Opportunities Group. Woman are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, and it is therefore crucial that this lopsided impact “is better understood” and – more importantly – “reflected in legislation, programming and planning” at all levels of government.

Europe’s ‘moonshot’ mission to save our planet will only be a success if all levels of government “come on-board”. As we learned during the debate, local and regional authorities are leading the recovery using all resources available to them. However, to ensure a fair, green and resilient recovery, their ambitions needs to matched with political and financial support European and national level; offering regions significant financial support and a real say in how legislation is implemented to meet territorial needs.

No one is questioning Europe’s ambition when it comes to achieving our climate targets. However, starting locally and supporting our regions will be absolutely crucial if this moonshot mission is to ever get off the ground.

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📺 Missed our Bureau debate? Never fear – you can rewatch on youtube channel here!

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