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AER responds to EC’s Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion

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With the October 2008 publication of its Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion, the European Commission opened a debate on territorial cohesion in search of a better understanding of the issue and its implications for EU policy.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER), the largest organisation of regions in wider Europe, submitted today an official response to the paper that includes the following key elements:

–    Territorial cohesion should be a comprehensive concept influencing all policy areas which are of significance to sustainable development, growth and quality of life in the European regions;
–    Even though territorial guidelines are to be established at EU level, the subsidiarity principle assumes that they must be endorsed at the lowest possible level of governance;
–    Strong co-ordination of the objective of territorial cohesion with other decisions made at EU and national levels is needed;
–    The European Commission should play a major role in supporting and encouraging co-operation in activities which have a common European interest;
–    The EC should improve existing forms of co-operation (European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation, INTERREG, INTERACT) and create new co-operation opportunities such as rural urban partnerships and co-operation along external borders;
–    In order to monitor characteristics and trends in territorial cohesion, a balance between indicators monitoring the economic, social and environmental development of regions is essential for a sustainable approach.


Quotes:
Thomas Andersson, Jämtland county councillor (Sweden), vice-president of AER Committee 1 (Regional Development and Economy) and co-ordinator of AER’s response to the green paper:

“I warmly welcome this green paper, since territorial cohesion is able to turn the richness and diversity of our territories into a competitive advantage. The unique features of the regions should not be perceived as handicaps, but as long-term assets likely to bring rapid economic and social growth to the whole of Europe.”

“The green paper provides a solid starting point and serves as a good basis for more coherent and future-orientated EU policies. I therefore hope that our member regions’ comments and remarks form an essential part of a future white paper and legislative proposals.”


Background:
In June 2007, AER launched a task force on EU cohesion policy to prepare a study on cohesion policy post-2013. Published in January 2008, the study included contributions from 60 regions in 22 countries of the wider Europe. A new and more detailed political position on future cohesion policy was adopted by AER’s political bureau in June 2008, in Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie (PL).

AER adopted its initial response to the EC Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion at its General Assembly in November 2008, in Tampere (FIN). On the basis of this political reaction AER launched a broader consultation on the specific questions raised in the green paper. The findings of the EC’s consultation and planned action are to be announced by Commissioner Danuta Hübner in April 2009.

For more information: [email protected]

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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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AER study: stronger regions, stronger innovation

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Preliminary research suggests that greater regional autonomy leads to stronger innovation potential

Linz, Oberösterreich (A), 28 October 2008

Does a more decentralised state foster innovation and, ultimately, economic prosperity? The preliminary findings of a study commissioned by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and conducted by BAK Basel Economics suggest that it does.

“The study has already uncovered trends suggesting that more autonomous regions enjoy higher levels of research and development, university output, registered patents and economic productivity,” AER Secretary-General Klaus Klipp said today.“Although the study is still ongoing, I´m confident that the final results will prove what AER has maintained for many years, and that is that strong regions create strong economies and better living standards for citizens.”

The AER / BAK Basel study is exploring the potential link between regional autonomy and economic prosperity – in other words, are regions within the more decentralised states such as Switzerland and Germany more prosperous as a result of their autonomy than their counterparts in centralised states such as Greece and France? Regions from 30 countries spanning the wider Europe have provided extensive data for the study, forming the basis of a final report to be released by AER early next year.

The preliminary findings of the study were presented at an AER conference, “Innovation, creativity and diversity – The regional dimension of European economic excellence”, which concluded today in Linz, Upper Austria (the region was awarded third prize in AER´s 2007 Innovation Award). The conference was part of the Autumn plenary session of AER´s Committee (1) for Economy and Regional Development, gathering around 80 regional authorities and stakeholder organisations from across Europe.

One of the many innovation experts taking part in the conference was ‘Innogroup’ founder Peter Heydebreck, from AER member region Baden-Württemberg (D). “Europe´s competitiveness very much depends upon the competitiveness of its regions. It is at a regional level that innovation is initiated and where mutual understanding of private and public players is best ensured.”

Some Photos of the Event:

 

For more information: [email protected]

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AER Press conference hosted by Lower Austrian Government Minister in St. Pölten

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Speech at AER Committee 3 plenary session press conference.

St. Pölten, Niederösterreich (A), 11 September 2008

Lower Austria – a member of the AER accentuates regional identity. Regions answer to the needs of their citizens in a most flexible and direct way.

This is of essential importance in a growing Europe, because Europe´s strength is based on the diversity of its regions. I am convinced, that Europe will only have a future when we find the right balance between the European level and the regional level.

Therefore we have to act, whenever regional independence is in danger.

Lower Austria is therefore engaged in various acitivities such as:

v    The European Forum Wachau, which has become a platform for European issues.

v    Our Conference on Subsidiarity organised within the Austrian EU-Presidency.

v    The Committee of Regions.

And above all

v    within the Assembly of European Regions with its 270 member-regions from 33 states, the largest interregional organisation of Europe.

The issues are dealt with in 3 Committees:
Committee 1 on Economy and Regional Development
Committee 2 on Social Policy and Public Health
Committee 3 on Culture, Education and Training, Youth and Interregional Cooperation.

This Committee, which I am presiding since four years, is now meeting in St. Pölten.

There are 70 representatives from 34 regions from Norway, Sweden to Romania, from Poland to Sicily.

Already once this Committee came to St. Pölten under the presidency of Liese Prokop, who later also presided the entire organisation for four years. I would like to present to you the Vicepresidents of Committee 3:

Mr. David Kirk, Councillor of County Hampshire presides the Subcommittee Education and Training.
Mr. Sten-Erik Nilsson, Councillor from Gävleborg in Sweden, president of Subcommittee Culture.
Mr. David Nordström, Deputy member of the County Council of Norbotten/Sweden, president of Subcommittee Youth.
Mme. Marie Francoise Muller, Vicepresident of Region Burgundy, president of Subcommittee Interregional and international cooperation
And last but not least my friend Mr. Bela Bokor, director of the Centre for Culture and Tourism of the Hungarian County Baranya

The chief activities and the project of the AER is the promotion of regional competence in the states within and without the European Union.

This organisation has contributed essantially to regional reforms within the states and has influenced decisions on European level.

Let me give you some examples:

v    The Services Directive of the European Union 2006.
Without basically opposing the liberalisation of services the AER has achieved the exemption of health and social services. As for cultural services there is also a restricted exemption, as long as these services do not gain profit.

v    General Agreement on Tariffes and Services (GATS)
Here the AER has fought against a philosophy, that wanted to treat culture as a ordinary commodity of trade. AER has contributed to the EU-guarantee, that cultural services will not be included into GATS-negotiation.

The tight cooperation and mutual inspiration of the regions especially those organised within the Assembly of the European Regions, functions also from the side of Lower Austria.

Here are some examples:

v    Most Youth Friendly Region
Every two years a region receives a prize for its policy and acitivities for the young citizens. This is an initiative of Lower Austria under Liese Prokop.

v    Landesausstellungen (biennial international exhibitions)
This Lower Austria initiative already developed in the 1960s has become a model-cultural initiative first on Austrian then on European level.

In 2009 Lower Austria will have a common Landesausstellung with our neighbour regions from Czech Republic. This is also a initiative of Lower Austria which have struck roots in Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Romania.

v    Redevelopment of villages and cities in Lower Austria (Dorf- und Stadterneuerung)
is an initiative which includes cultural heritage as well as infrastructure of villages and towns. On international level Lower Austria is exporting Know-How.

v    Most innovative region of Europe
This initiative of the AER is a competition of European regions to foster the modernisation of regions. In 2007 Niederösterreich received the first prize, which was handed over by President of EU-Commission Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso to Landeshauptmann Dr. Erwin Pröll for a project called „Regional innovation strategy Niederösterreich“.

For more information: [email protected]

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The Lisbon Treaty: A licence for grass-roots action!

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Wroclaw, Lower Silesia (PL), 11 June 2008

As the EU awaits the outcome of Ireland’s referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon, the political leaders of Europe’s regions were debating the implications for citizens of a ratified Treaty.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) held Presidium and Bureau sessions this week in Wroclaw (Lower Silesia region, Poland) ahead of a European Citizens Forum tomorrow which will explore the question: ‘What does the Treaty of Lisbon change for citizens?’

The Lisbon Treaty marks a huge step towards the recognition of the principle of regional and local self-government. For the first time, the definition of subsidiarity is extended to include these lower levels, meaning that the EU will not be able to act where local or regional action is more appropriate.

Although 8 out of 10 European citizens see the principle of subsidiarity as a good thing (Eurobarometer #234, March 2008), AER members agree that their electorates understand little about how the Lisbon changes will directly affect them.

Michele Sabban, AER Acting President, said:
‘With the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the regions will finally become a fully recognised and equal partner in EU policy-making. And because citizens have the easiest and most direct access to regional and local authorities, they will be able to demand EU action on the issues they really care about: health, education, climate change, the economy and the many other challenges AER member regions are addressing together. The Lisbon Treaty is a licence for grass-roots action!’

Mag. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Minister for Women, Family and Generations of Lower Austria (A), said:
‘The inclusion of local and regional levels under the subsidiarity principle of the Lisbon Treaty means that citizens will have a greater possibility to really feel a part of Europe, since they will be more directly involved in shaping EU politics.’

Roy Perry, former MEP and Deputy Leader Hampshire County Council (GB), said:
‘Meeting here in Poland we are very conscious of how the EU has successfully addressed the European divisions of the 20th century, but now it must be made to work as a union of 27 nations – and their regions – to address the problems of the 21st century, for example climate change, globalization, and mass migration.’

Last month AER launched its ‘Subsidiarity is a word’ movement to demand recognition of the word in every dictionary of every language worldwide. As the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty draws closer, the movement will turn its focus from demanding recognition of the word to securing respect for the principle in accordance with the new Lisbon Treaty provisions.

For more information: [email protected]

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Young people from the regions @ work!

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AER hosts four day training for Youth Team

Strasbourg (F), 14 March 2008

An intense four-day training session at the Assembly of European Regions (AER) Secretariat concluded today for the seven members of AER’s Youth Team. Politically involved in their regions and elected by AER Youth Ambassadors for a two-year mandate, their duty is to give young people a voice both at regional and European level.

As part of the AER Youth Team‘s work strategy 2008, the training aimed to broaden the Team’s understanding of AER’s mandate and activities whilst strengthening collaboration with AER’s committees. ‘This training session is a great opportunity to foster that mainstreaming process – AER has been really open to the ideas and projects we want to bring back to our respective regions’, says Claire Bridges, President of the Youth Team.

As part of its future collaboration with AER’s committees, Team member Christoph Landolt (St. Gallen, CH), responsible for co-operation with AER’s Committee on Economy and Regional Development, will lead a workshop to be held during AER’s conference on ‘Regional Innovation in the European Context’. He will present aspects of the subject ‘Young entrepreneurship in the European Regions’, this year’s AER Youth Summer School theme. He is also in charge of the organisation of the Youth Innovation Award, which will be awarded next October during the same conference. The other members of the Youth Team working with AER’s other committees will be involved in the preparation of a conference on ‘Demographic Challenges for Regions’, a ‘Youth and Alcohol’ project, and the organisation of the ‘Most Youth-Friendly Region Award 2009’.

Malgorzata Kucinska, AER Youth and Citizens Officer, highlights that ‘AER wants to provide youth with a real opportunity to get involved, not only in AER’s work, but also in regional and European decision-making processes. We are giving these young people the opportunity to express themselves, since we recognise the freshness, creativity and value of their ideas.’

In order to fulfil its training, the AER Youth Team has held several working meetings at European level, with MEP Goran Farm, Marta Medlinska, in charge of Youth policy at the Council of Europe and with the European Youth Forum.

The newly elected members of the AER Youth Team are:
President: Claire Bridges (West-Sussex, UK)
Elina Andersson (Västerbotten, S)
Madeleine Andersson (Värmland, S)
Annette Lie (Østfold, N)
Gabriela Kovacs-Ross (Maramures, RO)
Anton Kuzmin (Olomouc, CZ)
Christoph Landolt (St. Gallen, CH)

For more information: [email protected]

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Political leaders of Europe’s regions meet in Frankfurt

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The Presidium of the Assembly of European Regions, the largest network of regions in the wider Europe, gathers in Frankfurt to discuss future EU budget and cohesion policy

Frankfurt, Hessen (D), 9 March 2008

At the invitation of the Government of Hessen (D), a meeting today of the Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) Presidium was held at the ‘Maintower’ in Frankfurt. AER is the largest and most active alliance of regions in the wider Europe, bringing together more than 260 member regions from 33 countries as well as 13 interregional associations. The organisation’s membership extends beyond ‘old’ Europe to include regions from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Russia and Turkey.

Vice-President of AER and President of Baden Württemberg, Peter Straub, said at today’s meeting that the regions were becoming a key force in European politics:

‘The idea of a ‘Europe of the Regions’ is not just an ideal; it is a practical policy requirement. The Lisbon Treaty has recognised this fact with its emphasis on subsidiarity and the second and third tiers of government as reference points for European action. This is why AER membership, along with member regions’ involvement in our activities, is increasing each year.’

The importance of regional-level involvement in EU policy was marked in recent months by EC President Barroso’s appointment of AER’s President Riccardo Illy to a High Level Working Group on the Reduction of Administrative Burdens, chaired by former President of Bavaria Edmund Stoiber. The AER President is the only active politician in Stoiber’s working group.

Today’s Presidium meeting focused on the future EU budget and cohesion policy, areas in which the regions can make a key contribution by presenting a common position despite their geographical, ethnic, and political diversity.

‘Although AER covers such a broad political spectrum, we can reach agreements and solutions in policy areas where the EU and the states are still struggling. I am sometimes amazed that 260 regional authorities can adopt a common position in so many policy areas… And that is the strength of AER, our harmony in diversity,’ Mr. Straub said.

That ‘harmony in diversity’ has helped regions from the EU’s new and future member states to bring their citizens closer to the European Project long before formal accession. Since AER is as much a forum for interregional cooperation as it is a political voice for the regions’ interests, many of its members have taken advantage of the experiences and best practices of their ‘older’ European counterparts. AER’s membership has rapidly increased in the past few years among regions in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the states of the former Soviet Union and Turkey.

Mr. Straub believes that AER’s experience gives the organisation a basis from which to demand greater regional involvement in the design and implementation of European budgetary and cohesion policy. ‘EU policy must reflect regional needs, since it is regional authorities that are closest to citizens. That is how the principle of subsidiarity works, and that is why it is enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty’, he added.

AER’s recent study on the future of cohesion policy 2014+ had surveyed 60 regions from across the wider Europe, adding a valuable grass-roots perspective to the European debate. Both the study and AER’s position on the EU Budget Review 2008-2009 call for greater integration of regional policy into other EU policy areas whilst allowing regions more scope to manage EU funds in the interests of those they are meant to benefit: Europe’s citizens.

Presidium of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) met at the invitation of Minister Volker Hoff in Frankfurt

Hessen Minister for Federal and European Affairs, Volker Hoff, welcomed the Presidium of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) today to the home of the Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen in Frankfurt am Main.

European Minister Hoff used his role as host to outline some main issues in Hessen’s Europe policy, focusing in particular on the topics of reducing bureaucracy and simplifying procedures:
‘For Hessen as a central economic, transport and science beacon in Germany, the crucial point is the competitiveness of our businesses. When it comes to EU legislative procedures, there is an urgent need for us to think beyond the perimeters of Europe, because for many European businesses, their products and services are involved not in European competition, but actually in global competition. Businesses in Hessen, which are very strongly active on the global market, also need the support of Europe for a fair commercial policy and boosts to competitiveness. Our task is to make life and doing business easier for our entrepreneurs, not more complicated. We need to move away from a situation where competition regulations within Europe mean global competitive disadvantages to the detriment of the domestic economy and employment’, Volker Hoff stressed in his introductory statement.

Minister Hoff showed himself to be convinced, among the AER Presidium members, that the AER forms an outstanding platform as a vector for regional concerns at the European level.

Some Photos of the Event:

 

For more information: [email protected]

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AER: Europe must not neglect its rural population

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Assembly of European Regions holds conference on the future of rural development policy and rural regions

Lillehammer, Oppland (N), 29 February 2008

As the European Commission reflects upon the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a conference gathering 59 regions from 20 countries across the wider Europe has called for greater recognition of rural regions in a modern Europe.

‘Rural regions cover more than 90% of the territory of the enlarged EU, and yet mainstream economic policy has historically favoured urban centres over rural communities. These regions are now facing some serious challenges that can only be overcome by introducing structural changes with the strong support of the EU and its member states,’Assembly of European Region’s (AER) Secretary-General Mr. Klaus Klipp said today.

Those challenges include the decline of emigration, an ageing population, lower skills-base and labour productivity, isolation, lack of infrastructure as well as difficulties in providing basic public services.

Hosted in Lillehammer by the AER in co-operation with the Oppland region of Norway, today’s conference adopted a set of concrete recommendations for future rural development policy.

Adopted by all 180 conference participants, the recommendations are based upon the principle that the rural dimension must be incorporated into all EU policies. The EU’s cohesion policy and rural development policy should be integrated into a single document, with greater priority given to the development of sustainable rural-urban partnerships.

The recommendations also call for more EU funding to be allocated for rural development, and particularly for projects supporting innovative services, infrastructures, New Communications and Information Technologies (NCIT), entrepreneurship and tourism.

Mr. Neil Parish, MEP and Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in the European Parliament,said: ‘I think the challenge of a reform of the CAP is to be able to move money from general support of agriculture to support for rural development, making sure that we can bring in practical policies that build up the rural environment and get the rural economy moving.’

Today’s conference also looked at how rural regions are using innovative approaches to regenerate and diversify their economies. In particular, regional politicians and officers learned about tourism opportunities, the phenomenon of second homes in rural areas, as well as the development of regional airports. A number of examples of best-practices from rural regions are included in Annex 1 of the conference recommendations (see link, above).

Other speakers at today’s conference included:

Mr. Søeren Kissmeyer-Nielsen, Head of Unit, responsible for rural development, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission;
Dr. Josef Martinz, Minister for Agriculture, Carinthia (A);
Mr. Jean-Paul Denanot, President of Limousin (F);
Mr. Aksel Hagen, County Councillor, Oppland (N) and Chairman of AER working group on regional development;
Dr. Jiri Vagner, Charles University, Prague (CZ);
Dr. Manfred Perlik, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute for Spatial and Landscape Planning (CH).

For more information: [email protected]

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Launch of the AER Observatory on Migrant Women

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“The AER Observatory on Migrant Women is born” announced Michèle Sabban, Vice-President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and of the Region Ile-de-France (F), at the Conference on Equal Opportunities for Men and Women, in Timis County (RO). It follows two days of debates with international and local experts, where an in-depth consideration of the special issues concerning the integration of migrant women was taken*, the AER has decided to take action. The AER Observatory will stand for integration, for giving the regions the tools they need to help migrant women express their cultural identity, gain their place in the economy and society of the host country and contribute to its diversity, Michèle Sabban added.

The AER Observatory on Migrant Women has a two-fold action plan:

Firstly, to collect and disseminate expertise and best practice on how regions can best respond to the needs of migrant women. A web portal will be created on the AER website with examples from regions, NGOs and institutions active in this area.

Secondly, to help the regions understand the specific needs of migrant women and create the necessary conditions for their successful integration. A network of experts will be established, to act as a think tank for AER and regional policy in this area.

The regions of Ile-de-France and Limousin (F), Friuli Venezia Giulia (I), Valencia (E) and Timis (RO) will constitute the Steering Committee of the AER Observatory.

For more information: [email protected]

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The AER meets high representatives from Tatarstan to foster relations and set up co-operation projects

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Kazan, Tatarstan-RUS, 21 September 2007

One day after the plenary meeting of the Committee ‘Economy and Regional Development’, representatives from European regions have gathered in Kazan, Tatarstan-RUS, for a Seminar on the development strategy in the Republic of Tatarstan, organised by the Assembly of European Regions (AER).

Tatarstan has put a clear focus on developing its economy. In order to do so, it has set up various initiatives to attract foreign investors and to help start-up companies, for instance by the creation of the innovative technopark “IDEA”. This region underlined the crucial role of regional airports in the development of the tourism sector. The AER is well aware of this issue and has therefore created a network of regional airports, which is currently influencing EU regulation in this field.

Tatarstan has invested a lot to develop its tourist amenities by constructing, among others, hotel resorts. Nevertheless, the region is confronted with an important need of skilled staff. Klaus Klipp, Secretary General of the AER, presented the AER Eurodyssey programme to Mr Bariev, Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan. In offering Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 an opportunity to spend 3 to 7 months abroad, gathering work experience and acquiring foreign language skills, this programme could help the region to solve part of the problem it faces. Minister Bariev showed great interest in this programme.

Onno Hoes, President of AER Committee ‘Economy and Regional Development’ and Member of the Executive Board of the Region Noord-Brabant-NL, together with Klaus Klipp, also met Mr Akulov, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the President of Tatarstan; Mr Kogogin, Minister of Industry and Trade, as well as other ministers, to define together a very pragmatic and effective co-operation in Tatarstan in the fields of Tourism, Energy and Youth. The importance of this co-operation was also underlined in a meeting with the Tatarstan State Council chairman, Mr Mukhametshin, who considered it essential in the European context.

Thanks to the AER initiatives and networking, the Republic of Tatarstan can benefit from the know-how of 260 member regions. The AER is a bridge between the European Union and neighbouring regions like Tatarstan. “It is our duty to help our members to learn from each other and to benefit from others’ experiences. Our meetings today are proof of the added value of exchanging and working closely all together” said Klaus Klipp.

For more information: [email protected]

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The Province of Istanbul hosts the AER: Over 80 Regions take a stand on decentralisation in Europe

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Instanbul (TR), 7 September 2007

Regional democracy in Turkey was given added momentum today when politicians from 40 European regions met with their Turkish counterparts. Examining how models of regional democracy from other European countries could be more relevant for Turkey, the regional politicians were able to exchange experiences and reinforce the message that strong regions with their own competences, finances and democratically-elected politicians are best placed to deliver economic growth, efficient services and accountable governance.

During the meeting of the political Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) – the political organisation of almost 260 European regional authorities – Riccardo Illy, AER President and President of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia-I stressed that’this shows the true purpose of the AER: the European Regions acting together to support other Regions in their decentralisation process. This will be an important factor in developing Turkey and its economy. To develop Europe, we need to release the potential, good will, energy, know-how and creativity of all citizens. This is only possible by giving more responsibilities to the provinces.’
‘Although there is a tradition of a centralised unitary State in Turkey, the country has launched the decentralisation process to strengthen regional and local authorities. We welcome the reform that came into force in 2005, giving more powers to the Provincial Council, a directly elected body,’ explained Hasan Buyukdede, Chairman of Istanbul Provincial Council.
‘Through interregional cooperation with our members, the AER will support the Turkish Regions in adapting to their new responsibilities, in order to fully develop their potential and benefit their citizens. All the previous enlargement processes have shown us that it is crucial to have a strong and active regional level in order to be fully prepared for eventual EU membership,’ concluded President Illy.

Among the other main issues decided today, the AER Bureau made a series of recommendations and proposals on the future of EU regional policy. “A European Union regional policy is essential; it helps to improve the competitive advantage of all Regions on a European and global scale. EU regional policy post-2013 must focus on territorial cooperation networks. Member States must therefore implement the legislation required to enable European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) to be created. The regions are the best actors to fulfil the goals of the EU’, stated Thomas Andersson, Chairman of the AER Reflection Group on Cohesion Policy. “In view of the forthcoming EU Forum on Cohesion (27-28 September), we already met the Director of the European Commission Directorate for Regional Policy (DG REGIO), who expressed the full support of the European Commission for our recommendations,’ he concluded.

For more information: [email protected]

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“Albergo Diffuso”: The New Regional Tourism Dimension goes Europe-wide with AER

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Amaro, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (I), 22 March 2007

AER President Riccardo Illy attended today the presentation -hosted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia region- of the project “Albergo Diffuso”, a new regional scheme which is set to boost the local dimension of tourism. This presentation was held during the meeting of the Committee ‘Economy and Regional development’ of the Assembly of the European Regions (AER), which closes today in Amaro (Udine).

Friuli Venezia Giulia (President: Mr. Illy) aims at transforming traditional and still populated rural areas, which would otherwise be condemned to decline, into new tourist attractions and destinations. The revolutionary concept behind the project is that villages as a whole become “hotels”: accommodation is spread among different houses, which are re-qualified and restructured, while a single reception point, located in the village centre, deals with the arrival and departure of guests.

This project, which can be translated and adapted to other European regions, is based on certain key principles, namely: guests are at the centre of the scheme, respect for the environment is a must, local culture and traditions have to be privileged. Last but not least the authenticity of the location is at the heart of the whole project. Tourists can get a real feeling of genuine places, where the memory of the old times lives on in the tales of local villagers.

The scheme can also provide employment opportunities to locals, as the “Borgo Soandri” example clearly shows: in this small village, located near the city of Udine, a cooperative has been set up, in order to manage the “Albergo Diffuso” project. Six people are currently employed there. Tourists can travel to the Borgo, spend a long weekend or a short holiday break, discover local tastes and flavours, learn about traditions and get in touch with people: this is the definition of a genuine holiday, far away from mass tourism. The beauty of local landscapes and mountains adds to the advantages of this scheme.

Enzo Marsilio, Regional Minister for Agriculture and Mountain Areas at Friuli Venezia Giulia, underlined the importance of this project for local communities, while Enrico Bertossi, Regional Minister for Production, stressed how this initiative fits perfectly with the general development of a tourism which is rapidly and constantly changing.

Regional representatives from 43 European regions from the AER were given today a full overview of the project, which is now ready to be “exported” and adapted to other European countries.

For more information on the “Albergo Diffuso” scheme please click on
 www.clubalbergodiffuso.it and www.turismo.fvg.it

For more information: [email protected]

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Energy from the regions: Green Hydrogen

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‘Renewable energies are produced locally. Green hydrogen, as a carrier of energy, contributes to an increased independence from fossil fuels. Regions are strong partners in building a green hydrogen society and thus a sustainable environment,’ said Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and President of the Autonomous Italian Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, on the occasion of the European Parliament workshop on hydrogen.

Green hydrogen is a major trump for Europe’s regions, President Illy stressed in his speech. Renewable energies from water, wind, sun, biomass and geothermic sources are local sources of energy, creating employment and protecting the environment.

‘In the context of the new Common Agricultural Policy which limits financial support to our farmers, green hydrogen can be an important source of new income for our farmers,’ Riccardo Illy said. ‘There is great potential for the economies of our Regions in the development of renewable energies.’

President Illy stated, however, that an integrated energy approach would be needed. Three factors must be addressed: enhancing energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources and, last but not least, intelligent energy supply systems using hydrogen, called ‘smart grids’. Since 2003 the AER has developed an energy strategy in which green hydrogen has been a main pillar. Best practices, online partnership fairs, knowledge exchange through seminars, for example on funding opportunities, are spread via the interregional network of the AER, which consists of 255 regions, in order to promote an integrated energy approach.

On the same day, the European Commission decided on its strategy on energy and climate change, allowing for more competition in the energy market. ‘We fully support the approach of the Commission for more competition. If the EU gives in to the big monopolies in the energy sector we will not succeed in developing the potential of renewable energies to provide safe and affordable energy in the future’, explained President Illy.

‘The more renewable energies we use, the less we will depend on fossil energies. In fact, the more renewable energies are available, the better chance there is of slowing down the increase in prices for oil. Regions are the best promoters of a green hydrogen society, as they are the major beneficiaries, but we need to promote this idea among the regions’, President Illy concluded.

The European Parliament Workshop on green hydrogen was initiated by MEP Vittorio Prodi and Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation of Economic Trends in Washington D.C and author of the book ‘The Hydrogen Economy: The Creation of the World Wide Energy Web and the Redistribution of Power on Earth’. Speakers included, amongst others, MEPs Jo Leinen, Claude Turmes, Philippe Busquin and Umberto Guidoni.

For more information: [email protected]

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Low noise – Low-fare – High impact Regional airports as factors for economic growth

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Today, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) gathered over 50 stakeholders to discuss the importance of regional airports and the success factors for their development. These include the role of low-fare airlines, the potential offered by public-private partnerships, successfully responding to environmental and social challenges and the role of European rules on state aid.

Onno Hoes, President of the AER ‘Economy and Regional Development’ Committee and Regional Minister of Noord-Brabant (NL) emphasised the economic and social benefits that Eindhoven Airport brings to his Province of Noord-Brabant. “This is why the Province is one of the shareholders in Eindhoven Airport. Good international accessibility is a sine qua none condition if a region is to become and remain the place to be for knowledge institutes, high tech companies and innovative suppliers. Efficient connections to other top innovative regions in Europe are of the utmost importance. It is also obvious that such a flourishing regional airport is a crucial element for social cohesion, as it contributes to employment in the region,” Mr Hoes stressed.

AER Secretary General Klaus Klipp underlined the interest of low cost airlines for regions, based on the principle that business brings business. “Once you have a low cost airline on board, surely more will follow. Not only airlines but also distribution centres, whole sale companies etc. During this conference it became clear that there is a strong potential for regional airports to contribute to the economic growth of regions. This is a highly specialised business that needs to be better explained. Certainly at the level of the EU institutions it is essential to listen to the very specific needs of regions and their airports.”

Bart de Boer, General Manager of Eindhoven Airport concluded “The growth of Eindhoven Airport is crucial for the Province of Noord-Brabant. All stakeholders involved in the airport business acknowledged that their policies should also address negative environmental effects in a responsible and innovative way, without however compromising the development of the regional aviation as such.”

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Energy at the service of regional economic development: It’s a win-win situation

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Brussels (B), 7 December 2006

Over 300 persons met today in Brussels at the Round Table on Energy Efficiency for Regional Economic Development, jointly organised by the European Federation of Regional Energy and Environment Agencies (FEDARENE) and the Assembly of European Regions (AER). The AER and FEDARENE were pleased that Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy, accepted their invitation to participate to this event, extended by Onno Hoes, President of the AER ‘Economy and Regional Development’ Committee and by Roger Léron, FEDARENE President.

‘Only by including regional actors in the drafting of the White Paper on Energy will you be able to find the right tools for addressing the challenges of energy dependency and at the same time contribute to regional economic development. The European Commission has already incorporated our request in its Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, where the regional level is acknowleged as a key actor, but we still need to go further,’ stated Onno Hoes. ‘We demand that the European institutions and national governments respond to the concerns voiced by the citizens and the regions over the future of energy. Indeed, it is the regional level that develops pragmatic solutions every day,’ added Roger Léron, FEDARENE President.

During this event, which took place under the patronage of the Committee of the Regions and was supported by Philips, 65 regions from 19 countries signed the Declaration on ‘European Regions for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources’. ‘Signing this Declaration is more than simply adding one’s name at the end of a document; it is a strong commitment on behalf of each signatory to achieve, within the next 5 years, concrete objectives that they themselves have fixed, such as targets for increasing the share of renewable energy sources,’ explained Michael Geißler, FEDARENE Secretary General. ‘We are proud of the dimension this initiative has taken. Lets’ not forget that when it was launched in March this year, only 8 pioneer regions had signed this Declaration!’ declared Constantin Ostaficiuc, President of the AER ‘Social Policy and Public Health’ Committee and President of Timis County (RO). ‘This is a perfect illustration of what the AER is: a network of regions that, by working together, increase their political weight before the institutions and become a natural and strong partner in the formulation and implementation of European policies,’ Mr Ostaficiuc concluded.

Background:
FEDARENE is the premier European network of regional and local organisations which implement, co-ordinate and facilitate energy and environment policies. Regional and local agencies, ministries and departments working in these fields, are represented. FEDARENE has 65 member regions from 15 European Union countries. www.fedarene.org

For more information: [email protected]

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