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Advocacy Training for Young European Activists – Europe is what you make of it!

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The Assembly of European Regions, in partnership with JEF, is organising a training seminar on advocacy that will offer 30 young Europeans the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the European Institutions and the Youth Strategy, as wells as develop advocacy plans to promote their rights and priorities among local and regional authorities.

The training seminar is being organised as part of the “Y-FED: Europe is what we make of it” project. The Y-FED project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the EU with the aim of empowering youth in the European and regional political dialogues and, in turn, building an Europe that it is closer to its young citizens.

The training seminar will be held from the 4th to the 6th of March 2021 in an online learning format and will be conducted in English.

It will adopt methodologies from non-formal education to provide young citizens with the necessary competences and resources to boost their active citizenship. It includes sessions on the European Youth Strategy and its Youth Goals leading to the development of regional and local advocacy plans focused on one out of the eleven European Youth Goals.

Throughout the training seminar, young citizens will develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to become Youth-Ambassadors in their local and regional contexts. At the same time they will design, organise and implement advocacy actions at a local and regional level. As a result of the training, participants will:

  • Strengthen advocacy skills; 
  • Strengthen advocacy tools;
  • Become acquainted with the European Youth Goals;
  • Develop knowledge on the principles of multi-level governance and subsidiarity;
  • Develop the skills to interact with decision-makers;
  • Develop an advocacy plan.

The training seminar will be composed three modules that will be completed throughout 10 hours.

Welcome and Introduction   (Thursday 4th March  17:30 – 18:1o CET)

The training will be opened by AER Secretary General, Christian Spahr, who will welcome the participants and share the objectives of the Y-FED project and the training seminar.

A round of ice-breaking presentation will take place before the kick of the sessions so to know more about the participants, their motivation to attend the training and expectations.

1. Thursday 4th March, 18:00 – 20:00 CET  European Module: The European Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the European Youth Goals

The training seminar will start with the introduction to the European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the European Youth Goals, which outline the main challenges that young people face in their daily lives and present the vision for a Europe that enables young people to realise their full potential.

2. Module on Youth and Regions: How can young people be engaged in the political development of their region? (Friday 5th March, 18:10 – 20:10 CET)

This session will focus on enhancing participants’ knowledge on the principles of multi-level governance and subsidiarity and deepening the understanding of active youth participation in the democratic and political life at regional and local level.

This session will be accompanied by some practice examples on how young people can be engaged in the political life of their regions. The module will analyse and present several examples from across Europe about how local and regional authorities have been involving their young citizens in the development, implementation and evaluation of youth policies, and other policies that are most relevant to them. These good practices will serve as the ground for the development of participants’ advocacy plans.

3. Module on advocacy: Introduction to advocacy and development of an advocacy plan (Saturday 6th March, 10:00 – 13:00;  14:00 – 17:00 CET)

The objective of this module is to build participants’ competences and provide them with the tools required to advocate for youth participation at local, regional, and European levels. Trainees will work in groups of four and each group will jointly develop an advocacy strategy to advocate for one of the previously presented European Youth Goals and address the action to a regional authority from the following countries: Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Malta, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain.

The developed advocacy strategy will serve the participants as a basis for the implementation of local and regional actions, activity which will follow the training.

Closing remarks and follow-up activities (Saturday 6th March, 17:00 – 17:20)

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OF THE ADVOCACY TRAINING HERE! 

Following the conclusion of the training seminar, participants will have the chance to engage with local and regional authorities across Europe by participating at the AER Spring Bureau Meeting and implementing local advocacy actions. Additionally, participants will be invited to submit the developed local advocacy plan and apply for micro-grants to actually implement the advocacy plans among their local and regional authorities with expert mentoring and under the coordination of the AER.

 

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

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

Young people as change-makers

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

360-degree view

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

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

Make your contribution to the EYE programme!

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

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

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

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

Partner with AER for the 2020 EYE!

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

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

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

Photo credits: @The European Parliament

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2019 Eurodyssey Steering Committee Elections!

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Dear Eurodyssey members,

during the 2019 Eurodyssey Assembly, that took place on the 24th of October in Cagliari, Sardinia (IT), the Steering Committee members and President were elected, however, there are still vacancies available that any of you can fill!

When?

The elections were celebrated on the 24th of October during the 2019 AER Eurodyssey Forum in Sardinia (IT). However, if you didn’t have time to present your candidacy you still can do it! The deadline has been extended until 15th of January 2020!

What?

If you think this might be of interest to your region, please consult the available vacancies of the Eurodyssey Steering Committee. You may find the list of current vacancies here.

For further specificities on the roles and expectations for all the members taking part in the Steering Committee, please refer to this document.

How?

To present your candidacy send a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter to the AER Secretariat ([email protected]), before the 15th of January 2020.

Image credits: Pixabay.com

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Looking back at the 2019 AER Summer Academy in Vojvodina!

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The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (RS) hosted the 2019 AER Summer Academy, engaging almost 100 participants from all over Europe. Youth participation, equality, migration, environment and unemployment were some of the topics addressed during all the plenaries and parallel workshops. For all these reasons it was a great opportunity to discuss not only the problems that young Europeans are facing in Europe today but also the solutions and alternatives that can ensure a prosperous future.

Valuable insights and unforgettable experiences

Thanks to both the effort of the hosting region of AP Vojvodina and the proactivity of the participants, the Summer Academy 2019 became a great forum not to just discuss ideas and policies but also of informal knowledge-sharing. Some activities within the program encouraged the young participants to get to know each other and to create bonds among them.

A Tour around Novi Sad followed by a “Graffiti party” in the city beach “Strand”, the international dinner that took place on the next day, the several concerts during all the week in the Liberty Square and the Exit festival on Thursday night made the delights of the regional delegates and young participants. 

Besides that, it contributed to bringing up the importance of a dynamic and sustainable urban life in order to face the challenges ahead of us. These challenges were also discussed within the different workshops and plenary sessions. Youth participation was the main subject during the first day of sessions. The County of Jönköping (SE) and the Canton of Zürich (CH) inspired the audience through two different workshops about the importance of taking part in the public arena in order to defend the interests and rights of youth people all around Europe.

The second and the third day, sectoral concerns such as migration, equality, environment or the labour market were covered. In addition to the regions of Maramureș (RO), Østfold (NO) and Brussels-Capital (BE), participants had the chance to rely on the presence of experts from the AMiD- Access to services for Migrants with Disabilities project or Smart Coop, who provided a wider perspective than the institutional one to the debates.

Written by: Juan Antonio Gallardo Roca, Eurodyssey Trainee at Brussels International (BI) – Brussels Capital Region (BE)

Acknowledgements

The Assembly of European Regions would like to thank the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the representatives, experts and volunteers of the region whose joint endeavour ensured the Summer Academy success.

A big thank you also to the Summer Academy Organizing Committee (SAOC) members, whose compromise is crucial to uphold every year’s program.

And last but not least, thank you to all the participants, you are the reason why the Summer Academy continues creating unforgettable memories year after year!

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

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AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) is very proud to announce its partnership with the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe 20th University on Youth and Development which will take place in Mollina, Málaga (Spain) in September 2019. This will be also the occasion to celebrate the YRN Autumn Committee Plenaries themed around the UYD’S 2019 annual focus “Youth & Justice” in line with the UN SDG 16 – “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.

25 YRN members and youth representatives from all AER member regions can apply to be part of this reference platform for youth participation in Europe!

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

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

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

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

Focus 2019: Youth & Justice

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

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

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

Come to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UYD!

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

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

How to apply?

Applications are welcomed from members of the YRN and youth delegates from all AER member regions until the 12th of August. In order to prepare your application, you can check HERE the concept note of the 20th UYD and the call for activities for further information regarding the programme and practicalities.

A screening process will take place and selected candidates will be contacted no later than the end of August to confirm their participation in the UYD. The selected youth delegates will benefit from free meals and accommodation in single, double and triple rooms from 15-19 September. Additionally, the transfers from Málaga Airport and Antequera Railway Station to the venue will be facilitated by the organisation.

Apply Now!

Have a look at UYD 2018!

Photo credits: @Council of Europe

Video credits: @UYD – NSC-Council of Europe

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AER in Conversation: The Future of Europe – with Karl-Heinz Lambertz.

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During the Assembly of European Regions Bureau meeting in Larnaca, Cyprus, AER had the pleasure of welcoming President of the European Committee of the Regions, Karl-Heinz Lambertz, to discuss the Future of Europe in conversation with newly re-elected AER President Magnus Berntsson.

Mr. Lambertz arrived in Cyprus a day earlier for a citizen’s dialogue, part of an ongoing consultation between European institutions and actors at local and regional level to discuss the future of the European Union. Mr. Lambertz has participated in more than 50 of these dialogues, putting him in an unparalleled position to share the views of Europe’s citizens with the members of the Assembly of European Regions.

AER President Magnus Berntsson led the conversation and opened with the current context of Europe in the wake of the 2019 European Parliament elections – what next for local and regional actors in Europe?

Mr. Berntsson took the opportunity to share the AER Manifesto for the European Elections and incoming MEPs and Commissioners with Mr. Lambertz.

The pair agreed that in many ways it is a moment for reflection and change as newly elected politicians from the regions of Europe will come to Brussels and Strasbourg to sit in the European Parliament and form part of the College of Commissioners.

Notwithstanding this, Mr. Lambertz emphasised that the European Union must belong to its citizens;

“Europe is not just Brussels and Strasbourg, it is every corner of the union, we must go there and speak to the citizens, to make them feel that Europe is theirs.”

The CoR President reiterated the importance of citizen’s dialogue in encouraging participation and boosting a feeling of ownership among citizens. In doing so, he recalled;

“Subsidiarity is one of the most important European Principles. We must work at the level closest to the citizens. We must listen to citizens “

Wrapping up the conversation with AER members this afternoon in Larnaca, Mr Lambertz said:

We need a narrative based on values, developed by young and old, by people of different backgrounds, different viewpoints coming together to build a future for Europe.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President CoR

As a network of local and regional politicians and civil servants, AER’s views on the future of Europe are fully compatible with Mr. Lambertz’s vision for a diverse, representative and united Europe.

AER will continue its close cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions going forward.

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