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Monitoring regionalisation has always been one of AER's main missions and objectives. Keeping track of the developments in all European countries, in terms of decentralisation, subsidiarity, regional democracy and key to understanding where European regionalisation comes from, and where we are heading.

The section below brings together articles, interviews, publications from members and experts across Europe to keep track of the State of the Regions in Europe.

Cocktail Debate: a new concept to discover in London

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A brand new concept, combining pleasant times and useful discussions, we are proud to introduce you with our first Cocktail Debate to take place on 21 March in London, at 5 PM, in the framework of the AER Committees’ Spring Plenary. After the opening conference on sustainable financing for the regions, all participants are invited to a networking drink to celebrate reunions with your peers from Europe or simply top get to know each other better.

To introduce this networking session, two contradictory speakers will have 10 minutes each to underline their main arguments regarding the consequences of the Brexit for subnational authorities in UK and in Europe. After the speeches, the floor is open to the questions of the audience, and we encourage all participants to continue the discussions in an informal and relaxed way, and chat over a glass of your favorite drink.

The discussions on Brexit and the many unknown consequences it may bring are still high on the AER agenda. The AER Bureau adopted a declaration in Vienna in October 2016, reminding the European decision-makers that status quo is not an option for the European regions, which was widely distributed to all European Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament.

Not registered for London yet? Hurry up, there’s only a few places left!

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AER task force on cohesion policy

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In AER, we put a strong emphasis on the future of cohesion policy and look for our members to jump in the process!

A bit of background…

In the last years, AER took part to a number of debates and workshops aiming at a necessary re-thinking of the European cohesion policy and its delivery mechanisms, as well as objectives, tools and assessment criteria. In a first meeting with Commissioner Corina Cretu, AER President Hande Özsan Bozatli higlighted the lack of involvement of the regions in the shaping of the future cohesion policy and the absolute necessity to maintain it as a strong mechanism of investments for all regions in Europe.

At the 2016 AER General Assembly in Nordland (NO), the members decided to get the grips with the future of EU regional policy and appointed Mr. Michiel Rijsberman, Regional Minister in the Province of Flevoland (NL) and AER Bureau member, as Rapporteur on the future of cohesion policy. In the next weeks and months, AER took an active role in the initiative for a “Strong renewed regional policy post 2020 for all regions“, signed by more than 300 Presidents of regions.

At the occasion of an AER Breakfast Briefing on 28 September, various paths were explored to align positive thoughts and stand united for the future of cohesion policy, followed by a conference and the handover of the Book of Signatures to Corina Cretu (EU Commissioner for Regional Policy), Iskra Mihaylova (Chair of the European Parliament’s REGI Committee), Peter Javorcik (Permanent Representative for the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union) and Markku Markkula (President of the European Committee of the Regions).

The AER Bureau gathered in Vienna on 24 October discussed the consequences of the Brexit for the European project, and dedicated a wide part of their declaration “status quo is not an option for the European regions” to the importance of regional policy to avoid populism and bring the citizens closer to Europe. On 9 November, in the framework of the Committees’ Autumn Plenary in Izmir, members decided to set up a task force on cohesion policy post-2020, chaired by Michiel Rijsberman.

Moving on with concrete proposals

A questionnaire (still possible to answer!) has been set up to get a comprehensive overview of the elements at stake for the AER members, and the first results will be discussed and assessed during the first meeting of the Task Force in the framework of the Committees’ Spring Plenary in London, on 23 March 2017.

Four main areas have been identified for the work of the Task Force:

  • Simplification & audit
  • Cohabitation with other fund and programmes
  • Multi-level governance & gold plating
  • Philosophy of the Regional Policy and long term vision

Some of these topics have already been partly addressed and introduced to Commissioner Corina Cretu. You can also find her latest speech on the topic here, which was presented to the head of regional offices in Brussels on 20 february 2017.

How can you take part?

  1. It is still possible to take the questionnaire to voice your region’s interests, objectives and ideas
  2. You can join the Task Force and take an active role in drafting the AER position on the future of cohesion policy
  3. Bring some innovative ideas with you and join us for the meeting of the Task Force in London (23 March 2017)
  4. Take part in the Bureau meeting in Lower Austria (AT) and join the discussions for the political declaration (1 June 2017)

Contact

For any question, please contact us!

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A stronger regional policy means a stronger Europe

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Last week European Commissioner Corina Cretu published an article on the need for Europe to build on territorial cohesion: “Cohesion Policy alone won’t heal Europe, but Europe won’t heal without Cohesion Policy”. This idea which is very dear to AER, is particularly relevant in the current geopolitical context and is the foundation of the new AER political priority: A Strong Europe.

Commissioner Cretu identifies climate change, populism and ineffective communication as major challenges for Europe and reasserts the need for a policy, which is close to citizens’ needs and visible to citizens.

And indeed Cohesion Policy is key to turning speeches into actions: This is why AER members gathered last September to demand a strong renewed EU Regional Policy after 2020. Under the leadership of Lower Austria (At) and the Assembly of European Regions, 337 political representatives of regions from 22 member states (71,5% % of EU population) and 5 interregional organisations signed a common declaration to demand the continuation of a EU Cohesion Policy for all regions after 2020.

Beyond speeches

Action for climate change, Corina Cretu says, needs to be concrete and go beyond discussions and declarations, “2017 will be about implementing, taking measures to defeat climate change in the long run! The clock is ticking, we cannot afford to give time time anymore.”

Echoing the work which AER has been carrying out in 2016, in particular on the occasion of the  “Communication and Actions in times of crisis” in Timis, the Commissioner underlines how important communication is to counter populist slogans “Institutions, including traditional media, have been slow to react to the technological and societal revolution that has engulfed the world”. This makes it necessary to use different communication channels, improve direct contact with citizens, but more importantly to provide meaningful content.

Europe is good news

“Europe is good news, however it is not always perceived as such. The conclusion is therefore that we are failing to share the good news with Europeans” the Commissioner states. AER members fully share this perspective as they stated in the AER Vienna Declaration Status quo is not an option for the European regions:

In order to better promote the European project and to make it clearer to the citizens, communication should be made on the level where it belongs, therefore the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity is key. Decision-makers should explain how the political process takes place before it becomes a concrete decision, thus enforcing the idea that Europe is also a political project endorsed by political leaders. Peace and democracy are Europe’s greatest achievements and should not be taken for granted; all actors are responsible to take responsibility and to exchange with citizens. We need to involve young people in the visions and values of Europe. There is a need for stronger leadership to endorse the European project and to promote its ideas and touch the citizens’ emotions. The EU regional policy remains one of the important tools to promote the concrete outcomes of European cooperation.

A solid, efficient regional policy for all

In her article Commissioner Cretu promises to secure “a solid, efficient regional policy for all in the post 2020 financial period, by simplifying access to EU funds, by making it more flexible and thus readier to react to unforeseeable events”. AER welcomes this statement and reassesses the need for an EU Regional Policy for all to remain a central policy area.

In times when investment is regarded as the way forward for Europe, it seems obvious that Cohesion policy, the main investment tool for regions, needs to be maintained. Moving away from Cohesion policy would result in more centralisation and danger of alienating our citizens. As Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, AER President said “it is a shame that despite all benefits from Cohesion policy, so many political parties thrive through Europe-bashing. We must all better communicate on Cohesion policy as it remains the most valuable and visible impact on the everyday life of our fellow citizens”.

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EFSI: a concrete opportunity for regions

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The Investment Plan for Europe, also known as “Juncker Plan“, adapted in 2014, is built around three pillars:

  • the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI)
  • the European Investment Project Portal (EIPP) and the European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH)
  • Improving Investment Environment.

The focus of the AER briefing seminar on 30 November with EC Vice president Jirki Katainen will be on EFSI, the main instrument for boosting investment, employment and economic growth in general. The total investment target is EUR 315 billion in additional to public and private investment over the next three years. EFSI has been launched together with the EIB Group – European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund – and the European Commission.

The activities on which EFSI focuses are strategic infrastructures; education, research, development and innovation; expansion of renewable energy and resource efficiency; support for smaller businesses and midcap companies.

The objective to support the recovering of the real economy after the economic and financial crisis. This is done by providing financial support to valuable projects, which can deliver investment opportunities in the local community, in a long-term perspective. Almost half of the target has already been mobilised (EUR 154 bn), covering a geographical area of 27 out of 28 EU countries. The main sectors involved are smaller companies, energy, RDI, digital and transport. A smaller percentage involves transport, environment and social infrastructures.

Challenges

As the EFSI has been integrated into the EIB Group, it is subject to its Project cycle and governance. Projects to be eligible must be economically and technically sound, in at least one of the EFSI eligible sectors, contributing to EU objectives, mature enough to be bankable and priced in a manner commensurate with the risk taken. These requirements can be difficult and demanding for regions or SMEs which may already experience difficulties in meeting their balance budget or in developing well-structured and long-term projects.

Therefore the challenges for the EFSI to become more attractive are the following:

  • improve accessibility, by information and promotion
  • provide instruments to overcome the financial gap: for instance adapting the requirements
  • provide instruments to overcome the capacity gap: facilitating the project structure, providing help to build good projects in the right sector
  • gain visibility at the very local level
  • gain credibility by the impact of the other projects implementation
  • overcome minimum requirements for the size of the projects: for instance for midcap companies the loan volume must be between 7.5 and 25mln. For projects under 25mln EIB provides intermediate loans to local, regional and national banks.
  • overcome the slow disbursement of the loan: in fact the project is signed subject to the fulfilment of pre-disbursement conditions and after signature the project remains under consideration for six months.

Pioneering regions

Here there are some good examples of projects, well developed and approved in the framework of Juncker Plan, coming from the following regions:

–Grand Est: QUAERO EUROPEAN INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (2016) France

EUR 40mln in equity participation will enable the Quaero European Infrastructure Fund to attract other investors. This Fund provides equity financing for projects in the fields of social infrastructure, transport, telecoms, energy and public or private amenities.

-Rhône-Alpes: LYCEES – REGION RHONE-ALPES (2014) France

EUR 500mln to renovate and upgrade upper secondary schools. Part of the project’s investment is targeted towards the Region’s contribution to health and medicine-related higher education. The aim of the project is to improve education infrastructure and to increase energy efficiency of educational buildings in the region.

-North Braband: EVIDES WATER SUPPLY (2014) Netherlands

EUR 175 mln to support Evides’ capital investment programme 2014-2018 aimed at maintaining the quality and functionality of its water and distribution pipelines, basins and production installations among others. The aim is to  secure a sustainable management of water supply and distribution, bringing about positive social and environmental impacts.

-Gelderland: DYKE STRENGTHENING GELDERLAND Netherlands

EUR 182 mln to raise and widen river dykes along various sections of Rhine, Waal, Ijssel and Meuse (Gelderland). The aim is to strengthen the dikes along these rivers to protect and improve citizen’s physical safety and their quality of life. 

 

On 30 November, in the framework of the AER series of events “Investing in the future: new perspectives for the regions“, the Vice President of the European Commission in charge of investments Jyrki Katainen will give clarifications about the implementation of the EFSI. Regions can share their questions in advance by contacting AER coordinator for Institutional Relations Alexandre Brecx ([email protected]).

 

Photo credits of featured picture: Benjamin Turquier @Flickr http://tinyurl.com/j9aw78z

Other related articles

EFSI & the Circular Economy

Closing the loop: funding opportunities for circular economy projects

AER meeting with Jirki Kattainen on EFSI

Getting the most out of the European Fund for Strategic Investments

 

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AER declaration: status quo is not an option

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Political declaration
Status quo is not an option for the European regions

Adopted by the AER Bureau on 24 October 2016 in Vienna (AT)

 

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) was deeply impacted by the results of the referendum held on 23 June 2016 on the United Kingdom’s membership to the European Union. Although AER expresses major concern over the outcome, it also acknowledges the results of this democratic vote and respect the decisions of the British citizens to leave the European Union.

The outcome of this referendum embodies the numerous problems we are facing in Europe today, from which it can only recover with sound and major changes. The current politically and institutionally stagnant period, which is exacerbated by the economic crisis, has to come to an end. The consequences of the British referendum must therefore be heard, understood and exploited by the political forces to emerge strengthened.

What should be well considered as a difficulty of the European project must now be turned into an opportunity to implement true changes. We are all responsible of breathing life into a new bill for a sustainable, green and inclusive continent, recognising our diversity as a strength. European leaders must focus on policies that will ensure territorial cohesion and the concrete implementation of the principle of subsidiarity, equality for all citizens and generations, and increasingly innovative systems. Europe must bestow a bright future upon its youth.

The whole European continent needs to learn from the current difficulties of the EU and reacts swiftly. The regions of Europe call upon the European institutions, national governments and regional authorities within and outside the European Union to take the following recommendations into account:

Vision and values

We should relaunch the political reasons founding the European integration, based on common and shared values of democracy, human rights, peace, social dimension and rule of law. This should be done first at local level, entrusting citizens and giving answers at all levels, enhancing European identity. We need to improve the effectiveness and the accountability of the political leadership, we need to enhance European vision in education, media, politics. We need an effective management of public affairs, rebuilding trust on our systems, able to respond to the present questions, threats and the opportunities of an emerging future, giving confidence and sense of stability and integrity for candidates and neighbouring countries.

Patterns and institutions

Europe has different types of regions (according to their administrative division), hence it is important to understand the different cultural and administrative differences. Institutions like the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee have a greater role to play in order to represent local and regional interest at the EU level. They should have a more proactive attitude in order to represent local and regional interests at the EU level. Subsidiarity is not just a word but a concept that is really implemented. Tax authority at the local level brings the benefits and costs directly to citizens, and it makes them more responsible by deciding how to use the money, and being accountable. The institutions at national and EU levels need to be re-evaluated: they should be more accountable, transparent and more focus should be put on economic growth. To have better subsidiarity and accountability there should be more attention to local and regional governments. Growth and social care should be based on a bottom-up approach; as a result, the needs of communities would be better satisfied. AER has the power to act in this field, and to build knowledge and responsibility among its members.

Communicate and promote

In order to better promote the European project and to make it clearer to the citizens, communication should be made on the level where it belongs, therefore the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity is key. Decision-makers should explain how the political process takes place before it becomes a concrete decision, thus enforcing the idea that Europe is also a political project endorsed by political leaders. Peace and democracy are Europe’s greatest achievements and should not be taken for granted; all actors are responsible to take responsibility and to exchange with citizens. We need to involve young people in the visions and values of Europe. There is a need for stronger leadership to endorse the European project and to promote its ideas and touch the citizens’ emotions. The EU regional policy remains one of the important tools to promote the concrete outcomes of European cooperation.

 

The European regions take their share of responsibility and will keep on working together, within the European Union, within the Council of Europe, and other forms of cooperation. The Assembly of European Regions will pursue its missions of promoting the regional interests in Europe and fostering an increasing interregional cooperation at all relevant levels. Supporting the idea of a united Europe in diversity, we call upon the European and national bodies to provide the most effective means, such as a strengthened EU regional policy, to meet the needs and concerns of the citizens and revitalise the hope of a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe.

Download the declaration (pdf)
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Field mission to the French regions after the territorial reform

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On 10 and 11 October, the AER Vice-President for Institutional Affairs and Leader of Hampshire County (UK) Cllr. Roy Perry will pay visits to various French regions, in order to re-engage and rebuild ties with them. France has indeed seen significant changes in 2016 with a major territorial reform that has led to less regions with more competences. From 22 metropolitan regions, there are now 13 new entities.

frenchregionsIt is therefore key for AER to get to know those new regions (many of them being a merge of members with non-members), to understand their true needs and priorities, and to inform them about the numerous activities and services offered by AER.  In his mission, Mr. Roy Perry will be supported by Mr. Christian Debève, the new AER representative of Grand Est (FR), the new region gathering Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine.

It will also be an opportunity for Vice-President Roy Perry to discuss with his French counterparts about the future of regions in Europe and the consequences of the Brexit for the British regions and Europe as a whole, topic that will be addressed at the AER Autumn Bureau meeting in Vienna on 24 October.

After successful field missions to meet AER members and non members in the North of Italia and in the East of Spain earlier this year, members of the AER Executive Board will continue this important work to go and meet the representatives of the regional authorities across Europe. After this week’s trip to Northern and Western France, similar missions are planned before 2017 in Switzerland, Italy (centre) and Spain.

Agenda of the meetings

  • 10 October: Bretagne (in Rennes) with Mr. Jacques Le Vagueresse, Director of European and International Affairs
  • 10 October: Pays de la Loire (in Nantes) with Mr. François Pinte, First Vice-President and Mrs. Vanessa Charbonneau, Vice-President
  • 11 October: Normandie (in Paris) with Mr. François-Xavier Priollaud, Vice-President
  • 11 October: Île-de-France (in Paris) with Mr. James Chéron, President of the Commission for European Affairs
  • 11 October: Hauts-de-France (in Paris) with Mrs. Valérie Letard, First Vice-President (TBC)

You can follow the mission on AER’s Facebook channel.

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Aligning positive thoughts to stand united for Cohesion policy post 2020

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Regions gathered at the AER Brussels office for an informal briefing to prepare for an eventful day branded “Cohesion Policy Post 2020”. 28 September will be remembered as a key milestone for regions in their efforts to be heard in the discussions on the future of regional policy and cohesion funds. At the breakfast briefing, AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli confirmed that “we have been working behind the scenes for two years to prepare for the next programming period and we are pleased to co-organise this day with Lower Austria and to take the lead for our members as we did in 2010 with the St. Pölten manifesto“.

The spirit and nature of the discussions were positive and constructive and comforted in the idea that regions stand strong when united. AER has been in constant open dialogue with representatives from the institutions to express the needs and mindset of regions. Ms Anna Magyar (Csongrad-HU) explained “I’m thankful to AER for taking up this important issue to make the voices of regions heard. We stand strong in numbers and can best show our support to Commissioner Corina Creţu this way”. The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was also present, showing AER’s constant efforts (and added-value) to include regions from non-EU or accessing members.

AER Secretary General, Mr Mathieu Mori provided some insight on the declaration that will be handed to the representatives of the EU institutions, entitled “declaration for a strong renewed cohesion policy for all regions post 2020”. Each word of the title was carefully chosen and comes with a load of meaning:

  • “strong“: cohesion policy must remain the key development tool for regions and the level of financing must be in line with the needs of the beneficiaries;
  • “renewed” (with “new”): regions accept that Cohesion policy can be improved (flexibility, transparency, simplification, accountability, etc.) and are open and positive to proposals for change;
  • “cohesion policy“: regional policy should remain a true grant rather than another funding instrument;
  • “for all regions“: although some regions are more developed than others, the tool should be available to all regions as it represents a significant incentive to drive innovative policies;
  • “post 2020“: although 2020 is some years away, the most important discussions that will shape cohesion policy are taking place now.

Mr Vasilis Margaras, Policy Advisor, European Parliament, shared insights from the briefing “challenges for EU cohesion policy: issues in the forthcoming post-2020 reform“. He confirmed that the timing of the event is perfect as Cohesion policy is being discussed in the European parliament, the Commission and the Council at this time. He identified hot topics that regions will have to position themselves on in the upcoming negotiations, including: possible combination of a cohesion fund and financial instruments; simplifications measures (lead by the High-level group) but which should also be bottom-up; the multitude of targets and objectives of cohesion policy; issues with macroeconomic conditionality; specialisation (geographic specificity) of the cohesion funds; alternative indicators to GDP for better / fairer allocation (for more information, click here)

Mr Sorin Grindeanu, President of Timis County (RO) explained “Cohesion policy has been the main source of investment in Romania and should remain an instrument for all regions, taking into consideration the principle of proportionality and specifications of each region”.

Ms Venema Sidony, representing AER Rapporteur Mr Michiel Rijsberman (Province of Flevoland-NL) gave some insights on the impact that Cohesion policy has had in Flevoland over the past 20 years: the funds helped create 35.000 jobs and greatly improved the situation of SMEs. Flevoland also has successful experience in combining financial instruments with grants and funds.

After the briefing, regions made their way to the Committee of the Regions for the official high-level conference where representatives from all signatory countries will take the floor for “The contribution of Europe’s regions to managing our future“.

 

Regions present:
Csongrad (HU)
Flevoland (NL)
Foster Europe Foundation (AT)
Gelderland (NL)
Nord-Brabant (NL)
Norrbotten (SE)
Salaj (RO)
Timis (RO)
Västra Götaland (SE)
Vojvodina (RS)
Western Slovenia (SI)

Go to the event page.
Pictures available on our Facebook page.
Read about the Summit of regions and the handover of the book of signatures.

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AER Observatory on Regionalisation contribution on regional diversity

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The AER Observatory on Regionalisation (Enrico Martial and Alexandre Brecx) took part on 21 April 2016 in the first Jean Monnet seminar in Lille focusing on the heterogeneity of the regions inside the EU. French author Edith Lormel wrote about the main findings in an interesting article recently published on the website La documentation française. The article makes a review of the main conclusions of the seminar, which can be summarised in two main ideas:

a) the diversity of European regions makes it impossible to apply a general rule.
This diversity has its roots on the different situations member states were when they joined the EU, but also on the diverse reaction of these member states to the European policies that aim to promote subsidiarity and to encourage regions to take a more active role, as a level that is closer to citizens and potentially could reduce the distortions caused by the big differences existing among countries inside the EU. Some countries have as a result adopted a regional, decentralised model of state (e.g Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Austria) while others are zealously protecting the role of a central state (e.g Romania, Portugal) or alternate measures that go in favour and against a strong regional level in their territories (e.g. Italy, France). Finally we find countries in Europe where the existence of pro-independence forces interfere with the process of regionalisation and create a resistance in the central governments to advance (this can be the case of UK with Scotland, Spain with Euskadi and Catalunya, and Belgium). The fact that a new independent state would need to go through the complete accession process without guarantee of being accepted by all MS has been successfully used as an argument against the independence in the Scottish referendum.

b) the increasing importance of metropolitan areas create a challenge for the regions.
The last 15 years have seen the metropolitan areas claiming a role in integrating territories at expense of municipal or provincial competences, and competing with the regions in some cases. This competition should be left aside to take advantage of potential synergies that will come out of the articulation of the pairing Metropole-Region; this is already happening in some small countries such as The Netherlands.

20141020_vue_aerienne_jacques_leone_860

The seminar presented as well the result of the work of a group of students from the University of Lille 1 on the conditions which make the regional level efficient and therefore relevant in Europe:

  • Legitimacy: given by the state and confirmed by the European Union through the Committee of the Regions and European funding for projects.
  • Capacity: which depends on its competences (depending on the level of decentralisation), its economic muscle, the availability of financial resources, and the geography of the region.
  • Identity: rooted on historical traits, or acquired through economical success in a more dynamic conception of identity.
  • Representation: a parliament is the traditional channel to listen to the voice of the citizens. However, more dynamic participation tools are becoming more and more important thanks to available technologies.

The meeting in Lille that is at the origin of this article was the first of a series of activities that aim to dissect the situation of the Regions in the EU. The next activity will take place on December 2016. If you want to refer to the article that gave origin to this post (in French): Edith Lhomel, «La régionalisation en Europe. Quelques pistes de réflexion», [email protected] Europe, 1er juin 2016, La Documentation française © DILA

Learn more about AER’s Observatory on Regionalisation.

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Sign here for the future of Cohesion policy

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The current programming period of cohesion policy is set until 2020. However, the discussions already started behind the doors of the European Commission and other institutions, especially as we are coming close to the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will serve as a strong working base to prepare the post-2020 period. The EU Cohesion policy, as one of the biggest beneficiary of the EU budget, will obviously be discussed as well as the question whether Cohesion policy should cover all regions or only less developed regions in the future. This could be questioned as it is the only policy solely dedicated to the benefit of the regions and as such gives visibility to the regions of Europe and legitimation of regions as such.

Each decision taken in the framework of the discussions for the MFF will impact regions. Yet, the regions are not included in the decision-making process of the Multiannual Financial Framework. We do have a voice in shaping the content of EU Cohesion policy, yet no voice with regards to the MFF negotiations.

The region of Lower Austria (AT) launched an initiative to gather all regions of Europe to make their voices heard by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU, as the regions are not included in the discussions about their own future. As stated by Erwin Pröll, Governor of Lower Austria, “(as) many European regions as possible and their interregional organisations as well as the European Committee of the Regions need to make a strong commitment for EU Cohesion policy. The more regions and organisations participate in this initiative the better is our democratic justification for this demand and the higher are the chances for the continuation of the EU Cohesion policy as a policy for all regions.”

AER took at active role in the Lower Austria initiative together with regional representation offices in Brussels. On top of the technical work, AER President, Dr. Hande Özsan Bozatli, headed a delegation of member regions to meet with Commissioner Crețu in order to discuss the first outcome of this initiative. We invite you all to join the initiative by signing the declaration by and sending it back to the AER Secretariat by 15 July .

The Book with all the signed political declarations will be handed in to the Presidents of the EU institutions at the Summit of the Regions on 28 September, with the attendance of regional and international media. The Presidents of the AER member regions are invited to attend the Summit together with the AER President, to raise awareness and exercise influence as early as possible in this key process of shaping a renewed EU Cohesion Policy after 2020.

Letter from Erwin Pröll, Governor of Lower Austria, to the AER members

For your signature: Political declaration “a strong renewed cohesion policy for all regions”

English version
German version
French version
Italian version
Spanish version
Finnish version
Swedish version
Romanian version
Hungarian version

Contacts

You want more information about this initiative or wish to remain informed about the next activities of AER regarding EU Cohesion Policy? Please contact Alexandre Brecx (+32 2 400 10 50).

 

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Acting together for the future of cohesion policy

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AER met on 19 May with Commissioner Corina Creţu in charge of regional policy. A delegation reflecting the diversity of AER members, led by President Dr. Hande Özsan Bozatli with the presence of Magnus Berntsson, AER Vice President, and AER Secretary General Mathieu Mori discussed the future of cohesion policy.

Ms Crețu highlighted her priorities for the future of cohesion policy : flexibility, performance and delivery, simplification.

AER President insisted on the following AER messages : cohesion policy must continue to cover all regions for the post 2020 period ; grants must continue to be a key funding instrument for all regions. Finally, at a time when Europe is so criticised, it is crucial that the policies which benefit in the most concrete and closest manner to the citizens be continued.

AER is involved in the initative on the future of cohesion policy which gathers hundreds of European regions. On behalf of this group, Ms Ilse Penders-Stadlmann (Niederösterreich-AT) highlighted the importance of the political backing that cohesion policy must come from the regions. In order to strenghten Commissioner Crețu’s messages on the importance of the policy, AER members and all members of the initiative will gather hundreds of signatures from regional presidents on a joint political declaration to strengthen cohesion policy. These signatures will be presented to the Presidents of European institutions on the 28th of September at the occasion of a big rally of regions in Brussels. AER President will be present and we already invite our members to block their President’s agenda. The political declaration has now been finalised. AER will circulate it to its members to get the signature of their Presidents.

Ms Sidony Venema (Flevoland-NL) presented the Commissioner with a report with recommendations on how to simplify the access to structural funds and the auditing process. Commissioner Crețu assured us that proposals for more flexibility and simplifications will be made during the midterm review and the post 2020 discussions.

Mr Mitar Vasiljevic (Vojvodina-RS), as a representative of a non-EU member, stressed the fact that his region like many others on the road to accession, are following these discussions very closely and are working hard in order to be ready to gain access to regional funds once they will become members.

 In short, AER backs Commissioner Cretu’s efforts to continue cohesion policy. This support is very much appreciated and needed. We therefore count on all AER members support. You can show your support by signing the political declaration on cohesion policy that we will send out to you in the very near future (or contact Alexandre Brecx for more information).

Meeting pictures

13243924_699022600246850_4197106066020245832_oCommissioner Corina Creţu and AER President Hande Özsan Bozatli

Meeting Commissioner CretuThe AER delegation with Commissioner Corina Creţu and her team

IMG_0315AER Vice-President Magnus Berntsson and Commissioner Corina Creţu

IMG_0568Mrs. Ilse Penders-Stadlmann, Head of the Brussels office of Lower Austria (AT) presenting the initiative on cohesion policy to Commissioner Corina Creţu

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Regionalisation in Romania

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Gratian Mihailescu, AER expert on regionalisation issues, was invited at Adevarul live to comment latests statements of Romanian prime minister Dacian Ciolos regarding decentralisation and reform of public administration.

The Romanian government is concerned about three main aspects:

  1. a) fragmentation at decision level of local government, especially in rural areas, but also at regional level
  2. b) serious problems of coordination and integration of various development programs financed from national funds or European at all levels: local, county, regional, national.
  3. c) financial resources available to local government: their low incomes and the fact that majority of local authorities rely almost exclusively on funds transferred from center authorities (taking into account the political color of the mayor or president of the county)

Regarding the debate of the regionalization there are 3-4 types of alternatives which could be the starting point of the debate.

  1. Association between different counties in order to develop projects
  2. Establishing 8 administrative regions (established on structure of NUTS 2 development regions) as a third level, maintaining the intermediate level – county councils.
  3. 8 administrative regions without 42 counties
  4. Smaller administrative regions (15-18), created by the merger of 2-3 counties based on socio-economic criteria

Mr Mihailescu explained in the TV show that the technocrats government led by prime-minister Ciolos made this decentralization/regionalization proposals which should be implemented by political class, after the elections (local, national) from 2016.

Watch the interview here.

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Together with AER, push for a better recognition of Rurality !

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AER members represent the diversity of Europe. A bit more than 50% of our members are composed mainly of rural areas. A lot of focus is currently put on the EU urban agenda. Yet, a sound territorial development will only happen if urban and rural connect cleverly. It is therefore important to think and discuss the future of European rurality.

This is why AER has signed the appeal of its partner network, the European Countryside Movement, to push the European Commission to produce a white paper on rurality in order to force Europe to have this discussion.

Current development policies generate significant imbalances between cities and countryside. The gap is growing and leads away from the territorial cohesion required by the Maastricht Treaty.

The inequality of residents and local stakeholders in terms of access to public services is growing. The falling levels of health, transport and safety services in rural territories gives inhabitants cause for concern and frequently results in a feeling of abandonment.

The same applies with the quality of the basic infrastructure necessary for development, such as high-speed broadband or mobile telephony. That imbalance is especially damaging for rural territories as Europe has turned more and more to developing a digital society in which the ability to communicate is essential to produce, to sell or to consume.

The contributions that rural territories, with their diversity, can make to the inclusive, sustainable and smart growth aimed at by the Europe 2020 Strategy are under-recognised and under-exploited. The current European policies fail to develop all the rural potential: the situation calls for a major evolution!

We therefore invite all our members, to join us and sign the appeal here.
You can read the full position paper here.

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Broadening your horizons

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In the wake of the AER initiative for revitalising democracy, we are pleased to advertise a symposium where our Vice President for Institutional Affairs, Roy Perry, will speak. The international institute of municipal clerks is organising on 2 and 3 June 2016 an international gathering of civil servants and thoses working in democratic services to discuss the challenges of serving local communities. This conference will be a good opportunity to compare local government democratic systems around the globe with a focus on Europe.

You can find further information about the programme and registration details here.

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AER New Year’s Resolution: 2016 – a year for democracy

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“Democracy, human rights and civic participation are entwined. One is not possible without the others.” AER President, Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, explains the reasoning behind the 2016 theme, Revitalizing democracy.

2015 has been a challenging year for Europe. Rising unemployment in many countries, divisions on the attitude towards a historic influx of refugees, economic growth weaker than on other continents, terrorist attacks in various countries and a growing feeling among citizens that the European Union, national governments and politics in general are not always measuring up to the challenges.

The AER Fall Bureau’s political discussion on “Facing the refugee crisis”, concluded that the European crisis challenges the social cohesion of our societies and puts into question our values and democracies as such.

Important role for the regions

“This is where AER and its member regions have an important role to play. We know what it means to bring a diversity of cultures, political traditions and thinking together”, Dr Bozatli continues.

“Multilevel governance and a strengthened position for the regions are key elements in finding solutions. In fact, AER, as an organisation, is a symbol in itself of true diversity and a forum for political exchange and debate. It is what brings value to our discussions and exchanges.”

Participation and multilevel governance are key to Democracy

AER has always focused on multilevel governance and participation as the basis for analysing the problems citizens are facing and also for finding the best long-term solutions. Solutions based on principles of solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility, as was underlined during the Fall Bureau’s discussion.

The Executive Board proposes that all activities taking place in 2016 within AER should demonstrate how they contribute to reinforcing democracy. The outcome of our activities must be visible and beneficial, to the citizens and all regional stakeholders who rely on AER’s contributions for the development of regional policy in Europe.

Concrete activities

There are several examples on how this will be achieved by the AER Committees. All policies that give the right tools to citizens to innovate, become entrepreneur, promote their culture, access good living conditions including health are and will continue to be at the heart of AER’s work.

Promoting regions with the launch of the AER report on the state of regionalism in Europe; the preparation of the post-2020 period on cohesion policy and structural funds and looking at what others are doing through inter-regional cooperation including cooperation with non European regions through the transatlantic leadership initiative with the USA in 2016.

Countering radicalisation through citizen’s participation, better information on how regions deal with refugees, support to youth involvement, could also be added to the list.

Results are needed

And words are of course not enough, finalizes Dr Bozatli:

“We have to show results. Our role is to provide tools for leadership to the politicians in our member regions. Their citizens will appreciate good local and regional politics and management. This is the basis for their confidence in democracy and in political answers to their problems.”

“We need to value and nurture our diversity. I am more than ever convinced that working together can also mean making use of the power of sub-national diplomacy, to be open to different perspectives and to take into account the complexity of the situation.”

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Report on regionalisation: trends and challenges

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The Observatory on Regionalisation is a network of some 40 experts, from Academy and research centres throughout Europe, passionate about the state of regions in their respective countries, independent from the AER and contributing on a voluntary basis to publish this comprehensive study and overview of the State of Regions in Europe.

After publishing the individual country reports, the AER experts are now faced with the challenge of drawing conclusions and an overall analysis of the situation in Europe.

Enrico Martial former Director of the Italian Conference of Presidents of Regional Assemblies, and former Secretary General of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE) presented the first trends and challenges identified by the experts at the AER General Assembly on 1 December 2015 in Brussels.

Trend 1: Regionalisation as a “European reform”

For many member States of the last accession phase, for the three States which signed an association agreement in 2014 and for candidate states, “regionalisation” is understood as a way to strengthen it’s European dimension or even as compulsory reform. Some states succeed in this process like Poland, others are on the way, like Ukraine but some of them should face internal challenges and resistances, on centralisation and minority specialities.

Trend 2: An ideal model for federalism?

Germany and Austria have developed highly effective models in their respective countries and these are often perceived as being ideal. But not only are these two models different from one another, they also cannot be applied blindly to other countries. Specificities and minorities need to be taken into account for each country in order for the model to be effective.

Trend 3: “A step back and a step forward”

Reforms towards more and less decentralisation are happening simultaneously across Europe. France is moving towards a merging of regions with a risk of losing local identity and moving away from citizens. Italy on the other hand is removing a level of governance (the provinces) and transferring all concurrent responsibilities back to the central government thus resulting in more centralization. On the other hand, in both cases we can see more regionalisation: Italy is setting up a Senate of the regions, France will give more responsibilities to regions in economic development.

Trend 4: When independence knocks on the door

Catalunya and Scotland are the most recent and active examples of regions trying to gain their independence. Others have taken a step back in their efforts, such as Flanders and Basque Country, and there are some claims for independence in other European countries. The search for independence is quite different today than it was historically because of the presence of the EU regulating many policies and the juridical framework. Namely, becoming independent would require these regions to follow the full accession process before integrating the EU.

Trend 5: when Regionalisation is “business-as-usual”.

In some countries, reforms and progress are taking place without making the headlines, such as in Denmark and The Netherlands. Many good practices in participation, transparency and effectiveness are available and should be shared through the AER.

Challenges:

  • The process of regionalization is still on the move in Europe, both with centralization and decentralisation effects
  • Regional democracy as political background, improving the participation of people and citizens on decision making process and control
  • Better  economic development with fair and good Regions: a path in the reforms in many Countries, in the whole Europe, from Poland and Romania to Italy and France

Media

The Romanian Television assisted to the presentation and interviewed Enrico Martial and Gratian Mihailescu about the state of regionalisation in Europe, and Romania (report in Romanian, interview in English)

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