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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.

Which economic competencies for regions?

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Nicolas Bouzou, renowned French economist and director of Asterès, an Economic Analysis and Forecasting Company, is also an essayist and a columnist for both radio and television. He is part of the AER Academic Centre of experts on regionalisation.

In the framework of his work within his company, he carried out for the ARF (Association des Régions de France – Association of French Regions) a study focusing on the economic competences of Regions, stressing the differences existing between Regions and the importance of coordination.

Read full study (in French) (edit this)

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European regions, cities and organisations signed the “St. Pölten Manifesto” for a better cohesion policy

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St. Pölten, Niederösterreich (A), 21st October 2011

Welcoming the draft cohesion regulations, regions, cities and their representative organisations agreed that there is still a lot to do to ensure that the full impact of cohesion policy is felt on the ground. They emphasised the importance of maintaining an adequate level of funding, a strong integrated approach to territorial development, and stressed the importance of partnerships directly involving local and regional authorities in the decision-making process.

This came in response to the publication of the legislative proposals for the future cohesion policy by the European Commission and to the current budget proposals, following a summit of European territories held on 21 October in St. Pölten – Niederösterreich (A). Speaking for the first time ever with one voice, they adopted the “St. Pölten Manifesto”, a declaration urging the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to support regional and local interests in cohesion policy.

What they said:

– “A very impressive symbol has been set with the unique EU lobbying initiative initiated by Lower Austria for the objective 2 regions in October 2010. The declaration signed by 143 regions with the demand that all regions in Europe, independent of their economic power, should benefit from structural funds after 2014 has made impact. Following this, a common manifesto of 11 interregional organisations with central demands for Cohesion Policy has been signed in St Pölten on 21st October 2011 and handed over to the competent EU Commissioner Hahn as well as to the representative of the EU Council presidency Bienkowska. In the centre of it is the positive development of regions as these are the motor of the European Union”. Governor Erwin Pröll, region Lower Austria.

– “The budget proposed by the European Commission for the future Cohesion Policy must absolutely be maintained and the economic and social achievements of cohesion policy should not be damaged! Moreover, AER believes that the best way to obtain the best results with the structural funds is to integrate them into coherent strategies for territorial development, and this can only be achieved through a closer partnership with the regions”. Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions.

– “The territorial cohesion objective can only be achieved with a substantially increased involvement of local and regional authorities at all stages. This must include direct involvement through their political leadership. As the level of political representation closest to the citizens, city leaders know best how to manage and coordinate actions to deliver results”. Paul Bevan, EUROCITIES Secretary General.

– “Local development strategies must be recognised as a key priority in the operational programmes so that urban, rural and functional areas all receive equal support, ensuring that no territories are left behind. Besides, involving all spheres of governments in the partnership contracts will ensure a successful preparation, implementation and evaluation of these programmes”. Carola Gunnarsson, Council of European Municipalities and Regions’ rapporteur on cohesion and territorial policy.

– “Subsidiarity has also its place in the debate on cohesion policy. The heightening of the awareness of all the levels of power – from the citizen to the European institutions through the Member States – is a prerequisite to make Europe a space where the citizen is respected and to make the European project one realized for and by the citizens”. Jean-Luc Vanraes, President of the Conference of European Regions with Legislative Power.

– “The importance of interregional cooperation in all existing forms is uncontested. The rapidity of the creation of macro-regional strategies demonstrates an innovative and necessary EU activity field of territorial cooperation, which is further expandable in the future and which brings additional opportunities and values for the whole of Europe”. Willi Haag, President of the Working Community of Alpine regions.

– “The European Territorial Co-operation objective is one of the most efficient policies in order to reach citizens’ expectations in terms of social and territorial cohesion, sustainable development and economic growth. The CTP that gathered Regions from the two sides of Pyrenees, requests from the EU an increasing financial support to cross-border cooperation programmes in order to ensure the Europe 2020 Strategy’s successful implementation in cross border areas”.Martin Malvy, President of the Working Community of the Pyrenees.

– “Now that the European Union is facing various challenges, it is of utmost urgency to strengthen the confidence of all European citizens in the Institutions. A cohesion policy, provided it is efficiently funded and the initiatives are coherent and sustainable, can be an important tool in fulfilling this task. Because only at the local and regional level European identity can be experienced by all citizens”. Wolfgang Platzer, Secretary General of the Working Community of Adriatic Alps.

– “We send a clear message to the EU and Member States: we want to take part in all debates affecting future Cohesion. Multi-level and transparent governance is the best framework to discuss some thorny issues, such as conditionality. We are closer to the citizens, so we should be listened and taken into account when discussing main decisions affecting us in the coming years”. Gabriele Lackner-Strauss, Vice-president of the Association of European Border Regions.

– “We should avoid transforming the European budget the adjustment variable of national budgets! In addition to not being legitimate, it would have severe consequences for Europe, its territories, businesses and citizens. We oppose any form of macro-economic conditionality: it opposes the programming dimension of cohesion policy and adversely affects the re-establishment of satisfactory macro-economic stability in Member States and regions concerned”. Jean-Yves Le Drian, President of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions of Europe.

– “The Working Community of the Danube area – an association of 42 regions along the 2880 km of Danube – has worked together extensively on the development of the strategy of the European Union for the region of Danube and brought their plans and ideas. The 1st of July 2011 marks the beginning of the implementation phase. However, the strategy can only be successfully realized if the regions continue to receive funding for their projects. This initiative represents an important step in the implementation of enhanced cooperation in the region of Danube. For this reason, starting in 2012 the Niederösterreich will assure the presidency of the Working Community of the Countries of Danube at the level of its President, Mr. Erwin Pröll, in order to deepen this cooperation”. Peter De Martin, Secretary General of the Working Community of the Danube area.

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Local and regional leaders urge Barroso to draw up ambitious EU budget and to consider their role in Europe 2020 strategy

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Brussels, 16 June 2011

European local and regional leaders called on European Commission President Barroso to put forward “ambitious EU budget proposals” in order to stimulate the economy and asked that municipalities and regions be given an active role in the design and implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy.

This call was made two weeks prior to the unveiling of the post-2013 EU financial framework during a meeting held today in Brussels between the presidents of associations representing local and regional authorities, the President of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes Bresso, and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.

The local and regional leaders stressed that the new EU budget must be “substantial” if it is to respond to the challenges ahead and to support economic recovery. A fair share of the upcoming budget should be dedicated to cohesion policy and could, if needed, be based on own resources.

Local and regional leaders also underlined that the Europe 2020 strategy must create a sense of “ownership” among all levels of government, as a large number of the strategy priorities concern local and regional authorities.

Finally, local and regional leaders stressed that political developments at the EU’s external borders are a historical challenge that requires new and effective solutions.

Committee of the Regions President Mercedes Bresso said: “The Commission must now send a clear signal to economic policymakers and citizens. The future budget has to reflect the EU’s new ambitions and the irreplaceable role of cohesion policy in supporting public and private investment. It must empower local and regional authorities, and must support their efforts to deliver the Europe 2020 targets.” Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, First Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions and President of the Murcia region (Spain), added: “We also need a more flexible EU budget. My home region, Murcia in Spain, was recently hit by a devastating earthquake. Recovery efforts will require large amounts of money and will have a great impact on our regional development priorities and spending. However, our EU regional aid programme was agreed in 2006 and runs until 2013. In the future, we should be able to quickly realign available EU funding to respond to such situations. In general, more flexibility will be desirable.”

Jean-Yves Le Drian, President of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and President of the Bretagne region (France), underlined: “Solidarity is the root of Political Europe. Without solidarity, Europe would have been no more than an economic free trade area. This solidarity is currently being undermined by issues related to financial stability and the overall amount of the EU budget. I am very concerned once again to see the Europe of tomorrow being shaped within the confines of the Member States, with no involvement on the part of the regions and no strong and clear goal. For this reason, we are asking for a coherent budget capable of meeting the goals of the tomorrow’s Europe and giving prominence to a cohesion policy for all regions and all citizens.”

Partnership makes a difference

Jean-Luc Vanraes, President of the Conference of European Regions with legislative powers (REGLEG) and Minister of the Brussels-Capital Region, responsible for Finance, the Budget and the External Relations, emphasised: “Giving a central position to subsidiarity is to defend our democratic values. The heightening of the awareness of all the levels of power – from the citizen to the European institutions through the Member States – is a prerequisite to make Europe a space where the citizen is respected and to make the European project one realized for and by the citizens.”

Annemarie Jorritsma, Co-President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and Mayor of Almere (Netherlands), called on “the European Commission President to bring the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty to life by supporting a system of governance in partnership. European, national, regional and local authorities must cooperate in a spirit of partnership if we hope to successfully address the challenges Europe is currently facing. We need to notably mobilise citizens, industries, academics and NGOs, and invite them to join us in achieving true territorial development and cohesion in Europe.”

Reform of cohesion policy

Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) and First Minister of the German-speaking Community in Belgium, stated: “European territorial cohesion has a fundamental meaning in border regions. They are areas where Europe grows together, but they also face important obstacles and challenges, even 20 years after the completion of the internal market. A strong cohesion policy is an essential instrument for these areas.”

Nazario Pagano, President of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE) and President of Abruzzo Regional Council (Italy), said: “In support of the position expressed by the European Parliament on 8 June, the European Commission should introduce a category of “intermediate Regions” whose level of per capita GDP is between 75% and 90% of the EU average, for the future planning period of European structural funds. In the light of the recent Mediterranean crisis, recognition of a “common European border” and an appropriate revision of the Schengen provisions would be desirable. On behalf of the many CALRE Regions having to deal with migratory flows, I call on the European Commission to continue its dialogue with the Southern Mediterranean countries on the themes of migration, mobility and security.”

Strong European neighbourhood policy

Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Vice-President of the Ile-de-France region, underlined “We welcome with satisfaction the recent EU communication on the reform of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which will help to ensure the political stability of certain eastern European states. As regional democracy is a key element of any progress towards democratisation, the regions should become true partners, and not merely beneficiaries, of the ENP. These voluntary politics should also be extended beyond the borders of Europe, particularly in light of the recent developments in North Africa, to support the people. Together, strengthened by our experiences, we should help these new democracies carry out their decentralisation process.”

For more information: [email protected]

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2nd Annual European Regions Energy Day

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Two years into their groundbreaking partnership, The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and GE Energy continue to pave the way towards a new and efficient energy future for Europe and its regions.

Brussels, Belgium – April 12th 2011

Today marks the 2nd Annual European Regions Energy Day, a unique event of its kind in Brussels and a key date in the European energy calendar. This two-date event is co-organised by AER and GE Energy and represents an important step in the renewal of regional energy policies.

Hosted by the German Land Baden-Württemberg, the event welcomes regional decision makers and European energy experts under this year’s theme, ‘Investment in sustainable energy – Regions as motors for growth and innovation.’ Together they will discuss energy investments from a European and regional perspective and formulate policy recommendations, highlight the importance of regional actors and present good practice examples from regions from all over Europe.

The European Regions Energy Day demonstrates the success of both territorial action and public-private cooperation in the face of an unprecedented energy crisis – dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, risk of energy scarcity and changing climate. While nations fail to address these challenges, regions, acting side-by-side with the industry, take them up fruitfully. From offshore wind clusters in South Denmark, innovative waste heat recovery systems in Hampshire (UK), electric cars in Açores (P) to energy efficient measures introduced in medium sized enterprises of Baden-Württemberg (D) and concrete energy management actions undertaken by the regional energy agency of Maramures (RO) – European Regions’ Energy Days unveil those surprising and truly innovative stories from every corner of Europe and bring the regional creativity in stimulating green energy concepts to light. When it comes to advancing smart growth and turning promise into practice, Europe should definitely take inspiration from regions.

Among the speakers are EU Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions, Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy for Western Europe and Northern Africa, and Martin Eggstein, Head of the Unit Policy, Sustainability, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation of the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport Baden-Württemberg (D).

“This event demonstrates to all stakeholders how European Regions confront energy threats and prepare for a sustainable future. As is often the case, a change of perspective gives a new appreciation of changes underway, and a break from the pervasive pessimism,” said Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions.

“This day represents an important stage for GE-AER partnership. We are convinced that this event will accelerate the energy transition of regions and will benefit the development of energy sustainability at European level. Regions take their future into their own hands in a responsible and autonomous way, especially in respects to energy, which is an issue that affects the daily life of all citizens” said Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy for Western Europe and Northern Africa.

The AER’s latest survey was also presented during the event. The study looks at energy investment and highlights the importance of regional investment in energy projects. Based on contributions from 27 AER member regions from 17 countries, the report shows the various and non-standard essential funding solutions that regions are already employing to achieve the EU 2020 energy goals.

The European Regions Energy Day also serves as a dynamic platform from which to release a new report. The REFER Report looks closely at the challenges facing Europe and its regions and the energy efficient solutions they are employing and features research from the soon-to-be-released ‘Delta Study’, an exclusively commissioned report, by GE Energy, into understanding the benefits of supply-side energy efficiency.

About GE Energy and the AER

In May 2009, the Assembly of European Regions – Europe’s largest network of regions – and GE Energy, an established European and global player, launched “European Regions Energy Day”, a joint initiative to tackle the energy challenges facing European regions today and to promote possible solutions. It is the first summit to bring together regional decision makers and European energy experts and will be held annually in Brussels, Belgium from the end of April 2010.
The European regions are a key player in the choice of the energy solutions to be implemented in their territories. That is why Michèle Sabban, AER President and Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy Western Europe & North Africa, have joined forces to address climate change issues at a regional European level. The partnership creates a unique gateway between globally renowned energy experts and regional public decision makers; it also supports the European Union’s energy and environment strategy while creating a benchmark centre of expertise and solutions in the energy field for all the European regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER Recommendations on the Future of Cohesion Policy post-2013

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Towards a territorially-based policy for all Europeans?

Adopted on 26 November 2009 at the AER General Assembly

Extract: It is essential that cohesion policy remains European. The current division of tasks between the European Commission and the Member States should be continued. In order to improve the efficiency of the policy and fully follow the line opened by the concept of “territorial cohesion”, the AER recommends the full adoption of a place-based approach, the creation of tripartite agreements for voluntary regions and of a Council of Ministers for Cohesion policy, as suggested in the Barca report. EU regional policy’s first goal is economic, social and territorial cohesion. That means giving all European citizens equal opportunities wherever they live in Europe. Beyond this main goal, cohesion policy should be given clearly identified objectives as well as priorities in line with the main challenges coming ahead. The challenges include climate change, the economic crisis, demographic change, and migration.

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Appeal to Copenhagen Climate Conference

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Strasbourg, 2 November 2009 

To the Presidents of the AER member regions

Dear President,
Limiting global temperature rise is an immense and urgent challenge that will require  an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation among all levels of government around the world. Regional governments are an important part of this  equation as drivers for innovation and implementers of climate policies. As the world prepares for the United Nations (UN) Climate Conference in Copenhagen, it is crucial that the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (i.e., national governments) recognize the roles of sub-national leaders in achieving our common climate goals.

While only national governments can negotiate at the UN Climate Conference, nations increasingly recognize the contributions of their sub-national leaders. Various levels of government (either named specifically or through references to “all levels” of government) are mentioned approximately 100 times.  Currently, sub-national governments are mentioned in all areas covered by the preparatory Working Group, namely “shared vision”, “adaptation”, “mitigation”, “finance”, “technology transfer” and “capacity-building”.

It should be kept in mind, however, that the text presents the various and sometimes contradictory options submitted by the Parties as well as terminology that has not been accepted by all.  Therefore, current references to sub-national governments may not remain in the final outcome document (whatever form it may take).

Therefore, sub national governments should continue and reinforce their efforts to seek support from other sub-national and national governments in order to make sure that the references remain in the final text to be adopted in Copenhagen in December.

To that end, AER member regions need to approach their respective national governments and ask them to ensure at the negotiations in Barcelona (November 2- 6, 2009) and Copenhagen (December 2009) that regional governments are sufficiently taken into consideration when designing a new climate change protocol.

This concerns also the provision of sufficient funds for regional governments to implement the protocol.

In order to help you advocating this position with your national governments, we have attached a draft of a resolution that you could forward to your respective national governments.

Sincerely,

Michèle Sabban

AER President
Vice President of Ile-de-France

Download the Draft of a Resolution:

For more information: [email protected]

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Regions are an essential element in the implementation of climate policies

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Paris, Ile-de-France (F), 15 October 2009

After Climate Week in New York, the Governors’ Summit in Los Angeles and less than two months before the Copenhagen conference, the French region of Ile-de-France is joining the mobilisation of regions for the recognition of their and federated states’ role in the fight against climate change in Copenhagen, together with Québec (CDN), Manitoba (CDN), Catalunya (E), California (USA), and Bretagne (F), among others.

Today, Jean Paul Huchon, President of the Ile-de-France region, signed its accession to the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) programme “towards carbon neutral and climate change resilient territories”, which reinforces the capacities of regions in developing and emerging countries to formulate and implement their Integrated Territorial Climate Plan.

 Mr Huchon was accompanied by Michèle Sabban President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and vice president of the Ile-de-France region. Ile-de-France, one of AER’s member regions, thus reacted to the call launched in March 2009 by AER and UNDP, who together signed the common declaration “Regional Responses to Climate Change”.
Mr Huchon also officially allied Ile-de-France to the activities of The Climate Group, an independent not for profit organisation founded in 2004 to accelerate the international action against climate change. The Climate Group, which has established an international alliance of States and Regions, is working with a growing number of sub-national governments such as Ile-de-France, whose economies are globally significant in their own right and who are leading on climate change.  The exchange of knowledge and technology across states and regions seeks to advance practical policy development on climate change and act as a compelling model for their national counterparts.


What the participants said:

Michèle Sabban: “I am proud that my region, Ile-de-France, has signed today these agreements with the UNDP and the Climate Group. I was personally dedicated to the fight against climate change since my election as President of AER, and I hope that each of the AER 270 member regions will soon sign such an agreement.”

Jean Paul Hucon: “Thanks to these agreements signed today with UNDP and the Climate Group, the Ile-de-France region asserts itself as one of the major regions which work in favour of a green energy at European and global levels. I hope that cooperation with AER and the other community networks and intergovernmental agencies engaged in the fight against climate change will continue in the following months.”

 Cécile Molinier, Director of the UNDP Office in Geneva: “The Ile-de-France region is leading AER, it is therefore in a position of responsibility to demonstrate best practice. Furthermore, the region is the biggest in France and is at the heart of the debate centred around sustainable and low carbon development and the promotion of a green economy. The region Ile-de-France has a visionary and pioneering approach to decentralised cooperation with developing countries. We hope that our partnership with Ile-de-France will serve as an example and a reference point to encourage more regions in Europe to establish partnerships with regions in developing countries to support their efforts to reduce poverty.”

Luc Bas, Head of Government Relations Europe, The Climate Group: “The Climate Group is working internationally with government and business leaders to advance smart policies and technologies to cut global emissions and accelerate a low carbon economy. TCG welcomes Ile-de-France as its first French regional member and looks forward to close partnership with a region which is already showing a commitment to lead on climate change solutions.”

Context:

The partnership between UNDP, UNEP and regional associations started in October 2008, on the occasion of the first world regional summit on climate change (www.worldsummitofregions.org). The network is presently able to mobilise 1000 regions in the world and is promoting the UN programme.

This project is strengthening AER activities in the field of climate change and sustainable development. Aware that regional authorities are an indispensable governance level for mitigating and adapting to climate change, AER puts the climate stakes at the heart of international action, thereby preparing regions for serious economic, social and environmental changes.
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AER “Snapshot: Europe!” competition awards young European photographers

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Brussels (B), 8 October 2009. 

 The Assembly of European Regions (AER) awarded last night the three winners of “Snapshot: Europe!”, a photo competition for young people organised this year for the first time.
While awarding the three prizes, Eric Alira, a regional councillor from Lower Silesia (PL), said: “ Young people from Europe are aware, informed and critical. As you take a look to the photos of the exhibition, you will see that many stories are being told, some of them funny, some of them sad but all of them meaningful and dedicated to important topics.

I am proud to see that Europe’s youth picture what they feel all of us as Europeans need to improve or change. They are very engaged and critical, they do observe the world around them and they use their artistic talents to bring this message to us.

Last summer, young people from regions across Europe were asked to submit photos on three different topics. One of the six members of the independent jury, Nabeelah Shabbir, editor-in-chief and image editor at Café Babel, noted: “These are very difficult themes to find good images. But I was warmly surprised by the quality. Entrants took initiative and saw beyond the aesthetic values of the images they captured. I enjoyed how some dared to cross the borders of originality, and even the ones who were inspired by more classic themes allowed the look to linger on an image and the imagination to be stretched.”

Vincent Beeckman, coordinator for social-artistic projects and photography at Recyclart, said “the portraits and the atmospheres captured were both innermost and current for some aspects, and very anchored to our Europe’s reality for others. Participants’ talent for images expressed in magnificent portraits and superb landscapes. A very nice panel of different horizons from different photographers coming from all over Europe!”

Arno Fougeres, international photographer, opined that “the pictures highlighted a great variety of identities, the expression of a wide diversity of point of views, the pointing out of many factors hindering integration processes, and nonetheless a clear optimism and strive for a future with a wider conscience of the other and where unity and respect play a major role.”

Winners of the first edition of AER “Snapshot: Europe!” photo competition:

 Category 1: Europe on the move. Migration, integration, stereotypes.

Kai Löffelbein, Niedersachsen Region (D) – “With my photos I try to express the feelings of the immigrants arriving in Europe, hoping to stay and begin a new life in security and with satisfied basic needs. Very often immigrants live here in Europe in illegalised or insecure position for several years, fearing to be sent back ‘home’.”

Title: Very quiet here

Author’s description: The photo was taken during a naturalisation in Berlin-Neukölln. This day is very important for the migrants because now they are becoming full citizens of the country. But are these people really welcomed in Germany? A executive sets his chop quietly on a document, that’s all. The naturalisation stays an act of bureaucracy.

Category 2: European identity? Values, diversity and cultural dialogue.

Indre Zdanciute, Vilnius (LT) – “When travelling to different countries I slowly discover the art and fun of photography.  I am inspired by people, their emotions, but also by colours and unusual frames. I think that amateur photographers should be not only sensitive, but also curious.”

Title: Two girls kissing history

Author’s description: It all happened during the Vevcani Mask festival in Struga, FYR Macedonia, where the leadership and charisma of the former Yugoslav leader Tito is still alive. Two girls in masks (Lithuanian, Macedonian) kissing a happy guy dressed as Tito show tolerance as well as respect for cultural diversity, other nations and different ages.

Category 3: Europe tomorrow: sustainable development, ecology, environment.

Miroslav Argalas, Zilinsky Region (SK) – “I like walking with an open heart and catching the moments in pictures. I come from a small town called Dolny Kubin in North Slovakia, where the beauty of nature keeps me outside on walks. The camera is my best friend – I take it with me wherever I go and for whatever I do.”

Title: After the big storm

Author’s description: The High Tratas Park used to be full of green trees and was very popular with tourists because of its natural, untouched look. However, in November 2004 a strong windstorm destroyed this Slovak pride. The picture was taken in June 2008 and shows the impact of the catastrophe. It just cannot be erased or returned. We should be aware that climate change can radically change our environment.

AER “Snapshot: Europe!” photo competition in brief:

 Launched this year for the first time, AER´s “Snapshot: Europe!” photo competition gave young Europeans the opportunity to express their European identity in all its diversity.

Young participants had the chance to communicate their very personal perspective on contemporary topics and display their talent. Moreover, they had the possibility of presenting their regions to other young people from across Europe. The competition was open to young people aged 18 to 30 years, active in their regions or involved in AER youth activities such as the Youth Regional Network or Youth Team. Over 160 photos from 44 European regions and 21 countries were received.

The photos will be on display until October 15th, at Espace Wallonie à Bruxelles (25-27 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, 1000 Bruxelles)

For more information: [email protected]

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European Regions Prepare Roadmap for Demographic Change

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AER: Tackling the demographic challenges of the future requires social innovation and a common policy approach now

s-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant (NL), 5 October 2009

As the mounting challenges posed by demographic change loom large on the European horizon, an Assembly of European Regions (AER) conference held yesterday in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant (NL), has developed a roadmap to address those challenges and to exploit the opportunities they offer.

“Demographic challenges are not simply about dealing with the effects of an ageing European population,” said Constantin Ostaficiuc, president of AER Committee 2 (Social Policy and Public Health) and president of the Timis region (RO). “Demographic change varies greatly across the regions of Europe and cuts across numerous policy areas at all levels of government. But tackling the various demographic issues of the future requires a common policy approach now, and that approach should make best use of our regions’ knowledge, innovations and good practices.”

According to AER’s roadmap for demographic change, developed during the conference by regional politicians and officers from across Europe, that common approach will ensure that all people can participate in society, irrespective of age and mobility. It will build bridges between generations, ethnic communities and policy sectors. And it will encourage social innovation and new products that cater for the housing, transport, leisure and health needs of future populations.

“Demographic change is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. We have learned a lot about technological developments and Noord-Brabant is a true hub for innovation.  But we have to acknowledge that there are differences between our member regions, as well as between men and women. We need to cooperate with many actors, such as civil society, the business sector or universities. Demographic change cannot be an obstacle to our obligation as regional politicians to cater for our citizens’ individual needs,” noted Christina Wahrolin, vice-president of AER Committee 2 and county councillor in the region of Värmland (S).

AER conference participants agreed to seek European Union funding to support interregional cooperation between the regions and with other stakeholders, with a particular focus on exchanging ideas and good practices in social innovation.

Some regions are already developing innovative projects that could be adapted to other territories and populations. The conference heard presentations, for example, from the host region Noord-Brabant about the “Smart Care” project, which uses ICT as a healthcare tool, along with the “Smart Home” concept, which integrates technology and services through home networking for a better quality of living. The “Innovations 4 Welfare” (Interreg IVC) project, on the other hand, uses the inventiveness and development power of regional SMEs to create new solutions for the ageing population.

Brigite van Haaften, vice governor of the Province of Noord-Brabant, explained: “Of course, demographic challenges differ between European regions. However, I believe that the heart of the discussion is about ‘living together’ and the quality of our society. That is something that all regions share with one another and something that we are all going to have to work hard on. So there must be a great number of best practices that we can share with one another and initiatives that we can take together.”

For more information: [email protected]

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With Ireland Saying “Yes”, Regions Can Now Say “Yes, We Can!”

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Ireland’s “yes” vote means that Europe’s regions can look forward to the extension of the subsidiarity principle

Strasbourg (F), 5 October 2009

“The Irish ‘yes’ is not only a vote for the European Union – it is a vote that supports stronger, more involved and more dynamic regions in Europe,” Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) president Michèle Sabban said in the wake of last Friday’s Irish referendum on the proposed Lisbon Treaty. An overwhelming two-thirds of Irish voters supported the changes proposed by the treaty.

The Lisbon Treaty marks a greater recognition of the regional and local dimensions of European decision-making by extending the principle of subsidiarity to include all levels of governance. Thus European Union initiatives will need to involve local and regional levels in the early stages of consultations, and assess the territorial, financial and administrative impact of any new legislation.

The treaty will further allow local and regional authorities an avenue to appeal to the European Court of Justice if they consider that EU legislation has failed to respect the subsidiarity principle.

“When the constitutional treaty was being drafted, AER fought hard for the extension of the subsidiarity principle to regional and local levels,” said Ms Sabban. “And now that those provisions have been included in the Lisbon Treaty, we can look forward to our member regions having a greater say in the decisions that affect their citizens”.

AER’s president added that the treaty’s “right of citizens’ initiative”, by which one million citizens from a “significant number” of Member States can request a specific action from the European Commission, would “open up a golden opportunity for the regions.”

“Regional and local authorities, as the levels closest to and most trusted by citizens, will be able to initiate directly new European legislation,” Ms Sabban noted. “The solidarity among AER’s member regions – of which almost 200 fall within the EU zone – means that we’d have real coordination and rallying power when it comes to gathering one million signatures in support of an initiative. That is subsidiarity at work. Watch this space.”

AER now calls on the Polish and Czech presidents to ensure the treaty’s swift passage into ratification.

Notes: 
AER has been promoting the subsidiarity principle since the organisation was established in 1985. The AER Statute declares as one of the organisation’s key objectives: “To…encourage the application of the principle of subsidiarity”.

In 1991, AER lobbied for the subsidiarity principle to be entrenched in the Maastricht Treaty. In 1995, it campaigned for the revision of the Maastricht Treaty to redefine and strengthen the principle.
In 2005, when the European Constitutional Treaty was being drafted, AER helped to secure the extension of the subsidiarity principle to regional and local levels, as well as a provision allowing the European Court of Justice to hear cases in which EU legislation had allegedly infringed the principle – these provisions have since been included in the Treaty of Lisbon.

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AER and MORE4NRG bring regional solutions to energy challenge

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Sundsvall, Västernorrland (S), 23 September 2009

Politicians and energy experts from dozens of regions across Europe gathered in Sundsvall, Västernorrland (S) today to strengthen their commitment to developing renewable energy resources and energy efficiency in their territories.
The Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) “Energy Efficiency – Regional Solutions for the Future” conference presented the first results of the INTERREG IVC project MORE4NRG, which brings AER together with 11 partner regions to develop sustainable energy strategies.

“This project perfectly demonstrates that the sharing of best practices among regions – an idea to which AER has always been firmly committed – can unleash new development potential within European territories,” said Håkan Sandgren, AER Committee 1 (Economy and Regional Development) president and county councillor of Jönköping (S). “Such exchange is a primary driver for change in our regions, bringing underperforming energy policies to current standards. It also allows our regions to access the knowledge-based economy more rapidly, in line with the Lisbon Strategy.”

The MORE4NRG initiative recognises that regions play a pivotal role in developing energy efficiency policy and regulations; regions can also provide national authorities with information on what is happening on the ground and assess energy demand at local level. And, since regional authorities are closest to citizens, they are ideally placed to implement awareness raising campaigns that garner public support for the energy efficiency cause.

“How do we convince citizens to change their attitude towards energy consumption? How do we convince companies to invest in sustainable energy solutions? In MORE4NRG we learn from each other’s experiences and successes. There is exchange on different levels, strategic, technical, but also on socio-economic topics,” explained Anne Bliek, chair of the MORE4NRG Monitoring Board and deputy Queen’s Commissioner in the province of Flevoland (NL).

This holistic, hands-on approach to the energy challenge is best demonstrated by the MORE4NRG energy audits, based on AER’s unique peer review methodology. In the project’s first audit carried out in Maramures (RO) this month, an on site visit provided the host region with practical guidelines on creating an effective regulatory framework for the development of clean energies. Policy and technical experts from AER member regions shared their insight on these strategic issues through a series of meetings with local energy stakeholders and numerous field inspections.

Apart from being a forum to exchange energy good practices among the regions, AER’s conference today included interactive workshops on energy efficiency in the agriculture, transport, industry and housing sectors, with special attention paid to public buildings, SMEs and private households. The conference also presented regions with the range of funding opportunities available for project development, including recently established funding grants offered by the European Investment Bank and European Commission.

Sverker Aagren, councillor in the hosting Västernorrland county council, concluded: “I am proud that my county Västernorrland is in a leading position on energy efficiency. Most of all I think the conference provided opportunities for all participants to meet, share ideas and experiences including having an official role in politics.”

 


Background

Sound energy management has been at the heart of AER’s work for several years now. In 2006 and together with the European Federation of Regional Energy and Environment Agencies (FEDARENE), AER established a declaration committing regions to deploy energy efficient practices and alternative energy sources. Two years later and together with 11 partner regions, AER kicked off the MORE4NRG project to help the regions improve their sustainable energy strategies and to create a specific tool that measures their progress towards achieving energy targets. 

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From regional cooperation to macro-regions: Words find some meaning at AER political bureau

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Göteborg, Västra Götaland (S), 18 September 2009

As European ministers from the Baltic Sea countries convene in Stockholm, Sweden, to adopt a declaration to undertake the measures contained in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the Assembly of European Regions’ (AER) political bureau met in nearby Göteborg to discuss the implications for the regions of emerging macro-regions.“

“The macro-region concept is certainly an opportunity to focus on challenges that are important to us,” said Hans Aronsson, president of the Västra Götaland (S) regional council, which hosted the meeting. “We have been involved in the creation of the Baltic Sea Strategy and we also think that a North Sea strategy could be helpful. But the concept also raises important questions about governance.”

These important questions, and their related uncertainties, were at the heart of the debate among regional politicians during AER’s bureau session.

Professor Esko Antola from the Centrum Balticum in Turku, Finland attempted to define macro-regions as areas “covering a number of administrative regions but with sufficient issues in common to justify a single strategic approach.” He also warned AER’s bureau that any new type of governance requires strict regulation to avoid alienating citizens.

Despite these potential obstacles, Olivier Baudelet, Administrator at the European Commission’s DG REGIO, explained during the debate that: “For the regions, there is a lot to gain in cooperating better at the level of a macro-region between countries who share common challenges and opportunities.”

What, then, can the regions gain from macro-regions? As the European Commission searches for an optimal approach to macro-regions, AER is already putting words into actions.

AER president Michèle Sabban said: “Macro-regions are not only a powerful tool to reinforce citizen participation and understanding of EU issues; they can also serve a purpose outside EU borders. And that is why, early next year, AER is bringing together the 33 regions surrounding the Black Sea to address common issues in water management and tourism development.”

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Reference Framework on Regional Democracy

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The Draft European Charter of Regional Democracy not having been accepted by the Congress in the form of a convention, the so-called Reference Framework on Regional Democracy was elaborated instead. This Reference Framework was adopted by the European Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government in November 2009 in Utrecht (Netherlands).

The Reference Framework has two principal functions: to serve as a source of inspiration when countries decide to establish or reform their regional authorities; and to act as a body of principles on which the Congress can rely in monitoring regional democracy in the Council of Europe member states.

The Reference Framework on Regional Democracy was presented and discussed at the AER 25th Anniversary Conference.

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AER European Citizens Forum: After 20 Years of Transition, What’s Next for Poland?

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Szczecin (PL), 19 June 2009

Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Poland’s first prime minister after the fall of communism in 1989, joined the Assembly of European Regions (AER) to mark the 20th anniversary of Poland’s first free elections with a European Citizens Forum held today in Szczecin, Zachodniopmorskie region (PL). The forum brought together almost 100 young people to explore Poland’s prospects in Europe following its transition from communism to EU membership.

Addressing participants at the forum, Tadeusz Mazowiecki said: “I fully support the Assembly of European Regions in this initiative, as it is immensely crucial to spread information about Europe among all citizens, especially among youth. Many European countries, not only Poland, are in the course of a mental transition – from perceiving Europe in terms of ‘they’ to perceiving Europe as ‘we’. That is why we need to stress that only Europe, which is created by an active involvement of its citizens at a regional level, has a real chance of becoming an acknowledged partner at an international level. We need to make all citizens aware that they are equally responsible for the future of Europe, for example by involving people in the European elections.”

Apart from focusing on Poland’s transition over the past 20 years, the forum looked at the significance of interregional cooperation for regions such as Zachodniopomorskie, which is situated on the Polish-German border.

Michał Matlak, head of the AER Youth Regional Network (YRN) Media and Communication Committee as well as the debate’s initiator, said: “Today we expressed our solidarity at regional, national and European levels. During the meeting we had a chance to discuss the role of Poland in the future of Europe. We also had a unique opportunity to express our gratitude for 20 years of a free Poland. Had it not been for the elections in June 1989, we would not live in a fully united Europe.”

The European Citizens Forum in Szczecin was co-organised by AER, the University of Szczecin and the Higher School of Public Administration in Szczecin.

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

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Strasbourg (F), 10 June 2009.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: [email protected]

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