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‘Europe is on standby- we must adopt the budget now’ the AER warns the European Union

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Poznan, Wielkopolska (PL), 5 October 2005

To give Europe a chance to overcome its difficulties, the European Union has to adopt the budget 2007-2013 as soon as possible.’ This is the message sent to the European Council by the Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), meeting today in Poznan, Wielkopolska-Poland.

European Budget for 2007-2013
The AER strongly affirms that the priority is to adopt a budget immediately and regrets that this point doesn’t appear on the agenda of the next informal summit meeting between Heads of State (27th-28th October). ‘We cannot wait until the Austrian Presidency – 1st semester 2006 – for its adoption. The process after adoption will take time, as the States will have to determine the distribution of the budget before the finances become operational. National governments must now face their responsibilities: either to give a new input to Europe or to condemn it to years of economic and political stagnation,’ stressed Riccardo Illy, President of the AER and President of Friuli Venezia Giulia-Italy. Stefan Miko∏ajczak, President of the Wielkopolska Region, underlined that ‘this budget must take into account that the European Union has grown to 25 members. It must adequately respond to the needs of the enlarged Union in terms of economic, social and territorial cohesion and to the priorities of the Lisbon Strategy.’

The European Social Model
Very concerned by this major issue, the AER Bureau today launched a wide-ranging debate on the Regions’ perspective for the Future of the European Social Model in view of the AER Conference in ‘S-Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant-NL, on 13th-14th October 2005. Its goal is to draw up a charter of rights guaranteed for the citizens, outlining minimum standards in health and social services and the regions’ commitment to social cohesion as an important element for economic growth. The AER will closely follow the outcomes of the European informal Council summit and the Tripartite Social summit at the end of October.

The AER Bureau has taken the opportunity of meeting in Poland to encourage the new Polish government to further regionalisation in the country. ‘In today’s world it is essential to think global and act local’, stressed Riccardo Illy. ‘Regions are the right place to observe what happens at international and European levels and to respond to the challenges for the benefit of their citizens. Regions with legislative powers have a competitive advantage in this respect’ he added. The AER Bureau has also assured the regions from the new Member states that it will continue to work with the relevant services of the European Commission to reduce the administrative burden of the implementation of the structural funds.

For more information: [email protected]

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Consultation towards AER reactions on state aid and on cohesion policy

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New! Consultation on the European Commission’s State aid Action plan and on the Community Strategic guidelines for cohesion, growth and jobs

The European Commission presented on 6 July a Communication on the Community Strategic Guidelines on economic, social and territorial cohesion. These guidelines establish the priorities for the next generation of cohesion policy programmes. They will be proposed for formal adoption by the Council and the European Parliament once the legal regulations for cohesion policy and the financial perspectives 2007-2013 have been adopted.
Meanwhile, an open consultation was launched on these strategic guidelines.

On the occasion of its latest Presidium meeting, the AER has reacted to this document. We nevertheless still invite you to send us your observations.

For more information: [email protected]

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Recognising the vital role of the regions: a crucial stake for Europe

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Wroclaw (PL), 19 May 2005

‘European economic growth, which has been dynamic for the past ten years, will be in danger, if the Constitutional Treaty is not ratified,’ warned Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and of Friuli Venezia Giulia-I, during his intervention at the opening of the European Summit of Cities and Region organised in Wroclaw (PL) by the Committee of the Regions.

While opinions polls show a balance between the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ only a few days away from the French and Dutch referenda on the Constitutional Treaty, President Illy reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘yes’ camp and praises the Constitution: ‘The European Union must now reconsider its role and must express its full potential, or suffer decline.’

Following statements from the President of the European Parliament Josep Borrel and the Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner, Illy addressed the representatives of the regions and stressed that ‘the recognition of the strategic role of the regions is of crucial importance not only for the regions, but also for Europe itself.’ In this context, the regions call for a speedy adoption of the EU Regulation creating a ‘European Group for Territorial Cooperation’, a new legal instrument, which will further develop and strengthen cross-border cooperation. ‘This is a key element to the attainment of a new equilibrium in Europe, capable of guaranteeing a healthy relationship between decentralisation and territorial cohesion,’ concluded Illy.

For more information: [email protected]

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Promoting Sustainable Development: Learning From Regions’ Experience

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Azores (P), 10 May 2005

“The regions of Europe have to take up the new challenges of a rapidly changing European and global context. Growth and competitiveness depend on the capacity of the regions to enhance their self-development based on sustainability. To achieve this goal, the AER Centurio-Interreg III C Programme, gathering almost 50 regions, provides the best interregional platform for exchange of know-how and experience in three key areas of regional sustainable development: sustainable economic development, environmental protection and sustainable quality tourism. The program also offers an opportunity for developing initiatives in these priority fields.” stated Mr Carlos César, President of the Regional Government of the Azores at the Conference on “Promoting Sustainable Development: Learning From Regions’ Experience”, organised by the AER in Ponta Delgada, Azores-P.

Disseminating experiences and information gained during the first stage of Centurio (2004-2005) was the main target of the Conference, which was organised within the framework of the Programme. More than 100 participants – regional politicians, officers, experts, from Regions within and beyond the EU- focused on the following issues:
•    Public-Private-Partnership as a tool for regional development,
•    Environmental Protection: our environment, our capital,
•    Regions’ economic potential and human resources for sustainable development,
•    Sustainable quality tourism as a key for regional development.

“The Conference allowed some leading regions showing proactive approaches in the field of sustainable development” said Mr Klaus Klipp, Secretary General of the AER.

The successful projects of Public-Private-Partnerships presented by Gloucestershire (UK) and Vejle (DK) were particularly useful for the regions of the new EU Member states. The Gloucestershire initiative involves local authorities, actors from the private sector and regional partners and their main aims are to identify the needs of employers and investors, to promote the region’s economic potential, to form concepts, strategies and to establish partnerships. Vejle’s Green Network is a public private network on sustainable development with focus on continuous improvements within environmental and social responsibility. The network gathers 280 companies, Vejle Region and 9 municipalities from the region.

The examples on clusters presented by Upper Austria (A) and the Canton of Zurich (CH) were also welcomed by the participants as tools for sustainable development. The Upper Austria’s clusterland is one of the best examples how to improve the competitiveness and innovative strengths of companies, particularly SMEs, in the regional industrial and technological agglomerations through co-operation in networks. Clusters operate in the field of automotive, drive technology, plastics, wood, eco-energy, food health, technology, and mechatronics with more than 1600 partners. Zurich’s strategy on economic development also focuses on the growing importance of clusters, concentrating on the industry sectors, on the significance of knowledge and on creating networks between universities, businesses, research and development, the government and the community.

Presentations on different approaches in the field of environmental protection among others by the Region of Valencia (ES), as well as in the field of quality tourism by the Region of Azores (P) or Lapland (FI), gave a unique overview how to focus on sustainability in these areas of development. The Region of Valencia implemented the regional sustainable development strategy in the framework of the Programs LIFE, IEE, e-TEN and Leonardo as well as the projects like Ecobus, Urbanbat or Ecorice cover the priority fields of sustainability and environmental protection.

The closing presentation at the Conference was the integrated approach of tourism development in Lapland. The tourism industry’s most important feature in Lapland is offering all year round attractions with various tourism products and services. To secure controlled and sustainable development, the tourism and public sector are in close cooperation and one of the most important strategic goals are high quality and customer satisfaction.

For more information: [email protected]

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Regions of Europe back the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy

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Ponta Dalgada, Açores (P), 9 May 2005

‘The ambitious objectives of the Lisbon Strategy will only be reached through coherent European policies and the EU budget adapted to the challenges emerging from the last enlargement and globalisation’, stated Onno Hoes, Regional Minister of Noord-Brabant (NL) and Chairman of ‘Regional policies’ Committee of the Assembly of European Regions (AER).

Over 45 European regions, who attended the plenary meeting of the AER ‘Regional policies’ Committee on 6th May in Ponta Dalgada (Açores-P), highlighted the key role played by the EU cohesion policy in implementing the Lisbon Agenda and the need for true co-ordination between this policy and other major EU policies, such as competition and transport policies.

‘The Ryanair/Charleroi Airport case has served as an example of the impact of such a lack of coordination. The European Commission heard our arguments and thanks to our active lobbing, the draft EC guidelines on the financing of airports, which represent driving force behind regional development, are currently under revision’, pointed out Klaus Klipp, AER Secretary General, while reporting on a meeting with the Commissioner Barrot’s Head of Cabinet on 3rd May in Brussels.

Concerning the EU financial perspectives 2007-2013 currently under negotiations, the AER ‘Regional policies’ Committee underlined that a step back from the EC initial proposal based on 1,24% of GDP would jeopardize the EU cohesion policy, and in particular the new competitiveness objective. ‘The efficiency of this objective in implementing the Lisbon Agenda will also depend on the capacity of the European Union to enhance potentials of economic development that exist in the regions’, said Onno Hoes, while insisting on the commitment of the European regions to make Europe more competitive, with better growth and more jobs.

In this context, the AER ‘Regional policies’ Committee decided to set up, within its structure, a new Working Group on ‘Regional economic development’. Its vocation: to allow the AER member regions to identify the key factors of regional competitiveness today and to establish genuine regional development strategies which respond to the Lisbon objectives, by promoting best practices and a common work at European level. The Group will be supported by a co-operation with other acknowledged stakeholders such as the European Association of Regional Development Agencies (Eurada).

For more information: [email protected]

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Bolkestein Directive – the AER welcomes the European Council’s decision

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The Assembly of European Regions (AER) welcomes the European Council’s decision on the Directive on Services (Bolkestein Directive). The AER has insisted that the Bolkestein Directive must be revised to take better account of the European social model.

‘The regions fully support the European Union’s initiative to complete the internal market in services and to promote European economic growth,’ said Stig-Erik Westmark, President of the AER Committee for Social Cohesion, Social Services and Public Health and Chairman of the International Committee of the Västmanland region (S). ‘However, we must not forget the importance of health and social services in complementing and supporting European economic growth. The AER has repeatedly called on the European Council to uphold the European social model and not to move to the liberalisation of these service sectors, without first evaluating their special features.’

Johanna Mikl-Leitner, President of the AER Committee for Culture, Education & Training, Youth and Minister for Youth of Land Niederösterreich (A) added ‘Culture, education and audiovisual services are an integral part of the European social model and cannot be treated as mere commercial commodities. Europe’s cultural and educational diversity contribute to economic growth and competitiveness. These sectors should not be indiscriminately subjected to the internal market rules, as this would endanger the diversity and the quality of their contents.’

The AER has called upon the European Commission to first evaluate the impact of the liberalisation carried out so far in some service sectors, before proceeding to the liberalisation of further service sectors. Following the debate on Services of General Interest in 2004, the AER calls upon the European Commission to respect its stated intention of further assessing the special features of health, social, culture and education services before it takes any legislative action in these fields.

Any European action in these sectors should respect the regions’ competencies in organising, providing and financing these services for their citizens. Under the current text of the Bolkestein Directive, regions would lose their powers to regulate their schools or health and social services, because practitioners from countries with less stringent standards would be allowed to provide services according to the rules and requirements of their home countries.

For more information: [email protected]

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Thematic dossier n°8 on Regions, the driving force for development – Spring 2005

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Regions, the driving force for development

Table of contents:

  • Editorial by Riccardo Illy, President
  • Innovation, SME networking and cooperation are key to regional competitiveness
  • Working together for a better future
  • When revitalisation equals growth
  • Cohesion policy is a lever of competitiveness
  • The Union must fund its ambitions And the wait-and-see approach also has its price
  • Key factors in regional competitiveness

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We need exemption of small airports from EU Guidelines

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Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), meeting today with the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, welcomed the new EU guidelines on aviation and regional airports, as well as the Commission initiative to launch a consultation before adopting a final regulation. ‘The AER, who called for the publication of EC guidelines in order to remove the legal uncertainty created as a result of the EC decision in the Ryanair/Charleroi case, recognises that the new guidelines adopt a flexible approach, acknowledging the vital role of regional airports for citizens’ mobility and the economic development of many regions of Europe’ he said. ‘More specifically, they clarify the role of national, regional and local authorities in the provision of key infrastructure and offer an improved set of conditions for public funding to assist the development of regional airports and interregional air connections’ he highlighted.

However, Riccardo Illy pointed out that ‘small airports, e.g. up to one million passengers a year, should have the choice to decide which measures they want to take to attract airlines. A European guideline should not reduce their bargaining power when negotiating with airlines. This may also create a legal problem for existing agreements, in larger airports, usually concluded for an average duration of 10 years’.

On behalf of the AER and the European Forum of Regional Airports (FARE), who share the same position, Riccardo Illy called upon the Commission President to ensure that such obstacles for the future development of regional airports and the obligation of prior notification of start-up aids, especially for small regional airports, are removed from the final regulation.

The exponential development of low-cost carriers in Europe has significantly contributed to the development of regional airports and of a network of interregional air connections, supporting citizens’ mobility, regional economic growth and job creation, as well as increasing the accessibility of peripheral regions in Europe. The new EU guidelines, currently under consultation, must aim at creating a favorable climate for further development of regional airports. To do so, they should not impose rigid rules regulating a market which is constantly evolving, but help to clarify the legal provisions regarding state aid in this field and reconcile the Market Economy Investor Principle with the need for the regions to secure their own development.

For more information: [email protected]

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Competitiveness, growth and cohesion: the EU must fund its ambitions

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Strasbourg (F), 9 February 2005

The Presidency of the AER met in Strasbourg today and expressed its deep concern about the future of cohesion policy in the new Europe. While the Barroso Commission has just announced an ambitious initiative in order to re-launch growth and job creation in Europe, many Member States are lobbying for that the EU budget be limited to 1% of the EU GNP for 2007-2013 programmation.

‘If the Union wants to build a credible European project endorsed by its citizens, who will very soon vote on the Treaty establishing a Constitution in many states, it must give itself the means of its own ambitions’ said Riccardo Illy, President of the AER. ‘The Commission’s proposal to increase the EU budget to 1,24% is considered by our organisation to be the lowest level acceptable in order to meet the challenges of enlargement’ he added.

The AER believes that a minimum of 0,41% of EU GNP is necessary in order to adequately meet, in terms of economic, social and territorial cohesion, the needs of an enlarged Union and the priorities of the Lisbon Strategy. It therefore calls for Heads of States and Governments to make a wise decision and adopt the appropriate measures for future regional and cohesion policies as proposed in the financial perspectives for 2007-2013 submitted by the European Commission.

‘As President of the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, which is both a border and a peripheral region of the EU, I can appreciate the role played by the Region/EU partnership in stimulating private investments, the creation and innovation of SMEs and the building of our own research centres. We are today a competitive and innovative region, as are many of the other regions that have benefited from the Structural Funds. EU competitiveness could be achieved only at this price’ concluded President Illy.

For more information: [email protected]

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Services of General interest in a New Europe Reinforcing the scope for action by the regions

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Vienna (A), 26 November 2004

The members of the Assembly of European Regions, meeting in Vienna on 25th and 26th November 2004 welcomed the signing of the European Constitution as a clear sign that Europe is moving towards the establishment of a Union grounded in the principle of subsidiarity and recognising the key role of the regions in contributing to policy-making. During the meeting in Vienna, the AER decided to commit itself to support the ratification of the Constitution, which creates a significantly improved European framework for regions. The AER urges, however, the EU Member States to respect and to implement the objectives and values set out in the Constitution, notably in the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Part II), which underpins the European social model.

The current developments at European and international level, such as the review and reform of the rules on state aid, the proposed Directive on services in the internal market or the ongoing developments in the context of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) put at stake the very future of services of general interest in Europe. These are mainly delivered by regional and local authorities, in particular in the areas of economic development, education and training, housing, transport, health, care for the elderly and socially-excluded and the protection of the environment.

“Many European regions do not share the EU will to submit all our society to the logic of competition and free trade”, said Liese Prokop, the AER outgoing President. “We also strongly reject any populist arguments that suggest that governments and public administration in general are unable to think and act economically and efficiently. Many regional governments face mounting difficulties, due to the increasingly precarious situation of public budgets in times of moderate economic growth, to rationalise and save costs, and strive for social balance” Ms Prokop added.

In the Final Declaration adopted by the AER members after a two day debate in Vienna, the Regions of Europe call upon the European Council and the national governments to reinvigorate the European social model and the concept of a knowledge society, when reviewing the Lisbon strategy during the Spring Council of 2005.

“The Lisbon strategy should not limit the concept of economic growth to achieving a single market in services, but rather should take into consideration the unique nature of the European social model and how it can contribute to economic growth” pointed out Dr. Riccardo Illy, the new AER President. “We demand that the Union supports the regions’ efforts to combat social exclusion, poverty and promote wellbeing in their territories, by introducing the promotion of social policies as an important objective under the Union’s financial instruments, especially within the Structural Funds, the new instrument for pre-adhesion and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership instrument” Dr. Illy highlighted.

The General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions opposes any centrally inspired horizontal harmonising of EU legislation in the area of services of general interest, as there is no legal basis for European action in the field. It calls for a wider evaluation of the European rules on competition and state aid, on the basis of an open consultation process that includes the regions, and questions the rigidity of pure economic considerations, which guide the formulation of these rules. The AER also demands that international trade liberalisation be organised in a balanced way, through a democratic process, with the participation of all concerned institutions, including the regions, and stakeholders. Account should be taken of the established values and standards of the European Union, such as human rights, in particular workers’ and children’s rights, and social and environmental standards.

At the initiative of 21 regions of 14 countries, the General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions adopted the following resolution on Ukraine: “We, the members of the Assembly of European Regions, representing 250 European Regions, express our deepest concern about the situation in Ukraine after the presidential elections. We are convinced of the necessity of finding a political solution which will respect common democratic standards.”

For more information: [email protected]

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Future of cross-border cooperation in the enlarged Europe

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1 May 2004: European citizens build a new Europe

The entry of 10 new countries into the European Union (EU) is the result of many years of work. At the same time it opens up new horizons, opportunities and challenges for the European citizens.

On the occasion of the enlargement, the Presidents of the European interregional organisations ask for the inclusion of the regions as full partners in the enlarged EU. The joint Declaration which they have prepared, entitled “The Future of the European Union”, calls for the following measures:

European Community of values

The integration of the new citizens will be accomplished through a political community of values based on shared cultural, social, economic, and political aims. At the same time, diversity has to be respected, and the regional level has a decisive role to play in this field. “United in diversity” is the regions’ motto.

The new Constitutional Treaty

The discussions that will accompany the finalisation of the EU Constitution will offer the opportunity to discuss the basis of the EU. Of particular importance in this regard are the basic democratic principles, such as clarity regarding the division of competencies and separation of powers. Transparency, information and communication with the citizens on the content are vital in order to ensure that the Constitution is accepted by all the citizens. The regions will pay particular attention to the fields of Services of General Interest, culture, education, health and transport policies.

Cohesion and regional policy in the enlarged Europe

New flexible policies need to be developed for the Structural Funds and the Community Initiatives. Cohesion policy cannot solely focus upon promoting economic growth. It can only be successful if the European Institutions work closely with the regions.

The role of the Regions in the enlarged Europe

The Presidents of the European interregional organisations have mandated their Secretaries General with the preparation of a common White Paper entitled “The role of the regions in the enlarged European Union”.

For more information: [email protected]

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Conclusions of AER-Hearing in Barcelona: 2004 New strategic alliance

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Low-fare carriers, regions and regional airports oppose strict EU guidelines

Strasbourg (F), 23 April 2004

Wide support for a new strategic alliance between ELFAA (the European Low Fares Airline Association), the AER (Assembly of European Regions) and the regional airports, was expressed at a hearing organised by the AER on 21 April 2004 in Barcelona.

The purpose of this alliance is to prevent the entry into force of strict new EU rules that will regulate agreements between regional airports and low–fare airlines. These regulations are unanimously regarded as a danger to the successful business model of public-private partnerships between low-fare airlines, regional airports and regional authorities. The alliance aims to promote long-term partnerships and the sustainable development of both regions and airlines.

The hearing highlighted a wide variety of examples of under-utilised airports and regional authorities that have been able to form public-private partnerships, which have brought new business to the airports and to the regions in which they are situated. The ‘point-to-point’ model introduced by the low-fare airlines is successful because it links regions directly to one another, without the use of hubs, for a price that is affordable and attracts new passengers to air transport. The business model of the low-fare airlines differs from that of the traditional airlines. The low-fare airlines sell the tickets themselves, they have a fast turnaround – with an average of only 25 minutes on the ground between flights – they offer no frills, and they have only one class which allows them to offer more seats. The successful development of regional airports has been made possible as a result of strong co-operation between the regions, the airports and the low-fare airlines, which has been facilitated through the development and maintenance of long term partnerships.

The hearing allowed representatives of regional authorities to analyse the European Commission ruling on the Ryanair/Charleroi case and its implications for the further development of a very successful new market. There was consensus amongst participants that, as a result of the activities of low-fare airlines, real competition has developed for the first time in the aviation industry. This is beneficial both to passengers and to many regions in Europe, which, as a result of these partnerships, are experiencing increased economic growth in sectors such as tourism and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in a wide range of commercial sectors.

Participants argued that public and private airports need to be treated equally, and at each airport there should be equal treatment between airlines when they are operating the same types of services. However, at the same time, it must be recognised that airlines do not always offer the same types of services. The traditional operators and the low-fare carriers differ in terms of a wide range of factors, including destinations, cost structures, landing fees, types of aircraft and the investment risks of the airlines involved. There are also large differences between airports in cities and those in peripheral areas. For this reason it is not possible to develop one set of rules that apply equally to all airlines and all airports.

Amongst those questioned by the representatives of regional governments were Wolfgang K. Kurth, CEO of Hapag Loyd Express, in his function as President of ELFAA, Jim Callaghan, Head of Regulation for Ryanair, Eric Heymann of Deutsche Bank Research, and the CEOs of the Airports of Pisa (Tuscany) and Pau (Aquitaine), Pier Giorgiao Ballini and Jean Luc Cohen.

“As regions, we cannot allow the European Commission to impose the same rules on low-fare airlines and regional airports as upon the large airline monopolies and international hubs” stated Manel Nadal, Secretary of State of the Ministry for Transport of Catalunya, who summed up the final conclusions for the European Regions. He added: “Low-fare airlines contribute to the creation of a new transportation concept, which opens up accessibility to many regions in Europe. They draw new clients to regions which were previously relatively unknown, including rural and peripheral areas. They give an unprecedented push to economic development. They allow regional airports to become autonomous and viable despite downward economic trends and the attitudes of airline monopolies and national carriers, which have deserted these airports. It is our opinion that the European Commission lacks the necessary understanding of this emerging market and innovative new sector. It based its decision in the Ryanair-Charleroi affair on a very traditional view of the aviation sector”.

“The innovative partnerships between the regions, regional airports and low-cost-carriers, assisted by the AER and ELFAA, should be viewed as joint ventures that support regional and local development. This public-private partnership concept, linking together the region, the regional airports and the airlines in a long-term partnership, necessitates the sharing of risks and responsibilities. It also demands appreciation of the indirect benefits for the regions, which are a consequence of the involvement of low-cost airlines. The alliance should not be seen as an opponent to national airlines, but rather as a necessary substitute to national and intercontinental air routes”, said Onno Hoes, Chairman of the Aviation Working Group of the AER. He added: “Instead of opposing our demands the European Commission should be supportive, as this partnership allows greater competitiveness, serves the interests of consumers and citizens, increases mobility and employment, and finally helps to reduce disparities between the regions. We are prepared to meet the Commission at any time in order to discuss the matter before a final decision on guidelines is taken”.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER asks the European Transport Council to address the issue of regional airports and low-cost carriers

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EU ruling on the Ryanair/Charleroi Airport case

Brussels, 12 February 2004

The regional representatives, meeting in Brussels today in the aftermath of the Commission’s Ryanair/Charleroi decision, have agreed on the following conclusions:

1. Regional airports cannot be submitted to the same uniform conditions, due to their great diversity. Therefore, there can be no definition of what constitutes “normal operating conditions”.

2. Commercial principles, in particular relating to free competition in air transport, must be counter-balanced with consideration for the regional and interregional dimension. Special emphasis must be placed on the aspect of sustainable regional development. In a number cases long-term public funding may be required, and such funding should be justified as support for the provision of a public service.

3. The Trans-European Networks policy should take account of the interregional dimension.

4. The Regions would accept the formulation of European guidelines, if these take full account of the complexity and the regional dimension of the issue and are not limited purely to economic aspects.

5. The regions ask the European Transport Council, which will meet on 8th March 2004, to address this issue. The AER will formulate and present a preliminary political position to the Ministers.

6. The AER « Regional Aviation » working group will meet on 25th March 2004 in Exeter (UK) to formulate concrete proposals on how to expressly acknowledge and include the regional dimension in the area of competition in air transport.

7. The regions will work together in solidarity and the Regional Ministers and Executives for Transport will present a co-ordinated position to the European level. “Interregional flight connections are as indispensable for economic growth and citizen mobility as railways, roads or waterways.

They present a central feature to achieve full accessibility of the regions in a new Europe. And scientific analysis shows clearly that possessing an airport is a must and essential for every region in order to be player in the globalized world. This implies that the Commission’s approach is too narrow when regarding the matter only from the aspect of distortion of the common market.

Subsidies for regional airports and interregional flight connections must, in many cases, be regarded as public services” stated Onno Hoes, Chairman of the Working Group ‘Regional Aviation’ of the Assembly of European Regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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Sustainable Quality Tourism: Involvement of the European regions

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Strasbourg (F), 12 June 2003

“Regions and Tourism: new strategies for sustainable quality tourism” will be the theme of the seminar organised by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) on the 26th and 27 of June in Porec, Istria, Croatia.

The seminar will focus on the notion of exchange with the aim of promoting an integrated approach to sustainable tourism. This approach can best benefit local economic development if based on regional resources such as cultural and natural heritage. The increased involvement of the European regions in this field is needed in order to enhance the quality of their tourism and to stimulate the growth of employment in small and medium seized businesses.

Thursday June 26th
The first day will look at successful regional strategies. Three European regions (Jämtland-S, Generalitat Valenciana-E, and Acores-P) will present their experiences in the area of sustainable quality tourism. The workshops to follow will allow participants to discuss successful projects and ways to implement such projects at the regional level.

Friday June 27th
Based on the results of the workshops, the final conclusions of the seminar will be presented. Participants will also be informed of the new edition of the AER Centurio programme (training programme for the regions from Central and Eastern Europe) which this year focuses on the exchange of experience in regional policy, including tourism.

AER Dossier
In light of this seminar, the first issue of the AER thematic dossiers examines sustainable tourism. It should give readers the opportunity to gain a background understanding of this topic via a presentation of major challenges, quality labels, existing regional initiatives, and the necessity of establishing of a European Tourism Charter.

For more information: [email protected]

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Barcelona Conference: The future of Europe depends on gender equality

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Barcelona, Catalunya (E), 26 October 2002

The conference organised in Barcelona by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the Institut Català de la Dona on 25th and 26th October 2002 under the heading “Women in decision-making in the Regions of Europe: women and men sharing power” led to several steps forward being made in terms of gender equality:

 

Women in politics…

“The balanced share of responsibilities and equal opportunities must be fully planned for, assessed and resolved. If we do not manage to reconcile the pillars of society, i.e. paid work and family obligations, via enhanced action for the reconciliation of politics and family life, female participation in this field will remain tedious and difficult” declared Carin Palmcrantz, President of the Equal opportunities for men and women group.

Participants unanimously criticised the bad example provided by the EU: the Convention on the future of Europe, responsible for drawing up the future Constitution, has very few female members. “It is our duty to put pressure on Convention members to ensure that the future Constitution pertinently includes gender equality. We must make the proposals of the Regions heard” stated Teresa Freixes Sanjúan, Professor in Constitutional law and President of the European Law Institute. This comes in addition to the AER survey showing significant change in terms of gender representation: in 1997, only 10% of members had Equality action programmes against 55% in 2002.

… and economics

“Claims for gender equality do not only concern women, all members of society are affected” stressed Margarida Álvarez i Álvarez, President of the Institut Català de la Dona. “The struggle for gender equality is not simply a question of justice, it’s profitable” she continued. World Bank statistics prove that countries which protect women’s rights and develop access to financial assistance achieve more rapid economic growth than other countries.

Participants generally agreed on the critical nature of re-organising labour systems in order to adapt the current situation and allow both men and women to live fulfilled professional and personal lives.

The AER Equal opportunities group now intends to distribute the final Declaration adopted in Barcelona to the European Institutions and to the regions themselves. They will also ensure the follow-up to their recommendations.

For more information: [email protected]

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