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Spend your Eurodyssey Traineeship at AER!

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AER has a vacancy for a Eurodyssey Trainee to join our team in Brussels as a Programmes & Communications Assistant.

The role is perfect for an outgoing young person who is engaged in youth activism & interested in honing the communications skills.

Eligible trainees should be resident in one of the Eurodyssey member regions.

Description of tasks to be undertaken by the trainee(s)

1) Support the work of AER Programmes coordinator in the field of youth policies.

  • Supervise and update the statutory quality standards of the AER programmes: Eurodyssey, Summer Academy and the Youth Regional Network (YRN).
  • Support the organisation of AER’s contribution to the European Youth Event 2020.
  • Contribute to building up AER programmes’ membership: updating contact lists, retaining and activating members, attracting new members.
  • Contribute to the planning and management of programmes’ events (e.g. European Youth Event 2020, Eurodyssey Forum, and the 2020 Summer Academy)
  • Contribute to developing a communication strategy to make Eurodyssey more visible on social media and through the new website.
  • Collect and curate data to elaborate dynamic graphics and statistics reports for the Eurodyssey programme.
  • Assist in the preparation of the Eurodyssey Steering Committee meetings and other programme meetings.
  • Write articles for the AER website, draft reports, take minutes and prepare any pertinent working documents for meetings.
  • Carry out research activities on topics related to the programmes (e.g. youth mobility and employment, brain drain, “Glocalising” SDGs, the Future of Europe)

2) Support the work of AER in communications management.

  • Contribute to the communications strategy of AER
  • Assist in the development and management of our main communication channels (our website, newsletters and social media);
  • Support the preparation of the annual activity report
  • Come up with innovative ways of keeping in touch with our members and growing our impact.

Profile of Trainee

Qualification: Educational Qualifications/Vocational Training

We are looking for an intern with knowledge of international and European institutions and decision-making or any previous experience in a European network, interregional cooperation projects or cross-border cooperation. An interest in and understanding of the challenges for youth employment and mobility is important as well as any other socio-economic issues at stake for young people, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The candidates should also prove their competencies in events & communications management.

Personal and Social Skills

We are looking for someone creative, curious, independent and pro-active, self-motivated, full of energy, with a problem-solving attitude and eager to work in an international and multicultural environment.

Language Skills

Excellent command of English, both oral and written, is required and we consider the knowledge of French or other European languages a very relevant asset.

Information Technology (IT) Skills

Highly computer literate
Mac OS
MS Office
WordPress is desirable

Other Prerequisites/Skills

Team-working spirit

How to Apply?

Visit the Eurodyssey website and fill out the application form!

Apply Here!
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Internship: Member Relations

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Member Relations Assistant (Trainee Contract – up to 6 months) – for STUDENTS ONLY

We are looking for a motivated student to join the AER Team at our Brussels Office to support our member relations coordinator. The internship period will be for up to six months, preferably starting February 2020.

Some of your main tasks will include:

  • Work closely and support the member relations coordinator
  • Keep our CRM (customer relationship management) system and other membership database up to date
  • Provide support in updating members about AER’s member activities, projects and campaigns
  • Research on European regions’ priorities and needs
  • Come up with innovative ways of keeping in touch with our members and growing our impact

This is the place for you if:

  • You are interested in gaining experience in a European Association in a hands-on way in Brussels.
  • Ability to manage relationships with colleagues and members constructively, diplomatically and with discretion
  • You are able to perform tasks autonomously and take on responsibilities while coordinating your work with the rest of the team.
  • You are outgoing, creative and a problem-solver
  • Good level of general computer literacy: Google Docs, MS Office, WordPress, Knowledge of CRM would be an asset

AER is happy to offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience member relations in a European association
  • Be in contact with high ranking politicians, opinion-leaders and European partners
  • Learn about regions and related current European political issues
  • Work in a dynamic, multinational and multicultural environment
  • Develop personal responsibility and initiative
  • Gain invaluable experience in an international professional environment

Here are some things that make working with us great:
We are a team where everyone —including interns— is respected and treated equally
We are a committed group of professionals, with terrific people on board
We have a meaningful mission; helping people across Europe to work together drives us
We provide a place for personal and professional growth. Working with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators in an array of different policy areas widens your horizons and gives you the chance to develop valuable skills
We use cloud-based team collaboration tools, which allow us to work efficiently, keep in close contact, and strengthen our community despite frequent travel and different locations

Before applying, please keep in mind…

An internship contract must be signed by AER, the trainee and a sending University/School/Institute.

You will receive a monthly financial contribution of EUR 150 during your internship period. Travel and living costs must be covered by the intern.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will have to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements (visa, residence permit, etc.) to stay in Brussels as specified by the Belgian Law for foreigners. Health insurance must be ensured during your stay.

How to apply?
If you are interested in joining us and making AER your next professional experience, please send your CV and cover letter in English to [email protected] by 12 January, with the subject line “AER Member Relations Assistant”.

Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

Connecting regions – inspiring Europe

Founded in 1985, The Assembly of European Regions is the largest independent political network of regions in wider Europe, bringing together regions from 30 countries – from Norway to Turkey and from Russia to Portugal.

AER is present everywhere on the European continent, inside and outside the European Union. It is the political voice of its members, as well as a forum for interregional cooperation. AER has offices in Strasbourg (FR) and Brussels (BE) as well as a representation office in Alba (RO) 

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Bureau signs off on Political Priorities 2020-2025

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During the Autumn 2019 Bureau Meeting that took place on 5 December in Brussels (BE), Bureau members adopted AER Political Priorities for the upcoming 5 years (2020-2025).

AER Political Priorities 2020-2025 were drafted by the appointed Taskforce from the Spring 2019 Bureau Meeting and identified the challenges that AER should address over the next five years.

Among the priorities established in the position paper can be found:

  • Ensuring good governance.
  • Promoting decentralisation and subsidiarity.
  • Respecting and protecting social cohesion and cultural diversity, as well as strengthening intercultural dialogue.
  • Advocating for a stronger cohesion policy that ensures an enhances interregional cooperation.
  • Reaffirming regional commitment towards reaching the pre-established goals in the Agenda 2030.
  • Fostering a society that is based on the promotion and protection of equality.

Read the political priorities in full at the link below:

Political Priorities 2020-2025

About the Political Priorities

AER Political Priorities are developed by the Bureau, which is in charge of providing the priority areas for its mandate and general orientations for the work of the organisation. 

Every 5 years, at the Autumn Bureau Meeting, Bureau Members will set out the AER Political Priorities, outlining the critical issues AER will need to prioritize to achieve its mission. 

By establishing longer-term priorities, AER will be provided by a common vision and focus, with agreed-upon priorities, for a clear direction and longer-term drive of operational priorities.

Photo by Giannis Skarlatos on Unsplash

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AER President stresses the importance of regional authorities during Strategov Forum

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The President of the Assembly of European Regions, Mr Magnus Berntsson, recently participated in the 18th Strategic Planning Leaders Forum of Regions & Cities of Russia (Strategov Forum) that took place in St Petersburg from 28-29 October. The forum focused on topics such as international & interregional cooperation, digital economy, green technology and sustainable development. Mr Berntsson took part in the welcome and two roundtables, one dedicated to International Cooperation for Regional Development and the second on International and Cross Border Intermunicipal Cooperation.

During the Strategov Forum, Mr Berntsson stressed the importance of regions and cities as being instrumental in bringing about the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals. This involvement of the subnational level is of utmost importance if we are to bring about this societal change. Next year marks the decade of delivery, and while steps have been made to tackle poverty, inequality and climate change, it is not where it should be. In order to achieve these goals by 2030, there needs to be localization, regionalization and implementation of the 2030 agenda at local, regional, continental and global level – at all levels and involve all stakeholders. These societal challenges are something that unites actors all over the world. The topic of climate change was of big interest to the Russians actors present as Russia ratified the Paris Agreement earlier this year. This has initiated a process where new laws will be implemented in line with the agreement.

The European Committee of Regions noted that 65% of the 169 targets included in the SDGs require the engagement of regions & cities to be achieved. 2020 will, therefore, be a crucial opportunity to reflect on how we are doing in Europe and beyond.  We have just one decade to shift the world into a sustainable and resilient path. The only way to successfully navigate this journey is to work together, ensuring the full and effective participation of local and regional authorities as well as other stakeholders in the sustainable development and climate processes. 

Furthermore, Mr Berntsson stressed the importance of youth participation in society. Providing and giving opportunities for citizens and especially young people the possibility to engage in society and actively participate in decision making can be used to not only spread the seeds of peace but to lay the foundation of their future. Indeed, Mr Berntsson met with Anton Vakulenko, a young activist, in the promotion of the SDGs.

During the forum, AER met with different actors from the regional and local level and discussed areas of collaboration including:

  • Elissan Shandalovich, Chairman of the Assembly of the Republic of Karelia
  • Dmitry Puliaevsky, Vice Chairman of the Leningrad Region Legislative Assembly
  • Alexey Nikitenko, Vice-Governor of the Region of Arkhangelsk
  • Igor Kapyrin, Deputy Director of the Department of the Russian Ministry of International Affairs
  • Maira Mora, General Director of the Council of the Baltic Sea States
  • Alexandra Ignatieva, General Director of the Union of Russian Cities
  • Viatcheslav Kalganov, Deputy Head of the Committee for External Relations for the Government of Sankt-Petersburg
  • Toni Vanhala, Head of International Affairs from the Regional Council of Kymenlaasko
  • Laurent Bardon, Head of the Economics and Trade Section from the EU representation to Russia
  • Vera Meshko, Director of Swedish (Vasterbotten) Karelian Business and Information Centre
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International Youth Forum Dialogue

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The International Youth Forum Dialogue needs you!

Are you interested in youth policy? Do you have experiences to share on how to promote effective communication among young people? Do you want to jointly address the challenges connected to youth?

If so, then this event is for you…

When and Where:

The International Youth Forum Dialogue will take place from 15 to 19 November 2019 in Batumi, Adjara (Georgia).

Who should participate:

This dialogue platform will bring together 50 representatives from 20 countries between the age of 18 and 29 who have a background and expertise in youth policy.

The dialogue will take place in English and the LEPL Youth Regional Center will cover all costs (accommodation, local transportation, meals and other related costs) during the stay except flight tickets.

Main Topics:
  • Georgian practice of Youth Policy
  • UN Youth Policy
  • Global Trends
  • Ideas & Projects related to youth policy
How to Apply:

If you are interested, please contact AER Member Relations, Tina Wu, at [email protected].

Further information will follow very shortly!

**Please do not book your flights until confirmation of participation is given**

Regional Parliaments: host a debate on the future of Europe

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Regions shape Europe and, considering their proximity to citizens, regional governments are crucial actors for the achievement of effective democracy and good governance. In this context, a consortium of universities is looking for EU member regions willing to participate in a project focused at showcasing the role of regional parliaments in European democracy and at gathering their input in the future of Europe debate.

What is REGIOPARL?

REGIOPARL is a cooperation of researchers located at the Danube University Krems (Austria) and the European Democracy Lab in Berlin (Germany). This project brings together regional political actors with the aim to contribute actively to the ongoing debate on the future of Europe. 

What does REGIOPARL do?

REGIOPARL organises workshops with members of regional parliaments and assemblies in 15 European regions. The purpose of this platform is to strengthening democracy at regional level and consequently strengthening democracy in Europe. 

The workshops will address the regional perspective on:

  • The EU’s institutional structure
  • The distribution of competences
  • Territorial aspects of regions in Europe

What can you do?

If you are interested in getting involved, REGIOPARL is looking for regions wishing to host one of the workshops. But there is more: the workshops’ results will be collected for the comparative study on which REGIOPARL is working on and, secondarily, the outputs will be disseminated among policy-makers at the regional, national and European level. 

Regional realities are the core of this project, your experience and the transfer of this knowledge is fundamental for the realisation of this initiative, for this reason, AER invites its member regions to join this project and foster this exchange of perspectives. 

If you are interested in taking part of this project and sharing your regional realities, please contact Annalena Rehkaemper, Research Associate REGIOPARL, via phone (+ 49 30 20 61 62 58) or e-mail ([email protected]).

More useful information can be found on REGIOPARL webpage.

Photo credits: REGIOPARL 

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Make this Week Last All Your Life – AER-YRN at the 20th UYD

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From 15 until 19 September, 23 participants from 13 different countries represented the AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) at the 20th University on Youth and Development (UYD) of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in Mollina, Málaga (Spain). The UYD network provides a unique space for youth empowerment, offers non-formal education capacity building activities and endorses policies, mechanisms and tools for youth development, in order to increase the recognition of youth as agents for positive change.  In this context, AER – YRN celebrated its Autumn Committee Plenaries themed around the UYD’s 2019 annual focus “Youth & Justice”.

AER-YRN Opening the 20th University on Youth and Development

On Monday 16 September, the 20th UYD officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremony where a wide range of experts and partners emphasised the importance of young generations in the implementation of the UN SDGs. Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, Chair of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, officially opened the 20th edition of the UYD, followed by Ruth Carrasco, Director General of the Spanish Institute for Youth and Marcos Andrade, Founder of the UYD, who encouraged all the participants to be ‘ambitious as individuals, ambitious as a group’.

Together with Carina Autengruber, President of the European Youth Forum and Sana Afouzaiz, Founding Director of Womenpreneur, Gloria Vitaly, President of AER’s Youth Regional Network, was invited to participate in the opening discussion entitled “the relevance of interregional youth cooperation to ensure that no-one is left behind”, moderated by Bruno Antònio, Coordinator of DYPALL. With young people’s involvement in the decision-making process being a priority for AER-YRN, Gloria Vitaly stated:

“We’re being heard but we’re not listened to, at YRN we want to change that. We want to integrate young people from different local and regional backgrounds and bring about change for good.“

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Gloria Vitaly, President of AER-YRN at the Opening Ceremony

Joint thematic activities to raise awareness on Youth & Justice

The Joint Pedagogical Team organised a set of activities to the beat of the music played by the UYD band “Ubanda” which introduced rules around rights, space and consent and made the participants reflect upon the linkages between justice, power and youth.

Just to name a few of those activities, the “Power & Justice Theatre” was staged on Monday 16 September which made the participants reflect on the power relations within society, using the Theatre of the Oppressed techniques. On Wednesday 18 in the morning, a role play of a trial – the “UYD Court” –  increased understanding of the prevalence of civil justice issues in everyday day life based on real cases heard by the European Court, which was followed by an expert conversation with Cristina Gallach, High Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda of Spain.

UYD Court with Cristina Gallach

In the afternoon of Tuesday September 17th, another joint thematic activity brought together the partners and the participants for the ‘Organisations’ Fair’ to exchange best practices. AER had the chance to introduce its political priorities and organisational principles as well as sharing some good practices, projects and the flagship programmes, including Eurodyssey.

After all the good practices were exchanged, the sharing continued, this time with delicious local food in the form of tapas!

  • Organisations’ Fair

The last joint activity was the Final Plenary on Saturday 21 Sept, this session involved all the partners presenting their outcomes from the week of learning. AER-YRN also shared its results in the form of a video. Find out more about the outcomes of the AER-YRN activities in this article.

What’s ahead for AER regions?

Interregional cooperation in the youth field is a core element of AER’s work and a strategic goal within the cycle 2018-2020 of the NSC Universities. Member regions are encouraged to promote the involvement of youth representatives and cooperate with other youth-led organisations in order to increase capacity building and boost their engagement in networking activities, such as the UYD.

AER-YRN is very proud to have taken part in the 20th  UYD and extends its appreciation to all the organisers, partners and participants of the UYD for making this event possible. We look forward to cooperating with you again in the future! 

All the take-aways and materials of the AER-YRN activities are already available on the event page. 

Photo credits: Luca Scognamillo / North-South Centre of the Council of Europe on Flickr  

Takeaways of AER-YRN’s activities at the 20th University on Youth and Development

Takeaways of AER-YRN’s activities at the 20th University on Youth and Development

From 15 to 19 September, the Youth Regional Network of the Assembly of European Regions (AER-YRN) celebrated its Autumn Plenaries ...
Read More
Make this Week Last All Your Life – AER-YRN at the 20th UYD

Make this Week Last All Your Life – AER-YRN at the 20th UYD

From 15 until 19 September, 23 participants from 13 different countries represented the AER – Youth Regional Network (YRN) at ...
Read More
Take a look at the AER-YRN's programme for the 20th University on Youth & Development!

Take a look at the AER-YRN’s programme for the 20th University on Youth & Development!

From 15 to 19 September, a group of young participants from 13 different European countries will represent AER - Youth ...
Read More
Apply now for the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe's 20th University on Youth and Development!

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

AER - Youth Regional Network (YRN) is very proud to announce its partnership with the North-South Centre of the Council ...
Read More
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Good Governance at the AER Autumn Plenaries

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At the initiative of Ms Nina Björby, AER Vice President for Democracy and Ms Iren Lejegren, AER chair of the Task Force on Democracy, AER and the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance (Council of Europe/CoE) organised an exchange of views at the AER Autumn Committee plenaries on 25 September 2019.

Ms Alina Tatarenko, Head of the Centre of Expertise exposed the 12 principles for a Good Democratic Governance at local and regional level, designed by the Council of Europe.

The AER committees agreed to both promote these principles but also to promote the CoE label of governance excellence among its members. Several regions have already on the spot expressed interest in obtaining this label.

Good governance is wide ranging and an everyday challenge. All regions could learn from the process of applying to the label.

On 28 October 2019 at the Council of Europe, Ms Iren Lejegren will take part in a Good Governance conference in the framework of the French Presidency of the CoE and talk about the challenges and perspectives of labelling the regions and the role the Assembly of European Regions could play in that respect.

Please find below Ms Tatarenko’s presentation.

To be continued!

Photo credits: Pinterest

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Plenaries in Podčetrtek

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The Autumn Committee Plenaries of the Assembly of European Regions took place on 24-26 September 2019, in Podčetrtek, Slovenia.

The three thematic committees (Economy & Regional Development, Social Policy & Public Health, and Culture, Education and Youth) are at the heart of AER’s work on territorial innovation, policy learning and interregional cooperation.

The Committees are a lab for innovation, a trusted space where policymakers interact with peers from all over wider Europe. It is the place where knowledge and experience exchange happens and where new forms of collaboration are shaped.

Olimje Monastery

On Tuesday 24 September, the event kicked off with a study tour of the Eastern Slovenia cohesion region.

The tour, a highlight for many participants, included a visit to the Olimje Monastery, an antique pharmacy, an artisan chocolaterie and a deer farm where they dined on local specialities in a traditional eastern Slovenian haystack.

This was followed in the afternoon by a timely conference: Cohesion & Contrasted Regional Realities. Read more by clicking on this link.

Cohesion & Contrasted Regional Realities

The Committees were in full swing on 25 September. In plenary, approximately 100 AER members, from more than 50 regions across Europe, came together to learn from each other on matters including economy & regional development, social policy & public health, as well as culture, education and youth affairs.

Alongside the individual Committees and Joint Plenary session, the Autumn Plenaries included a number of workshops organised by AER member regions, the Committees’ working groups and subcommittees.

They included:

  • Workshop of the Working Group on Transports & Mobility: Connectivity vs Sustainability?
  • Workshop of the Subcommittee on Culture: Supporting and Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe (SPARSE)
  • Workshop of the AER Subcommittee on Youth: Youth participation in regional policy-making
  • Workshop of the AER E-health Network: Revamping the AER E-health network
  • Breakfast Debate of the AER Working Group on Rural Development: European Biodiversity: Protecting Primary Forests
  • Breakfast Debate on Biodiversity
  • Committee 1
  • Together4Cohesion project
  • Joint Plenary
  • SG Mathieu Mori
  • Update from Bureau

The next AER Committee Plenaries will take place in Covasna County, Romania, from 10 – 12 March 2020.

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Committee 3 Progress Report Autumn 2019

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Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Culture Education and Youth gather in plenary meetings. This is the opportunity to set goals for cooperation through the development of a joint work programme and to evaluate progress every six months.

During the AER Spring Committee Plenaries 2019 in Örebro (SE), AER members identified joint actions they wanted to implement with fellow regions and came up with a work programme for 2019-2020 which was integrated into the AER Action Plan. Six months later it is time to evaluate progress, celebrate achievements and share experiences!

The progress report below is organized into 3 categories and gives an overview of the current situation and progress of the different activities going on within AER.

Projects
Good practice sharing
Lobbying

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Projects

Road to the Future: ongoing

Road to the Future is a project submitted under the Erasmus+ programme, within the Key Action 3 – Support for Policy Reform, and it is designed around the European Parliament Elections in 2019. First, it encouraged debate among young European on the European elections to increase young voters’ turnout. This was implemented through training of youth activists, leaders and the development of tools and resources. After the elections, the project continues the training for trainers and mentors, based on the ideas collected during the first phase. This ensures that young people gain the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to be engaged for the future of Europe at the local level.

The lead partner is JEF Europe – Young European Federalist. AER represents local and regional authorities. The consortium is composed of 21 organisations, mainly national JEF associations.

AER is responsible to connect young people and decision-makers, especially via the involvement of the YRN. “Road to the Future” will last 16 months, from October 2018 to February 2020.

Together for Cohesion: let’s rEUnite! project: ongoing

“Together for Cohesion: let’s rEUnite!” is a project submitted under a call launched by DG REGIO. On the one hand, this project aims at raising awareness on the importance of programmes, projects, and services funded by the cohesion policy funds. On the other hand, the project will encourage the participation of citizens and stakeholders to turn them into active players in the dialogue on cohesion policy. AER coordinates the project and it will collect experiences on cohesion policy together with regions.

Within AER this project was officially launched during the General Assembly in Larnaca (CY) in June 2019. With the project partner mc Group, also six AER member regions have taken up the challenge of becoming core partners: Varazdin (HR), Csongrád (HU), Trentino (IT), Timis and Alba (RO), and Catalonia (ES).

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Good Practice Exchange

Training Seminar – “Cities and Regions: New Actors of Change in Europe”: finished

In partnership with the European College of Cluny, AER organised a Training Seminar “Cities and Regions: New Actors of Change in Europe”, which took place in Cluny (FR), from 26 – 30 August 2019.

Local and regional authorities were invited to attend a 5 days Training Seminar to participate in conferences, round table discussions, study visits, and case studies to determine how to boost their influence multiply their innovation potential and increase their territorial resilience through interregional cooperation.

The next seminar on public policy design will take place from 7 to 9 October in Cluny, in English and is open to all AER members. Registrations for this seminar are open until 20 September at [email protected]

Civil Servants Exchange Programme: ongoing

The AER Training Seminar in Cluny was also the first step for the Civil Servants Exchange programme announced in September 2018 and coordinated by the President of Committee 3 Radimir Čačić, Varaždin (HR). The Civil Servants Exchange programme will allow civil servants to spend a month in a partner region to learn about new processes and practices. This programme is being developed in close collaboration with the Eurodyssey network and will start in 2020.

Autumn Committee Plenaries – Podčetrtek (SI): ongoing

The annual Autumn Committee Plenaries of the Assembly of European Regions will take place on September 24-26 2019, in Podčetrtek, Slovenia.

The topic of the thematic event of the plenaries will be Cohesion & Contrasted Regional Realities, and the aim will be to identify strategies and actions to boost regional development and innovation in the face of contrasting realities.

AER Summer Academy 2019 – “Youth is future, youth is Europe”: finished

The Summer Academy Organising Committee organised the 2019 AER Summer Academy Vojvodina (RS) on the theme “Youth is future, youth is Europe” in Novi Sad, Vojvodina (RS), the 2019 European Youth Capital. In the wake of the 2019 Elections to the European Parliament, the aim was to exchange innovative ideas and good practices in various fields. It was about the potential of young people to bring about a social transformation and rethink the way Europe can meet the challenges of the future. Hrvoje Kovac, Chair of the AER sub-committee on youth moderated the 1st Plenary Session: Youth is democratic participation and European citizenship.

Workshop on youth participation: ongoing

Discussions during the 2019 Summer Academy showed youth participation is still a very hot topic. The AER Subcommittee on Youth, chaired by Hrvoje Kovač, is organizing a workshop on the occasion of the AER Autumn Committee Plenaries in Podčetrtek (SI). The topic of the workshop will be Youth participation in regional policy-making. It aims at identifying steps to implement meaningful and impactful youth participation in regions.

Workshop on the future of education

The Subcommittee on Education, chaired by Simon Johnson, Nordland (NO), is organising a workshop on the future of education in an ever-changing professional life on the occasion of the AER Autumn Committee Plenaries in Podčetrtek (SI). Questions addressed are: How should education look like in a world where things happen faster than ever? How is it possible to organise knowledge acquisition or provision?

Mutual learning on culture and health: ongoing

Regions agreed they wanted to engage in mutual learning around culture and health for all and how to, in particular, reach out to young people. As a first step, the Subcommittee on Culture is organising a workshop at the autumn plenary meetings on rural touring an initiative to promote a culture for all (see below).

Workshop on culture in rural communities: ongoing

The Subcommittee on Culture chaired by Fereshteh Jalayer, Värmland (SE) is organising a workshop on rural touring. The initiative is driven by the desire to overcome social, geographic, economic and psychological barriers that have historically inhabited the enjoyment of the arts by people in rural communities. The workshop will feature a theater manager and a dance strategist.

Raise awareness on the Eurodyssey programme: ongoing

The AER Committees are supporting the communication around the Eurodyssey programme for youth mobility to increase the numbers of participants in Eurodyssee. This is done for instance by allocating slots at the Committees’ meetings to share achievements of the programme and by presenting the programme at events led by the Committees, such as for instance the Training Seminar in Cluny.

Mutual learning event on economy 4.0: ongoing

Each year Brussels Capital proposes a mutual learning event on a current and transversal topic. On 4 December 2019, Brussels Capital will organise a mutual learning event on economy 4.0. Economy 4.0 describes a new era of productive, industrial and economic development characterized by the implementation of big-scale automatization, artificial intelligence (AI) robotic instruments, computational big data analytics software, and high tech infrastructure. It aims to gather experiences from all three AER Committees and regions who will be welcome to share inputs and regional examples.

Exchanges around traditional cultures: ongoing

The 5th edition of FolkoFonija will take place from 13 to 15 September 2019 and all AER members have been invited to contribute to the development of this event. Initiated and organized by the Centre for Traditional Culture Varaždin, this festival could be the basis for a joint project to be developed in AER on traditional cultures in wider Europe.

AER Delegation at Smart City Expo World Congress: ongoing

AER will again be taking part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) from 19-21 November in Barcelona (ES). This 2019 edition aims to be the meeting point to encourage all stakeholders (from technology industries to policy-makers and entrepreneurs) to engage in dynamic action to enable a sustainable and inclusive future.

  • Members interested in attending should contact Tina Wu. AER has received 10 free Expo passes and a 25% discount on the 3 day congress pass.

Mutual learning on early school leaving: planned

Share experiences on early school leaving and the issue of young people who are not in education and not in employment. In particular, explore practices around building confidence and encouraging young people.

  • This action could be developed within the context of the Subcommittee on Education. Regions interested in working on this topic should share their idea with the Secretariat in order to start developing this initiative.

From brain drain to brain gain: planned

Share knowledge, experiences, and practices to address the issue of brain drain and move from brain drain to brain gain.

  • This action could be developed within the context of the Subcommittee on Education. Regions interested in working on this topic should share their idea with the Secretariat in order to start developing this initiative.

Mutual learning on the loss of workforce: planned

Exchange around the issue of governments investing in education and “losing” their qualified workforce. The aim would be to identify elements of resilience or compensation for territories that “lose” qualified workforce.

  • This action could be developed within the context of the Subcommittee on Education or in collaboration with the AER Committee on Regional Development and Economy. Regions interested in working on this topic should share their idea with the Secretariat in order to start developing this initiative.

Lifelong learning for 50+ people: planned

Special training for 50+ people in for example IT, in order to improve wellbeing and employability.

  • This action could be developed within the context of the Subcommittee on Education. Regions interested in working on this topic should share their idea with the Secretariat in order to start developing this initiative.

Advocacy/Lobbying

Contributing to a Network of Intercultural Regions: ongoing

The Bureau Task Force on migration organised a Breakfast debate on the occasion of the General Assembly in Larnaca to examine the possibility of creating an intercultural regions programme, similar to the existing Council of Europe Intercultural Cities Programme. The network will support regions for the design and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies. The process to develop this programme requires intense dialogue with institutions. Regions interested to participate in a network of intercultural regions should contact Vania Freitas

Joint initiatives for advocacy

Member regions can decide to initiate joint actions and find partners among AER members. Regions can get support from the Secretariat to connect with other regions, get an overview of the existing legal framework and identify relevant actions, target institutions. The AER Secretariat will also organise Breakfast Briefings to help regions organise their advocacy activities.

AER Bureau Task Forces

The 2018 Spring Bureau established the creation of Task Forces on dedicated topics. These Task Forces will gather examples, identify and formulate policy messages which will be brought together in position papers which will then be used for advocacy. Members who would like to contribute to one of the below Task Forces should contact AER Coordinator for Advocacy & Institutional Relations Vania Freitas.

-Task Force on Food Security

-Task Force on Cohesion Policy

-Task Force on Digitalisation

-Task Force on Migration

-Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals

The Committees’ work programmes and the AER action Plan

The development of the Action Plan is a collective process to enable all participants to specify needs and decide to initiate activities that add value to their region. The principle is the following: as long as an action fits with the AER values, is in line with the AER priorities and has support from other regions, it can be included in the Committee’s work programmes. The work programmes are developed in spring each year and the 2019/2020 work programme is available here.

The AER action plan is the consolidation of the three Committees’ work programmes with all other activities led by the Bureau and the Executive Board. It is adopted at the General Assembly.

Members can propose new joint initiatives at any time during the year, these are then approved by the Executive Board and included in the Committee’s work programmes and the AER action plan. The action plan for 2019/2020 is available here.

Photo on Pixabay

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AER Training Seminar in Cluny – building capacities for powerful regions

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In partnership with the European College of Cluny, AER successfully organised its pilot training seminar Cities and Regions: New Actors of Change in Europe. Eleven participants from Zagreb (HR), Šibenik-Knin (HR), Varaždin (HR), Västra Götaland (SE), Satu Mare (RO) and Bourgogne Franche Comté (FR) gathered for three full days of learning and exchanges.

Impactful interregional cooperation

This seminar was an opportunity to boost the capacity of regions to engage in impactful interregional cooperation, in order to encourage innovation and foster territorial resilience.

The state of regionalisation

Enrico Martial, Italy expert of the AER Observatory on Regionalisation, opened the seminar with a lecture on the state of regionalisation. The presentation focused on the role of regions in the construction of Europe and the different types of cooperation between regions.

Group picture with participants and organisers

Why Cluny?

The afternoon started off with a study visit of the Abbey of Cluny and the surroundings led by Jean-Luc Delpeuch co-founder of the European College of Cluny. The Abbey indeed was a central point of influence and knowledge in Europe in the medieval period and its history perfectly illustrates the concepts of territorial influence, long term heritage, international networks and flow of knowledge and practices.

From European collaboration to territorial networks

Next, a round table around forest protection, wood and engineering provided vivid examples on how international cooperation led to reinforced cooperation at the territorial level. Indeed, in the Cluny area, politicians, researchers and economic actors cooperate to promote innovation in the forestry sector, use resources in innovative ways, develop short supply chains and develop the territory’s assets.

Jean-Luc Delpeuch, Philippe Evans, Manager of the Fédération Européenne des Sites Clunisiens, and Guillaume Pot, Professor and researcher at ENSAM University presented their involvement in this multi-stakeholder cooperation around wood.

Frameworks & programmes for collaboration

On day two, Malin Stegmann-McCallion, Sweden expert of the AER Observatory on Regionalisation presented different frameworks and tools for cooperation and influence in Europe. She provided different examples on how regions organise, cooperate and influence and encouraged participants to reach out to different stakeholders and institutions of the European scene and further develop institutional cooperation for the benefit of their territory.

Anne Rouessard, EU funding expert and consultant at Europeanne, provided an overview of EU programmes and projects best suited for regions and cities, depending on their aims and capacities. She provided advice on how to increase the chances of getting projects accepted as well as examples of how cooperation and good communication enabled project partners to influence decision making at EU level on funding and programming.

In the afternoon, discussions and group work led to identifying the tools and frameworks, the participants are currently using and those which they could potentially use differently or develop further.

Experiences from Sardinia, Lower Austria & Bourgogne Franche Comté

The last day was dedicated to the exchange with professionals of cooperation and the definition of regional outreach strategies. Franziska Stadelmann, Deputy Head of Office of the Lower Austria office in Brussels shared the experience of her region and explained how they organise and collaborate with stakeholders both in Brussels and in the region in particular in the field of innovation. Maria Gabriella Fenu from the Agency for Active Labour Policies Sardinia (IT) showed how the international engagement of the agency has impact for stakeholders in Sardinia. Sardinia joined AER primarily to be part of the AER Eurodyssey programme, which provides unique opportunities or youth mobility and fits with the agency’s strategy. Magali Pausin from the European and International Service Burgundy Franche Comté (FR) explained how they work transversally in collaboration with other departments in the region to boost the impact of international cooperation.

Speakers shared elements of success, the barriers and enablers and a world café session generated fruitful conversations with the audience and between participants.

Co-development for problem solving & engagement

In the afternoon, a collaborative workshop animated by Georges Van Billoen, Management teacher at Arts et Métiers Grande École of technology, provided a methodology to capitalise on collective intelligence to solve problems and develop innovative solutions. This methodology is particularly efficient to engage diverse stakeholders in territories, an objective participants said they would like to improve.

Next steps

The European College of Cluny is launching a post-master degree Innovation, governance and territorial design in Europe which will include different seminars, which can be taken individually. Topics addressed include public policy design, circular and digital economy, smart specialisation strategies, and sustainable mobility. The next seminar on public policy design will take place from 7 to 9 October in Cluny It will be held in English and is open to all AER members. Registrations for this seminar are open until 20 September at [email protected].

The AER Training Seminar in Cluny was also the first step for the Civil Servants Exchange programme announced in September 2018 and coordinated by the President of Committee 3 Radimir Čačić, Varaždin (HR). The Civil Servants Exchange programme will allow civil servants to spend a month in a partner region to learn about new processes and practices. This programme is being developed in close collaboration with the Eurodyssey network and will start in 2020. It will also be further discussed at the Committee 3 plenary session taking place during the AER Autumn Committee Plenaries in Podčetrtek (SI) in September 2019.

For more information on the seminar and the speakers’ presentations, please visit the event webpage of the Training Seminar.

For more information on the Civil Servants Exchange Programme please contact Ms Larisa Križan Breljak.

Speakers & moderators: Franziska Stadelmann, Boris Chevrot, Norina Haubold, Philip Evans, Jean-Luc Delpeuch, Guillaume Pot, Malin Stegmann McCallion, Maria Gabriella Fenu, Jean-Luc Delpeuch, Larisa Križan Breljak, Johanna Pacevicius, Anne Rouessard, Enrico Martial, Magali Pausin, George Van Billoen
“Graduation”!
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Regional Business Forum – Second Edition

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Regional Business Forum – Second Edition

Date: 1 – 3 October 2019
Venue: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, 11 Hajduk Veljkova St, Novi Sad

 

The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina will host the Second Edition of the Regional Business Forum, it will be an opportunity for companies to exchange their business ideas and find new partners.

Following the success of last year’s forum, this year’s Regional Business Forum will be organised in partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, Vojvodina Development Agency and the Novi Sad Fair.

 

Sectors Involved:

– Agriculture & Food
– Metal Processing Industry
– Automotive Industry
– ICT
– Creative Industries

 

Want to know more?

We look forward to having fruitful discussions in Novi Sad, but first…

For more info about the event please read this article.

Regional Business Forum – Second Edition

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The Second Regional Business Forum will take place in Vojvodina from 1-3 October 2019. Given the success of the previous edition, the Assembly of European Regions and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina want to establish this Regional Business Forum as an unmissable event in the business development year. 

The expertise of the Enterprise Europe Network, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, Vojvodina Development Agency and the Novi Sad Fair will help you make the right connections. 

Shaping Business Cooperation

The event will create an opportunity for companies to present their business potentials and ideas and exchange good practices and technologies. Business cooperation will be facilitated by Regional chambers of commerce, Regional development agencies and institutions supporting SMEs development.

Sectoral Diversity

This year, the Regional Business Forum will focus on 5 main sectors: 

  • Agriculture & Food
  • Metal processing industry
  • Automotive industry
  • ICT 
  • Creative industries

Business-to-business Dialogues

Through B2B (business-to-business) meetings, participants will be able to find partners according to their own interests and objectives. The B2B meetings will be managed in advance via the Enterprise Europe Network matchmaking tool: to request B2B meeting, participants have to fill in the required information when registering for the event.

A Tip for your Free Afternoons 

In addition to the busy programme prepared for you, this year’s Regional Business Forum will coincide with the 52nd International Fair of Hunting, Fishing and Tourism in Novi Sad. You will be more than welcome to take part in the fair’s activities!

Further Information & Registration

If you want to know more about the programme, the B2B platform and registration, please visit the Regional Business Forum website.

Photo by: Gerd Altmann on Pixabay

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2019 Eurodyssey Steering Committee Elections!

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Dear Eurodyssey members,

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

When?

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

What?

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

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

How?

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

Image credits: Pixabay.com

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NEW Internship vacancy open! European Projects Assistant Wanted – Brussels office

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Ready to train with the EU projects team for the largest independent network of regions in Europe?

We are looking for a motivated intern (ONLY STUDENTS) to join the Project Unit at our Brussels Office, supervised by the European Projects & Private Partnerships coordinator. Work-placement would be for around 6 months.

Your main tasks will be:

  • Mapping calls for proposals and collecting information on funding (based on desk research and by attending relevant events and meetings at European level)
  • Writing articles on the results of your mapping as well as on running projects and activities
  • Liaising and networking with regional organisations and actors for project management and reporting purposes.
  • Disseminating information about EU-wide projects and funding opportunities on social media
  • Supporting AER’s projects team in its partner searches and follow-ups with its members
  • Contributing to the implementation of ongoing projects for all concerning activities and finances
  • Providing inputs in terms of drafting documents to join new project proposals
  • Overall assistance in the project management at European level.
  • The intern will also assist the team with general office management tasks.

This is who we are

Here are some things that make working with us great:

  • AER, the Assembly of European Regions, is an international organisation devoted to interregional cooperation and regional cohesion at European level – which has a multi-disciplinary approach in working on varied topics such as education, youth, social inclusion, public health, new technologies, innovation, economic growth, environment, and employment and follows a multi-stakeholder focus (on regional governments and authorities, private companies, Universities, EU institutions and civil society organisations at European level, among others).
  • We are a team where everyone—including interns—is respected and treated equally
  • We are a committed group of professionals, with terrific people on board
  • We have a meaningful mission; helping people across Europe to work together is what drives us
  • We provide a place for personal and professional growth. Working with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators in an array of different policy areas widens your horizons and gives you the chance to develop valuable skills
  • We use cloud-based team collaboration tools, which allow us to work efficiently, keep in close contact, and strengthen our community despite frequent travel and different locations

 This is the place for you if:

  • You have knowledge of and/or previous experience in European project management and funding.
  • You have excellent knowledge of both oral and written English. Knowledge of any other European languages will be considered an asset for your work here.
  • You are self-motivated and interested in helping people work together to tackle challenges.
  • You are able to perform tasks autonomously and take on responsibilities while organising your work with the rest of the team.
  • You are a creative and problem-solving oriented person.
  • You have a high degree of proactiveness and flexibility.
  • You have an ability to work in multi-cultural and fast-paced working environments.

AER is happy to offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience in the field of projects funded by European programmes.
  • Be in contact with high-ranking politicians, project officers and partners across Europe and get inspired by them.
  • Learn about regions and gain a deeper insight into contemporary issues in European politics and interregional cooperation
  • Work in a dynamic, lobbying and multicultural environment
  • Develop personal responsibility and initiative
  • Take part in high-level EU events and project-building activities in Brussels and abroad
  • Gain invaluable experience in an international professional environment

Internship requirements and conditions:

  • You must be currently enrolled in an education programme (e.g. at University or other higher education institution level) or being a fresh graduate able to have an internship experience abroad through your sending organisation (e.g. your University or other higher education institution).
  • An internship contract must be signed by AER, the trainee and a sending University/School/Institute.
  • The internship period will be for 6 months, starting in early-September 2019 and you will be considered a full member of the team from Day One.
  • You will receive a monthly financial contribution of EUR 150 during your internship period. Travel and living costs must be covered by the intern. Candidates are encouraged to seek other financing sources, e.g. by applying for an ERASMUS+ internship scholarship in their national country.
  • If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will have to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements (visa, residence permit, etc.) to stay in Brussels as specified by the Belgian Law for foreigners.
  • Health insurance must be ensured throughout your internship stay.

How to apply?

If you are interested in joining us and making AER your next professional experience, please send your CV and cover letter to Eduardo Nadal at his email address [email protected] , by 22 July 2019 by 12:00 CET, with the subject line “AER European Projects Intern”.

Interviews are planned to take place in early-August 2019.

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