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This is the tag for all posts relating to Mediterranean issues.

Interreg MED second call: opening on 30th January

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The Interreg MED 2014-2020 is the transnational European Cooperation Programme for the Mediterranean area, aimed to promote sustainable growth in the Mediterranean area by fostering innovative concepts and practices and a reasonable use of resources and by supporting social integration through an integrated and territorially based cooperation approach.

The second call for project proposals will open on 30th January 2017 at 12:00 (Paris Time) and close on 31 March 2017 at 12:00 (Paris time). The call will be restricted on different levels.

  1. First, only three types of projects will be allowed: 
  • “Testing” projects (M2)
  • “Capitalising” projects (M3)
  • “Integrated” projects: “studying” (M1) + “testing” (M2)+ “capitalising” (M3)

No other types of projects will be allowed. For detailed explanation about the Interreg MED project typology and architecture, please read Chapter 2 of the Programme Manual.

2. Second, applicants will be able to apply for one specific objective only and applications are not open to all specific objectives:

  • For “Testing” (M2) and “Capitalising” projects (M3), the following specific objectives are open:
    Specific objective 1.1 “To increase transnational activity of innovative clusters and networks of key sectors of the MED area”
    Specific objectives 3.1 “To enhance the development of a sustainable and responsible coastal and maritime tourism in the MEd area” and 3.2 “To maintain biodiversity and natural ecosystem through strengthening the management and networking of protected areas”
  • For “Integrated” projects, the following specific objectives are open:
    Specific objective 1.1 (same as above)
    Specific objective 2.3 “To increase capacity to use existing low carbon transport systems and multimodal connections among them”
    Specific objective 3.1 and 3.2 (same as above)

Project proposals will have to be submitted electronically using the online monitoring tool, SYNERGIE CTE which will open on 30th January 2017 at 12.00.

The detailed Terms of Reference as well as some specific guidelines for “Integrated” projects will be available at a later stage. However, in the meantime, it is useful to read the following documents:

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Democracy at play in EU-Turkey relations

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The stakes of the EU-Turkey relation at this extremely crucial point in time bring us to the very relevant “Turkey and the EU: Shared Challenges and Common Opportunities” panel discussion that was held on 18 October by the Istanbul Policy Center – Sabanci University – Stiftung Mercator Initiative and Friends of Turkey in the European Parliament. The panel was composed of Mr. Fuat Keyman, Mr. Artis Pabriks, Ms. Nilgün Arisan Eralp, Ms. Kati Piri, Ms. Alexandra Stiglmayer, Ms. Senem Aydin-Düzgit, Ms. Nathalie Tocci, and Ms. Ilke Toygür.

Just as the European Union has been facing extraordinary challenges in recent years, so too is Turkey undergoing difficult times of its own. While the European Union deals with the economic crisis, the refugee crisis and Brexit, Turkey is confronted with its Kurdish issue, terrorism, and deteriorating democratic standards. The failed coup attempt earlier this year has not only brought upon a new examination of human rights and freedoms in Turkey, but also a test for democracy in the country.

What is at stake: summary of the panel discussion

The panellists highlighted that ever since democracy in Turkey was gravely challenged, EU-Turkey relations have become increasingly taut. Trust to engagement issues between the two sides have not only come to light, but have also highlighted the stalemated state of play. Furthermore, the EU-Turkey Agreement has become even more a source of tension than when it was signed. As both sides are facing their own challenges, and are suffering from a lack of trust towards each other, it may be difficult to imagine them collaborating towards shared resolutions on the Cyprus issue, the refugee and migrant crisis, and the fight against terrorism. However, it is precisely these shared challenges that, if turned into common opportunities, could provide the basis for strengthened EU-Turkey relations.

Cyprus dispute

Regarding the decades-long Cyprus dispute, Mr. Fuat Keyman – Director of Istanbul Policy Center – is convinced that if there is trust between the Greek Cypriots and their Turkish counterparts, a renewal of EU-Turkey relations would be possible. However, he also remarked that despite a good amount of good will, political will, and trust between leaders of the northern region and the southern region of the island, a resolution to the dispute is still out of reach. Since it isn’t even possible to discuss a resolution to the dispute yet, it is even less possible to engage in a dialogue on the implementation of the resolution. To add fuel to the fire, the window of opportunity to resolve this issue is becoming smaller and smaller. Nevertheless, if a resolution were to come into focus, it would have a positive impact on Turkey-EU relations, as it would provide a new narrative for the EU and strengthen the rule of law and democracy in Turkey.

Visa liberalisation

Concerning the visa liberalisation issue, Ms. Kati Piri – MEP – stated that despite the genuine political will on the part of EU political leaders to provide Turkey with this deliverable, they are unwilling to lower the standards of the criteria, as it would spell political suicide. If Turkey is willing to adapt itself to the EU’s criteria, there is a possibility that the path towards visa liberalisation would be opened. Nevertheless, the issue would have to pass through the European Commission and the Council first, which could prove to be difficult. Regardless of the difficulty of the issue, Ms. Kati Piri believes visa liberalisation could be more than symbolic. Mr. Fuat Keyman echoed his agreement with Ms. Kati Piri’s statement and put forth that visa liberalisation could change the Turkish people’s perspective towards the EU, through which EU-Turkey relations could be revitalised.

The role of the Turkish people in EU’s global strategy

The people of Turkey also play an important role in the EU’s global strategy, as one of its main goals is to increase resilience in not only the state of Turkey, but also in the people. According to the definition of increasing resilience in the global strategy, it entails the EU’s support in political reforms, the rule of law, and economic convergence, which would thus allow Turkey to withstand and recover from internal and external crisis in this case.

Principled pragmatism in Turkey-EU relations

A broad philosophy of the aforementioned global strategy is principled pragmatism, according to Ms. Nathalie Tocci – Special Adviser to the EU HRVP. Principled pragmatism could be defined as not compromising on principles because of pragmatic considerations. Indeed, it may seem as if there was a dichotomy between pragmatism and principles, as pointed out by Dr. Thomas Grunert – EP Fellow; however, Ms. Nathalie Tocci argues that the term should not be regarded as contradictory, but as a concept in which the principles and the pragmatism go together, especially in Turkey-EU relations.

The deployment of principled pragmatism can be seen in Turkey-EU relations, in regards to the refugee crisis. The EU doesn’t wish a weakening of democracy and rule of law upon Turkey, which would treat Turkey solely as a buffer zone and be too pragmatic an approach; instead, the EU strives to employ the principles of security, democracy and economy together towards Turkey as part of its global strategy. Indeed, principled pragmatism is a good solution to the stalemate in EU-Turkey relations on the EU side.

The panellists were optimistic that EU-Turkey relations would finally be able to move forward and contribute to create a more democratic world, with the help of tools such as trust and principled pragmatism. In their expert opinion, these two tools could facilitate the collaboration of the EU and Turkey, turning shared challenges into common opportunities.

AER delegation to Ankara

Concerned by the attempted coup and the aftermath, AER organised a visit to Ankara, Turkey from 19 to 20 September headed by AER President, Dr. Hande Ozsan Bozatli and a delegation of AER members and representatives from various partner organisations. As a true representative of the regions of Europe, and in turn an advocate for multilevel governance, democracy and subsidiarity, AER’s goal was to demonstrate solidarity with Turkey in the wake of the failed coup attempt on 15 July. Along with this goal, AER also aimed at safeguarding the constructive dialogue on democracy, peace and welfare between the regions of Europe and those of Turkey. These goals of AER fall under the larger framework of EU-Turkey relations, whose success very much depends on cooperation between the two sides.

AER will continue to follow EU-Turkey relations as well as the situation in Turkey in the same way it has done so in the past in order to reach out to other countries in similar difficulties. Regional democracy and thereby, its ability to contribute to peace and cooperation, are a top priority for AER. The role of the regions at this stalemated point of EU-Turkey relations at this moment in time is more important now than ever.

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COP22: the final countdown

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One of the major achievements of COP21 was to underline the central role of regional and non-State stakeholders to protect natural resources, reduce global warming and mitigate its effects. At the end of this year in Marrakech, COP22 will look at the progress made since.

Because the Mediterranean area is especially vulnerable to climate change, it is essential that the Mediterranean voice on climate issues be heard. 2000 representatives of Regions, the R&D sector, NGOs, the private sector and civil society will therefore gather to prepare this event on the occasion of the MEDCOP, on 18-19 July in Tangiers. MEDCOP 22 was formally announced by the French President and the King of Marroco last September. This will be an opportunity to formulate joint priorities, and in particular the necessity of a direct access to suitable financing for regional and local authorities.

Debates in Tangiers will focus on topics such as
-the implementation challenges
-multistakeholder governance of territories
-the links between climate and employment
-the energy transition
-the transformation of urban areas.

AER supports this event and invites all its members, especially members from the Mediterranean to come to Tangiers and participate in the debate. For potential speaking opportunities for high level representatives of regions, please contact the AER Secretariat: Sophia Betancourt

Programme
 Invitation Presidents of Regions
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AER visit to Northern Italy: another successful field mission

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AER President, Dr. Hande Özsan Bozatli, alongside the President of the AER Commitee on Education, Culture and Youth, Mrs. Sonja A Steen, her Director of International Office, Mr. Eirik Fiva and AER Secretary General, Mr. Mathieu Mori, spent last week visiting nine Regioni in Northern Italy with the aim of both strengthening the existing links between the AER and its members (Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige), and introducing the AER to five non-member regions (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont and Veneto), as well as to two Autonomous Provinces (South Tyrol and Trentino).

After five days of enriching discussions around the priorities of the regions, their approaches to different topics, their needs in terms of  building and enhancing cooperation channels and their new ways of working, as well as ours, we are certain that the outcomes of this field trip have been very positive to all parties involved. 

Members of the AER are enthusiastic about exploring new paths towards cooperation in the frame of the upcoming challenges set in the working agenda, while non-members have been invited to take part in future events to see concretely what we do, and to meet current members hoping that they will soon actively contribute to our work, while reaching their goals and enhancing the Southern European Representation in the AER. 

This trip to the welcoming Northern Italy was a very valuable opportunity to understand the reality of our territories from a closer perspective in order for us to better provide for their integral development.

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AER Delegation visit to Northern Italy

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Following a first trip to Spain, last month to meet with AER member and non-member regions, an AER delegation composed of the AER President, Dr. Hande Özsan Bozatli; the President of the AER Commitee on Education, Culture and Youth, Mrs. Sonja A Steen and her director of international office Eirik Fiva and the AER Secretary General, Mr. Mathieu Mori; will meet Presidents, Ministers and other regional representatives from nine northern Italian Regioni in the week of 4th to the 8th of April.

The planned agenda for this tour includes the visits to two AER members (Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige), five non-member regions (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont and Veneto), and two Autonomous Provinces (South Tyrol and Trentino) in order to deepen the existing links between the AER and its members, as well as to introduce the AER to the non-member regions. Presenting our organisation’s new working scheme, sharing the political priorities and the most relevant topics for the regions, and exploring new paths towards cooperation are some of the matters that will be at the heart of the discussions held during these days.

This trip is part of the initiative to strengthen the Southern European representation within our Assembly. Southern Europe has been particularly affected by the economic crisis in previous years making European cooperation, in some cases, less of a priority. With a gradually improving economic situation and the increasing challenges arising in the Mediterranean, it is time for the AER and the Southern European regions to enhance their cooperation channels.

A very similar purpose motivated the trip to Spain in the week of the 11th to the 17th of March, where seven regions were visited by our President and Secretary General.

You will be able to follow the day-to-day AER official trip to Northern Italy on our Twitter and Facebook accounts.

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Successful field mission to the Spanish regions

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AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli and AER Secretary General Mathieu Mori spent the whole of last week meeting representatives of Spanish regions in their home regions. Politicians from AER member regions, Valenciana, Catalonia, Murcia but also non AER members Aragon, Navarra, Castilla la Mancha and Madrid welcomed the AER delegation. Going directly to the contact of the regions, in their environment, will enable AER to answer their needs even better. Understanding the reality of our territories to better serve their development is our core mission. Back to basics with this initiative !

With new executives in place in many of the regions visited, the timing was chosen to trigger discussion on the new priorities and ways of working of the regions.

While enthusiasm towards AER and good will to cooperate came out of the trip, the work is only starting. The AER member regions visited clearly showed will to deepen their cooperation with AER. Catalonia will for instance present a politician to take the lead on the sub-committee on youth at the next AER committee meeting in Timis ; Murcia will make proposals internally to work more on culture and the Mediterranean strategy. Non AER members have been invited to take part in future events to see concretely the work of AER and to meet current members with the aim that some of them will soon enrich the work of our Assembly.

We encourage you to read the article “AER President meets Spanish counterparts” and to go on the  AER facebook page to read a short report published after each meeting.

Starting Monday 4 April, AER will do a similar visit to various Italian regions. Should you wish to join the team on this trip, please get in touch with us !

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AER President meets Spanish counterparts

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On the week of 7-11 March, AER President Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli and AER Secretary General Mathieu Mori, will meet Presidents, Ministers and other regional representatives from seven Comunidades Autonomas of Eastern Spain.

The AER President visits SpainDr. Bozatlı and M. Mori will visit three AER members (Valencia, Catalunya, Murcia) and four non-member regions (Aragon, Navarra, Madrid, Castilla La Mancha) for this week long tour in order to deepen the existing links with its members and introduce AER to non members. Presenting the new ways of working of the organisation; sharing on the political priorities and the major topics of relevance for the regions and exploring new paths of cooperation will be at the heart of discussions. 

This trip is part of an initiative to strengthen the Southern European representation within our Assembly. Southern Europe has been particularly affected by the economic crisis in previous years making in some cases European cooperation less of a priority. With a gradually improving economic situation and increasing challenges in the Mediterranean it is time for AER and Southern European regions to strengthen their cooperation even more. 

In the same manner, AER will lead a similar mission in Italy. From 4-8 April, ten Italian regions will be visited by the President and the Secretary General.  

You can follow the AER official trip to Eastern Spain day by day, on our Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Meetings feedback

Valencia

Monday 7 March, Valencia

Meeting with Myriam Fernandez Herrero, in charge of finances and European funds. Valencia will take the opportunity of the AER Spring Committees’ Plenary in Timis (RO) to engage in new topics within AER. Thanks for great meeting and see them soon!

 

CatalunyaTuesday 8 March, Catalunya

Meeting with Maria Badia i Cutchet, Vice-President in charge of Foreign Affairs, Marta Vilalta i Torres, regional councilor in charge of youth, Montse Mirabent, politician in St Boi and Esther Estany Campos from the labour department, in charge among other things of Eurodyssey in the region.

The meeting led to a convergence of view between AER and one of its historic partners. Agreement that the cooperation must continue and deepen. As a consequence, on top of the region’s already big implication in the Eurodyssey programme, Ms Marta Vilalta i Torres, young politician from the region will present her candidacy to chair the AER sub-committee on youth at the next AER plenary meeting in Timis (RO)

AragonTuesday 8 March, Aragon

Fruitful meeting with the President of the Comunidad Autonoma de Aragon, Mr Francisco Javier Lamban Montanes. Interested in the work of AER and willing to cooperate especially in the fields of transport (international connectivity, Atlantic/Mediterranean corridor) and culture (recognized universities in visual culture that need better visibility), Aragon and AER have a lot to share and we hope to find in this dynamic region an active partner for the future.

 

 

 

NavarraWednesday 9 March, Navarra

AER President and Secretary General met Ms Ana Ollo Hualde, Regional minister for institutional relations and spokesperson of the Government.
At a time when the Navarra government is redefining its European strategy, AER’s visit was very timely. Involved in some smaller thematic networks, the government representative showed great interest in the activities and diversity of topics dealt with in AER. Being involved in such a wide and strong network would give Navarra’s action in Europe a bigger dimension and help them find new partners to cooperate with. 

MadridThursday 10 March, Comunidad de Madrid

Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli and Mathieu Mori met with Ms Yolanda Ibarrola de la Fuente, regional councilor from the Comunidad de Madrid in charge of European affairs. A fruitful exchange took place on the priorities of the region of Madrid: employment, health and the environment. Interested in the way AER works with its members to promote the best practices and voices of regions on these topics, it is a trustful dialogue which began today between AER and the capital-region of Spain.

 

Castilla la Mancha

Thursday 10 March, Castilla la Mancha

Good meeting with a region led by a strong political will to increase its European profile and influence. AER President and Secretary General met in Toledo with Mercedes Gomez Rodriguez, coordinator of institutional relations and European affairs and Francisco Javier Pedraza Rodriguez, head of European affairs in Castilla la Mancha. In this rural region touched by a high unemployment rate but with plenty of potential and innovation-oriented, increasing its profile in Europe and finding partners throughout wider Europe and beyond is a priority. AER applauds the political vision of the government and is ready to help the region reach its goals!

MurciaFriday 11 March, Murcia

Final meeting for AER President and Secretary General was in Murcia. This AER member region was represented by Ms Noelia Arroyo Hernandez, Culture Minister and government spokeswoman; Mr Manuel Pleguezuelo Alonso, Director General for public participation, European union and external affairs and Mr Francisco Javier Sánchez López, Director General for Youth. The young and enthusiastic representatives of the new Murcia government started by saying how pleased they were by the AER Eurodyssey mobility programme as they send every year more and more young people to get a first job experience. Further involvement in AER activities was touched upon, especially on culture, youth and Mediterranean affairs. The invitation was also made to AER to organise an event in Murcia. AER is looking forward to always deeper cooperation with Murcia.

A positive end to an intense week of meetings. Going directly to the contact of the regions, in their environment, will enable AER to answer their needs even better. Understanding the reality of our territories to better serve their development is our core mission. Back to basics with this initiative !

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AER continues its focus on migration: open Call on Integration

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The European Commission’s DG Home Affairs launched a Call for Proposals on the Actions in the area of Integration within the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2014-2020). The Fund aims at supporting actions to contribute to the efficient management of migration flows and the implementation, strengthening and development of a common union approach to asylum and immigration.

Recently, the EU has witnessed a dramatic increase of migratory flows through its borders. This unprecedented influx, largely composed by people seeking international protection, constitutes a challenge for the European Union and its Member States both in terms of reception and integration in the host society. This important issue is reflected also in regional territories and AER is following the thematic of migration within its Bureau.

This Call for Proposal, that was also mentioned to AER Secretary General Mathieu Mori on the occasion of a meeting with the DG Home Affairs, aims at funding transnational projects to foster integration of third country nationals in the Member States of the European Union. Project applications must address either priority 1) Foster integration of migrant women or priority 2) Facilitate the access to work and foster integration in the work place.

The total budget available for the co-financing of projects is estimated at EUR 5 250 000. The EU grant is limited to a maximum co-funding rate of 90% of the total eligible costs of the action. Projects cannot be scheduled to last more than 24 months.

Deadline for submission of applications: 29th February 2016 (12:00 CET).

More information on this Call for Proposals as well as the Application Package are available here.

 

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Dutch EU Presidency focuses on four of AER’s main policies

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An agenda in line with AER’s

The Netherlands Presidency of the European Union (from January to June 2016) aims to promote prosperity, freedom and security in the EU during the next half year, by focusing on Migration, Innovation, Economy and Energy Policies. The Assembly of European Regions can provide a wealth of knowledge and experience from the regions about these themes, these being at the core of its engagement. This is especially relevant given AER’s 2016 focus on Revitalizing Democracy, with a number of topics and events in line with the priorities of the Netherlands Presidency.

Dutch regions

AER boasts a special relation with the Netherlands, through the participation in AER of three very dynamic Dutch Regions: Flevoland, Gelderland and Noord-Brabant. These provinces already cooperate with regions from across wider Europe inside AER  on the four core priorities of the Netherlands Presidency of the European Union, and will have a pivotal role in the next six months.

Priorities of the Netherlands EU Presidency

Migration & International Security. The Netherlands Presidency of the EU is committed to a common border control, asylum and migration Policy. AER’s longstanding experience in interregional cooperation is instrumental in the implementation of hands-on solution: we cannot afford to not take advantage of each others’ experience. Feedback from peers in other regions allows for agile policy making & implementation of sustainable solutions.

Innovation and Job Creation. During the next half year, the Netherlands will prioritise new jobs and innovation in the economy of the EU. This sounds as an acknowledgement of AER’s continuous commitment for entrepreneurship, youth employment and the silver economy. By carrying out peer reviews on smart jobs creation, youth employment, innovation policies, by supporting regions to boost entrepreneurship and more specifically youth entrepreneurship, by encouraging youth participation, AER has put relentless efforts in innovation and job creation. The AER Regional Innovation Award typically shows the incredible innovation potential of regions. The AER Summer Academy is another example of a highly succesful initiative for innovation and job creation.

Finance and Eurozone. The Netherlands Presidency wants to continue the ongoing reforms to ensure modern economies with healthy public finances. AER reiterates its position that decentralisation is correlated with economic growth. Healthy and sustainable public finances will only be achieved with a user-based and territorial approach.

Forward-Looking Climate & Energy Policy. The AER enthusiastically welcomes the decision of the Netherlands  to commit to a coherent approach on climate, the environment and sustainability. AER member regions have been strongly promoting sustainable energy policies for many years and can share their experience and findings on topics such as the implementation of regional strategies for renewable energies and energy efficiency or the developement of the funding market for RES.

Forthcoming AER meetings

Many of the above mentioned issues will be discussed in the coming Committees’ Plenary and Bureau meeting. In addition, the AER and the Dutch member regions will soon organise a Breakfast Briefing in Brussels on the current Presidency of the Council (more information soon).

More information

Visit the website of the Netherlands Presidency of the European Union

Contact the AER Secretariat for more information

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How European countries are affected by the refugee crisis

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Which Countries Are Under the Most Strain in the European Migration Crisis? (New York Times)

The United Nations forecasts that 3,000 migrants a day – many fleeing wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria – will pour into the Balkans, trying to reach Western Europe in the next few months. So far, the burden to absorb them has been unevenly distributed.

Read the full article from the New York Times

 

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One year after the revolution, European regions confirm their support to the regions of Tunisia

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Tunis (TN), 14 June 2012

Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), has placed training at the heart of her three-day official visit to Tunisia, the third since the beginning of the Jasmine Revolution.

During a meeting with Moustapha Ben Jaafar, President of the National Constituent Assembly, she emphasized the importance of training for young people as a means of fighting against unemployment, encourage the return of growth and ensure the sustainability of democratic developments resulting from the revolution. “Since its creation, the Assembly of European Regions has made it a priority to support young people, especially non-graduates, in their integration into the labor market.” stressed Michele Sabban.

“The current tensions spanning Tunisia should not stop us from considering its great potentials, its youth being one of them,”she added. “The European regions have a lot to offer the Tunisian authorities and civil society, especially its young trainee exchange programme, and AER intends to maintain its presence on the ground.”

President Ben Jaafar, who praised AER’s early commitment to Tunisia, said that in 2011 the country experienced its first negative growth and training was essential to boost employment in 2012. Among the sectors mentioned, the training of public service executives has emerged as a priority to ensure a reliable economic environment and a successful decentralization. AER has already contributed its expertise on this topic, and intends to continue its work with the support of the European Union delegation in Tunisia.

The importance of tourism, which accounts for nearly 6.5% of Tunisia’s GDP, was also discussed. The Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) has entrusted AER’s President with a report on sustainable tourism. Today Mrs Sabban is meeting the Tunisian Minister of Tourism in order to address the needs of Tunisia’s regions in this field.

Training of women candidates was at the heart of the last visit by AER’s delegation in Tunis in September 2011. During a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Women, Michèle Sabban supported the Minister’s efforts to enhance the place of women’s personal status in the constitution, while recalling that they had joined AER’s fight for gender equality in Europe.

Today Michèle Sabban is equally meeting with Touhami Abdouli, Minister of European Affairs, and Hamadi Jebali, the Head of the Tunisian government, while on Friday 15 June she will participate in a forum dedicated to foreign investments in Tunisia.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER – aer.eu) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 250 regions from 35 countries and 16 interregional organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for interregional co-operation.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER will compile for ARLEM a report on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean

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Strasbourg (F), 1 February 2012

During its plenary session, the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) officially appointed Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), to prepare a report on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean. The report will be submitted by AER at the next general assembly of ARLEM.

Launched in 2010, ARLEM is a joint project of the Committee of the Regions, regional and local authorities around the three shores of the Mediterranean, as well as European and international associations representing regional and local authorities working on the ground, among them AER. It answers the request to put the role of regional and local authorities in the Euro‑Mediterranean Partnership on an institutional footing. ARLEM is composed of 84 members from the European Union and its 16 Mediterranean partners.

Alongside this event, Michèle Sabban met with Nichi Vendola, the President of the Italian region of Puglia. They shared the common belief that global engagement of regional authorities in the fight against climate change, where states have failed, is essential. They discussed Puglia and AER members’ expertise on sustainable development, energy savings and water management, which are all good practices to also deal with the crisis.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER – aer.eu) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 250 regions from 35 countries and 16 interregional organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for interregional co-operation.

For more information: [email protected]

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Flinkman Final Conference Stakeholders Join Hands to Improve Flood Risk Management

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Thessaloniki (GR), 9 December 2011

River floods, flash floods, urban floods and floods from the sea in coastal areas are afflictions encountered by regions and countries all over the world. Figures are dramatic: some 85,000 people are killed and 230 million affected by natural disasters worldwide every year. The consequences of these disasters are not only economic and financial, but also environmental and social. It is therefore crucial to prevent and manage floods and engage all relevant stakeholders in the process.

The Flinkman project is born from this assessment. Launched in January 2010 and co-financed by the European Commission under the civil protection instrument, Flinkman is a two-year project promoting three guiding principles: cooperation, coordination and communication. It aims to improve flood risk management by developing a framework for cooperation among all players involved in flood management: politicians, agencies, experts and of course, the citizen.

During today’s Flinkman final conference, participants agreed that though this event marks the end of the project, their mission does not stop here. Regions need to strengthen their defence against catastrophic events and to do this they must learn from each other. Flinkman has shown that the most successful plans are those where all stakeholders are engaged early on in the process. By contributing their knowledge and proposals to a common pot, together they develop comprehensive strategies that cover all possible risks and that everyone can implement if the need arises.

The Flinkman project is lead by the Decentralised Administration of Macedonia-Thrace (GR) and involves the Province of Noord-Brabant (NL), the Land Hessen (D), the Balkan Environment Centre (GR), Sigma Consultants (GR) and the Assembly of European Regions (AER). It marks the conclusion of AER’s Emergency Planning Network, which operated during 2007-2009 and focused on how European regions can develop joint strategies and share their resources when facing emergencies.

For more information: [email protected]

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PRESERVE final conference: Regions showcase their tourism best practices

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Siena, Toscana (I), 20th October 2011

Over the last three years, PRESERVE promoted the improvement of regional tourism policies, especially cultural and natural heritage. Having the Assembly of European Regions (AER) as the lead partner, this INTERREG IVC project allowed 13 partners, coming from 11 different territories in Europe, to exchange experiences, improve capacities and knowledge, identify and share best practices to improve local and regional tourism strategies.

“Tourism plays a crucial role in our regions: 9,7 million European citizens depend from the jobs and services if creates. PRESERVE is a symbol of what can be achieved thanks to interregional cooperation and to the tremendous diversity of our landscapes, monuments and traditions”. underlined Michèle Sabban, AER President.

Today, in the region of Toscana (I), Eurobic organised the PRESERVE closing conference in cooperation with AER, and presented the final results of the project. The “Preserve Best Practices” publication, a sample of successful examples of sustainable tourism projects, was unveiled at this occasion.

Some concrete examples, among the 24 best practices

From the region of Carinthia (A), the project “Nature Experience Carinthia”: the main success of this project was to foster a strong and innovative partnership between a wide range of different tourism stakeholders, including public and private actors, which allowed for an improved cooperation and led to a comprehensive and integrated strategy for sustainable tourism.

An example of best practice from Tuscany is the project “Ospiti di valore”, thanks to which the Province of Siena has succeeded in creating a network of tourist organisations, joined in a common respect for the values of the Terre di Siena, and raising the awareness of tourists and citizens of the need to protect the environment and the cultural heritage and identities that characterise this territory in the landscape, the art and the harmonious living.

What the partners said:

“Eurobic Toscana Sud participated in the project as a representative for the Tuscan territory, which is at the forefront of sustainable tourism practices” explained Massimo Umiliati, President of Eurobic. “Besides the peculiarities of each territory, what the project showed is how tourism, in Europe, is connected to economic development. Each European district represents one of the most beautiful territories of the world. This is the reason why it is so important to work for tourism sustainable development: territories should be valorised without perverting their nature”

“Tuscany Region is delighted to participate in this event, also to get new ideas and inputs from the results of the activities of PRESERVE” stated the Regional Minister for Tourism, Cristina Scaletti. “Since 2009 we’ve been working on the project “Sustainable and competitive touristic Tuscany”, which seeks to combine growth and sustainability. We believe that it is necessary to work for a regeneration of our touristic products, to be offered under the brand Tuscany. This evolution has to be based on the responsible use of resources, the enhancement of the identity heritage, the harmony between tourists and residents and the quality of work. The Region is following this path. For example, at the European level, Tuscany is one of the founders of the European network NECSTouR, and holds its presidency. Within this association, a lively exchange is active both among the participants and with the European and international institutions. It seems to me that there really is a great similarity between the targets and the actions of PRESERVE and those of NECSTouR” she concluded.

“Sustainability and excellence are employed, and not from today, as guiding elements for the local policies and the actions of the Province of Siena, on all fronts. They also qualify our touristic offer and reward us in the global competition. The attention that we pay, at all levels, to a land so beautiful and so fragile, like ours, represents, therefore, a great added value for the tourist of today, more and more aware, alert and sensitive to these issues.” stated the Provincial Councillor, Anna Maria Betti.

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Culture at the patients’ bedside: AER regional politicians and academics place culture at the service of health

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Istanbul (TR), 21 September 2011

The joint meeting of the ‘Social Policy and Public Health’ and ‘Culture, Education, Youth and International Cooperation’ Committees of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) led yesterday a new initiative by gathering the members of its. They jointly organized a conference on ‘Culture and Health’ in Istanbul (TR) that started off with the following diagnosis: scientific studies show that culture has an impact on well-being, reduces stress, protects and nourishes the brain, limits degeneration and helps tackle disease. In short, it is now proven that culture has enormous benefits for health.

During this day, 10 professors and experts presented examples of cultural projects that centre around supporting ill people. Through music, dance, art and reading we can help people who are suffering. In all the cases that were presented, culture was a ‘medicine’ for citizens, irrespective of whether they suffered from a physical or mental illness, or simply old age. A study shown today has actually estimated that 25% of sick people could lead longer and healthier lives thanks to the increased use of cultural and artistic tools.

“I am impressed by the wealth of ideas and the creativity that these projects have demonstrated today. As President of the AER Culture Committee, I encourage all our members to develop actions in their regions. There are people out there who are already doing amazing things, we have seen that today; we now need public authorities to step up their support,” stated Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli. Vladimir KOSIC, President of Committee 2 and Minister for Health and Social Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia (I) added “There can be no culture without health, as there can be no health without culture. The common feature of both culture and health are human relationships, which must be at the heart of our policy concerns.”

“In light of the latest scientific knowledge and convincing evidence presented today, it is our duty to intrinsically link culture and health. They are two key dimensions of our policies, because they are of course essential for our citizens’ well-being but also because they are an indicator of our societies’ health,” concluded Michèle Sabban, AER President.

For more information: [email protected]

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