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Agenda 2030: Now More Than Ever

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The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN in 2015 has always been of great importance. From Poverty to Education through Health and Climate Action, and many more areas, the SDGs offer a broad range of activities needed to improve societal and environmental issues. 

However, recently, life has taken an unusual turn and the achievement of the SDG goals has gained significance. With the appearance of COVID-19, many areas have been affected or have shown to be needing improvement. Whether it is on a national or a local level, the crisis showed us that improvements have to be made in acting long-term and in a sustainable way. The health sector is not the only one that took a hit during this crisis but so did the economic sector, affecting many other areas such as employment, poverty, education, etc..

This crisis revealed the weaknesses in our systems and now gives us the opportunity to rethink and rebuild stronger bases for the future. Therefore, Now More Than Ever, it is time to act together on sustainable solutions which include each and every stakeholder and sector.  During this crisis, we have seen that in extreme situations, extreme measures could be taken and citizens were willing to implement them to make a change. There are lessons to be learned from the past months and behavioural changes that can be made towards common objectives. 

The relevance of the SDGs continues to increase as time passes by. However, there will be new challenges to face on the road to their achievement. There needs to be an active approach towards them and the different stakeholders involved will have to coordinate in order to be as efficient as possible. The emphasis needs to be put on finding long-term sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes that will only result in later issues in the future. The danger we are facing now is that governments turn to short-term solutions in order to quickly fix what the crisis has caused. Instead, now is the best time to review our approach to SDGs.

The crisis will give opportunities to work on the tactics and the means to the final goals. Local and regional involvement more specifically will be increasingly required, hoping for inclusive multi-level governance. Acting at the level closest to citizens means acting faster. The 10-year window that is left is our opportunity to act. All stakeholders involved need make an effort to achieve SDGs, not one-by-one, but as a whole. Because they are interconnected, the issues connected to one another should be worked on simultaneously. 

AER strongly believes that the achievement of these goals is necessary and urgent which is why the SDGs form the basis of its work, not only in the Bureau Taskforce, but throughout our work in policy, programmes and projects. The upcoming webinar on 24 June is the first event of a one-year-long action plan to stimulate action around SDGs. The action plan will end with a two-day conference in June 2021. In doing so, AER is partnering up with other organisations and institutions to unite our actions and reach as many stakeholders as possible.

Now More Than Ever is the time to act, to rethink and to rebuild together.

→ link to event page

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Wind in their Sails – A Best Practice from Regione Abruzzo

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AER is pleased to share success stories from its member regions. Below is a report from Regione Abruzzo (IT) about its recent triumph as part of a European project on renewable energy.

“Regione Abruzzo is strongly committed to fostering the production of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. In the region, there are 10 big wind farms, located mainly in Chieti and L’Aquila provinces, with outputs of 185.4 MW of electric power and 329.4 GWh of produced energy in 2018. Regione Abruzzo recently released the authorization for the repowering of 4 large wind power plants belonging to “Alto Vastese” wind farm, located in 3 municipalities of the Chieti province: Castiglione Messer Marino, Schiavi D’Abruzzo and Roccaspinalveti. The repowering involves the replacement of some old turbines with new, more powerful ones and an electrical power increase of 30 MW.

In the framework of Horizon 2020 WinWind project (joined by ENEA -Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) more than 30 European case studies have been analysed to identify best practices and the key development factors for the social acceptance of wind energy. Regione Abruzzo is one of these.

There are many barriers to social and public acceptance of wind farming. Long authorisation processes and the so-called “NIMBY” effect often hamper the spread of renewable power plants. Grant processes have to be simplified by public administrations while concerns about the development of new technologies nearby (NIMBY-ism) should be managed, allowing local communities to participate directly in the plant planning and management.

In the framework of Winwind project, the involvement of citizens as well as open, transparent communication between companies, public administration and inhabitants have been identified as the two most important steps to facilitate wider acceptance of wind farms.

Regione Abruzzo’s repowering case study was recognised as a best practice, in terms of participatory processes and active involvement of citizens, because:

  • Inhabitants and stakeholders were consulted both in the early repowering project phase, as well as in the authorisation process.
  • From the start, the company, promoted clear communication, listening to suggestions and hearing the worries of the local population.
  • The project strived to adhere to other “best-practice” principles including involving a high recovery rate of existing infrastructure and seeking to achieve a low visual impact in the surroundings of the wind farm.

This resulted in positive synergies between all stakeholders and a successful repowering initiative.

Read more about the initiative here: https://www.qualenergia.it/pro/articoli/impianti-eolici-dalla-sindrome-nimby-allaccettabilita-sociale-in-tre-mosse/

Photo by Romero Souza on Unsplash

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A huge “Yes” to electric vehicles! The AER evaluates the framework and conditions for their roll out

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Brussels (B), 30 June 2011.

The ‘Energy and Climate Change’ working group of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) met today to discuss both the opportunities and the challenges presented by the new technology of clean vehicles. The participants were offered the chance to test-drive an electric car being marketed by the automobile designer BMW.

Clean vehicles for a Green Europe

As we need to face the challenge of global warming and oil depletion, it becomes necessary to institute clean transport alternatives to petrol. The European Commission articulated two strategies that reflect the potential offered by electrics vehicles in the fields of clean technology and energy savings. The first, “Transports 2050”, seeks to reduce the present dependence of the European Union on imported petroleum, while also cutting carbon emissions by 60% by removing most gasoline-operated vehicles from cities by 2050. The second strategy for the advancement of clean and energy-efficient vehicles involves setting up mechanisms for their promotion, such as common battery standards, or the installation of publicly available charging stations.

Challenges to be met, with great gains to be made

While making these changes will be very beneficial, establishing the infrastructure that would allow clean vehicles to function remains nevertheless complex for many regions. One example is Norrbotten (S): “In Sweden, the sun is not always shining, and our land area is greater than 400 000 km. It will prove very complicated to use a car that must be charged every 200 km, not to mention to charge the battery from clean energy sources”, said Kenneth Backgard, Chairman of the AER working group on Energy and Climate Change and member of the regional council of Norrbotten. “Replacing the present car fleet with clean vehicles involves increasing European electricity consumption by 15%. This electricity must be generated by a green energy source”, he concluded.

The region of Wallonie (B) has meanwhile identified another core problem regarding the role the State must play in order to encourage citizens and businesses to use electric cars. Here several good ideas have arisen: fiscal or economic incentives for companies and citizens, investment in research to improve lithium-based batteries (which can be very harmful to the environment) and in smart infrastructure, commercialisation of charging stations and city centre carpooling incentives.

The example of the Land of Baden-Württemberg (D) is quite emblematic, since one fourth of the regions’ jobs depends on the automotive sector. “It is essential to support the industrialisation of electric cars in order to keep our leading position on the world market. With ‘e-mobil BW’, the region created a specialised agency that brings together all relevant actors from industry, research and education paying special attention to small and medium sized companies in the supply chain.” stated Franz Loogen, CEO of e-mobil BW.

“The electric car was born in Europe, and is perfectly placed to overcome the challenges of the future. During the past 2½ years with the MiniE, we have learned much about the wishes and expectations of our clients in the field of electromobility.“, declared Andreas Sauer, BMW Group Representative. “Now it is important to draw the right conclusions and to develop our projects quickly in order to make them competitive in the industry.”

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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Europe’s energy future is not only about energy efficiency, it’s also about ‘Efficient Energy’

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Brussels, Belgium – April 13th 2011

The Assembly of European Regions – GE Energy partnership today further proved the success of their close collaboration with the publication of the REFER Report; a study which looks closely at the challenges facing Europe and its regions and the energy efficient solutions they are employing.

Presented by Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions, and Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy for Western Europe and North Africa, as part of the 2nd Annual European Regions Energy Day, the REFER Report features research from the soon-to-be-released ‘Delta Study’, an exclusively commissioned report into understanding the benefits of supply-side energy efficiency, as well as the results of the AER survey on regional investments in energy projects.

Energy efficiency has so far proved to be the EU’s least successful element of its EU Energy 2020 strategy. The European Commission’s efforts to increase energy efficiency up to this point have been very focused on measures to improve end-use efficiency, and have largely ignored the potential to reduce the huge losses that occur in the production and delivery of power. The REFER Report demonstrates that energy efficiency is not solely about end-use efficiency, or demand-side efficiency. Energy efficiency encompasses the entire energy value chain and there are benefits to be reaped on the supply-side also.

“Energy Efficiency or what we prefer to call ‘Efficient energy’ is more than just reducing greenhouse gases; it is about the efficient use of our resources, our fuel, water and land. In general it is about driving the development of more resource efficient energy production and delivery sectors in Europe; activities to which GE Energy is entirely committed,” said Ricardo Cordoba.

“Regions are perfectly placed to implement energy efficiency initiatives; they offer unique resources that can drive the diverse energy mix required to support low carbon energy. They have great experience with energy investments and infrastructure, they are key to planning and consent, and they are actively engaged and exercise an increasing influence over energy strategy in their territories,” stated Michèle Sabban. 

By placing the spotlight on the many proven, cost-effective and reliable supply-side technologies that are already deployed, and the regions who are benefitting from them, the REFER Report shows that a reinvigoration of supply-side opportunities or more resource-efficient electric power generation is a strategic imperative for Europe.

It looks at technologies such as fuel switching in the power sector – specifically from coal to natural gas, power plant optimisation and other measures to improve the efficiency of existing CCGT power plants, and combined heat and power (CHP), from micro-scale residential projects to large-scale industrial ones. The report also covers the emergence of smart grid technologies – as smart grid technology forms a major part of the EU 2050 roadmap and opportunities to develop them are receiving significant attention at EU level, but so far these have not gained traction in the member states.

Baden-Württemberg in Germany, for example, aims to have 100 “Bio-energy Villages,” an initiative that will use biogas plants that will produce electricity and capture lost heat, thus generating significant savings from the region. While in Lower Silesia in Poland there is significant development being made in the replacement of aging coal-fired plants with new biogas plants.

EU member states and regions have until 2013 to get back on track to meet the target for a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. If the Commission’s progress review still proves to be disappointing, the Commission will consider legally binding targets for 2020. The regions and technologies profiled in the REFER Report show that there is real progress being made. It demonstrates that with greater uptake of supply-side efficiency, significant contributions can be made to not only the achievement of the EU climate and energy efficiency targets, but also how we can make this happen, what barriers need to be removed and what incentives we need to introduce to turn this potential into a reality.

Michèle Sabban and Ricardo Cordoba handed over the REFER report to EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard.

About GE Energy and the AER

In May 2009, the Assembly of European Regions – Europe’s largest network of regions – and GE Energy, an established European and global player, launched “European Regions Energy Day”, a joint initiative to tackle the energy challenges facing European regions today and to promote possible solutions. It is the first summit to bring together regional decision makers and European energy experts and is held annually in Brussels, Belgium.

The European regions are a key player in the choice of the energy solutions to be implemented in their territories. That is why Michèle Sabban, AER President and Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy Western Europe & North Africa, have joined forces to address climate change issues at a regional European level. The partnership creates a unique gateway between globally renowned energy experts and regional public decision makers; it also supports the European Union’s energy and environment strategy while creating a benchmark centre of expertise and solutions in the energy field for all the European regions.

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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2nd Annual European Regions Energy Day

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

Brussels, Belgium – April 12th 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About GE Energy and the AER

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

For more information: [email protected]

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“REFER”: New Blog by the AER and GE Energy to promote discussion on European Energy Challenges

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Brussels (B), 22 June 2010

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and GE Energy today announced the launch of R.E.F.E.R. (Responsible Energy for European Regions), a blog aimed at facilitating thoughts and discussion on energy matters across all regions of Europe. Available at refer.blogactiv.eu, R.E.F.E.R. reports on the latest energy news, energy analysis and commentary about the various regional energy markets, energy efficiency, regional sustainability, secure energy supplies and public policies from across Europe.

Far from being a mere publication, R.E.F.E.R. will allow the exchange of views and ideas between politicians, companies, researchers and citizens.

“Global warming is our generation’s greatest challenge and solving it is an opportunity to build a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future. With the regional approach, we transform the debate and lay the groundwork for a successful, multi-stakeholder climate action agenda.” said Michèle Sabban, AER President. “I invite all living forces, politicians, civil society and citizens, to join and enrich this blog and help us improve the implementation of sustainable energy solutions that will benefit both the regions’ economy and our citizens’ quality-of-life”.

“Our goal is to support Europe in meeting its ambitious 20-20-20 climate goals. Apart from offering our extensive portfolio of greener and more efficient energy technologies, supporting initiatives like this blog can help support development, growth and networking in all areas of energy. We want to encourage discussions on various issues and share different views to raise awareness of what we can do today to build a sustainable future”, said Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy for Western Europe and North Africa.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and GE Energy welcome your comments at refer.blogactiv.eu

Well-structured and reader-friendly, R.E.F.E.R. (Responsible Energy For European Regions) provides news and expert views on the latest energy developments and facilitates discussion around them.

About AER – GE Energy’s cooperation
The blog is the latest joint initiative of GE Energy and AER, who in 2009 have teamed up in an innovative collaboration between public and private stakeholders in the energy field to tackle climate change on a regional level. By joining forces, AER and GE Energy have created a unique gateway between globally renowned energy experts and regional public decision makers. The aim is both to support the European Union’s energy and environmental strategy and to facilitate the creation of a benchmark centre of expertise and solution provision in the energy field for all European regions.

AER and GE Energy have held the first European Regions Energy Day in April 2010, a joint initiative to examine the energy challenges facing European regions today and to promote their possible solutions. The European Regions Energy Day is the first summit to bring together regional decision makers and European energy experts and will be held annually in Brussels, Belgium.

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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From Copenhagen to Cancun: Leaders from Regions, Federated States and Companies step in Bonn

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Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen (D), 2 June 2010

“Although they represent major challenges to our society, the conjunction of the economic crisis and the fight against climate change can be seen as opportunities, since they give us the occasion to rebuild upon healthy bases the whole system of production and consumption. I am in favour of establishing partnerships with companies, resulting in economic growth and creation of employment as well as in climate protection.” These were the words said by Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in front of political, economical leaders and experts, gathered by the Climate Group and the Land Nordrhein-Westfalen (D) to pursue the projects of the Regions and Federated States in the fight against Climate Change.

“We call for a new model of economic development, in which local authorities and industries will be able to work together for the research and implementation of new technologies that will influence climate change,” added Mrs Sabban. The example of the Smart Grids, of electrical networks capable to manage the consumed and produced flux thanks to information and communications technologies (ICT), is a remarkable example. In fact, a study launched by the Climate Group suggests that the ICT can save up to 15% of emissions by 2020 in buildings, motors, the power grid and transportation. An AER study conducted among 67 regions from 25 countries, reveals that 38% of the regions are already using technologies of advanced intelligent networks and 40% are ready to integrate them immediately.

AER therefore calls for a new model of governance: the world has to develop a real approach of consumer involvement in the field of energy that only regional and local authorities are able to implement. They are the ones that, by defending the subsidiarity principle, associate their citizens to public policies developed in today’s complex economic et technologic environment. They are also the ones trying to gain efficiency in the energy field or to mutualise energy supplies.

The participants to the conference welcomed the announcement made by Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) regarding the will of the Parties to reinforce the institution building.

Dowload:

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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European regions and local authorities ahead on climate change and development cooperation

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La Rábida, Andalucía (E), 27 May 2010.

In a conference of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in Andalusia to share experiences and innovative practices, it became clear that the prevention and adaptation to the challenges posed by climate change are tackled in regions and municipalities, not only in Europe but globally. The conference gathered around 90 representatives – including members of ‘Platforma’, a network of local and regional authorities for development – with first hand experience in this field.

Indeed, regions develop efficient solutions as they are responsible for the implementation of policies linked to climate change, notably infrastructure, transport, agriculture, environment, disaster risk management and aggregation systems for agriculture.“Therefore, AER, which is member of ‘Platforma’, will lobby to achieve the multilevel democratic governance that needs to be put into practice. The climate change issue makes it necessary for all public stakeholders – Europe, States, regions and local authorities – to work closely together. If we reach this goal, our continent will prove to the whole world that a grown up joint approach to climate change can defeat this urgent and very real threat” said Kenneth Backgård, President of the AER energy group and Councillor of Norrbotten (S).

“Andalucía was one of the first Spanish and probably European regions to tackle climate change. We began the fight in 2002. In 2007, we made an ambitious prevention plan, and have already fulfilled 92% of our commitments. But we can not be complacent, there is still a lot to do, and our joint work improves the outcomes” said José Juan Díaz Trillo, Environment Minister of Andalucía. “Our meeting is also important as it will allow us to help the poorest countries in the world. Of course we are all facing a time of economic hardships, but I’m convinced this might create opportunities. Together we will find them” he concluded.

Participants stressed the need to raise awareness on climate change and underlined that investments in green technologies, while painful in the short term, will eventually bare the fruits of the much sought after sustainable development our planet is craving.

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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How to foster sustainable tourism in the regions: Regions work concretely together in PRESERVE

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Alba (RO), 17 March 2010.

Today, almost 200 delegates gathered in Alba County (RO) to discuss tourism in the regions and the role played by the sector in Europe’s economic and social development. Tourism is an essential element in regional economies: it represents 4% of the European Union GDP and 12% of European workforce, and counts two millions companies. With the recession, tourism habits are changing and tourism needs to adapt to this new environment.

In this context, it is therefore even more important for tourism to remain sustainable. This is why the Assembly of European Regions (AER), together with 13 partner regions, launched the Peer REviews for Sustainable Eco-Regions Via Europe, the so-called PRESERVE project, under INTERREG IVC. Through this project, regional policymakers are able to develop a work plan to apply recommendations and improve their cultural heritage and landscape policies by using common evaluation methodologies, exchange of best practice and audits from other regional experts (Peer Reviews).

After one and a half year of activity, the time has come to take stock of the two first PRESERVE peer reviews which took place in 2009, in Örebro in Sweden and in Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. Members of the Preserve Steering Committee discussed the lessons learned and gave directions on how to optimise the project. The first conclusion was the fact that these peer reviews are clearly beneficial and instructive for both sides, they are truly a win-win exchange between interviewees and peers. Participants also highlighted the importance of an excellent advance preparation. Agnes Frank, Project Manager for territorial cooperation of the Land Steiermark (A), noticed that: “A big part of the work needs to be done much in advance, and the host regions have to express their expectations to the peers. Furthermore, peer reviews should target both the public and private sectors in order to get a global vision of the region’s needs and potential.” she concluded.

The participants unanimously agreed on the usefulness of this project which allows in depth exchanges of experiences and good practices. Four PRESERVE peer reviews will be organised this year, in Eszak Alföld (Hungary), Avila (Spain), Kärnten (Austria) and Sterea Ellada (Greece).

“Our County, Alba, looks forward to taking part in this peer review exercise. Alba will work together with the partner regions, and we are certainly going to learn much from each other. I am convinced that all participants at today’s conference in my region will go home with some new ideas and tools on how to develop their tourism in order to make it even more sustainable, for the benefit of our citizens.” stated Ion Dumitrel, President of Alba County Council.

Background
PRESERVE is part of INTERREG IVC instrument – With AER as lead partner, 13 partner regions from 11 countries are working together over 3 years to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies, specifically focusing upon cultural heritage and landscape policies as key factors in economic development.
Partners: AER (lead), Abruzzo (I), Alba (RO), Alytus (LT), Avila (E), Banska Bystrica (SK), Kärnten (A), Észak-Alföld (H), Fyn (DK), Jönköping (S), Örebro (S), Strerea Ellada (GR), Steiermark (A), Toscana (I).

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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ECREIN+ European interregional cooperation to strengthen eco-innovation

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Uppsala (S), 19 February 2010.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) participated these days in the kick off event of a new European interregional cooperation project, aiming at fostering eco-innovation. ECREIN+ (European Clusters and Regions for Eco-Innovation Network Plus) is an Interreg IVC project led by the region Rhône-Alpes (F), to which AER is a partner. The kick-off event took place in Uppsala (S), an internationally recognized region for its expertise in the field of environmental technology.

ECREIN+ aims at raising awareness and broadly sharing techniques, financial instruments and best practices all over Europe. It will reinforce and complement the ongoing eco-initiatives existing in the partner regions. The partners wish to share expertise on how to better support SMEs and clusters which are already involved in eco-innovation or would like to develop strategies that go into that direction.

“ECREIN+ is of critical importance if we want to turn our regions into green excellence territories. It is an ambitious and comprehensive project that will lead us all, should we truly work together, to foster a prosperous green economy in our regions. But to reach this objective, we need a strong political involvement from all partners.” stated Hélène Blanchard,Vice-president of Rhône-Alpes Regional Council (F), in charge of environment.

“We look forward to participating in this cooperation. Partly because we have a lot to contribute with, but also much to learn. This is a kind of cooperation that we believe will produce tangible results. This can and must contribute to solving our global environmental problems,” says Arne Sandemo, Chairman of the Uppsala Regional Council.

12 regions are working together in ECREIN+ and AER is completing the partnership, bringing its wide network for dissemination and its expertise in interregional cooperation at the service of this promising initiative. The partners are: Rhône-Alpes (F – lead partner), Andalucia (E), Baden-Württemberg (D), Galicia (E), Ile-de-France (F), Lombardia (I), Malopolska (PL), Romanian Municipalities Association (RO), Stara Zagora (BG), Uppsala (S), Wallonie (B), West Midlands (UK) and the Assembly of European Regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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The Black Sea Conference of Regions: water and sustainable tourism

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AER initiates a new approach at the territorial level to find solutions to the major problems faced by the Black Sea area

Paris (F), 16 February 2010.

For the first time, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has gathered over 60 politicians and regional representatives of the Black Sea outline at Ile-de-France (F), among with some experts, to discuss two major areas of concern for the Black Sea: water management and sustainable tourism.

Being strategically located at the junction of Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, and having a large population (the Danube-Black Sea Basin represents more than 160 millions people), the Black Sea area indeed faces a number of opportunities and challenges. “Being the largest network of regions in wider Europe, it is the AER’s duty to facilitate relations between all existing stakeholders. This is the reason why I have decided to launch this initiative of inviting the thirty-three regions of the Black Sea outline, experts from the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Black Sea area, as well as scholars working on the topic, to meet and prepare the future of the region and protect its environment” stated Michèle Sabban, AER President.

Regions are indeed becoming more and more crucial when it comes to the implementation of projects, whether these are related to water or energy. In order to fulfil such projects and answer the energy challenges with which Europe is faced today (water, energy, emissions…), regions need a clear understanding of the potential technical solutions and existing investment possibilities. Through this meeting, AER’s aim is to provide them with such information.

Participants have been able to discover existing initiatives, in particular in the Ukrainian Region of Odessa, and together have had the chance to establish a first diagnosis through an inventory of the organisations, tools and programmes useful to the common effort.

This event also allowed participants to get a better knowledge of the institutional basis that regional authorities must seek. The Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution is the regional body which coordinates efforts on environmental protection for the area.  Ahmet Kideys, the executive director of its permanent secretariat located in Istanbul, stated that “substantial efforts have been made by the contracting parties of the Commission jointly with relevant organisations, including the EC, in order to avoid adverse effects in the Black Sea ecosystem”.

Stephen Hart, Water Sector Expert for the European Investment Bank, underscored the importance of adequate financing to lead successful projects. He stated that “Many financing solutions already exist: pre-accession, neighbourhood policy, structural and cohesion funds, and even fiduciary funds. As the problem of water ignores borders, we are working on many projects outside the EU in the areas of energy and water. My advice to you today would be: if you want your application to be accepted, you really must ‘make’ a good project, with a clear-cut definition, including all stakeholders and specific responsibilities.”

“This conference is the first of hopefully many more events around the Black Sea and we will keep on sharing experiences and actions which will benefit the Regions of the Black Sea. I invite all interested stakeholders to join us in our next meeting in September. This initiative reflects the AER spirit to create synergies between Regions, our method of bringing them in direct relation to learn from each other, and make them gain efficiency.” concluded Michèle Sabban.


Background

The EU has initiated major efforts to stimulate economic and political reform through wide-ranging cooperation programmes, such as the Pre-Accession Instrument, the European Neighborhood Policy, the Black Sea Synergy and the Eastern Partnership. The Council of Europe, and in particular its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, has also run many projects in the Black Sea, and have allowed for the creation of the Black Sea Euroregion.

In spite of positive developments over the last years, significant challenges have remained in key sectors such as environment, energy, or tourism remain, that require coordinated responses at the regional level.

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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Regions’ message at Copenhagen: we can’t wait, it’s time to act!

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The Assembly of European Regions and key actors push forward the fight against climate change


Copenhagen (DK), 15 December 2009

In the framework of the different activities organised by local authorities in parallel to the 15th Conference of Parties in Copenhagen, the Climate Group gathered for its “leaders’ summit” in Copenhagen a panel of international organisations of regions, federal States and private sector actors willing to change the tendencies of climate change. The elected politicians in the room represented 360 million people and a total GDP of 10 billion dollars. Ms Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), played an active role in the latest negotiations.

“We cannot emphasise enough what a major role regions play in the fight against climate change, since they are the ones that have to implement between 50 and 80% of mitigation and adaptation measures. Further evidence of the determination of regions and federal states comes today with the decision of the government of South Australia to commit itself to achieving 33% of clean energy by 2020, reflecting the Californian commitment,” Michèle Sabban commented.
Together with her global peers, Michèle Sabban has affirmed: “it is no longer time for discussion, it is now time for action!”and announced the creation of an AER Action Tank. She called upon all forces gathered in Copenhagen to join AER and identify concrete solutions to the climate change challenge. “Whatever the content of the agreement to be concluded on Friday, we will pursue our commitment and continue to support the progression of all regions towards a European and global green future. This struggle is crucial to our future. AER will also be happy to include economic decision-makers and industry to join our activities and bring their expertise.”
These initiatives complete the AER Belfort Appeal, adopted by the 270 AER member regions during the November 2009 AER General Assembly and brought to Copenhagen by the President.

Download the Belfort Appeal:

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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Assembly of European Regions partners with “R20” group to fight the climate change

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Copenhagen (DK), 15 December 2009.

Just two weeks after the “Belfort Appeal” – a clarion call to raise awareness of the role played by regions and federal states in the fight against climate change – the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has announced yesterday its support of the “R20” declaration in Copenhagen and will bring expertise and know-how to this new concept, which will be officially launched in September 2010. The declaration, inspired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the result of the Governor’s ”Global Summit on Climate Change” held in Los Angeles in September 2009, and commits to develop the capacities of a limited number of interested sub-national governments from developing and emerging countries.

The R20 declaration shares the spirit of the Belfort Appeal, which was launched by Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions and its 270 member regions, together with its partners from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) represented by Christophe Nuttal, the Climate Group and its President Steve Howard, along with Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy West Europe and North Africa. It is an urgent appeal for the recognition of the role of regions and federal states in the fight against climate change. The appeal affirms that the success of the post-Kyoto negotiations, meaning the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures, mainly depends on the regions.

R20 will help willing and selected developing regions to design and implement their Climate Change and Energy Regional Package (CCERP). The signatory regions of the R20 declaration will represent diverse climate patterns to put in place the necessary scientific, institutional and financial framework that would significantly reduce the risk of dangerous climate change based on the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This will contribute to the stabilization of the global mean temperature rise from pre-industrial levels to 2°C as agreed by various international fora including the G20.

“In an energy landscape in constant evolution and more decentralized than ever before, European regions play a crucial role in coming up with energy solutions for their territories. By partnering with the R20 group, we officially affirm our commitment to the goals and principles of the Global Climate Solutions Declaration. We are happy and proud to officially support the R20 group and to fight together against climate change”, AER President Michèle Sabban said.

“It is clear today that, for an agreement in Copenhagen not to remain wishful thinking, it must rely on sub-national levels, in particular on regions and federated states. For example, we know that between 50 and 70% of all adaptation and mitigation measures against climate change will call for implementation by the regions”, Ms Sabban commented. “I am proud to associate AER to this initiative, as it signals, hopefully, the beginning of a cooperation era in international relations”, Ms Sabban added.

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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While nations talk in Copenhagen, regions act in Ploieşti

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Prahova (RO), 4 December 2009

The third energy audit of the MORE4NRG project was carried out this week in the region of Prahova (R). Over the last few days, experts from Valencia (E) and Lazio (I), along with AER representatives, advised county authorities on tackling climate change and meeting sustainable energy needs with the establishment of a reliable, comprehensive and dynamic energy strategy.

Sunshine and hydro-resources can provide an abundance of green energy in Prahova. The region is beginning to capture some of this potential; but it still encounters myriad difficulties when it comes to introducing renewable energy source (RES) technologies. Some successful projects – such as the PV central station in the town of Cornu and the Floreşti gym equipped with solar roof panels – are already in place. But there is still no coherent legal framework to promote investment in the sector of clean energy. Weak support mechanisms, long payback periods, grid connection and energy conservation problems were some of the issues analysed by the expert team.

“A regional strategy would set out a new vision for the smarter use of energy in our region”, says Ludmila Sfirloaga, President of the Chamber of Regions of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE-Council of Europe), elected councillor from the Prahova county and member of the MORE4NRG Monitoring Board. “This is a challenging target but its achievement will bring wide-ranging benefits to our territory. Deploying renewable energy will help us maximise not only the environmental benefits but also the social and economic ones”.

“There is of course no one-size-fits-all energy strategy”, explains Joaquin Ortolá from the Valencia Energy Agency (AVEN) and member of the expert team. “The content of each energy strategy varies according to regional particularities. That is why we came to Prahova. We would like to get better insight into its current energy situation. It is of crucial importance to understand how energy is used in the county, and to identify key regional stakeholders that are concerned with the issue of energy and who should be involved in drafting such a document. As energy is a cross-cutting issue, all kinds of actors must take part in the consultation procedure so that we make the right connections between energy and other key policy areas. We expect our peer review to catalyse regional corporate commitment to taking the strategy forward.”

Together with members of the Ploieşti energy agency (which was set up under the Intelligent Energy Europe program), MORE4NRG experts visited several regional solar power installations and small hydropower plants. They also interviewed representatives of government, academia, environmental NGOs, the chamber of commerce, energy providers and local investors.

“We hope that our suggestions will help Prahova deliver a successful energy strategy. This document should be quickly supported by an appropriate action plan and regularly updated so that it rightly depicts fluctuating trends of the energy market”, concludes Giuseppa Bruschi, department director for the region of Lazio.

AER Peer reviews:
Made up of international experts from MORE4NRG member regions, the peer review team conducts a four-day visit to assess the performance of a host region’s energy policies. Through a series of field inspections and meetings with energy stakeholders from both public and private sectors, the team investigates the legal, technological, financial and environmental factors that may affect the sustainable development of the host region’s energy strategy.

 

For more information: [email protected] AER!

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“Belfort Appeal”: regions are on the way to Copenhagen

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Belfort, Franche-Comté (F), 27 November 2009.

In Belfort, during the last major international climate change conference before the Copenhagen summit, Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and its 270 member regions, together with its partners from the United Nations development programme (UNDP) represented by Christophe Nuttal, the Climate Group and its President Steve Howard, along with Ricardo Cordoba, President of GE Energy West Europe and North Africa, launched an urgent appeal for the recognition of the role of regions and federal states in the fight against climate change.

This appeal, adopted by the AER General Assembly held this year in Franche-Comté (F), affirms that the success of the post-Kyoto negotiations, meaning the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures, mainly depend on the regions. In fact, according to the UNDP, between 50 and 70% of these measures should be implemented by regions and federal states.

Speaking today to an audience of 500 regional politicians, experts, and EU officials, AER president Michèle Sabban said: “This appeal sends a strong message on the eve of the Copenhagen summit: national governments must recognise and take advantage of the crucial role the regions play in tackling climate change and energy challenges. If they fail to secure a truly multi-level response to these challenges, our national leaders will be putting our environment and economic security at grave risk, it’s as simple as that.”

AER is the largest organisation of regional authorities in Europe, bringing together 16 interregional associations and 270 regions from 33 countries. AER’s General Assembly was held at the GE Energy production plant in the heart of Europe’s “Energy Valley”, a fitting location for the adoption of an appeal consolidating the regions’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Download the Belfort Appeal:

For more information: [email protected]

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