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#HotlineCohesion: EUTeens4Green – Youth Ways for a Just Transition

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Local, but European. Practical, but inspiring. #HotlineCohesion brings you the most interesting youth opportunities linked to EU Cohesion Policy. 

HOW TO MITIGATE THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE TRANSITION

It is no secret that the very needed green transition will lead to profound changes in the labour market – ‘new jobs will be created, while some jobs will be replaced and other refined’. Ensuring a fair and just transition becomes therefore a crucial point of action for regions and its youth.

In the Zasavska region in Western Slovenia for instance, since 2013 almost 5.000 jobs have been lost and the GDP has been dropping to 53% of the Slovenian average due to the closure of the Zasavaje coal mine and the region’s coal-fuelled power plant. Yet, studies show that the adoption of clean energy technologies in more than half of the EU coal regions can counter this effect through the creation of around 460.000 new jobs by 2050. The need to manage this change and develop appropriate supportive actions (as fostering the s.c. green skills20) to fully exploit the employment potential of the transition is one of the greatest responsibilities of the EU and its regions.

In the coming years, the Cohesion policy will support regions in their transition paths at several levels:

Actions needed to mitigate the impact of the transition on the society (as labour market interventions and reskilling of the workforce) will be supported under Policy Objective 4 ‘A more social and inclusive Europe’. In addition, financial support from the Just Transition Fund will be delivered to regions in the Just Transition Plans to alleviate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the transition.

HOW DOES YOUTH GET INVOLVED?

Why is it essential to include young people in the Just Transition process?

Enabling young people to have a say in their future, be designers of their own projects and therefore become leaders and future leaders in their own communities are building blocks for achieving a fairer and more equal society. Young people are utterly concerned about the environment and they can be agents of change.

The EUTeens4Green project is a call to action for teens to take ownership in their communities and contribute to a fair and just green transition in the areas most in need to phase out coal and transitioning to forms of less polluting and renewable energies. 

Through mini-grants provided directly to groups of young people, the project is designed to empower the next generation to become actors of change in their regions and help to reduce socio-economic disparities. By focusing on regions identified in the preliminary analysis of the Territorial Just Transition Plans and most affected by the low-carbon transition, the project has the potential to alleviate inequalities between regions and create a more equitable future for all.

THE STAKES.

The criteria to run a EUTeeens4Green project are: 

  • Take place in a Just Transition region
  • Be run by young people aged 15-24
  • Request a max. refunding of €10.000
  • Last maximum of 12 months
  • Must engage social groups negatively affected by the transition to a green economy
  • Ensure diversity & inclusion and good environmental performance

Projects to be funded in the frame of EUTeens4Green may cover activities like the following (non-exhaustive list):

  • Awareness-raising/communication activities
  • Capacity-building actions (education, training, mentoring, events)
  • Campaigning and advocacy activities
  • Participatory processes aimed to engage with different groups of people
  • Innovative solutions or pilots for testing innovative solutions
  • Exchange of good practices
  • Research
  • Other activities in line with the scope of the action

Applications for the first cohort closed on the 9th of January and we are looking forward to knowing more about the successful applicants and their experience!!

Check out the page to find out too and to keep yourself posted when a new call is open!

See you next week at #HotlineCohesion!

The Youthopia Project is co-funded by the Directorate General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission.

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#HotlineCohesion: The IVY League of Volunteering

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Local, but European. Practical, but inspiring. #HotlineCohesion brings you the most interesting youth opportunities linked to EU Cohesion Policy. 

The IVY League of Volunteering

Borders are theoretical, cooperation is practical. This is the spirit of The Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY), an initiative funded by Cohesion Policy that connects the values of European cooperation and the matters of local and regional communities. 

Since 2017, IVY fosters a community of young volunteers and host organisations committed to implementing European projects across Europe. Funded through the EU Interreg programme, IVY has the dual goal to support cooperation thanks to the involvement of motivated young people and empower them professionally, while making the benefits of cooperation more visible among local communities and beyond.

IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER.

Besides the opportunity to put in practice their goodwill, volunteers receive a daily allowance, contribution to travel expenses and health insurance.

As participants, young people have the opportunity to support cross-border cooperation through project management or communication activities. 

In project management, they will contribute to the implementation of projects as Interreg Project Partners, learning first-hand how European cooperation works. In communication, they will work as Interreg reporters and contribute to give visibility to the achievements of EU projects.

Whether as Project Partners or Reporters, volunteers build their professional skills in an international working environment, learning how international cooperation functions in practice and how volunteering brings to life a connected Europe.

In 2022, the European Commission signed a 3-year-long contract with the aim to deploy 420 volunteers by the end of 2024.

Seize the opportunity, check here for the latest vacancies and apply!

IF YOU WANT TO BECOME AN HOST ORGANISATION.

IVY is open to receive applications from candidate host organisations throughout  the year. They can be based in the following areas:

  •  EU countries
  • Switzerland and UK
  •  European Economic Area (Iceland,Liechtenstein, Norway)
  • IPA-CBC countries (Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Turkey)
  • ENI-CBC countries ( Algeria, Armenia, Georgia, Egypt, Israel,Jordan, Lebanon,Republic of Moldova,Palestine,Tunisia)

Managing Authorities, Joint Secretariats and National Authorities are eligible to host Interreg Reporters, while Project beneficiaries can apply as hosts of Interreg Project Partners.

APPLY TO BE A HOST

See you next week with a new episode of #HotlineCohesion series

#HotlineCohesion is part of the YOUTHopia project, co-funded by the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO).

Discover more about #HotlineCohesion and YOUTHopia!

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SMEs and regions meet at the 5th Regional Business Forum

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The 5th edition of the Regional Business Forum (RBF) started on the 15th of November in Novi Sad, in the Serbian AER member region of Vojvodina. A networking opportunity for regional businesses co-organized by AER and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, RBF brings together more than 200 participants from 20 countries.

The opening ceremony was an opportunity to highlight different components of successful regional cooperation. Opening speeches were held remotely by Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, AER President Magnus Berntsson, and on-site by Bosko Vucurevic, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, and Damir Zobenica, Vice-President of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and AER Vice-President for Regional Development & Investment.

“Building physical connections between economies are essential, but more is needed,” said Commissioner Várhelyi. The 30 billion euro worth Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans is that “more”. This Plan is designed together with the Western Balkans for the Western Balkans. It aims to connect the economies of the Western Balkans and bring the region closer to the European Union, boosting its attractiveness as a destination for investment. The project of the Common Regional Market, which eliminates barriers to the movement of people and goods, will represent a further consolidation of the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, at the Opening Ceremony of 5th Regional Business Forum

On the energy crisis, Commissioner Várhelyi recalled the support of the European Commission to the Trans Balkan Energy Corridor, which will connect the region’s electricity transmission systems and the neighbouring EU Member States. This is part of the one-billion Energy Support Package, a measure helping Western Balkans to cope with the immediate impact of the energy crisis as well as develop greener and more sustainable energy infrastructure.

AER President Magnus Berntsson highlighted the benefits of empowering regions through business-to-business networking and knowledge sharing. “Without the regions’ knowledge of local priorities, resources, and issues, no bouncing back from the pandemic is possible,” said President Berntsson. He recalled concrete examples of how AER helped regions to put their knowledge into practice. For example, AER played a major role in the Scirocco Exchange Project, which supported healthcare authorities to develop integrated care systems for their patients and efficient knowledge hubs.

AER President Magnus Berntsson at RBF

As the largest independent network of regions in Wider Europe, President Berntsson continued, 1/3rd of AER membership lies outside the EU and many in pre-accession countries, including in the Western Balkans. Inspired by its motto “ Connecting regions, Inspiring Europe ”, he affirmed that AER will continue its efforts of empowering regions for a stronger and more inclusive Europe.

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Bio-based Innovation to Decarbonise the Construction Sector

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On 6 December, the day before the AER Bureau, the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is organising a workshop on “The Bioeconomy & the New European Bauhaus“, which will look at bio-based innovation in the construction sector.

Bio-based innovation: a catalyst for change

The bio-based sector or bioeconomy, is a catalyst for systemic change. Indeed it opens new ways of producing and consuming resources while respecting our planetary boundaries. It contributes therefore directly to achieving the economic, social and environmental goals of the European Union’s Green Deal.

Massive impact in the construction sector

The construction sector has a considerable environmental impact, during the whole life cycle of buildings (construction, use, demolition) as well as the life cycle of construction materials.

In this context, bio-sourced construction materials, if managed in a sustainable way during their whole life cycle, have a major role in the decarbonisation of the construction sector. The development of technological innovation, value chains and skills ecosystems require however intense collaboration across sectors.

Creativity, sustainability, inclusion: it’s possible!

The New European Bauhaus is a creative and interdisciplinary EU initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences. 

The New European Bauhaus was launched by President von der Leyen in September 2021. It adds a cultural dimension to the Green Deal and accelerates the green transition with change on the ground that combines the values of aesthetics, sustainability, and inclusion.

Mutual learning to accelerate the development of the bioeconomy

The ambition of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges and opportunities. The activities organised by the working group are also laying the ground for future partnerships and projects.

The workshop “The Bioeconomy & the New European Bauhaus” will therefore look at:

  • European strategies supporting the decarbonisation of the construction sector
  • Societal challenges, the territorial approach
  • Technical innovations in bio-based materials, which are being explored and implemented in the regions
  • The state of play in the regions.

The programme of this workshop is available on the event webpage. As places are limited, registrations will be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

Share your experience!

It is still possible to propose policies and practices you are proud of in your region to be presented at the workshop on 6 December. Your experience matters and is interesting for other regions: this is what the mutual learning community is all about! If you would like to share your region’s experience in the decarbonisation of the construction sector via bio-based innovation, please get in touch with AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius.

More information on this topic

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Skills for the Bioeconomy @AER Summer Academy in Donegal

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The ambition of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges, and opportunities, and create the ground for future partnerships and projects.

Youth at the heart of the shift to green gold

On the occasion of the AER Summer Academy in Ireland, the AER working group on the Bioeconomy facilitated a workshop with young people, to challenge the current situation and ask how the bioeconomy can become the green gold for a sustainable future.

Getting the opportunity to increase knowledge and awareness around the challenges in the field of agriculture, especially for youth, was a wonderful and rewarding experience. The discussions and conversations we had during as well as after the workshop were very interesting, I learned that youth in other regions face many of the same challenges as we do in Norway with the low profitability, lack of free time and challenges with recruitment and finding substitute workforce when needed. In addition to the aforementioned challenges which I believe are essential to overcome for farming to become more attractive for the future generations, this workshop made me reflect a lot upon the importance of giving young farmers opportunities for development such through exchange programs. I brought this perspective with me into many conversations, and hopefully, it will lead to facilitation of such opportunities in the nearest future in my own and other regions.

Sigrun Myrvang, youth representative, Innlandet (NO)

Indeed sustainability has three pillars: economic, social, and environmental.

In an increasingly resource-scarce world, we want to lift and empower youths and young leaders, through our democratic institutions and build tolerance for each other’s needs. I think young people see this more clearly than previous generations

Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

The AER Summer Academy: a forum for exchanges

The AER Summer Academy is a forum for exchanges of experience when it comes to regional development and expertise in Europe.

Objectives:

  • Promoting regional democracy and the principle of subsidiarity.
  • Providing an opportunity for regional representatives to build networks with their counterparts across wider Europe.
  • Fostering interregional cooperation.
  • Promoting European integration, identity and sense of belonging among young people.
  • Facilitating exchanges of experience and good practices between regions, policy-makers and young people.
  • Supporting mutual learning.

The European Year of youth: an opportunity to reframe policies

The 2022 edition of the AER Summer Academy was a very special edition. Indeed, this was the first in-person edition since the COVID-19 pandemic. As has been shown since, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on youth. The event taking place during the European Year of Youth, was an opportunity to reframe policies and policymaking. This was the opportunity to make mobility and exchanges with peers across Europe possible again. To listen to young voices, and learn to listen better too.

Skills & the bioeconomy

The bioeconomy covers all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources. It spans over sectors as diverse as food, construction, energy and waste management. In the context of societal challenges such as climate change, food security, energy independence and environmental sustainability, the bioeconomy is deemed to generate solutions for a better use of resources, life-cycle management and the development of new materials.

Because the industries in the bioeconomy, the value chains, the collaborations between stakeholders are new, there are major challenges in terms of skills: both to develop the right skills and to attract & retain skills in the industry.

The workshop looked specifically at food and food production for the future, with sustainability and security as the tagline. A key focus was on young voices in relation to food production and education, innovation and recruitment.

Speakers:

Upcoming activities of the working group

The Working Group will organise an experience-sharing workshop on the sides of the AER Bureau meeting in December. The exact date of the workshop will be communicated ASAP

Regions interested in the topic, could be specifically interested in the following event which take place in the context of the European Week of Regions:

  •  Food 2030: Regions as agents of change for sustainable food systems and biobased solutions
    Region Värmland invited the CEO of Paper Province, a cluster organization, to present their experience in the transition to biobased solutions. The session will provide feedback on the Food 2030 policy and emphasise the role of regions in the green transition through a bioeconomic lens. The participatory lab will focus on food and sustainable food production. It will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on food systems and bio-based solutions directly to representatives from the European Commission.

If you would like to be informed about the activities of the Working Group on the Bioeconomy, please fill in this questionnaire (3 questions + contact details), it is possible to join anytime!

Photo taken in Donegal by Ainars Djatlevskis on Unsplash

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Interview with Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

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How exchanging experiences with other regions leverages knowledge and the ability to create impact: the Chair of the newly created working group on the bioeconomy & skills, Aud Hove, Innlandet (NO), shares about her motivation for setting up a working group within the AER network.

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Aud Hove, I serve as the deputy county mayor in Innlandet county, Norway. I come from a small mountainous village and municipality, named Skjåk, but due to my occupation, I currently live in Lillehammer. I have always been interested in bio-based business and nature management.

In Norway we have a saying “from the earth to the table” not different from EU new initiative Farm to Fork, emphasizing that value chains must play together and do no significant harm to others or the environment.

Our region, Innlandet needs our farmers and we need the industry so that people get what they need for a living. At the same time, I also believe that we must change some of our habits and consumption. Norway, Europe, and the western world consume far more than we produce and it is not sustainable in the long run.

What motivated you in launching the working group on the bioeconomy & skills?

The bioeconomy is both the past and the future. We have always harvested from the wood and fields, but oil, gas and coal have taken up too much space in the last decade.

I’m convinced that collaboration, experience sharing, knowledge, and research and education it is the key to success.

Aud Hove, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

The value chain in biomass and green carbon can be used more sustainably, wisely while we at the same time look for new products fit for green Innlandet and Europe.  

I’m convinced that collaboration, experience sharing, knowledge, and research and education it is the key to success. Bioeconomy, and circular economy is not only necessary for a green transition, but also our green gold, our future livelihood. 

What do you want to achieve with this working group?

Innlandet and Norway cannot solve global environmental challenges alone.

As emphasised in the Paris Agreement, the EU Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, international collaboration and solutions are needed. Sharing good examples and tackling common challenges across national borders is a part of Innlandet’s strategy.

We want to create a common understanding of different opportunities and challenges, by learning from others and sharing our best practices. Developing and improving the bioeconomy is part of the solution for climate and environment, and I think Innlandet has expertise and know-how which we can share with the rest of Europe.  

What will the working group do in the coming months?

Our ambition is to create a community amongst European regions to share challenges, opportunities and maybe future partnerships and projects.

First we will facilitate a workshop on the occasion of the AER Summer Academy in Ireland with young people, where we will challenge the current situation and ask how the bioeconomy can become our green gold in a sustainable future. Indeed sustainability has three pillars: economic, social, and environmental. All three pillars must be weighted equally to get a fair distribution and a future in harmony. In an increasingly resource-scarce world, we want to lift and empower youths and young leaders, through our democratic institutions and build tolerance for each other’s needs. I think young people see this more clearly than previous generations.

Second, we are planning a meeting of the working group on the side of the AER General Assembly, during the European Week of Cities and regions, the second week of October 2022. This meeting will be focused on experience exchange.

In Spring 2023, we want to organise an online activity around project development.

Another activity we will carry out is the mapping of the specificities of each region and their good practices as a basis for matchmaking, study visits, potential projects

If this collaboration with other regions was a film, what would be the title?

“Together we can build a better and greener future”

Or: “Leapfrogging green bio-based transitions –  A tale of European Regions”  

Thank you Aud Hove for the interview!

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Bioeconomy & skills: first meeting of working group

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On 22 June 2022, the AER working group on the bioeconomy and skills held its first meeting to define priorities and develop activities for the coming months

Getting to know each other

The working group aims to be a space for targetted experience sharing, finding resources and strategic intelligence, as well as developing initiatives and projects. For this to be possible it is essential to get to know each other and hear what makes the topic of the bioeconomy a current one in different regions across Europe.

The meeting therefore started with a presentation of each members and a pitch on the situation in each region.

Defining priority areas for exchanges

Members of the group discussed what they hoped to find in this group, and what they could share.

Three main areas stood out:

  • bio-based construction materials and techniques
  • new food systems
  • waste management: including clothes, digital waste (topic also relevant for food systems & construction)

In the context of the bioeconomy, where the industry, the value chain, the collaborations between stakeholders are new, there are major challenges in terms of skills: both to develop the right skills and to attract & retain skills in places where the industry is located

Planning activities

The working group was created based on a proposal by Innlandet (NO). The approach is to have light-weight working group, which will develop a few activities for the coming year, which can take place on the occasion of AER events.

The group agreed on the following activities:

  • Workshop of the working group on the occasion of the AER Summer Academy on September 1st, in Donegal. More information on the Summer Academy, the general programme of events and registration form is available here
  • Experience exchange event on the side of the AER General Assembly (onsite), which would also coincide with the European Week of Regions & Cities
  • Online meeting around project development (tbc whether brokerage event, or information on funding etc)
  • Mapping of the specificities of each region and their good practices as a basis for matchmaking, study visits, potential projects

About the AER working group on the bioeconomy & skills

The working group on the bioeconomy and skills was set up in Spring 2022, based on a proposal by Innlandet (NO), supported by Lower Austria (AU), Gelderland (NL), Värmland (SE). Indeed, to set up a working group a region has to find at least three supporting regions, which will help shape the activities, participate and contribute to the work.

The working group on the bioeconomy and skills is currently chaired by Aud Hove, Deputy Mayor of Innlandet (NO) and gathers representatives from Värmland (SE), Gelderland (NL), Fribourg (CH), Donegal (IE), Udaras na Gaeltachta (IE), Adana (TR), Eastern Slovenia (SI).

It’s possible to join anytime

If you are interested in collaborating with this working group, please fill in this short questionnaire so we know you better and can contact you. Working groups are exclusively for AER members. If you have any question, you can contact AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Exchange Johanna Pacevicius.

I want to set up a working group on another topic!

An AER working group provides a space for experience and knowledge exchange.

If you’re not yet sure exactly about the activities or the specific focus of the working group you would like to lead, but you know you want to be engaged and lead a working group, contact us!

We’ll schedule a meeting to specify needs. We’ll help you identify the topic and main objective of the working group you’d like to set up and make sure that

  • this will indeed create value for you
  • there is a match between expectation and resources

We’ll help you to develop a draft proposal on the focus of the Working Group and identify a few potential activities, which you will then be able to share with other AER members.

What kind of topics?

At the AER we like to say that everything is possible!

Topics need to be in line with the Mission and Objectives of the AER, as defined in the AER Statutes

They need to be in line with the basic fundamental principles of the Council of Europe.

Who will be in the working group?

You may already know with which regions you would like to specifically cooperate with, in that case let us know and when needed we can facilitate the connection.

Working groups are open to all AER members. In order to propose a new working group, a core group of 1 leading region and at least 3 supporting regions are needed for the creation of a working group.

If you don’t yet know which regions you’d like to work with, let’s discuss! Together with the AER Secretariat you’ll be able identify peers in other regions who could be interested to work with you.

What kind of activities?

As per the AER Statutes, working groups are responsible for

  • Promoting networking and knowledge exchange between AER members on specific issues related to regional development; (8.3a)
  • Identifying and disseminating good practices. (8.3.b)

In this context, and depending on what you would like to achieve, activities can include activities to raise awareness on a topic and share existing practices, experience sharing, workshops to identify how to address shared challenges and societal changes, information sessions on funding opportunities, project development workshops…

There are many ways in which the AER offer and synergies with other activities can match your expectations. Contact us!

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SOLD OUT: AER Summer Academy 2022 – Donegal, Ireland

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***PLEASE NOTE: ALL TICKETS ARE  SOLD OUT. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR TICKET, PLEASE CONTACT THE AER SECRETARIAT***

 

With the European Year of Youth in full-swing, the AER is delighted to announce that our flagship youth event, the AER Summer Academy is returning in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. 

In partnership with Donegal County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta, this year’s Summer Academy will take place from 29 August until 1 September in the stunning surroundings of  County Donegal, in Ireland’s Atlantic North-West.

2022 marks fifty years since Irish citizens voted by referendum to join the European Community, precursor the European Union in 1972. 2022 also celebrates the Irish language acquiring equal status to the other 23 languages in our Union for the first time. We are therefore enormously privileged to bring this year’s iteration to Ireland and the Gaeltacht [Irish-speaking region] during a year of important milestones for the country’s relationship with Europe.

The Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine have fundamentally changed expectations about Europe’s future. 2022 has become a time of big, existential questions about what Europe stands for, and what future we shape for the the next generation. Right now, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine Europe from a democratic, economic, cultural and social perspective.

The theme this year focuses on how young people in our regions can be empowered to answer these questions, and shape “A Europe for the Next Generation”. As we look to build back better, this year’s programme will focus on key key topics such as climate change, skills and education, cross-border and transnational cohesion and reconciliation, remote working and entrepreneurship.

As Europe works to build back better, regions are best-placed to ensure young people lay the building blocks for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all. Do not miss this opportunity to join regional leaders from all over Europe for a series of debates, workshops and excursions to enlighten and inspire.

Last but not least, the 2022 Summer Academy programme is offering participants an exciting opportunity to visit Derry/Londonderry City to learn about the Peace Process, take-in spectacular scenery on Inis Eoin island and Glenveagh National Park, visit the region’s unique rural innovation hubs, and sample Irish music and dance as part of our social programme—this is a programme not to be missed!

***

The 2022 Summer Academy is proudly brought to you by:

Inclusive Housing: Why And How?

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Access to adequate and affordable housing is a key determinant of successful integration. Housing conditions have a strong impact on employment and education opportunities and on the interactions between migrants and host communities. Poor housing conditions and segregation can exacerbate divisions, which undermine social cohesion. Inclusive housing is therefore essential for thriving neighbourghoods.

The need for cross-sectoral approaches

In the framework of the Includ-EU project AER organised a webinar on cross-sectoral approaches to inclusive housing. The 4th Includ-EU webinar looked at practices that promote the benefits of intercultural identities of neighbourhoods. Encouraging social interactions via holistic housing policies and reinventing public spaces is of utmost importance to foster integration.

Setting the framework

Rossella Celmi, Project Manager at the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, opened the webinar by reminding participants that

Beyond its strictly material aspect, upholding the right to housing is considered crucial for human dignity and personal development, as well as a precondition for the enjoyment of other rights

With the war in Ukraine leading to new needs to welcome migrants, mainly women with children, Rossella Celmi shared an overview of the current situation, both in Ukraine, with high numbers of internally displaced persons (for up-to-date numbers: see this UNHCR Ukraine webpage), and in neighboring countries, as well as the IOM response in different countries (see Rossella Celmi‘s presentation here)

Looking at housing through an intercultural lens

Ivana D’Alessandro, Head of the Intercultural cities Unit, Council of Europe started off with the basic principles of intercultural cities: Integration is not only about rights, it is about

  • Promoting real equality
  • Building on the diversity advantage to create a “WE” culture based on shared values
  • Fostering Interaction within and between

The intercultural model brings together the principles of Diversity, Equality and Interaction.

Intercultural Model by Carlos Jimenez

These three principles lead to a specific role for public space: social trust indeed builds across diversities in the public space. Urban planning is therefore fundamental for authorities that want to develop intercultural cities and regions. To harness the diversity advantage.

Gentrification, a process through which lower income residents are displaced from a neighbourhood due to an influx of new residents, resulting in a change of character of the neighbourhood, results in displacement, and change in social and urban character. Gentrification therefore has negative impacts on all three dimensions of interculturality: equality, diversity, and interaction. Ivana D’Alessandro cited Tom Slater Professor of Urban Geography, at the University of Edinburgh who calls gentrification “the special expression of economic inequality”.

She shared how the intercultural cities’ principles apply to the public space

Applying these principles is then reflected in work on the rent gap and affordability, in the prevention of displacement, the strengthening of participatory processes, achieving inclusive public space and the promotion of sustainable tourism… which in turn will have an impact on rent etc. See Ivana D’Alessandro‘s presentation here

Includ-EU briefing on housing

Eleonora Milazzo, PhD, researcher and migration policy consultant at Kings College London shared the findings of the Includ-EU Briefing on Housing, which analysed the housing context for migrants in Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. The data lead to a series of recommendations:

The briefing also describes a series of local and regional examples in the 6 countries, which illustrate how these recommendations can be implemented.

In Includ-EU, sharing of examples is seen as an essential tool to improve policies and practices. Eleonora Milazzo‘s presentation is available here, and provides for instance details on

  • how the “A New House” initiative in Cluj-Napoca provides material and medical assistance to vulnerable families and individuals
  • how Lucca’s House Agency in Tuscany matches supply and demand on the housing market
  • how Slovenia provides additional housing support for beneficiaries of international protection
  • and many other examples!

Unleash the potential of migration

Migration is a phenomenon that will remain and is likely to amplify in the future. In this context, rather than “solving” a “migration challenge”, sustainable policies and practices are focused on creating meaningful, equal to equal interactions between newcomers and local citizens. This in turn is deemed to enable cities and regions to benefit from the entrepreneurial spirit, variety of skills and creativity associated with cultural diversity.

Fatemeh Jailani, COO of SINGA Global, shared insights on SINGA’s “3 weapons of mass cohesion”, which are community organising, entrepreneurship and innovation.

SINGA’s tried and tested citizens hosting methodology fits in the “innovation section”, and is a methodology that ensures a healthy, equal relationship between newcomers and local citizens.

The 7 steps methodology

This methodology ensures the relationship is mutually beneficial and not rooted in a saviour-victim pattern.

  • Registration: aspiring hosts inform about motivation & space available
  • Informational meeting: to explain the programme, methods of intercultural co-housing, check motivation
  • Connection: based on location, motivation & expectations, areas of interest
  • First meeting: in neutral place. Potentially a second meeting to visit
  • Decision making: if both sides agree, then they have access to tools such as agreement, charter of cohabitation, intercultural training
  • Follow-up: the ‘J’accueille’ team will check on cohabiations regularly.
  • Facilitate communication: whenever there is a communication issue hosts and hostees can contact the team. A mediation service is available too.

While in emergency situations, the methodology may seem slow, results show that it is very effective and more sustainable than citizens hosting solutions without knowledgeable support. Safety is indeed a key aspect, both for hosts and hostees.

ANCI Toscana’s new model to tackle temporary housing needs

Additional Resources

Here are some more resources from the Includ-EU project and findings:

Videos of the other Includ-EU webinars

Related articles

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The Knowledge Transfer Toolkit is out!

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Are you aware of an innovative practice and would like to test in your region or would you like to strengthen cooperation with other peers across Europe and beyond to foster innovation within your regional ecosystem? The AER developed a Knowledge Transfer Toolkit gathering its long-lasting expertise in the field and its recent application in the context of the SCIROCCO Exchange project as to support regional and local authorities and other organisation in the design and implementation of effective knowledge transfer programmes and activities.

A tailor-made knowledge transfer programme

In the context of the SCIROCCO Exchange project on health systems innovation, the AER developed a knowledge transfer programme, which was personalised for nine health and social care authorities with the aim of preparing the local environment for the adoption or scale-up of integrated care.

The toolkit builds on the expertise of the AER and its application in the SCIROCCO Exchange project to offer transferable expertise and tools for the effective design and implementation of knowledge transfer programmes. It is aimed to support regional and local authorities, as well as any organisation wishing to use knowledge transfer for policy innovation, in developing and implementing activities that are tailored to their specific needs and objectives.

Download the Knowledge Transfer Toolkit!

Why knowledge transfer?

Knowledge transfer is a key approach to support policy innovation and capacity-building within different regional systems and sectors. By building on mutually beneficial collaborations among stakeholders it provides a framework for the exchange of know-how, capitalisation of learnings and tools, and the development of sustained collaborations. However, to ensure its effective implementation it is important to build on the specific regional context, needs, and objectives as to develop tailored knowledge transfer activities.

A toolkit for any collaboration or project

The toolkit offers:

  •  A process for the co-development of personalised programmes, accompanying the user through each step in the process.
  • A menu of activities, describing for each activity what it can be used for, what needs and intention that specific activity can address, and offering practical information for their organisation.
  • First-hand insights and learnings for the effective organisation of online and hybrid activities.
  • A list of key elements to ensure resilience and success in a knowledge transfer process.

By providing hands-on information and tools, the toolkit ensures a wide relevance and applicability policy areas, maturity levels and cultural contexts.

The AER as a knowledge transfer lab

Since its inception, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has built an expertise in policy learning providing opportunities and space for policy-makers and regional stakeholders to engage in cooperation, facilitating mutual learning and knowledge transfer activities. Throughout the years, created different methodologies for knowledge transfer – such as the peer review methodology -, as well as original formats of events – such as the AER mutual learning event on topics such as artificial intelligence or the smart food systems -. It developed programmes such as the AER Summer Academy as a format for structured exchanges between civil servants, young people and politicians; Centurio, the former civil servants exchange programme; or Eurodissey a youth mobility programme.

Moreover, thanks to its large and diverse membership, and the widespread organisation of knowledge transfer activities, the AER has developed a broad understanding of the type of knowledge transfer activities which create the most impact according to the regions’ specific objectives and the cultural contexts.

If you want to learn more about how the AER can support knowledge transfer among its members and broader international network, contact our Policy&Knowledge Coordinator, Johanna Pacevicius, and European Projects Manager, Birgit Sandu.

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Journey towards the Future of Europe – AER takes part in the Conference on the Future of Europe

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Today on Europe Day, the Conference on the Future of Europe ends.

This Conference was a citizen-led series of debates and discussions to enable people from across Europe to share their ideas and help shape our common future. The Conference, as a major pan-European democratic exercise, was the first of its kind and gave European citizens the great opportunity to debate Europe’s challenges and priorities for the years to come. In other words: how to make the Union fit for the 21st century’s next challenges?

The current situation at Europe’s doorstep shows us once again the importance of European cohesion and solidarity between all levels of government. Since 2021, hand-in-hand with other associations and civil society organisations working on the field of youth representation, democracy, and good governance, the AER has endorsed a series of recommendations on the way we envisioned the COFE should take place. According to the EU annual local and regional Eurobarometer: a majority of Europeans in all Member States (58%) think that more influence for regional and local authorities would have a positive impact on the EU’s ability to solve problems. That is why, with the Committee of the Regions and other local and regional associations, the AER has advocated for giving a bigger role to regional representatives at the Conference. As a result, the AER President, Magnus Berntsson, had a seat in the Plenary Sessions of the Conference, and made several contributions within the Working Group on Migration.

In Spring 2022, the Conference reached its conclusions and provided guidelines for Europe’s future. The AER upon the decision of our Vice President on Democracy, Nina Björby, decided to establish a Drafting Group to follow on the work and main outcomes of the COFE and draft a series of recommendations for the future of European regions summarising the main messages from adopted AER position papers. These recommendations have been set around the main policy topics that the Conference has been focusing on, such as:

  • European democracy
  • Climate change
  • Food security & health
  • Digital transformation
  • Migration

AER’s integration in the Conference on the Future of Europe

Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, the AER has been on the Conference agenda several times since it began, with the overall aim of advocating for a citizen-centred European Union. The journey began on October 2019 when AER joined the Civil Society Organisations Network led by the Union of European Federalists (JEF) as a non-state actor. Together with twelve other Civil Society and NGOs, AER signed a letter of recommendations for the Conference, which was forwarded to the European institutions. In June 2020, and following some meetings and discussions within the network, and in line with the proposal presented by the European Parliament and the European Commission, AER signed a statement wishing the success of this Conference.

At the same time, the AER Secretariat has been monitoring and following the updates on the state of the play of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The AER President has been holding meetings with key representatives from the European institutions that have been leading this process, such as the cabinet of Commissioner Suica, the Croatian Presidency to the Council, and members of the European Parliament. On these occasions, AER has always expressed its support towards a successful Conference and the importance of ensuring the representation and involvement of citizens from all European regions. Having a seat in the plenary sessions of the COFE, together with local association and regional representatives of the Committee of the Regions was a real success for our work on regional and local governance, and allowed us to make recommendations on what we think is important for Europe in the coming years.

Looking Forward—AER’s recommendations for the Conference on the Future of Europe

In Spring 2022, the Conference reached its conclusions and provided guidelines for Europe’s future. Now that the Conference is coming to its end, we can draw the following conclusions. As we bounce back from the pandemic, and in the face of new global challenges, European cooperation at all levels is needed more than ever. There is strong interest in further debate about the future of Europe in the population, for example during election time, but also through initiatives like citizens’ dialogues, etc. These are tools to really put ourselves ‘in the shoes’ of Europeans citizens, and give them a real say in shaping Europe’s political agenda.

Therefore the Assembly of European Regions recommends to:

Promote strong local and regional democracy across Europe

Democracy is a key factor for the promotion of peace and human right. The promotion of good governance is one of AER Political Priorities for 2020-2025. In this regard, AER calls European stakeholders to promote a strong local and regional democracy across Europe. First we are convinced that this requires the participation of all citizens at all levels of governance. Indeed to foster democracy all around Europe, citizens must be educated to counter disinformation, they must be involved regardless of their gender, racial or ethnic background. Local and regional authorities must be involved in the EU structure through the sound application of the principles of subsidiarity, partnership and multi-level governance which are fundamental pillars of European Union.

Engage global efforts to tackle climate change

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF), we are currently using 74% more than the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate, or the equivalent of the resources that 1.7 planets can produce. Based on this diagnosis, we can say that our mode of production and consumption is not viable for future generations. The theme of sustainable development could not be avoided at the Conference. Although all European countries are concerned by this issue, they do not all approach it in the same way. Decisions are often taken on the basis of national or international interests, but too little on the basis of regional concerns. However, local and regional governments are crucial in accelerating climate action and delivering agreed climate target. The overall goal can only be achieved through their meaningful involvement in the design, implementation and monitoring of climate strategies. EU institution should involve more regional and local governments in the development of territorial just transition plans, in order to build a net-zero economy that is fair for all. To allow this they should provide better funding to local and regional governments under the recovery instruments.

Ensure food security

Food and nutrition security is a focus in AER’s vision for sustainable and inclusive regional development. In this regard, in March 2021 we held a webinar on Innovation and farming that focused on advanced manufacturing solutions in driving sustainable change in the agrifood sector. We believe that regions have an important role in fulfilling EU food challenges since these affect regional development from a variety of angles. Regional authorities have the power to act at different levels in the food system, be it at the level of production, transformation, logistics and transport or distribution and waste management.

Facilitate the digital transition

Cities and regions are the major enablers of digital transformation in Europe, they orchestrate the development of vibrant innovation ecosystems by bringing together local resources and mobilising the participation of stakeholders. As the world becomes increasingly connected, digitalisation is a key differentiator that will allow regions to remain competitive, providing a vital opportunity to prevent depopulation and foster sustainable development and economic growth. Being the world’s second-largest economy, the EU should aim to master the digital challenges while improving regional competitiveness.

Build an inclusive and intercultural Europe

Europe is continent with great diversity and a troubled history. There is no shade of a doubt to the fact that diversity is likely to increase in the years to come, adding to these challenges. The current international situation shows us that peace is never guaranteed, but that it is built through common projects and dialogue.

We believe that our regions are front liners to embrace this diversity, unlock its potential and acknowledge it as a resource for everyone. This is a value AER places at the core of our day-to-day work. For example, our project EU-Belong, aims to improve the socio-economic inclusion and the sense of belonging for migrants through their integration in European regions. With regard to the COFE, to allow us to put forward our main message on diversity, inclusion and equality, President Berntsson set out our priorities in the Plenary Sessions of the Conference in the Working Group on Migration. What came out of these discussions is that migration should take a comprehensive approach. It should always cover respect for human rights, solidarity and equality. The situation in Ukraine was also referenced to show how crucial local and regional authorities are when it comes to protecting and supporting vulnerable refugees. This is why we call on the EU to give regions a real say in migration and integration policies to secure the inclusive Europe and his citizens.

Our final recommendation would be the continuity of the Conference and the establishment of a permanent European consultation structure. Across all the challenges raised about migration, digital transition, climate change, democracy or health, local and regional stakeholders have the power to make an impact. This is why, within the AER, we consider that this Conference should be the precursor of a permanent mechanism of citizen engagement and consultation in the EU. Regional and local authorities must be meaningfully involved in the EU structures of decision-making, especially in view of the post-COVID-19 recovery. In this regard, the Conference on the Future of Europe has been a unique opportunity for regions to advocate for institutional reforms: for enhancing the EU architecture
in a way that it truly delivers on the principles of subsidiarity, partnership and multi-level governance; and for an EU architecture that gives a stronger voice to regional authorities and its citizens by properly engaging them in the EU decision-making process.

Tap the button below to read the AER recommendations for the future of European regions:

AER Recommendations

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Green (H)ydrogen: Powering Our Regions’ Future

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You can check out the agenda and full list of speakers HERE.

Why is Europe talking about hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a versatile energy source with significant potential. It can be used as a feedstock, a fuel or an energy carrier, and has many possible applications across industry in the transport, heating and construction sectors. Most importantly, it does not emit CO2 and produces almost no air pollution when used. The European Commission estimates that “green” hydrogen from renewable sources could make up 13-14% of Europe’s energy supply by 2050, and act as a replacement for fossil fuels in high polluting sectors. 

However, there is significant work to do to scale-up production and demand. At present, hydrogen makes up less than 2% of Europe’s energy mix, and is still largely produced from fossil fuels. Producing clean hydrogen from renewable sources like wind and solar is expensive, and while technology has improved and come down in cost, there remain challenges connecting hydrogen production to energy grids and securing enough investment to make it viable.

What’s in it for Regions?

Regions have a key role to play in scaling-up the renewable hydrogen economy across Europe.  With the right level of private and public investment, European regions can lead in the creation of self-contained “hydrogen hubs” that link all elements of the value chain. Indeed, the EU has committed to a total generation capacity of 40GW of renewable hydrogen by 2030, and in early 2022 launched a call worth €300.5 million for projects to develop “cutting-edge hydrogen technologies” under its Clean Hydrogen Partnerships programme.

In this context, the AER and the Government of Catalonia are initiating discussions among European regions on hydrogen in the energy transition. This knowledge exchange and networking session will be the first step towards sustained exchanges between regions on the development of green hydrogen. It will be an opportunity for AER members to identify common priorities in the field, project and funding opportunities with the European Commission, and accelerate work towards building a hydrogen community within the AER network.

How can I get involved?

Members are welcome to register online to view this event remotely. There will be limited possibilities for those who join online to take the floor during the open session.

Members interested in joining a future working group on green hydrogen can fill in this survey.

Presentations

Presentation by Pere Margalef SVP Technology Officer Hydrogen

Presentation by Albert Ballbé, Head of technical evaluation, monitoring and verification of R&D projects in ACCIÓ, Catalonia (ES)

Presentation by Ana Ursua, General Director, Navarra Industrial Association, Navarra (ES)

Presentation by Giampaolo Canestri, Head of Energy Efficiency and Open Innovation Sector – engineer at Compagnie Valdôtaine des
Eaux, Valle d’Aosta (IT)

DG REGIO Opportunities: Fund Your Regional Innovative Practice On Citizens’ Participation in Cohesion Policy

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EU Commission DG REGIO is seeking proposals by public authorities and civil society organizations, interested to strengthen citizen participation in cohesion policy through collaborative innovative solutions.

With the experience of Together4Cohesion, AER turned into an active player in the fostering of more participation of citizens and stakeholders in Cohesion policy, with the end-goal to bring citizens closer to its regions and to Europe, and at the same time, through a more active citizens’ engagement, to make institutions more transparent and accountable. AER advocates for more citizens participation, innovative deliberative and participatory practices not only in Cohesion Policy but as a general tool to increase the quality of policymaking, while fostering engagement, pride and sense of belonging among citizens, and therefore welcomes this new DG Regio call and encourages all its member to check out this call with deadline 30.04.

This present call for expression builds on previous experiences of collaboration in this field between DG Regio and the OECD which resulted in the below publication:

The European Commission is now offering technical support by experts from OECD to managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries and to civil society organisations to implement in an innovative way the partnership principles in EU Cohesion Policy. Up to 10 proposals, co-signed by a public authority and a civil society organisation, will receive assistance by the Open Government unit of OECD to test new innovative solutions for engaging citizens.

Such solutions can be in the context of design, implementation and/or monitoring of the programme, but also of a strategy specific for one of the five policy objectives, or even of a specific investment under programmes 2021-2027

For further details, see the call for expression of interests on Innovative Implementation of the Partnership Principle. Have a look at the presentation and watch the video recording. To reply to your questions, you can book a 15-minutes conversation with DG REGIO and OECD these two days:

  • Monday April 11 2pm-3pm
  • Tuesday April 12 11am-12pm 

The application should be sent at [email protected].

The deadline for applications is 30.04.2022.

For any questions: [email protected], [email protected]

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Proposal for a Working Group on Bioeconomy adopted

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The Executive Board which took place on 23 March 2022 adopted the proposal for the creation of an AER working group on the Bioeconomy.

The proposal is led by Innlandet (NO) and is supported by Lower Austria (AU), Gelderland (NL), Värmland (SE).

Skills & knowledge at the heart of the development of the Bioeconomy

It is estimated that the bioeconomy contributes to almost 9% of the EU-27 labour force and 4.7% of the EU-27 GDP1. As a concrete operationalisation of the bioeconomy, more than 2,300 bio-based plants have been mapped by the Joint Research Centre across Europe.

To fully reap the economic, social and environmental benefits of the bioeconomy, dedicated bioeconomy strategies, investments and innovation are required at all levels in the EU. That is why the updated European Bioeconomy Strategy of 2018 states the need for the development of national and regional bioeconomy strategies.

However, this needs heavy investment in knowledge, competency, and know-how and collaboration with vocational education and the industry. There is a need to recruit, train, retain skills, in particular in rural areas, where the industries are located.

Proposed activities

The main goal of the working group is to share knowledge, experience, and best practises. Other activities may be included, such as:

  • Arrange events in Europe through AER, on the topic of the bioeconomy, with a “glocal” focus
  • Develop policy briefs, best practices, and research/insight.
  • Develop small scale projects and large-scale projects such as CoVE

The Working Group is open to all AER members

If you are interested in collaborating with this working group, please fill in this short questionnaire so we know you better and can contact you. Working groups are exclusively for AER members. If you have any questions, you can contact AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Exchange Johanna Pacevicius.

Next steps

A first meeting will soon be convened and announced on the AER website, to get to know each other, specify interests, identify joint activities, agree on collaboration, and chose a Chair for the working group.

The proposal, which was adopted by the AER Executive Board can be found here.

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The AER Spring Meetings—Shaping our Common Future

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Last week, the AER held its virtual Spring meetings. From sharing ideas for collaboration in our working groups, to reaffirming our political priorities in our Bureau, these meetings showed the value of bringing members together to meet new challenges and shape our common future.

The day began with an energetic and fruitful brainstorming session on the AER action plan led by Policy & Knowledge Transfer Coordinator, Johanna Pacevicius. This was a chance for members to share perspectives on the priorities for their regions and find areas of common interest for the work of AER. Members from Innlandet to Ireland shared approaches to addressing common challenges, for example, reversing brain-drain from rural areas through setting up remote-working hubs to draw young, highly-skilled people back to these peripheral regions, and how a place-based approach to the bioeconomy and sustainable tourism can help regions make the green transition work from an economic, social and environmental perspective. Members who are interested in getting involved in or learning more about our Working Groups should contact Johanna Pacevicius HERE.

AER member regions shared ideas for making Europe more liveable for the young generation.

Growth, Jobs and Investment—no Recovery without our Regions

The second part of the day was dedicated to the AER’s political work, which has continued in earnest since two new Task Forces were created in late 2021.

Of course, all things are overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which was noted by AER President Magnus Berntsson and Vice President, Lukas Mandl in their contributions at the opening of the Bureau meeting. The ongoing work of AER members in providing humanitarian support to Ukraine was noted by participants, with Secretary General, Christian Spahr, underlining that the AER Secretariat “is always happy to share information on how members can help the members in Ukraine.” [more information in our article HERE].

Turning to the recovery, the President welcomed participants to the Bureau debate on Growth, Investment & Jobs by stressing the need for territorial approach, “To build economic strength we must have input from local & regional authorities, & better aligned investments reflecting the specific needs of our territories.”

This lively debate welcomed participants from AER member regions, the OECD, the European Parliament, Commission and Committee of the Regions. What became clear in all contributions was how essential it is for regions to have a role in the recovery.

But why? Because regions “play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and have the knowledge of the real needs of their territories,” explained AER Vice President Alessandra Zedda. This hypothesis was supported by Karen Maguire, Head of the OECD’s Local Employment, Skills and Social Innovation Division, who pointed to regions’ ability to make targeted investments to boost growth. She noted that SMEs—the backbone of Europe’s labour market—have struggled with debt and productivity as a result of the pandemic, and in this context “local and regional action in terms of investments can be particularly effective” in helping them bounce back. Taking a a broader view, Chair of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, Dragoş Pîslaru stressed that there can be no recovery without input from regions, who are “crucial to changing our lives for the better after all the challenges and crises we face”.

Several AER member regions shared insights on how and in what sectors such “smart” investments can make a real impact. AER Vice President Albert Castellanos explained how Catalonia (ES) region has identified 27 strategic projects in high-tech, growth areas like green hydrogen, electric vehicles and microchip production to transform their economy. Similarly, Vice President Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh highlighted how pre-covid investments in remote working hubs have helped Irish-speaking “Gaeltacht” regions attract young talent from cities to rural areas. Improving technical and vocational education and training (TVET)—where there remains a labour shortage despite demand—is another area where regions can make an impact, as noted by Maria Elena Romanini, a TVET expert who presented AER’s Skillnet Project as a best practice in this field.

The European Union has stepped up to the plate to support such investments; mobilising unprecedented sums—more than €800 billion—to finance the recovery through its Next Generation EU programme. European Commission expert, David Lopes, explained how there are €200 million euro worth of grants from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) remaining to ensure a green and digital recovery from the pandemic.

Yet, despite these opportunities, there remain serious challenges for regions looking to make the best of instruments like the RRF, as noted by Cllr. Michael Murphy, Chair of the Commission for Economic Policy, European Committee of the Regions, “much work remains to be done when it comes to ensuring coordination and reducing competition with structural funds”. The AER will continue to push for local and regional authorities to have a real say in how recovery funds are invested to ensure a resilient, fair and green recovery for all of Europe.

Democracy, Sustainable Mobility & Connectivity—Regions shaping the Future of Europe

The second half of the Bureau was dedicated to adopting several position papers and setting political priorities.

With the Conference on the Future of Europe coming to a close this May 2022, the Bureau continues to push for greater regional involvement in political decision-making, thereby strengthening the voices of our citizens, as explained by Nina Björby, AER Vice President for Democracy. The vital work of the AER in promoting good governance and citizens’ participation resulted in the adoption of two complimentary position papers during the meeting; these new position papers covering “Recommendations on the Future of Europe” and “Democracy” can be viewed HERE and HERE.

The road to recovery is paved with sustainable transport infrastructure, and the AER’s Task Force on Sustainable Mobility & Connectivity has continued to ‘drive’ work on the ground to encourage uptake of sustainable mobility systems that serve environmental, social and economic ambitions in our regions. You can read the newly adopted position paper HERE.

Join our New Task Force on Youth!

Finally, in light of the European Year of Youth, the AER Bureau, led by its Vice President Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh has decided to set up a dedicated Task Force on Youth. With this Task Force, AER will join the discussions on Europe’s next generation in the context of the European Year, working to ensure the recovery reaches young people, a group who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

If youth is a priority for your region, you can get involved in the Task Force by checking out our article HERE.

Organised with the support of:

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