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The European Regions say NO to Genetically Modified Organisms

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Conclusions of the Conference of the network ‘GMO free’

Linz, Upper-Austria (A), 28 April 2004

12 European regions* declared to be GMO free and have set up a network, in order to succeed in their struggle. The Assembly of European Regions took part in the Conference organised by this network on April 28th in Linz, in the region of Upper-Austria–A, the leader of this action with the region of Toscana-I.

“The new EU directive on the traceability and labelling of genetically modified crops cannot become a pretext to legitimate the introduction of GMO in the European regional agriculture”, declared Laura De Rose, Executive secretary for the AER Committee ‘Regional Development’, during the debate. “Many scientific studies tell us that the coexistence between genetically modified crops and non-modified crops is impossible due to the dangers of contamination, which are important and, in fact, out of control. In addition, a majority of European citizens claimed their opposition to GMO” she underlined.

“Regional representatives, scientists and environmental associations present in Linz affirmed, rightly, that the approval of the introduction of genetically modified crops without testing the long-term effect on environment and human health is irresponsible. However, nothing seems to be able to stop the approval for introduction of BT11 corn by the European Commission anymore. A large movement from the European regions and their citizens is thus necessary, to obtain that the current system at EU level become more democratic, more transparent and more respectful of the citizens’ will,” Mrs De Rose concluded.

The AER supports with much conviction these regions’ initiative and is committed to spread it to all European regions. It will encourage the development of a strategic alliance between European regions, scientific experts and Non Governmental Organisations.

The AER invites all the regions who care about their citizens’ well-being to the launch of its campaign for the preservation of traditional organic products, on the occasion of its first inter-ministerial conference on the future of rural areas in Europe. This meeting will take place on May, 15th in Bari, Puglia-I.

* Aquitaine-F, Basque Country-E, Burgenland-A, Highlands-UK, Limousin-F, Marches-I, Salzbourg-A, Schleswig-Holstein-D, Thrace-GR, Toscana-I, Upper-Austria-A and Wales-UK.

For more information: [email protected]

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

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

Strasbourg (F), 23 April 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: [email protected]

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New cohesion policy: still a long way to go – The AER calls for more pragmatic approach

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Strasbourg, 19 February 2004

The AER welcomes the Third report on economic and social cohesion which takes the majority of our proposals into account. The sharing of structural funds for the period 2006-2013 between regions from the new Member states and those from the EU 15, as well as the concentration of objectives on convergence, job creation and competitiveness open to all the regions, with large urban or rural areas, will allow them to tackle the challenges of enlargement and globalisation in a more effective way.

The focus on vital sectors such as services of general interest, the accessibility of peripheral regions and innovation matches well with the AER recommendations and priorities. The recognition of the regions as regional policy makers and main partners is another significant step forward. “We are particularly satisfied with the integration of interregional cooperation in the new architecture for EU cohesion policy; its promotion figures today among the three main priorities, next to convergence, regional competitiveness and job creation” stated Brian Greenslade, President of the AER Regional Development Committee, at the round table organised by the CoR yesterday in Brussels.

“However the delivery modalities of this strategic priority, as well as those for Objective 2, must be clarified; the Cohesion Forum in May would be an opportunity for us to formulate some concrete proposals in this field” he added. The AER insists on the high importance of better coordinating cohesion with other EU policies, especially the Common market and Competition policies. “We must take care in the future that regional development projects subsidized with state aid would not hindered by the competition rules, as recent examples of regional airports have pointed out” Brian Greenslade stressed.

Nevertheless uncertainty remains about the feasibility of this new cohesion policy, because of disagreement between the Commission and some Member States concerning the financial perspectives for the next period.

The AER calls upon the political wisdom and pragmatism of the European Council and of the Commission in finding an agreement, which could allow to overcome the economic difficulties in the EU 15 as well as to face up to the growing need for cohesion in an enlarged Europe.

For more information: [email protected]

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

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EU ruling on the Ryanair/Charleroi Airport case

Brussels, 12 February 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: info[email protected]

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Ryanair/Charleroi: the Regions reaction to the Commission’s decision

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The Assembly of European Regions (AER), as a first reaction to the decision, is pleased to note that the Commission has suddenly taken into consideration the importance of regional airports for the economic development of the Regions.

The AER regrets, however, that the promise contained in the title of the Commission Communication – “The Commission’s decision on Charleroi airport promotes the activities of low-cost airlines and regional development”- remains rather undeveloped within the actual text. The Commission continues to insist on the “prudent private investor criterion” and thereby seems to ignore the general interest aspect of regional air transport.

The Commission suggests that the Ryanair/Charleroi Airport case is a one-off, whereas its decision will most certainly affect all regional airports in Europe. Mr Onno Hoes, Chairman of AER’s “Regional Aviation” group, comments: “The decision should have been based on an in-depth analysis of the complexity of the issue and the diverse regional situations in Europe. The small airport of Knock in Ireland cannot be compared to Frankfurt-Hahn (D) and these two cannot be subjected to the same rules.”

The AER therefore questions the wisdom of the Commission’s intention to establish common rules and principles for this sector. Imposing a maximum duration of 3-5 years for regional aid could in many cases endanger the Regions’ long-term investments and their sustainable economic development. Within a constantly fluctuating market, there is no room for applying a European-wide definition of “normal operating conditions”.

The AER is convinced that its member the Walloon Region negotiated the contract with Ryanair in the full interest of the Charleroi area and its citizens, aiming to address the area’s industrial decline and the high level of unemployment. There remains no doubt that the Regional Government used public funds in the best interest of the tax payer.

Dr Franz J. Stummann of the AER Secretariat, referring to the AER’s political objectives, insists that interregional cooperation and solidarity, rather than uniform European rules, will benefit both the passenger and the Regions.

At the initiative of the AER, the Regional Ministers for Transport will meet in Brussels on 12th February to evaluate the impact of the Commission’s decision and to formulate an initial position.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER questions political sense of expected ruling of the European Commission on Ryanair

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Strasbourg, 29 January 2004

Next week’s expected ruling of the European Commission on illegally received state subsidies of Ryanair has raised deep concern by regional authorities throughout Europe.

Mr. Onno Hoes, member of the Executive of the region of Noord-Brabant and Coordinator of AER’s working group on regional aviation regards the verdict of the European Commission as a direct threat to the existence of regional airports: “Not only the future of Ryanair, of no –frill airlines and low-cost carriers is at stake.

The European Commission has to be aware that there is a regional and interregional dimension. So far the European Commission has never entered into a discussion with the regions or the AER as our representative organisation.

The public will be astonished, when they see how many regions, in particular in the periphery and in rural areas of Europe, are profiting from the concept of low cost-cost carriers by joining underused regional airports and providing not expensive travel.

The decision of the Commission could lead again to the abandonment of regional airports with an enormous impact on our regional development plans, e.g. for the development of small business and tourism.

It could threaten also the cohesion of Europe looking at the fact that the present and the new routes planned by Ryanair and other carriers are direct connections between regions and not only between capitals and industrial centres.”

The AER argues that the development of the last years with low-cost carriers using small regional airports has allowed in particular small and medium enterprises to get access to the international market at reasonable costs.

This makes them competitive in the market. Onno Hoes referred to huge public investments in the infrastructure of the regions, the incentives provided by the regions for setting up new enterprises and the effects on local employment.

The AER expresses the fear, that the European Commission by insisting on strict application of competition regulations will seriously infringe the ability of the regions to organize their transport services.

The regions concerned have called for an urgent meeting to be coordinated by the AER in order to respond to the challenging ruling and to define a long-term policy strategy in this field.

For more information: [email protected]

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Sustainable Quality Tourism: Involvement of the European regions

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Strasbourg (F), 12 June 2003

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: [email protected]

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The regions request the preservation of a strong European cohesion policy

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…and the development of a new regional policy for an enlarged Europe

Pécs, Baranya (H), 15 November 2002

In a common resolution adopted at the closure of a conference organised by the AER on the 14th and 15th of November in Pécs (Baranya-H), the 250 Presidents of Regions, regional Ministers and heads of regional development policy representing 80 regions (EU, candidate countries and those outside of the EU) request the preservation of strong European cohesion policy and the implementation, in consultation with all of the regions, of a modern regional policy that will aid the competitiveness of the regions.

Economic, social and territorial cohesion must remain paramount Community objectives, asserted the Regions that came together in Pécs. They stressed that the European Union must not disregard its responsibility in the matter and must, in addition, develop a new policy aimed at making all of the regions competitive, in order to enable them to face the challenges of globalisation and an enlarged Europe. The AER suggests, in particular, that the new eligibility criteria not only take account of GDP, but also indicators of sustainable development such as unemployment, demographic data and access to transport.

The AER is convinced that “the success of the new cohesion policy (…) will depend on the capacity of all the actors concerned to show a spirit of solidarity and efficiency”. In this respect, the Regions of the AER confirmed in Pécs their unified engagement towards those Regions that are lagging in terms of development and their desire to fortify co-operation with the European Union and the Member States in a true partnership. They underlined that EU Structural and Cohesion policy must fully support the Regional policies of spatial planning, which reflect, primarily, the diversity of the territories and a knowledge of their needs.

This “bottom up”, decentralised approach, must also ensure the increased inclusion of the regions, not only in the development phase, but also in that of the attribution and management of funds, stressed the resolution of Baranya. Within this framework, the AER believes that the idea of tripartite contracts is going in the right direction but expresses serious reservations as for their application. In particular, the AER pointed out the absence of clarity in relation to the role of the regions in this type of contract and formally requests that the regions be recognised as partners, acting on an equal footing with the Member States and the EU. Moreover, the Ministers who came together in Pécs asked that the proposal for bilateral contracts negotiated in respect of the laws be duly taken into account in the current debate.

The AER emphasises that an increase in the allocated budget of the EU is necessary, along with the consequently parallel engagement of the States. Finally, it believes that co-ordination between Community policies remains a major priority necessity.

For more information: [email protected]

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What cohesion policy for an enlarged Europe?

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AER European Conference

Pécs, Baranya (H), 14-15 November 2002

What objectives for the future cohesion policy? How to more efficiently support the regional policies of the Regions and to encourage their sustainable development? What lessons can be learnt from the current experience of the Regions in terms of structural fund management? How to set up a new type of governance including the Regions, States and the European Union?

Over 220 regional Presidents, Ministers and politicians in charge of regional development are expected at the AER Conference in Pécs whose main objective is to answer these few essential questions and to define the project of the Regions for a new European cohesion and regional development policy. The Conference also aims to promote innovative regional practices in favour of sustainable development, the sharing of know-how and the exchange of experience with Regions in future European Union (EU) member states.

Many Regions contributed to the preparation of this debate by participating in the discussion forum launched by the AER at the beginning of the year. Relevant proposals have already been put forward regarding the objectives of the new regional policy. This should continue to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion while guaranteeing support for all lesser-develped European Regions. To this end, this policy should remain one of the EU’s main objectives. In fact, the Regions are against any attempt to “renationalise” this policy.

The new regional policy must also be defined with increased coordination with other cohesion related EU policies as a major concern while guaranteeing the implementation of the principles of subsidiarity and partnership. This must be based on real collaboration between the EU, the States and the Regions and contribute significantly to the development of interregional, cross-border and transnational cooperation.

The AER Conference will assist in opening up a dialogue and collaboration in this field between the representatives of the European institutions, States and Regions. Luciano Caveri, President of the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional policies, Transport and Tourism and Jean-Charles Leygues, Director of the Directorate General on Regional policy within the European Commission will join speakers at the Conference as well as representatives of national authorities from various European countries.

For more information: [email protected]

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Recent exchange of views between Brian Greenslade and Commissioner Michel Barnier

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Brian Greenslade is President of AER Committee on Regional Policy and Leader of Devonshire. He met Commissioner Michel Barnier in Plymouth, on 20th September 2002, during a conference on the future of European Cohesion Policy.

On this occasion, Brian Greenslade presented the AER’s main proposals for the future of regional policy and announced future AER major events in this field.

“The efficiency of the future Regional Policy in an enlarged Europe will depend on the full Regions’ involvement. Regions – and their regional development policies – have a particular and necessary role to play as actors in cohesion and development. This means they must be better integrated at the programming stage and also – in advance of the actual programming stage – decide on future objectives of common regional development policies along with EU and national states. This also requires that the Regions must be provided with appropriate competencies and adequate financial backing: this is what I told Mr Barnier, during the conference, also in the presence of Mr Caveri, MEP, President of the EP Committee of Regional Policy, and of Mr Graham Watson MEP, European Parliamentary Leader for the Liberal Caucus”, Mr Greenslade said.

“Mr Barnier welcomed the AER’s proposals. He recognised the indispensable role of the AER as a bridge between all the Regions, despite huge differences among them and competition”, Mr Greenslade added.

This dialogue between the AER and major EU institutions will continue in Pecs, Hungary, on 14-15 November 2002, during the forthcoming 1st AER Conference of Regional Presidents and Ministers of Spatial Planning. Jean-Charles Leygues, Director, DG REGIO, and MEP Luciano Caveri, President of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Policy will share their views with the European Regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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AER at the European Convention’s Hearing: The future of Europe must be rooted in regions and communities

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This is the key message which the Assembly of European Regions has addressed to the members of the European Convention through its Vice-President Lambert Van Nistelrooij, at the hearing organised in Brussels today (25th June).

“From the point of view of the regions and local authorities, the objective of the Convention must be a constitutional treaty which creates a union of states, that associates regional and local authorities to the definition and the implementation of policies” pointed out Mr Van Nistelrooij.

“On the basis of the existing treaties and in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, this treaty should summarise the competencies of the EU, which it needs in order to achieve its goals and values. In such a distribution of competencies, we recommend that central areas of responsibilities of the member states should be protected in order to improve clarity. Above all these would include the internal structure of the Member States, including the regional structures and local selfgovernment… We also recommend that the exercise of competencies be governed by the principle of limited empowerment and the principle of subsidiarity, where in future the regions and local authorities should be mentioned, and the principle of proportionality” he added.

“Concerning the principle of subsidiarity whose application the treaties currently limit to the relation between the EU and member states (Art. 5.2 of the EC Treaty), we demand that this principle be explicitly applied in the constitutional treaty with regard to the regions and local authorities, and enforced by a system of control” Mr Van Nistelrooij underlined, while proposing the creation of a working group on the regional and subregional dimension within the European Convention.

In the document “Contribution from the AER in view of the hearing at the European Convention”, the organisation representing European regions expressed a series of other proposals including the improvement of the European Parliament’s rights to collaboration and the reinforcement of the role of the Committee of the Regions.

For more information: [email protected]

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Consensus between the Regions of Europe for a sustainable European Union

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At Stuttgart, the President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) took up position on the future European Constitution. “The development of regionalism in Europe may continue if the Regions act together. What can be said for the Member States of the European Union, can also be said for the Regions: consensus is needed in order to maintain diversity in regional identities. The aim is to ensure that the Regions are fully borne in mind in the European Treaties and that the internal organisation of Member States is respected along with that of the Regions and Local Self-Government”, declared Dr Palmer, Minister for European Affairs for Baden-Württemberg-D and President of the AER Institutional affairs Committee, at the AER Presidium meeting.

On 24th and 25th June 2002, the AER will present its conception of the future European Constitution in Brussels at the Convention on the future of Europe. The AER represents the largest regional group in Europe with 250 member Regions.

“A sustainable European Union requires initiative and creativity at all levels”, stated Dr Palmer, Minister of European Affairs. In the context of enlargement, consideration and action in a regional perspective must be developed and reinforced. The AER speaks in favour of greater coordination between the Regions. “Throughout the whole of Europe, the search for wide consensus is decisive. This is the only way for the Regions, which seek to incorporate their status as Nations into the European Constitution in an appropriate manner, to ensure that their interests – legislative competences for example, be taken into consideration”, concluded Dr Palmer.

The AER emphasises to the Convention that a bottom up Europe can only be fully understood if the Regions and Local authorities are specifically mentioned in the Treaty. In the future, the distribution of competences must lay out clear indications and be respected in the interests of the Regions. The main political fields of Member states such as internal organisation, regional structures, local self-government, culture and the application of Community regulations must be guaranteed by the Constitutional Treaty. The Regions expect the Treaty to put essential values and decisions in priority and to define the principles governing competences such as the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. “The principle of subsidiarity included in the Treaties must also mention national and local levels”, declared Liese Prokop, AER President and Vice-Minister President of Niederösterreich. The Regions also expect European solidarity to be re-defined and EU assistance to focus on the Regions present clear weaknesses.

Enlargement is one of the key themes for the AER. The Danish government has placed this issue on its list of priorities for the EU Presidency (2nd half 2002). “We are in favour of rapid progress for enlargement. Initial accords may be signed before the end of this year”” said Liese Prokop. “The AER insists on the need to differentiate between applicant countries depending on individual progress. The “Copenhagen criteria” remain essential for all countries. Countries meeting criteria can join the EU without any hesitation” she added. In this perspective, the AER will co-organise, a Conference entitled “Enlargement in a local and regional perspective” with the regional and local representations in Brussels, on 5th July 2002 in Brussels (B).

The AER also decided to act in the field of regional twinning, which, although existing in various forms, has no legal nor institutional status. The AER institutional affairs Committee is entrusted with creating a working group on regional twinning in the aim of distributing information and promoting the concept and seeking formal recognition with the European institutions. The Presidium is also in favour of a “Year of local and regional twinning” at European level.

For more information: [email protected]

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How can Regions ensure a sustainable future for their citizens? The AER answer

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More than 40 Regions from all over Europe gathered in Bødo, Nordland, on 14 and 15 June 2002. The Regions’ contribution to sustainable development was the major issue for this meeting of the ‘Regional policy’ Committee of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in view of the forthcoming UN Johannesburg Summit (27 August – 4 Sept. 2002).

Major European institutions, such as the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe took active part in the AER debate and expressed their interest in further co-operation with the AER in view of common action in favour of sustainable development.

Various good regional practices in sustainable development were presented, such as, for example: development of renewable energies (Niederösterreich-A, Jämtland-S), preservation of water and land resources (Pest, Heves-H, TulceaRO), sustainable transport (outcome of the 1st workshop Regions’ contribution to sustainable transport, Florence, April 2002), eco-tourism (Västerbotten-S, Thüringen-D) and sustainable rural development (Gloucestershire-UK).

On the basis of its member Regions’ concrete actions, Committee C unanimously adopted a Final Statement as the AER contribution to the Johannesburg Summit and designated Thomas Haag, Councillor, from Jämtland as its representative at the Summit. “In this statement we expressed our strong conviction on the fundamental role of Regions and interregional cooperation for the promotion of sustainable development in all its environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions” said Brian Greenslade, Committee C President, Leader of Devon. “We urged all regional authorities to identify the results that the Summit should aim for and committed ourselves to specific strategies as a concrete follow up to the Johannesburg Summit at regional level” he added.

In this context, a major interregional Summit on Sustainable Development will be organised next year, in joint cooperation with all AER member interregional organisations and major European bodies. The first AER European EcoRegion Prize will be awarded on this occasion, with the support of the Royal Award Foundation, and the EEA.

Committee C also focused on the preparation of the 1st AER Conference of Regional Presidents and Ministers on the Future of Regional Policy (Baranya, 14-15 November 2002). The Committee meeting was followed by a seminar organised by the host Region. The crucial current situation of regionalisation in Norway and other countries of Northern Europe, on the one hand, and the political support of the AER in this process on the other hand, were the major issues of this successful seminar.

For more information: [email protected]

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How to ensure a sustainable future for our European citizens? The regions’ answer

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More than one hundred regional leaders from all over Europe (EU and non-EU), experts from the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe (Council of Europe), will gather in Bödo, Capital of Nordland (N), on 14th and 15th June 2002, to prepare a global political action plan for sustainable regions and towns.

In view of the upcoming Earth Summit (Johannesburg, 26th August – 4th Sept. 2002) and the 1st Conference of Regional Ministers of Spatial planning, organised by the AER for 14th and 15th Nov. 2002 in Pècs (Baranya, H), this meeting organized by the AER Regional policy Committe aims:

– to assess the regional dimension of sustainable development in the various fields (management of local natural resources, agriculture and the rural world, transport, tourism…),
– to compare innovative regional practices in favour of sustainable development,
– on this basis, to make recommendations in view of the reform of European policies such as CAP, regional and cohesion policies, and of the new transport policy,
– and finally, to find out the best issues and solutions for sustainable development at regional level.

On 15th June, the participants will attend a seminar “The Regional Level- Trends and Future Propects” organized by the authorities of Nordland which will focus on recent developments in the EU as well as in the Nordic countries such as the Swedish Pilot Regions and the Norwegian debate on the need for a pertinent regional level.

For more information: [email protected]

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Meeting in Madrid: Convention, Enlargement, Reform… The regions in action for tomorrow’s Europe

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The institutional affairs Committee of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) made the following decisions and set out the following guidelines at its meeting in Madrid on 14th May:

The AER will present its political position to the European Convention at its hearing on 6th and 7th June 2002 in Brussels. This position has been drawn up on the basis of a résumé of the contributions of AER member Regions which gave their view of the need for institutional reform and better regional policy in an enlarged Europe.

“Reform in competence distribution within the European Union (EU) is indispensable for bringing Europe closer to its citizens and increasing transparency. The Regions must be considered as more than mere administrative units, they are essential bodies and authorities in a democratic Union” proclaimed Dr. Palmer, President of the AER Institutional affairs Committee. “This aim can only be reached via strengthening the existing principle of subsidiarity and via control by an independent EU body. This would lead to the establishment of the Regions as a 3rd level of power. The Convention must be capable of creating a legal and political framework for a solid, united and strong Europe in the future”. The AER considers that it is also essential for the Convention to set out a clear and understandable distribution of competences, in the form of a catalogue for instance.

“The AER would like to see the EU leave room for the development of regionalisation in order to ensure that the enlarged Europe be governed in an efficient and democratic manner, close to the citizen. The reality of regional policy must be institutionalised and find its place in the Treaties. The strengthening of the role of the Committee of the Regions in the decision-making process at European level is essential in this line of thought, the Committee of the Regions must be brought up in ranking to that of a decision-making body” concluded Dr. Palmer.

A hearing on EU enlargement has also been organised in order to identify problems faced by the Regions and to clarify what help the AER can offer. In its Declaration, the AER considers enlargement as a political and economical necessity to be integrated into economic, social and territorial cohesion policies throughout Europe. “Enlargement must take place rapidly and deadlines must be set in order to ensure controlled progress”, declared Philip Johnsson, Vice-President of the AER Institutional affairs Committee. “It is also vital to differentiate between candidate countries according to the progress of each individual state and to allow those meeting accession criteria to join the EU without any hesitation” added the Vice-President. The AER also feels that EU agricultural and structural financing should be subject to reform from 2006.

Committee members looked at the activities of Regions with legislative powers, i.e. 60 Regions from 8 EU member states: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom. They stressed that Regions with legislative powers are particularly concerned by European integration and that it remains indispensable to consider these Regions as a potential source of impetus for all Regions in terms of regionalisation.

Participants also produced an intermediary report on the Spanish Presidency and weighed up the initial programme of the Danish EU Presidency.

For more information: [email protected]

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