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Ongoing Decentralisation in Turkey

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Strasbourg (F), 21 September 2006

Since last year, the Presidents of the Turkish Provinces* have been elected by the Provincial Council, the members of which are directly elected by the citizens. But this institutional reform in Turkey is only one step in an ongoing process. The role of the regions in Turkey will further increase. This was the main issue discussed between Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), and Mr Harput, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

Harput stressed that Turkey is committed to further decentralisation in order to serve the citizens and their needs in a better way. This would also lead to the development of solid links between Provinces and citizens. President Illy strongly welcomed this view and promised that the AER and its members will give its support to the Turkish provinces in reaching their goals. “The AER fully shares these values of proximity to the citizen which will result in concrete projects. This is what we experience each day in our 255 Member Regions” he said. As a proof of this involvement, the AER Bureau has already welcomed the Province of Kahramanmaras as first Turkish AER member. In meetings with the Secretary Generals of some Turkish Provinces President Illy and Secretary Klaus Klipp discussed ways of concrete cooperation between the regions of Turkey and the other European countries.

President Illy also met Ministers and representatives from the Government and the civil society. This three-day marathon confirmed to Riccardo Illy that “Turkey is a modern and democratic country with continuing economic development and growth. Turkey is definitely on the way to meet the standards set by the EU and must have a chance to become a full partner of the European Union. Finally, we have to keep in mind that Turkey is the natural link for the dialogue with the Middle-East and the southern Mediterranean”, President Illy concluded.

* According to the AER’s ‘Declaration on regionalism in Europe’, “the region is the territorial body of public law established at the level immediately below that of the State and endowed with political self-government. The region shall be recognised in the national constitution or in legislation which guarantees its autonomy, identity, powers and organisational structures.” The Turkish provinces correspond to this definition.

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Illy: Hold on to the Vision of a United Europe! 60th Anniversary of Winston Churchill’s Zurich speech

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Strasbourg (F), 18 September 2006

‘Because of the political crisis into which the European Union has fallen since the breakdown of the ratification process of the European Constitutional Treaty, citizens of Europe need a clear sign from politics. We want and we need the European Union for peace, security and prosperity. We do not need less Europe, but more. We do not need less integration, but more. Not just a few states, but rather the whole European family should be able to participate in a united Europe’,Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions and President of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia stated, at the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s speech, which was delivered by the former ritish Prime Minister to the academic youth on 19th September 1946.

President Illy acknowledged the crucial role of Winston Churchill’s visionary speech laying the basis for a “regional European organization” and a ‘United States of Europe’, with France and Germany at the core. The AER President stressed that “The younger generations must be reminded that European institutions have been the bulwark first of all of peace” and that today we had to “understand the long and extraordinary journey the European ideal has made since the end of the Second World War.”

President Illy criticized the European Constitution for being “a feeble document, lacking in courage”, and that “in order to overcome the current standstill in the European construction process the European citizens need a new, ambitious goal (…) a Confederation of States that is able to express strong leadership and efficient government, with a foreign and defence policy to face internal and external threats.” He highlighted the crucial role of the Regions in “boosting the European process”, and stressed that “the challenges that lie ahead for Europe can be met only by thinking globally and acting locally.”

The AER President stressed the importance of enlargement of the European Union to the Countries of South-Eastern Europe and underlined that “Courage in welcoming Turkey into the Union” would be necessary and that Turkey by its “geographical position and cultural sensitivity (…) could build a bridge towards moderate Islam and the whole area of the Mediterranean basin.”

‘Let Europe arise!’ These were Churchill’s final words in Zurich. Courage, vision, and leadership are the elements that Europe needs today to win back the support of its citizens and resume its journey,’ proclaimed President Illy.

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Making Europe crystal clear: AER proposes more transparency, less bureaucracy

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Strasbourg (F), 31 August 2006

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) welcomed the European Transparency Initiative in a letter to Commissioner Kallas.

‘The regions are legitimate levels of government which apply transparent and open procedures for full citizen participation in the decision-making process’, said Klaus Klipp, Secretary General of the AER. ‘The regions and the AER, their representative organisations, cannot be considered as lobbyists. We welcome transparency and we are committed to providing information on our structures and finances. But a difference must be maintained between public territorial entities and lobbyists,’stressed Mr Klipp.

The AER has also emphasized that:

– It favours the creation of a common code of conduct for lobbyists.
– Any initiative on the disclosure of beneficiaries of Community Funds should not culminate in a new layer of bureaucracy.
– More focus should be placed on raising awareness of consultation processes in a timely manner.

‘It would be useful to receive an honest evaluation from the Commission services of how they treat submissions, and whether there is a systematic way of evaluating these and of deciding which ideas merit inclusion in the policy’, Mr Klipp added.

Finally, the AER proposed that the Structured Dialogue is further developed, in order to allow for a true exchange between regions and the European Commission. The AER therefore calls upon the European Commission to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Structured Dialogue as part of its analysis on consultation mechanisms.

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Regions should be the link between Europe and the Citizens for a better communication

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Sarajevo (BiH), 16 June 2006

The political Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) met today in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to decide upon the AER’s position on the European Commission’s Plan D and its Communication Strategy. ‘We, as Presidents of the Regions, are keenly aware of the lack of citizens knowledge regarding Europe and its future. We contribute daily to improving this situation by providing practical information to our citizens, but it is of great importance that the European institutions themselves play a greater role in making Europe understandable and relevant. This is the only way in which we will obtain their full commitment to the future of Europe,’ underlined Riccardo Illy, President of the AER and President of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia-I. ‘We hear from the citizens that they want to receive clear and simple information about how to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by the EU’.

The AER White Paper on the Role of the Regions in Reconnecting Europe with its Citizens and the European Youth Ambassador Scheme are important elements of the AER response to this high priority issue. The White Paper sets out a series of 22 concrete actions that regions, Member States and the European institutions can take in order to bring Europe closer to the citizens. Through the European Youth Ambassador Scheme, young people are provided with training and support to organise actions promoting debate on Europe amongst young people in their regions.  Through such actions, the Regions can act as a bridge between the EU and the citizens. ‘We are already bringing citizens together with the European decision makers, through citizen forums, and we involve young people in our daily work on European issues. Youth representatives actively contribute to the AER policies and projects’ concluded Riccardo Illy.

Mr Denis Zvizdic, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton-BIH, told the AER political representatives of his high expectations for continued cooperation that will open new horizons. ‘It is easier to progress when we are surrounded by friends, and the AER Regions are our friends. Of course there is some way to go, but thanks to our mutual understanding, our perspectives are broader and our integration process will be faster.’

Mr Schwarz-Schilling, the High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the 80 AER political representatives. They explored together the future of this country, which must now take responsibility for its own political reforms and economic development. The AER, in which 7 Cantons are already members, promised to continue supporting this work through concrete cooperation projects and partnerships, which will help to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina will become a strong country with strong Regions and a full partner in Europe.

For more information: [email protected]

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Regions As the Bridge Between Europe and its Citizens

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During a meeting today with Commissioner Margot Wallström, AER-President Riccardo Illy presented concrete reccomendations for how to improve the link between citizens and the EU.

‘Regions are responsible for the management of 70-80 per cent of EU policy and therefore can provide information to the European institutions about what works and what does not. Their involvement in shaping European policy can lead to greater participation of citizens in European policy-making and to the creation of a European reality at a grassroots level, through the development and implementation of joint projects and programmes. This is a notion of Europe that is not dependent upon the European institutions, but rather upon the daily realities of close co-operation and partnership across borders’, the AER President stressed.

In response to the Commission’s own ‘White Paper on European Communication Policy’, Riccardo Illy also presented Commissioner Wallström with a series of concrete proposals that the Assembly of European Regions intends to submit within the context of the Commission’s public consultation process. Among others, he called upon Commissioner Wallström to commit to organising a specific ‘stakeholder forum’ with local and regional authorities, to support the creation of the European Regional Training Institute that will provide lifelong learning opportunities to regional politicians and officers on matters of European integration, and to extend the idea of a European Communication Training Programme to the regional level.

Riccardo Illy assured Commissioner Wallström of the AER’s full intention to support the Commission’s ‘Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate’. He presented the AER forthcoming initiatives in this context, including a ‘European Youth Ambassador scheme’, which aims to involve young people in the regions in the debate on the future of Europe. He also invited the European Commission to participate in the first AER ‘Citizens’ Forum on Europe’, which will take place in Debrecen, Hungary, on 17th May 2006, and is intended as a model for other regions. The Forum operates as a two-way dialogue, informing citizens about the European Union’s concrete work, and listening to people’s expectations about what should be done in the future.

‘The AER and its 255 member regions are ready and willing to play a full role in reconnecting Europe with its citizens. They are prepared to commit time and resources to this effort as they believe that a strong European Union, rooted in the principles of subsidiarity and proximity, is vital for ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Europe’, Riccardo Illy concluded.

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Thematic dossier n°11 on Regions of Europe – Winter 2005

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Regions of Europe

Table of contents:

  • Editorial by Riccardo Illy, President
  • Europe’s future lies in its regions
  • Regionalisation gains ground in Europe
  • The regional cause forges ahead in Europe
  • Regions 2000: greater solidarity
  • The AER, twenty years on

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General Assembly 2005 in Strasbourg

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President Barroso joins the European Regions in Urging Member State Governments to Adopt Financial Perspectives

Strasbourg (F), 24 November 2005

750 political regional representatives from throughout Europe, as well as representatives of the European Institutions, joined the General Assembly in Strasbourg today to celebrate AER 20th anniversary.

Riccardo Illy, President of the AER, emphasised the important role that innovation in the regions plays in ensuring economic growth and employment, which in turn are key elements for guaranteeing a successful social policy. ‘It is the people, the individuals, who make innovation happen. Let the regions play an active role in developing their own potential and resources. Everybody will gain’.

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, agreed with the points made by Riccardo Illy, and stated that, ‘Structural and cohesion funds are more than just an instrument for solidarity, it’s a win-win game.’ He also joined President Illy in emphasising the importance of innovation and clusters, which constitute key success factors for regional economic development. The regions expressed their support for President Barroso in the development of a Cohesion Policy that promotes competitiveness and innovation in all the regions in Europe.

Both President Illy and President Barroso stressed the fact that it is of no use to build an innovative Europe on part of the continent whilst neglecting the rest. European innovation policy must encourage the development of a creative culture in all countries of our continent. For this reason, President Illy urged President Barroso to ensure that the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, the new funding instrument for the countries neighbouring the European Union, provide support for interregional co-operation projects.

In order that these policies which support the competitiveness of the regions can operate successfully, it is vital that the necessary financial resources are secured. If the programmes are to enter into effect in 2007 as intended, it is crucial that an agreement on the EU financial perspectives be reached under the British Presidency of the EU and that the resources earmarked for regional competitiveness and co-operation are not reduced. For this reason, President Barroso joined the AER in urging the EU Member States to reach agreement on the budget in the coming month.

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‘Europe is on standby- we must adopt the budget now’ the AER warns the European Union

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Poznan, Wielkopolska (PL), 5 October 2005

To give Europe a chance to overcome its difficulties, the European Union has to adopt the budget 2007-2013 as soon as possible.’ This is the message sent to the European Council by the Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), meeting today in Poznan, Wielkopolska-Poland.

European Budget for 2007-2013
The AER strongly affirms that the priority is to adopt a budget immediately and regrets that this point doesn’t appear on the agenda of the next informal summit meeting between Heads of State (27th-28th October). ‘We cannot wait until the Austrian Presidency – 1st semester 2006 – for its adoption. The process after adoption will take time, as the States will have to determine the distribution of the budget before the finances become operational. National governments must now face their responsibilities: either to give a new input to Europe or to condemn it to years of economic and political stagnation,’ stressed Riccardo Illy, President of the AER and President of Friuli Venezia Giulia-Italy. Stefan Miko∏ajczak, President of the Wielkopolska Region, underlined that ‘this budget must take into account that the European Union has grown to 25 members. It must adequately respond to the needs of the enlarged Union in terms of economic, social and territorial cohesion and to the priorities of the Lisbon Strategy.’

The European Social Model
Very concerned by this major issue, the AER Bureau today launched a wide-ranging debate on the Regions’ perspective for the Future of the European Social Model in view of the AER Conference in ‘S-Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant-NL, on 13th-14th October 2005. Its goal is to draw up a charter of rights guaranteed for the citizens, outlining minimum standards in health and social services and the regions’ commitment to social cohesion as an important element for economic growth. The AER will closely follow the outcomes of the European informal Council summit and the Tripartite Social summit at the end of October.

The AER Bureau has taken the opportunity of meeting in Poland to encourage the new Polish government to further regionalisation in the country. ‘In today’s world it is essential to think global and act local’, stressed Riccardo Illy. ‘Regions are the right place to observe what happens at international and European levels and to respond to the challenges for the benefit of their citizens. Regions with legislative powers have a competitive advantage in this respect’ he added. The AER Bureau has also assured the regions from the new Member states that it will continue to work with the relevant services of the European Commission to reduce the administrative burden of the implementation of the structural funds.

For more information: [email protected]

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Recognising the vital role of the regions: a crucial stake for Europe

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Wroclaw (PL), 19 May 2005

‘European economic growth, which has been dynamic for the past ten years, will be in danger, if the Constitutional Treaty is not ratified,’ warned Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and of Friuli Venezia Giulia-I, during his intervention at the opening of the European Summit of Cities and Region organised in Wroclaw (PL) by the Committee of the Regions.

While opinions polls show a balance between the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ only a few days away from the French and Dutch referenda on the Constitutional Treaty, President Illy reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘yes’ camp and praises the Constitution: ‘The European Union must now reconsider its role and must express its full potential, or suffer decline.’

Following statements from the President of the European Parliament Josep Borrel and the Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner, Illy addressed the representatives of the regions and stressed that ‘the recognition of the strategic role of the regions is of crucial importance not only for the regions, but also for Europe itself.’ In this context, the regions call for a speedy adoption of the EU Regulation creating a ‘European Group for Territorial Cooperation’, a new legal instrument, which will further develop and strengthen cross-border cooperation. ‘This is a key element to the attainment of a new equilibrium in Europe, capable of guaranteeing a healthy relationship between decentralisation and territorial cohesion,’ concluded Illy.

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The EU needs a new vision

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‘After the internal market, the Euro, enlargement and the Constitutional Treaty, the EU lacks a clear vision for its future” said Riccardo Illy, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and President of Friuli Venezia Giulia-I, meeting today with José Manuel Barroso, European Commission President. ” The new vision for the EU should therefore be to bring Europe closer to its citizens by deepening cooperation between European regions. Many European regions today encounter opposition from national governments when trying to co-operate with their counterparts in other countries, as in most cases this is considered a question of national external relations policy. Regional cooperation should therefore become a matter of EU internal affairs policy, so as to enable the regions to build regional partnerships and to manage on their own cross-border, interregional and transnational cooperation, with respect for the principle of subsidiarity’ he added.

Commission President Barroso and AER President Riccardo Illy also exchanged views on the liberalisation of the services market. They agreed that further liberlisation is needed in network services such as electricity, gas and railway transport, where monopolies should be abolished. However, health and social services of general interest should never be a part of this process.

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Promoting the creation of a European framework for Cross-border Co-operation

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European Parliament and Regions work hand in hand

Despite indicatations that Europe is becoming an ‘ever-closer Union’, in some key areas European co-operation still faces a myriad of obstacles. Many European regions still encounter opposition from national governments when trying to co-operate with their counterparts in other countries. Members of the European Parliament met today with 70 members of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), representing Regions from to the European Union and its neighbouring countries, to discuss the future of cross-border co-operation in the European Union. The focus of the discussions was the proposal, set out by the European Commission in July 2004, to establish a new legal instrument for cross-border co-operation – the European Grouping of Cross-border Co-operation (EGCC) (COM (2004 496)) – which is designed to overcome the existing obstacle to regional co-operation.

This issue is of great interest to the AER, as its members, the regions of Europe, would be responsible for the establishment and operation of the EGCCs, should the Regulation be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. “Regions have a wealth of experience in the modalities of cross-border co-operation and an in-depth understanding of the problems encountered when undertaking such co-operation” said Mr Franco Iacop, Minister for European Affairs of Friuli Venezia Giulia-I, representing Mr Riccardo Illy, President of the AER and of Friuli Venezia Giulia. “We hope that the end result will be that the Parliament is able to prepare a report that truly represents the views of the regions, those actors that are primarily implicated and affected by the draft regulation” he said to Mr Jan Olbrycht, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on this issue.

In principle, the AER agrees with the the proposal to create a legal instrument for cross-border co-operation, but it believes that there are a number of legal issues that need to be clarified, in order to ensure respect for the principle of subsidiarity. It is of major importance that the regions are able to manage cross-border, interregional and transnational co-operation without first having to obtain agreement from the nation states. Furthermore, the AER believes that the proposal for the EGCC should place more emphasis upon facilitating co-operation between regions from throughout Europe, not only those with common borders. Finally, there is a need to examine how such an instrument could be used to facilitate co-operation on the Union’s external borders, in the areas where cross-border co-operation tends to encounter the most difficulties.

Todays’ meeting gave MEPs the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with the Regions on the key issues raised in the draft regulation. “We now hope that this consultation will continue, in order for the regions to input into the process until its conclusion” concluded Franco Iacop.

For more information: [email protected]

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Services of General interest in a New Europe Reinforcing the scope for action by the regions

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Vienna (A), 26 November 2004

The members of the Assembly of European Regions, meeting in Vienna on 25th and 26th November 2004 welcomed the signing of the European Constitution as a clear sign that Europe is moving towards the establishment of a Union grounded in the principle of subsidiarity and recognising the key role of the regions in contributing to policy-making. During the meeting in Vienna, the AER decided to commit itself to support the ratification of the Constitution, which creates a significantly improved European framework for regions. The AER urges, however, the EU Member States to respect and to implement the objectives and values set out in the Constitution, notably in the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Part II), which underpins the European social model.

The current developments at European and international level, such as the review and reform of the rules on state aid, the proposed Directive on services in the internal market or the ongoing developments in the context of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) put at stake the very future of services of general interest in Europe. These are mainly delivered by regional and local authorities, in particular in the areas of economic development, education and training, housing, transport, health, care for the elderly and socially-excluded and the protection of the environment.

“Many European regions do not share the EU will to submit all our society to the logic of competition and free trade”, said Liese Prokop, the AER outgoing President. “We also strongly reject any populist arguments that suggest that governments and public administration in general are unable to think and act economically and efficiently. Many regional governments face mounting difficulties, due to the increasingly precarious situation of public budgets in times of moderate economic growth, to rationalise and save costs, and strive for social balance” Ms Prokop added.

In the Final Declaration adopted by the AER members after a two day debate in Vienna, the Regions of Europe call upon the European Council and the national governments to reinvigorate the European social model and the concept of a knowledge society, when reviewing the Lisbon strategy during the Spring Council of 2005.

“The Lisbon strategy should not limit the concept of economic growth to achieving a single market in services, but rather should take into consideration the unique nature of the European social model and how it can contribute to economic growth” pointed out Dr. Riccardo Illy, the new AER President. “We demand that the Union supports the regions’ efforts to combat social exclusion, poverty and promote wellbeing in their territories, by introducing the promotion of social policies as an important objective under the Union’s financial instruments, especially within the Structural Funds, the new instrument for pre-adhesion and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership instrument” Dr. Illy highlighted.

The General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions opposes any centrally inspired horizontal harmonising of EU legislation in the area of services of general interest, as there is no legal basis for European action in the field. It calls for a wider evaluation of the European rules on competition and state aid, on the basis of an open consultation process that includes the regions, and questions the rigidity of pure economic considerations, which guide the formulation of these rules. The AER also demands that international trade liberalisation be organised in a balanced way, through a democratic process, with the participation of all concerned institutions, including the regions, and stakeholders. Account should be taken of the established values and standards of the European Union, such as human rights, in particular workers’ and children’s rights, and social and environmental standards.

At the initiative of 21 regions of 14 countries, the General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions adopted the following resolution on Ukraine: “We, the members of the Assembly of European Regions, representing 250 European Regions, express our deepest concern about the situation in Ukraine after the presidential elections. We are convinced of the necessity of finding a political solution which will respect common democratic standards.”

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Liberalisation of Services of General Interest: Regions claim the reinforcement of the principle of subsidiarity

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Zürich (CH), 7 April 2004

“Member States, regions as well as municipalities must continue to define the provision of Services of General Interest and to determine their concrete application. The competences of the regions and municipalities guarantee a provision of services which meet regional and local realities. Moreover, the municipalities’ responsibility means a democratically legitimated field responsibility” stated Peter Straub, President of the Institutional Affairs Committee of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)*, at the conference organised on this issue by the AER in Zürich today.

Many areas of the work of regional authorities are affected by current initiatives at the European level to liberalise public services. There is concern amongst the regions that any moves towards enforced liberalisation of public services would limit their decision-making powers over their key areas of their work. Such a move would undermine the basic principles of democracy. Directly elected assemblies raise taxes and make decisions about how these funds should be used. The principle of subsidiarity needs to be reinforced, so that local and regional authorities can continue to make decisions about public services and remain accountable to the electorate for those services.

* Peter Straub is also President of the Landtag of Baden-Württemberg and President of the Committee of the Regions.

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European Parliament denies direct access of Regions to European Court

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The European Parliament at its Strasbourg -Plenary session on the January 14, 2003 adopted the Napolitano-report on the role of regional and local authorities in Europe. The report itself is regarded by the regions as a positive step forward in strengthening the role of the local and regional authorities. In the substantial matter of subsidiarity it falls short of the regions’ expectations.

The Parliament blocked with 268 against 235 votes all proposals to give regions and territorial entities the right to go to the European Court of Justice in case they are convinced their prerogatives and rights have been infringed by community acts.

With this narrow vote the European Parliament declared itself in opposition to one of the major demands put forward by the AER and even supported by the Parliament’s own Committee on Constitutional Affairs to be inserted in the constitutional treaty presently prepared by the Convention.
The amendment to the report of Giorgio Napolitano on the role of the regional and local authorities was tabled by Méndez de Vigo and supported by German deputies Joachim Wuermeling and Ursula Schleicher and Guido Bodrato from Italy on behalf of the PPE-DE Group allows regional access to the Court of Justice only under the authority of the member State concerned, according to their constitutional or national legislation.

The decision of the Parliament reflects basically the preoccupations of the Spanish Government, which is strongly opposed against direct access of its regions and autonomous Communities to European Institutions. There has also been some opposition to the regional demand by the European Commission, as stated in the debate by Commissioner Barnier.

AER-Vice-President Peter Straub, President of the Baden-Wuerttemberg State-Parliament expressed deep dismay and concern about the decision, describing it as a serious set back for all initiatives, which struggle to build a more democratic European Union that should be rooted in the regions and based on full involvement, participation and recognition of regions and local authorities. Mr. Straub nevertheless expressed the hope that the decision will not predetermine the deliberations of the Convention, which in his opinion is bound to take a more constructive and democratic view.

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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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