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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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AER working groups: it’s simple

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The long-awaited guide for members willing to set up a new working group is finally there!

Working groups are for all AER members

All AER members can participate in working groups. Any AER member can submit a proposal for setting up a working group on a new topic.

It is possible to contribute to the work by:

  1. Sharing needs and topics your region would be interested to work on
  2. Offering expertise, flagging good practices you would like to share with AER members, proposing speakers
  3. Participating in events organised by the Chairs of the Working Groups
  4. Representing AER at thematic events: all AER members can be AER ambassadors!

To do this, contact AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius with ideas, proposals, requests.

How to propose a new Working Group

1. Identifying partner regions

Any AER member can submit a proposal for setting up a Working Group. A region, which would like to set up a working group should test the idea with other members and find supporting regions, in order to ensure there is a core group of regions that will be interested in dedicating time to exchange on the topic, and to be able to define activities that will be relevant to more than one region

Any AER member wishing to set up a Working Group should therefore find at least three supporting regions, which will contribute to shaping the activities, participate and contribute to the work. Either the AER member is already in contact with regions that could join the new Working Group, or they request the help of the AER Secretariat to contact regions that may be interested.

2. Submitting a proposal to the Executive Board

The region, which would like to set up a working group should develop a draft proposal for the focus of the Working Group and list a few potential activities to be presented to the EB together with supporting regions. The Draft Proposal for setting up the new Working Group, should:

  • mention the topic of the Working Group
  • clarify the focus of the exchange and dissemination of best practices
  • indicate the lead region and the supporting regions
  • propose a few activities which they would like to implement within the first two-years mandate
  • define an objective for the work of the Working Group (what will the activities help to achieve?)

3. The EB establishes the creation of the new Working Group

Once the proposal for setting up a new Working Group has been approved by the EB, an article is published about the new Working Group including information on:

  • the proposed focus
  • objective
  • lead region and supporting regions
  • envisioned activities

Regions interested to join the new Working Group and shape activities are invited to provide inputs by email.

4. Appointing a Chair

A first meeting of the working group will be organised in person or online, to appoint a Chair and agree on joint activities. The meeting will be announced beforehand on the AER website. The meeting will be open to all AER members. During this first meeting, Working Group members will agree on implementation details and responsibilities. Each Working Group decides on its own working structure

Role of the Chair of a Working Group

The Chair is responsible for the leadership of the Working Group and liaising with the Vice-President in charge of the Working Group policy area.

Each Working Group Chair’s region is charged to appoint a seconded officer to act as working group secretariat in liaison with the AER secretariat. The seconded officer is responsible for:

  • Co-organising events and projects in collaboration with the secretariat;
  • Managing the content of the meetings;
  • Drafting speeches and policy contributions;
  • The Chair will take the responsibility for the planning of the Working Group’s activities;

The Chair of the Working Group will inform the Vice-President in charge of the related policy area about the activities organised by the Working Group.
The Vice-President in charge of the related policy area will inform the Chair of the Working Group about upcoming events or EU policy developments, which may be of interest to the Chair and where the findings of the Working Group could be shared
When the Vice-President in charge of the related policy area is invited to external events, they will mention the activities of the working group

Photo by Hello I’m Nik on Unsplash

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Inclusion, Creativity & Human Potential: Includ-EU Workshop

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This workshop is organised in the context of the Includ-EU project co-financed by AMIF programme of the European Union. It will look at labour market inclusion from a skills, creativity and human potential angle.

The opening and roundtable (09:30-11:00) will be streamed, you can register here to get the link to attend online:

 

The objective is to take a holistic approach to labour market inclusion, which takes into account space, skills and the realisation of potential. Participants will share policies and practices which support stakeholders to build on their ideas, motivation, competences and experiences.

Migrant entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth, create jobs and can support the post-COVID-19 recovery. Effective inclusion of migrants and EU citizens with a migration background into the labour market requires the active collaboration of a large variety of actors, including public authorities at local, regional, national and European level, civil society organisations, economic and social partners and employers.

This workshop aims to:

  • Give visibility to inclusion policies and practices shared in the context of the project and which can be of use to stakeholders across wider Europe
  • strengthen the collaboration between partners, support them in mobilising both their local and international networks
  • Facilitate the exchange of policies and practices for inclusion between local and regional stakeholders in Europe
  • Encourage the development of new collaborations between local and regional stakeholders

AGENDA

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)

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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Partner Search: resilient ecosystems for circular tourism

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Are you interested in joining a project within the new Single Market Programme (SMP)? The Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, a key stakeholder of Regione Umbria (member region of AER), is looking for partners to join their new project on COVID-19 recovery through sustainable tourism and SME support.

About the project proposal

With reference to the SMP call “COVID-19 Recovery Through Sustainable Tourism Growth and SME Support (SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME)”, the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria (IT) is leading a proposal on resilient ecosystems for circular tourism.

The general objective of the call is to monitor the sustainability performance of SMEs in the tourism sector, whilst boosting their awareness, development and capacity in the area of sustainable innovations. To this extent, the project aims to ideate, test and improve digital and sustainability solutions at the destination regional level for rural and slow tourism.

They are ideally looking for a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) involved in and dealing with sustainability as applied to the tourism sector from Italy, Spain, Albania, Finland, Poland. Within the scope of this Call, a DMO is defined as a public or private stakeholder/authority that manages a local, regional or national tourism strategy in one of the countries forming part of the consortium.

About the Single Market Programme

The new Single Market Programme (SMP) was adopted on 28 April 2021 and provides an integrated package to support and strengthen the governance and functioning of the single market. The EU funding programme helps the single market reach its full potential and ensure Europe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, the pandemic showed that the single market is yet to materialise in a number of areas and can improve in others, and that a well-functioning single market is crucial for the resilience of our economy.

How to take part?

If you are interested in joining this project proposal and contributing to its further development, don’t hesitate to contact the AER team by 15 February 2022. We would be happy to liaise you with the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria!

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Lead experience exchange: propose a new working group!

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An AER working group provides a space for experience and knowledge exchange. The ground for mutual learning is the community the AER creates between member regions that have very diverse contexts and shared objectives. The AER community is one of its main added values when joining projects or developing advocacy activities.

As the mandates of current Working Groups have all come to an end, AER is offering the possibility to all members to propose to lead knowledge and experience exchange on a regional policy area that is important for them.

So… how to start a working group?

Contact the AER Secretariat and tell us what you are looking for!

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 this will indeed create value for you. 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…

The process to create a working group is detailed on this page.

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

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A New Horizon for Europe: Navigating into the European Horizon for Research and Innovation

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The launch of the new Horizon Europe funding programme worth 95.5 billion EUR and its first round of calls have being sparking enthusiasm and interest among the multiple actors that were long awaiting for initiating and testing their innovative actions for the green and digital transition, as well as an inclusive economy. Yet, while the scope of the funding programme meets widespread societal demands, it may not be that easy to navigate within one of the world’s largest research and innovation programmes. What do you need to know? The article provides an overview of the main opportunities under this programme as well as the links to the recordings from the informative sessions held by the European Commission.

The new HORIZON EUROPE: Priorities and structure

As part of the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the European Union has established the Horizon Europe programme as successor of the well-known Horizon 2020. As its predecessor, #HorizonEU deploys a large-envelop of financial incentives to support research and innovation that will contribute to achieving the EU priorities across and beyond Europe.  

As defined in the First Strategic Plan 2021-24, in the first four years, the programme will focus its investments towards actions aimed at:

  • Promoting an open strategic autonomy by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains
  • Restoring Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and managing sustainably natural resources
  • Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy
  • Creating a more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society  

PILLAR II: Clusters, ‘EU missions’, and calls

It is especially under the second pillar ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness’ that the European Commission is providing the ground and support to different kind of stakeholders (universities, research institutions, public authorities, associations, NGOs, SMEs and large companies) for research addressing key societal, economic, and environmental challenges, and to reinforce and innovative the technological and industrial capacities in line with the EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.

A key novelty introduced with the Horizon Europe programme are the EU-Missions. Missions are commitments to address the most serious challenges that our world is facing and contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal, the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the Sustainable goals through a wide portfolio of actions – research projects, policy measures, or even legislative proposals.

Cluster 1 – Health

Actions supported under this cluster will be aimed at:

  • Improving and protecting the health and well-being of citizens through new knowledge, innovative solutions and the integration of a gender perspective to the preventions, monitoring, and curing of diseases
  • developing health technologies, mitigating health risks, protecting populations and promoting good health and well-being
  • making public health systems more cost-effective, equitable and sustainable

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Health Cluster is 21st September 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 6th October and will close on 21st April 2022 (1st February for 2-stages submissions).

EU-Mission: Preparing UNCAN.eu, a European initiative to understand cancer (deadline 20th October 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 1 Working Programme.

Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society

Actions within this cluster will contribute to strengthening the EU democratic values, safeguarding our cultural heritage, and foster inclusion and growth through socio-economic transformations.

The Cluster is divided in 3 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

  • 5 Calls under Destination 01 – Innovative research on democracy and governance (link to the recording of the info session on Destination 01)
    • Activities launched within this destination will contribute to reinvigorating and modernising democratic governance through the development of evidence-based innovations, policies, policy recommendations, and institutional frameworks that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement, gender equality and inclusiveness. Additionally, they will support enhancing transparency, effectiveness, accountability and legitimacy of public policy-making.
  • 6 Calls under Destination 02 – Innovative research on the European cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 02)
    • Activities launched under this destination will aim at protecting and promoting historical sites and monuments, artefacts, heritage sites, landscapes, museums and other cultural institutions, languages, customs, traditions, and values through new or existing conservation and restoration technologies and methods employing green and digital paths. Innovative management actions and models for cultural institutions will seek to expend the industry triggering inclusive growth, jobs, social cohesion and diversity,
  • 7 Calls under Destination 03 – Innovative research on social and economic transformations ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 03)
    • Actions launched under this destination will contribute to foster social and economic resilience and sustainability through an improved knowledge of the social, ethical, political and economic impacts of drivers of change – as digitalisation, demographic trends, globalisation, and migration. The implementation of research activities in the field will strengthen inclusive growth ensuring that no one is left behind especially in light of old and new societal and economic challenges.

The deadline for all the open calls under the Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society Cluster is 07th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 20th January 2022 and will close on 20th April 2022.

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 2 Working Programme.

Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space

Activities under this cluster will support digital, space, and key enabling technologies that are strategically important for Europe’s industrial future and especially for achieving a global industrial leadership in clean and climate-neutral industries, as well as autonomy in digital technologies and a secure data-agile economy.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Digital, Industry and Space Cluster is 21st October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 23rd November 2022 and will close on 05th April 2022.

EU-Mission: Better prepared regional and local authorities to adapt to climate change (deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 4 Working Programme.

Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility

Actions under this cluster will contribute to the fight against climate change by increasing the understanding of its causes, evolution, risks, impacts and opportunities, as well as by facilitating the development and implementation of more climate and environment-friendly solutions to the transport and energy sectors.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Climate, Energy and Mobility Cluster is 19th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 14th October 2021 and will close on 12th January 2022.

EU-Missions (deadline 14th September 2021):

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 5 Working Programme.

Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Actions financed through this cluster will support the reduction of environmental degradation, reversing the decline of biodiversity and better managing natural resources through transformative changes of the economy and society. They will contribute to the objectives of the EU Green Deal in relation to the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Climate Pact, initiatives under sustainable industry and eliminating pollution, the long-term vision for rural areas, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Cluster is divided in 7 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Cluster is 6th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 28th October 2021 and will close on 15th February 2022.

EU-Mission: Preparing the ground for healthy soils: building capacities for engagement outreach and knowledge(deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 6 Working Programme.

Are you seeking to develop or join a proposal under the calls above?

All the above topics are key priorities for the AER and its members, hence we are looking forward to support members and their stakeholders in the development of a proposal, as well as in the establishment or search of a consortium. To know more about how we can support you, have a look at this article on the services of the project unit and get in touch with our European Projects Manager! Additionally, the AER is glad to assess the possibility to join consortium working on the calls in light of the strong relevance of the topics for the AER.

SAVE THE DATE! the AER will offer the possibility to further explore the novelties and opportunities introduced by the Horizon Europe programme during the next MFF info session that will be held on September 24th! The session will look at several funding programmes: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and Creative Europe, Digital Europe, and Life.

Picture from Unsplash by Christian Lue

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AER scales up its Project Unit! What’s in it for our Member Regions? Our Services at a Glance

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You might have noticed that in the past months, despite the ongoing restrictions, your mailbox was still actively populated by AER project’s activities updates, invitation to workshops and webinars organised within the framework of some EU co-funded project with and for our members.

This is because we haven’t stopped! On the contrary, the Project Unit from the AER Secretariat is now bigger than ever -with 5 colleagues ready to support AER’s work and bring additional capacity and fresh ideas to the network.

We believe it is high time to remind our members what we can offer and how in turn they can engage with us in the framework of transnational projects funded by the EU 7-year programmes.

In a nutshell, we are operative on mainly 2 working areas:

  1. Direct support to member regions for projects application, partner search and mapping of fundings;
  2. Implementation of AER’s own projects with active involvement of our member regions.
  1. Direct support for your projects application, partner search and mapping of fundings

The new Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027) offers unprecedented opportunities to benefit from direct fundings and contribute to EU’s policy priorities such as digital and green transformation. Among the call of proposal, Horizon, Erasmus+, Creative Europe, Digital Europe programme are just some of the EU funding programmes where AER can offer its support and expertise.

In particular, AER Project Unit can offer:

  • Support on partner search and acquisition: 
  1. Is your region building a consortium and you miss a partner with a specific expertise or from a specific geographical area? We support you by contacting potential partners within and outside our network. AER can count on a big network of different stakeholders and organisations with thematic expertise. 
  2. If your region does not have a project idea yet but would like to join a project consortium as a partner, you should regularly check our website, on the “Look for Partner” section, as well as monitor our newsletter. But do not fear! If time is not on your side, just  make sure to share with us your preferred areas of interest, and we will be the one to be contacting once  the perfect opportunity for your region comes up. Check the Look for Partners section in our website!
  • Support for project writing, submission and reporting

If we collaborate on a joint project application where our members are taking the lead, our unit is glad to put their expertise at disposal for drafting the application in areas such as project management, and dedicated work packages (knowledge transfer, dissemination). 

When it comes to complex EU-project terminology for instance, It is not easy to navigate and explain all the “outputs, outcomes, deliverables, work-packages and results” required by the application form. We can therefore help to align the project with the Commission’s priorities and language. Additionally, we are of great support to review the project and make it coherent throughout all its phases and packages, and finally, we can help with the technicalities needed for the submission, such as moving the first steps in the EU portal or revising the budget lines.

  • Mapping of funding opportunities

Lack of ideas or no time to juggle through the many calls available at EU level? We know that once the Funding Opportunities portal is open, it feels pretty much like opening a Pandora box! Our unit regularly provides information in forms of articles ( in our funding opportunities dedicated page) as well as info-sessions and webinars. 
Specifically, we have been very active lately in unboxing the new MFF thanks to dedicated EU funding seminars upon request of some of the member regions. We acknowledge the importance of providing accurate and timely information to our members, and we are glad to announce that we will follow up with a webinar on direct fundings on 24 of September 2021 (save the date!) with a special focus to Erasmus+, Horizon, Digital Europe and Life Programme.

2. Implementation of AER projects with active involvement of our member regions

As AER, we ourselves lead or participate as partners in projects that we carefully select on the basis of the value we can bring to our members. For us, it is paramount not to see projects according only their scope or lifetime within the project but we always strive to contribute to AER’s mission, that is, to connect and empower regions.

As such, AER projects additional services for members are:

  • Possibility for AER members to attend the workshops and webinars led by AER even if they are not part of the consortium;
  • Cooperation with member regions outside the consortium to shape the content of the workshops: our regions are often the protagonists of our events and we are proud the showcase their success stories, developments and practices;
  • Strengthen cooperation with European Commission, other EU agencies and institutions and international partners from which our regions may benefit in terms of inter-institutional relations.

Latest updates on projects proposals

After a general overview on our main services, here an up-to-the-minute update on project unit activities in regards to new applications, with the hope to increase our cooperations in the areas of projects.

We are actively looking into the opportunity of submitting joint AER-members project proposals in prioritised areas of interest for members.

In particular, we are now exploring: 

  • the possibility of creating a consortium, with AER, one of the member regions as lead partner, with other regions and regional VET providers on board, on Digital and Green Skills for Regional Innovation Ecosystems (Erasmus+ Partnership for Innovation: Alliances for Education and Enterprises). During the implementation of the Skillnet project, considerable know-how and best practices have been exchanged, and we acknowledged that the topic of Skills raised high interest among the AER member regions, hence confirming the importance of strengthening these areas, especially in view of the development of new economic models (green and digital). If you are interested in participating in such a project, and would like to take part at the first online meeting, please contact: [email protected]
  • The possibility to follow up on our Cubes Project, with the involvement of some of our regions who are interested in the topics of Sustainability in cultural heritage and Culture as a driver for sustainable development. Please contact: [email protected]

If would like to raise a further topic for which AER could activate a consortium building and map opportunities, or have any other questions on the above services, please contact:

[email protected]

Looking forward to working closer together!

The AER Project Unit

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Internship Opportunity: Events Assistant

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We are looking for a motivated student to join the AER Team at our Strasbourg or Brussels Offices or, if desired, predominantly remotely for four to 4,5 months from early August 2021 until the middle of December 2021.

Working closely with the AER Institutional Relations & Advocacy Officer and  Communications & Events Officer, your main tasks will be to:

  • Assist in the event and communication management of the AER General Assembly & Conference related to the Sustainable Development Goals, 28-29 October 2021;
  • Assist in the event and communication management of AER statutory and partner events in Q4 2021

About the Conference “Agenda 2030: Transforming Regions, Changing the World” 

“This conference, jointly organised by AER and the Grand Est region together with partners such as United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Global Taskforce, Regions4, and Strasbourg Eurometropole will gather local and regional stakeholders from around the world. It will call upon national and global leaders to strengthen multilevel dialogue in order to facilitate local-global leadership on the 2030 Agenda. 

The goal of the conference is to show that regions, alongside cities, play a key role to facilitate the transformation needed to successfully implement and reach the goals of the 2030 agenda.”

You will assist in shaping the SDG Conference, inviting guests and speakers, organising logistics, creating content for the website, structuring communications and ensuring a successful event from A to Z. Following the conference, you will assist with the organisation of other AER statutory and partner events in a similar capacity.

This is the role for you if:

  • You want to grow your event and communication management experience in a hands-on way. 
  • You have knowledge and interest in the Sustainable Development Goals and their implementation at the local level.
  • You have strong communications skills, with a strong level of English and French. Other European languages are an asset. 
  • You are self-motivated, organised and well able to manage your time.
  • You are able to perform tasks autonomously and take on responsibilities while coordinating your work with the rest of the team.
  • You are a creative and problem-solving oriented person.
  • You are tech-savvy, with a knack for graphic design using tools like Canva, Photoshop and WordPress.

AER is happy to offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience in event management from A to Z  in a European environment
  • Liaise with high-ranking politicians, project officers and partners across Europe and be inspired by them.
  • Learn about regions and gain a deeper insight into contemporary issues in European politics
  • Work in a dynamic, multinational and multicultural environment
  • Develop personal responsibility and initiative
  • Gain invaluable experience in an international professional environment
  • Learn the ins-and-outs of implementing a communications campaign for medium and large-scale international events 

The internship period will be for up to 4,5 months, preferably starting from 9 August 2021.

Before applying, please keep in mind…

An internship contract must be signed by AER, the intern and a sending University/School/Institute. This institution must be in an EU Member State.

The internship is intended for students who are enrolled in University, who have to complete a compulsory internship and are therefore able to receive a scholarship through Erasmus+ or other programmes. On top, you will receive a monthly financial contribution of EUR 525 from the AER during your internship period. Travel and living costs must be covered by the intern.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will have to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements (visa, residence permit, etc.) to stay in Strasbourg or Brussels as specified by the French/Belgian Law for foreigners. Health insurance must be ensured during your stay.

Please keep in mind that we are following all COVID-19 measures so you may not be working in the office full-time. 

How to apply?

If you are interested in joining us and making AER your next professional experience, please send your CV and one page cover letter to [email protected] by Wednesday, 14 July with the subject line “AER Events Assistant”.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis until the vacancy has been filled.

***

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Public consultation on Education for Environmental Sustainability

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The European Commission has opened up an open public consultation to feed into a proposal for a Council Recommendation on Education for Environmental Sustainability later this year. The Recommendation will deal with all types and levels of education, including vocational education and training (VET) and Adult Learning (AL).

Education to support the goals of the Green Deal

Through the Green Deal, the EU is taking action to fight climate change and encourage all citizens to work towards a greener and more sustainable Europe. Education and training are key, helping citizens and local communities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for this transition. This survey aims at gathering ideas and views from individuals and organisations on this initiative, which is scheduled for adoption by the Commission in autumn 2021

AER members and partners working in the field of education are warmly invited to complete the survey and send in position papers to help us the European Commission to gather expert views and strengthen their evidence base.

The European Commission would like to hear the views of citizens, educators, researchers, governmental and non-governmental organisations (international, European, national, regional, and local) as well as education and training stakeholders. It is possible to respond to the public consultation in a personal or organisational/institutional capacity by filling in the questionnaire. Registered stakeholder organisations can also submit a position paper.

In light of the activities carried out in the past year on the topic of skills in the context of the Skillnet project, in which AER has been organising a series of webinars, it has become quite clear that this topic is of utmost importance for regional stakeholders.

LINK TO THE CONSULTATION

DEADLINE: 24 September 2021

Photo by kazuend on Unsplash

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Rethinking Inclusive Societies in Light of Crises

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“Migrants are ‘us’, not ‘them’. Everyone has a role to play in making sure our societies are cohesive and prosperous.” 

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson 

Within the Includ-EU Project, AER continues its long-standing commitment to making the voice of its member regions heard, in both matters of migration and asylum and otherwise. In this context, we are proud the share their success stories developments and practices, in the upcoming workshop, organised with the involvement of Intercultural Regions Network.  

Integration and inclusion of people with a migrant background is a process that involves a whole of society, that includes migrant and local communities, employers, civil society and all levels of government. 

Regions, above all, have always had a paramount role to play and extensive experience in implementing innovative ideas and projects. They have the contextual knowledge and resources can be activated quickly.  

In light of this, AER’s role in the project is to foster structured regional exchanges, and the dissemination of knowledge and good practices within its wider network. This objective translates in organising of 5 thematic webinars structured around the key priority areas and 5 thematic workshops, envisioned to bring together target beneficiaries, experts, partners, and respectively representatives of interested social communities to exchange and engage in peer-learning exercises. 

So far, AER, with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has organised 3 of the planned webinars and is now preparing the 1st regional workshop, taking place on 30 June and 1 July from 9:00 to 12:30 (CEST). 

The pandemic might have exacerbated some of the challenges already in play in regards to integration of migrants but on the other hand, as for many other sectors, it has provided an occasion for shifting paradigm and rethinking our whole society in order to be better prepared for future crises. It can empower us to demand a much-needed transformation of a system in crisis. 

As such, the focus of the first day will be on how to rethink services in light of crises and raising awareness on the role of design in shaping better and more sustainable services. Abram El-Sabagh, expert in designing strategic solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals, will facilitate the session, in which participants will immerse in a peer-learning exercise, which will help them to brainstorm collectively and identify challenges and opportunities to apply to the concrete specific needs of each regional/local reality. 

The second day keeps looking ahead with the presentation by DG Home of the Commission new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021-27), which structures among 4 key areas: Education, Employment, Health, Housing. 

This is followed by a dynamic market-place exercise, where few regions and municipalities will present their own future strategy for integration, but also good practices and successful projects from the past programming period.  

We will hear from Valencia municipality (Spain) to Cluj-Napoca and Timis (Romania), among others. 

Registrations for day 1 are open exclusively to Includ-EU consortium partners, while day 2 is open to all interested stakeholders working on migration and interculturality. 

This project receives funding from the European Union’s AMIF – Asylum Migration and Integration Fund programme. It aims at bringing together local and regional authorities from Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia and Spain for the purpose of enhancing transnational knowledge and experience sharing cooperation and partnerships. 

To read about the results of the 1st workshop, follow AER website. To register, click here.

Contact: Anna Comacchio, Project and Policy Officer 

E-mail: [email protected] 

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AER Climate Debate: Back to Our Future – Regions Leading Europe’s Green Recovery

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The COVID-19 crisis brought the world to a standstill in 2020. City centres became ghost towns, economic activity slumped, and political priorities fell by the wayside as managing the pandemic became the all-consuming political focus. However, what has not stood still despite the pandemic is the alarming rate that our planet continues to heat up. Unless we align our recovery with our climate targets, another global pandemic will be a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’. The need to make up for lost time to meet these targets – all while ensuring a resilient recovery from the pandemic – presents a once-in-a-generation political challenge.

The scale of the task at hand has not been lost on Europe’s leaders, who are determined for the EU to spearhead global efforts to meet the Paris Climate Goals. Indeed, Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen’s lofty choice of metaphor – describing the European Green Deal as our “man on the moon moment” – reflects the political impetus to deliver a climate ‘moonshot’ by 2030.

But as any seasoned astronaut will tell you, a successful mission to a great degree depends on the people leading on the ground. That is why on 9 June as part of EU Green Week, the AER’s Task Force on Climate brought together international experts, EU and regional policymakers for an open discussion on how our regions can lead a sustainable, resilient recovery across Europe. Moderated by AER President, Magnus Berntsson, this was a chance to explore how regions can chart the path towards carbon neutrality, and ensure “a better, greener and more resilient future” for our villages, towns and cities.

Europe’s Moonshot – Leading the Mission on the Ground

All things in nature, including the climate crisis, are connected and demand a collective response. In his opening remarks, President Berntsson stressed the need “for joint action by all levels of government” to achieve global objectives. This was echoed by first speaker, Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme Brussels Office. She underlined that the “interconnected nature” of challenges like pollution, biodiversity loss and global warming means “they must be addressed together to maximise benefits and minimise trade-offs.” Regional and local authorities are essential actors in this effort, for example, by translating green funding into “effective stimulus policies that will lead us towards decarbonisation.”

The European Commission shares this view. Our second speaker, Elena Višnar-Malinovská, Head of Unit for Adaptation at DG CLIMA called for regions “to come on board the spaceship” to help reach emissions targets. Regions, she noted, have already started implementing effective climate and energy laws, adopted climate-friendly budgets, and will be essential in monitoring how closely Europe’s climate targets are being adhered to.

AER members are leading from the front on this issue. Arnau Queralt-Bassa, Director of the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development of Catalonia [ES], pointed to Catalonia Region’s new CO2 fund that would be paid for using a Carbon Tax. Another example came from Värmland Region [SE], where policies aimed at improving energy efficiency have seen a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from buildings, according to Eva Hallström, Chair of the AER’s Working Group on Energy & Climate. Similarly, Donegal County Council in Ireland is in the process of creating an energy agency and making use of “nature based solutions” to meet climate challenges. All of Donegal Council’s policy initiatives are being framed within a written “statement of intent” guided by the Sustainable Development Goals. So while regions are working on the ground to translate global ambition into local action, they cannot go it alone.

Global Challenges & Supporting Local Solutions

The climate crisis affects Europe’s regions in different ways and to varying degrees. A truly sustainable and resilient recovery is therefore only possible if it meets the diverse territorial needs of all Europe’s regions. Dominique Riquet, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur on the Opinion of the Committee on Transport on the Just Transition Fund, noted that many Eastern European regions will struggle to shift to climate neutral economies without “ambitious financial support”.

It also demands a real say for regions in implementing Green Deal legislation. “Regions” he stressed “will need to play a key role in drafting the legislation delivering the Green Deal to make sure regional differences are taken into account.” The success of the Green Deal will to a large degree “depend on the ability to tailor legislation”. He pointed to the success of regions in managing European programmes – in particular Cohesion Policy – as clear evidence of their experience and expertise in making sure that funding gets where it is needed. Mr Riquet stressed that regions “will be more important than ever” when it comes to implementing elements of the Green Deal like the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

This need for a territorial approach was further emphasised by our final speaker, Andries Gryffroy, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and its Rapporteur on the European Green Deal. “The Green Deal”, he said “is a credible plan, but must take “a bottom-up, balanced and targeted approach” if it is to effectively address the many environmental, economic and social challenges presented by the climate crisis. The same logic applies to national recovery plans. Chair of the AER working group on Transport and Mobility, Martin Tollén, pointed out that while regions are working hard to deliver sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, there are limits to what can be done going it alone. Mr Tollen underlined that “Regions need to be “fully integrated in the design and implementation” of national recovery plans to meet diverse territorial needs and drive the wider green agenda.

Other important disparities that need to be addressed were highlighted in contributions from AER members. Victor Vaugoin, Director of Lower Austria’s EU Liaison Office, said that the nexus between the green and digital transitions means that less well-resourced rural regions could lose out on new opportunities in the green economy. For this reason, it is essential that the digital skills gap is addressed to ensure a fair transition. Another vitally important concern – gender equality – was highlighted by Värmland [SE] Councillor, Kenneth Johansson from the AER’s Equal Opportunities Group. Woman are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, and it is therefore crucial that this lopsided impact “is better understood” and – more importantly – “reflected in legislation, programming and planning” at all levels of government.

Europe’s ‘moonshot’ mission to save our planet will only be a success if all levels of government “come on-board”. As we learned during the debate, local and regional authorities are leading the recovery using all resources available to them. However, to ensure a fair, green and resilient recovery, their ambitions needs to matched with political and financial support European and national level; offering regions significant financial support and a real say in how legislation is implemented to meet territorial needs.

No one is questioning Europe’s ambition when it comes to achieving our climate targets. However, starting locally and supporting our regions will be absolutely crucial if this moonshot mission is to ever get off the ground.

***

📺 Missed our Bureau debate? Never fear – you can rewatch on youtube channel here!

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The AER needs YOU!

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The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has become an integral part of European citizens’ lives, as sustainability is the key to a brighter future. That’s why the AER and our partners are organising a high-level regional conference dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals, taking place in October 2021. 

Regions are leading the way when it comes to delivering the SDGs on the ground, and we want to hear how your region is making a difference and shaping our sustainable future. 

From local initiatives to policy and legislative proposals, we invite you to send us short, concise video messages and/or articles on what the SDGs mean to your region. All videos/articles should underline the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Articles should not exceed 750 words.

These contributions will be posted on our dedicated SDG Conference website and social media accounts, and used to promote both the conference itself and the role of regions in the sustainability agenda. 

For videos specifically, we would be grateful if you could respect the following specifications:

  • Tell us your name, position and institution (include them in the video title or description if you are uploading it on Dropbox.
  • Length: Videos must not exceed 2 minutes.
  • Resolution: The maximum resolution for videos is 1920×1200 or 1200×1900.
  • Format: MP4 or MOV
  • Maximum file size: 512 MB

If you are interested in timely topic and would like to contribute, we would be delighted to hear from you!

The AER Secretariat 

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Internship Opportunity: Events Assistant

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We are looking for a motivated student to join the AER Team at our Brussels Office for six months from early to mid June 2021.

Working closely with the AER Institutional Relations & Advocacy Officer,  Member Relations Coordinator and Communications & Events Officer, your main task will be to:

Assist in the event and communication management of the AER SDG Conference & General Assembly

About the Conference “Agenda 2030: Transforming Regions, Changing the World” 
“Entering the year 2020, we will see a comprehensive review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) making this a year of symbolic importance to the global agenda. 

This conference, jointly organised by AER, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Global Taskforce, Regions4, Strasbourg Eurometropole and the Grand Est region will gather local and regional stakeholders from around the world. It will call upon national and global leaders to strengthen the multilevel dialogue in order to facilitate local-global leadership on the 2030 Agenda. 

The goal of the conference is to show that regions, alongside cities, play a key role to facilitate the transformation needed to successfully implement and reach the goals of the 2030 agenda.”

You will assist in shaping the SDG Conference, inviting guests and speakers, organising logistics, creating content for the website, structuring communications and ensuring a successful event from A to Z.

This is the role for you if:

  • You want to grow your event and communication management experience in a hands-on way. 
  • You have knowledge and interest in the Sustainable Development Goals and their implementation at the local level.
  • You are self-motivated, organised and well able to manage your time.
  • You are able to perform tasks autonomously and take on responsibilities while coordinating your work with the rest of the team.
  • You are a creative and problem-solving oriented person.
  • You have strong communications skills, with a strong level of English and French. Other European languages are an asset. 
  • You are tech-savvy, with a knack for graphic design using tools like Canva, Photoshop and WordPress.

AER is happy to offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience in event management from A to Z  in a European environment
  • Liaise with high-ranking politicians, project officers and partners across Europe and be inspired by them.
  • Learn about regions and gain a deeper insight into contemporary issues in European politics
  • Work in a dynamic, multinational and multicultural environment
  • Develop personal responsibility and initiative
  • Gain invaluable experience in an international professional environment
  • Learn the ins-and-outs of implementing a communications campaign for a large, international event. 
  • The internship period will be for up to six months, preferably starting in early to mid June

Before applying, please keep in mind…

An internship contract must be signed by AER, the intern and a sending University/School/Institute.

The internship is intended for students who have to complete a compulsory internship and are therefore able to receive a scholarship through Erasmus+ or similar programmes. On top, you will receive a monthly financial contribution of EUR 150 by the AER during your internship period. Travel and living costs must be covered by the intern.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will have to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements (visa, residence permit, etc.) to stay in Brussels as specified by the Belgian Law for foreigners. Health insurance must be ensured during your stay.

Please keep in mind that we are following all COVID-19 measures so you may not be working in the office full-time.

How to apply?

If you are interested in joining us and making AER your next professional experience, please send your CV and one page cover letter to [email protected] by 16 May with the subject line “AER Events Assistant”.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis until the vacancy has been filled. 

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