More than 100 politicians from the regions of Europe, national and European representatives, stakeholders from the private sector and associations have responded to the invitation of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the Region of Abruzzo (I).

The financial and economic crisis that has plagued many countries worldwide and in Europe for the past several months is far from over. The efficiency of regional policies is directly impacted by the budgetary restrictions that the situation requires and by the conditionalities linked to European aid. In this context, the European Stability Mechanism and the Growth Pact are key elements but it will not be sufficient on its own. Restoring public finances and relaunching growth imply taking into more account policies implemented at regional level.

The Pescara Summit allowed for an in-depth exchange of views in four key fields: education and training, eco-innovation, small and medium enterprises, demographic change and culture.

This meeting marks the kickoff of a process that will continue until 2013 through two other summits, focused respectively on the exchange of regional successful experiences, and the implementation and outcome of the decisions made. Michèle SABBAN, AER President, invites you to join us in February 2013 in Warsaw (PL) for the second act, and in May 2013 in Paris (F) for the 3rd Summit.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER – aer.eu) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 250 regions from 35 countries and 16 interregional organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for interregional co-operation.

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