On 10 October AER has organised, in cooperation with the Congress of the Council of Europe and the Alsace Region, a Conference on “Regionalisation and Democracy.” Nearly 200 people attended the debate, which was held during the 1st World Forum on Democracy. The AER was represented by its President, Michèle Sabban, while the President of Commission 3, Dr Hande Özsan Bozatli, accompanied her by testifying from the experiences of Turkey. Among the guests of honour there was Kim JAE Hyo, Secretary General of the Association of Regional Governments of North-East Asia (NEAR) and Jameleddine Gharbi, Tunisian Minister of Regional Development and Planning. The debate was an opportunity to compare and exchange ideas thus leading to the common conclusion that regionalisation, by bringing the decision-making processes closer to individuals and by taking into account specific features, becomes a key factor in political stability and a pillar for a vibrant democracy.

Opening Speech of AER President (available in French only)
Press Release from the event