Assembly of European Regions
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The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is an independent network of European Regions and the largest organisation of interregional cooperation in the enlarged European Union. It represents more than 250 regions from 32 countries and 14 interregional organisations. It is seated in Strasbourg, France.
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[edit] Historical background
On 15 June 1985, at Louvain-la-Neuve (Walloon Brabant), 47 Regions and 9 interregional organisations founded the Council of the Regions of Europe (CRE), which would later become the Assembly of European Regions in November 1987 at the second General meeting of the Regions of Europe in Brussels.
[edit] AER Mission
The AER is the political voice of the Regions and the key partner for the European and international institutions on the core issues of regional competence. The AER promotes diversity, subsidiarity and democratic regional structures. It also enables the Regions to form the essential link between Europe and its citizens.
[edit] Definition of "Region"
According to the AER statutes, in principle the term "region" refers to a territorial authority existing at the level immediately below that of the central government, with its own political representation in the form of an elected regional assembly.
[edit] AER Priorities for 2007-2012
- Promoting the modernisation and internationalisation of regional governance
- Promoting innovation, growth and employment in Europe’s regions
- Addressing the challenges of demographic change, migration, health and social exclusion
- Ensuring sustainable development and combating environmental degradation
- Developing democracy through diversity, and promoting diversity in culture, media and education
- Creating a secure environment for citizens
[edit] Means of governance
[edit] The General Assembly
The General Assembly consists of the political representatives of the AER member regions. It decides upon the AER’s political strategy, votes on the budget, decides on the creation of committees or specific assignments, ratifies the acceptance of members, etc. It elects the AER President, the members of the Bureau and the Secretary General.
[edit] The Bureau
The Bureau makes all the decisions necessary for the smooth running of affairs between General Assemblies and co-ordinates the work of the different committees. It meets at least twice a year. Its members are elected for two years by the General Assembly, at the proposal of member Regions. It includes at least one regional representative per country represented within the AER. Two standing committees report directly to this body:
- The standing committee for "Institutional Affairs" which focuses on upholding the core principles of subsidiarity, good governance and regional democracy;
- The standing committee for "Monitoring and Evaluation" which focuses on upholding the priorities defined in the strategic plan.
[edit] The Presidium
The Presidium consists of the AER President, two Vice Presidents, the Vice-President Treasurer and the Presidents of each of the AER’s committees. In the interim period between Bureau meetings, and by delegation, the Presidium can meet and take decisions that are then submitted to the following Bureau.
[edit] Committee structure
[edit] Committee 1: Economy and Regional Development
Regional economic development, employment and knowledge society, environment, energy, rural development/agriculture and infrastructure, tourism.
[edit] Committee 2: Social Policy and Public Health
Social policy, equal opportunities, demographics, public health and emergency planning
[edit] Committee 3: Culture, Education and Interregional Cooperation
Culture, education and training, youth, media, and information technologies, international and interregional co-operation
[edit] Sub-committees
Presidents of Committees/standing committees are responsible for establishing the sub-committees deemed necessary to deliver the committee’s work throughout his/her term of office and for a minimum of two years.
[edit] Working groups
These are temporary bodies, formed on an ad-hoc basis for new issues arising in the context of the activities of the committees.
[edit] The AER Programmes
[edit] Eurodyssey
Eurodyssey is an interregional programme promoting vocational training and the mobility of young people across Europe.
[edit] Summer School
Annual forum devoted to relevant issues in the area of regional development.
[edit] Youth Summer School
Annual forum aimed at empowering young people and supporting their involvement in regional policies and public life.
[edit] Centurio
Interregional programme and network for the exchange of experience in key areas of regional development.
