The Assembly of European Regions is a network of independent regions in which 35 countries, 230 regions and 15 inter-regional organizations are members, established in 1985 in order to establish interregional cooperation. In addition to being a forum for interregional co-operation, AER is a lobbying organization to defend regional interests on the European ground. In 1986, the Council of Europe recognized AER as the main European body representing the regions. AER has played a key role in the creation of advisory bodies for the Council of Europe (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities) and the European Union (Committee of the Regions).
AER's policies are managed by the Board of Directors and the Bureau, formed by regional heads and other high-level politicians. These policies are managed by three separate working committees with regional politicians and are coordinated by the AER staff from the General Secretariat in Strasbourg.
What is the vision of AER?
- Making the principle of close and strengthened cooperation indispensable in the decision making process in Europe.
- Advancing the regional interests of European and national decision makers.
- Making the regional dimension more visible in Europe, embodying and reflecting it.
- Taking regions as the basis to ensure political, economic and social development for a multi-layered Europe.
What does AER do?
- Facilitates communication between members
- Organizes mutual sharing of useful practices and training programs
- Helps create opportunities for regions
- Improves the visibility and image of member countries
- Provides information distribution in various ways
- Does activities such as summer schools, training courses, study visits, field visits etc.
AER Structure
AER is governed by the President and two main bodies, the Executive Board, responsible for the day-to-day management and decision-making of the organisation and the General Assembly, the highest authority of the organisation, made up of all member regions, responsible for the political impetus and strategic orientations.
President:
- Magnus Berntsson
Members from Türkiye:
Antalya, Denizli, Edirne, Erzurum, Gaziantep, İzmir, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Muş, Sakarya, Zonguldak, Adana
Click here for official website of the AER.