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Assemblée des Régions d'Europe

AER

The Assembly of European Regions (est.1985) is the largest independent network of regions in the wider Europe.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – implementing EU funding with Member States and regions

20 Oct 2025

The proposed MFF 20282034 seeks to streamline procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and provide flexibility in times of crisis. Yet behind these intentions lies a worrying trend towards centralisation, dilution of cohesion policy objectives, and marginalisation of regions. By merging multiple funds into a single fund per Member State, concentrating decision-making power in national governments, and weakening the principles of multi-level governance and subsidiarity, the proposal risks undermining the very purpose of EU cohesion policy: to reduce disparities, empower regions, and ensure no territory is left behind. Cohesion cannot be achieved through one-size-fits-all solutions, nor by treating regions as secondary stakeholders. It requires genuine partnership, territorial sensitivity, and financial solidarity. Without mandatory regional involvement, stronger guarantees for subsidiarity, and a clear focus on disadvantaged areas, cohesion policy, instead of being a vibrant instrument of European solidarity, risks becoming a mere label. The Assembly of European Regions calls on the European Commission to correct this course: empower its regions, protect cohesion funds from being diverted to unrelated priorities, and reaffirm that the future of Europes unity and prosperity lies in balanced territorial development, not centralised control. Below the key recommendations: Make regional chapters mandatory. According to the Commissions proposal, Member States retain sole discretion over whether and how regions are included in the planning and implementation process. This leads to inconsistencies across the Union and undermines the territorial dimension of EU policy. Cohesion cannot be achieved through one-size-fits-all solutions, nor by treating regions as secondary stakeholders. It requires genuine partnership, territorial sensitivity, and financial solidarity. Without mandatory regional involvement, stronger guarantees for subsidiarity, and a clear focus on disadvantaged areas, cohesion policy, instead of being a vibrant instrument of European solidarity, risks becoming a mere label. We request making regional chapters mandatory. Reduce 25% flexibility reserve.While flexibility can be beneficial, it should not jeopardize cohesion's core mission. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRPP) includes a significant 25% flexibility reserve. This high percentage, combined with the n+10 months rule, is likely to result in many Member States being unable to fully utilize their allocated funds, potentially undermining the legitimacy of EU funds. To protect territorial priorities, flexibility for crisis response must incorporate structured regional consultation. The uncertainty surrounding how the 25% reserve flexibility will be allocated to regions necessitates a revision of the 10-month implementation rule. The AER supports flexibility in the upcoming budget, provided it is coupled with predictability and a place-based approach. Reinstate EU-level guarantees for funding for all regions under Cohesion policy, including for transition and more developed regions, so that they can be empowered to develop place-based policies and strategies fit to their specific needs, capacities and vulnerabilities in terms of competitiveness, climate action, job creation, and infrastructure development. To meet the European Unions established objectives, the next MFF must be territory-driven. The AER, as a founding member of the #CohesionAlliance calls for a rebalanced financial framework that delivers real impact through simplification, subsidiarity, and cohesion-centred investments without centralisation tendencies. Revise the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to adopt a more decentralised approach. This will empower subnational authorities to effectively manage funds and foster genuine partnerships, thereby ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all EU citizens. It is crucial to maintain the established shared management m
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Response to A Culture Compass for Europe

9 May 2025

The promotion and preservation of regional heritage and culture are vital to maintaining Europe's rich diversity. Across the continent, a wide range of regional languages, cultures, and traditions, including gastronomy, enotourism, and local crafts, contribute to a vibrant fabric that reflects the history and identity of local communities. These regional heritages are invaluable assets that shape the distinctive character of each area. Regions must embrace their cultural assets to preserve traditions while creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations. On behalf of the Assembly of European Regions, and its over 130 regional authorities, we would like to call on the European Commission to safeguard and promote regional diversity, and include it in the European Compass for Culture. By protecting and celebrating regional heritage, we ensure that traditions continue to thrive, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and respect for cultural diversity across Europe. The European Commission should aim at strengthening regional identities by investing in cultural hubs, supporting local artisans, and promoting regional languages and culture. We also ask for the Commission's support in encouraging cross-border cultural exchanges to foster collaboration and understanding.
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Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

5 Jun 2023 · Year of Skills

Meeting with Dubravka Šuica (Vice-President)

2 Jun 2022 · European democracy from a regional perspective

Meeting with Toma Šutić (Cabinet of Vice-President Dubravka Šuica)

17 Jun 2021 · Meeting on the Conference on the Future of Europe

Meeting with Toma Šutić (Cabinet of Vice-President Dubravka Šuica)

6 May 2021 · Debate on the Future of Democracy in European Regions-prep.meeting

Meeting with Olivér Várhelyi (Commissioner)

1 Mar 2021 · Regional cooperation

Meeting with Ylva Johansson (Commissioner)

10 Jul 2020 · Integration at regional level

Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

13 May 2020 · Videoconference on the employment and social impact of Covid-19.

Meeting with Didier Reynders (Commissioner)

4 May 2020 · Introduction of AER’s work + EU values and citizens rights in particular the EU rule of law report and the EU citizenship report

Meeting with Elisa Ferreira (Commissioner) and

28 Apr 2020 · Multiannual Financial Framework 2021 – 2027

Meeting with Astrid Dentler (Cabinet of Vice-President Dubravka Šuica), Deša Srsen (Cabinet of Vice-President Dubravka Šuica)

13 Feb 2020 · Conference on the Future; possibilities for oganisations like AER to get involved in the process, the agenda of the Vice-President in the area of demography.

Meeting with Roberto Berutti (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

12 Feb 2020 · Development of a modern and simplified CAP, creation of the new strategy “From Farm to Fork”

Meeting with Mariya Gabriel (Commissioner)

20 Mar 2019 · Digital Europe Programme

Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

20 Mar 2019 · Antimicrobial resistance, health systems, communicable diseases

Meeting with Marlene Madsen (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

12 Oct 2017 · High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance, Investment Plan and Circular Economy.

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

27 Sept 2017 · Reflection paper on the future of the EU finances

Meeting with Corina Crețu (Commissioner)

26 Sept 2017 · Future of Cohesion Policy Post-2020

Meeting with Tibor Navracsics (Commissioner) and European Youth Forum and

2 May 2017 · EU youth strategy post 2018

Meeting with Alicja Magda Herbowska (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

12 Jan 2017 · Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries

Meeting with Christine Mai (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

1 Jun 2016 · outreach to youth in the regions

Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Vice-President) and

19 May 2016 · Digital Single Market, e-government

Meeting with Tibor Navracsics (Commissioner)

11 Apr 2016 · Introductory meeting