The AER provides its member services via the following work areas, which work together as closely as possible in practice to develop synergies:
- Advocacy and Institutional Relations: Working to advance AER’s political priorities, the advocacy and institutional relations actions provide a strong voice for European regions through direct engagement with institutional stakeholders. The AER actively supports and coordinates its membership’s engagement and joint advocacy with European and international institutions and deepens our strategic alliances with partners. This involves participating in a range of meetings and events and convening joint policy propositions on key policy issues for European regions.
- Policy and Knowledge transfer: The Policy and Knowledge transfer activities enable members to initiate mutual learning on any topic relevant to regional policymaking. This can be done through thematic events and Working Groups, bilateral peer-to-peer meetings, and knowledge transfer activities in the context of EU projects. Peer learning supports innovation in the public sector via the sharing of regional policies and practices. Activities may include but are not limited to study visits, regional experience exchanges, seminars, information sessions, workshops.
- Programmes: The AER’s programmes (Eurodyssey, Summer Academy, Youth Regional Network) are an integral part of our identity and services to regions. They generate opportunities for young people: paid traineeships, participation in international events, advocacy on policy recommendations and capacity-building initiatives. They aim to foster cross-border cooperation, partnerships and ultimately a sense of European belonging between young people and European regions. The AER, young people, and member regions work together to ensure the added value of the AER programmes to regions.
- EU Projects: EU projects enable members to work on a diverse range of topics. They help members to connect with experts in the field and with relevant institutions and organisations. With the goal of delivering value to the entire network, the Project Unit explores new methods for knowledge sharing and peer learning, advocacy actions, and innovative activities. It also provides information on EU funding opportunities for EU and non-EU members and facilitates partner searches for new projects.
- Member Relations: As a member-based network, the AER bases our initiatives on the needs expressed by our regions. The AER constantly seeks to better understand their priorities. This involves a high number of bilateral and group meetings with the Secretariat, and the creation of information material about how to make the most of AER membership, which is available to all members and updated on an ongoing basis. More broadly, feedback received from members is being consolidated and fed into deliberations on the AER’s strategy, work plans, and activities.
- The AER co-creates events and communications with our members. Taking advantage of the strong pan-European network, the AER creates the conditions by which members can showcase concrete achievements and engage in learning activities built upon key political and social priorities. Driven by a flexible thematic approach, the AER outreach initiatives rely on the engagement and commitment of our members.