It is with great sadness that AER was informed of the death of Ms Monica Carlsson, a long-term and active member of our organisation. Ms Carlsson, an elected representative of the Swedish region of Norrbotten, fought relentlessly both at home and in Europe for fairer and more inclusive societies.

The region of Oppland suggested that as many of AERs activities are already contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, AER should promote the 2030 agenda, and raise visibility of how AER and its member regions are contributing to this. On 15 May 2019, the region of Oppland will be hosting a breakfast debate “SDGs and regional growth – is it possible?” at the Oslo Regional Office in Brussels.

At the AER Spring Committee Plenaries in Örebro, the region of Maramures (RO) was recognised for their involvement in AER activities and for hosting the 2018 Summer Academy. The Summer Academy is a week-long event where regions exchange their experiences in the area of regional development.