The financial crisis has mutated in the past months to a full-blown economic crisis that threatens to exceed the severity of past depressions. It is in particular the regions and the cities which are affected by the downturn of the economic activity and its impact on the prosperity.

However, it is this very crisis which also holds opportunities for regions. Regions have to make their voices heard in the current discussions about economic structures since they provide decentralised solutions to global challenges. 

Under kind initiative of the host Canton of Fribourg AER therefore invites you to join a free audience conference and debate entitled:

« Regional answers to the global economic crisis »

With the attendance of:

Michèle SABBAN, President of the AER and Vice-president of Ile-de-France region

Beat VONLANTHEN, Vice-President of the Regional Government of Fribourg, Minister for Economy and Employment and member of the AER Bureau

Adrien ZELLER, President of Alsace region and member of the AER Presidium

Prof Dr Urs MÜLLER, Director and chief-economist of BAK Basel Economics

Roger de WECK, President of the Founding Council of the Institute of High International Studies and Development

Alain BERSET, President of the Council of States of the Swiss Federation

The debate will be moderated by Alain REBETEZ, parliamentary correspondant to the Roman-Swiss Television in Berne.

Practical details:

Framework: the debate takes place in the framework of the AER bureau and institutional affairs meeting

Time: Thursday 14 May 2009 - 16h30 - 18h30

Place: Université de Fribourg, Pérolles II, Aula Deiss, Avenue Europe, 20, 1700, Fribourg

Language: EN-FR-DE

Registration for AER members: Please follow this link