The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is closely monitoring the situation relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The organization created COVID-19 hub. 

On this webpage is published information about the grants, about good practice of other member countries in the sphere of fighting against COVID-19. It is a usefull ptaltform also for local and regional authorities, where they can find information about who and where to apply for help, what measures they can implement for fighting against the pandemic.

AER welcomes the response to tackle and alleviate the economic and societal burden faced by our citizens, and would like to emphasize the importance of regions and local authorities in facing crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization stated the the amendments to the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived are very much lauded as they must ensure that all levels of society receive the basic necessities during these difficult times in a safe manner.

The increased flexibility given to Member States, however, does raise concern for centralisation and fear that this top-down approach to handle and manage the current situation will be detrimental.

Regions and local authorities are on the front line of the fight against the pandemic, and indeed as the level closest to its citizens, are the ones managing the daily needs. There needs to be a bottom-up approach that includes multi-level governance if we are to combat this virus and its aftermath.