The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) was founded in 2004 by Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger, former President of the Land Salzburg. The main aim was to create a platform for municipalities, regions and enterprises from all over Europe in order to point out the increasing importance of regions and municipalities in European politics and in economic development. With its activities and initiatives, the IRE supports decentralization and regionalization and provides expertise for strengthening these respective processes. A small but competent team in Salzburg offers consulting for regions, municipalities, enterprises, and institutes. With its impartial and non-profit character, the IRE wishes to cut informational deficits and to foster the economic potentials of the European regions. Cross-border cooperation is seen as a fundamental instrument for supporting social cohesion and sustainable economic development. Currently, more than 130 member regions, municipalities, cities and towns as well as enterprises from 23 European countries comprise our network. We work on behalf of our members and we look forward to expanding our network. FIND US ON Facebook: www.facebook.com/institut.ire Twitter: www.twitter.com/Institut_IRE Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/institut_ire