Brussels, 23/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 14 May in Madrid, a resolution made by the Assembly of European Regions to the European Convention claimed that the EU could not be supported by its citizens unless is was firmly anchored in the EU regions and localities. The AER Constitutional Committee called for the promotion and protection of the regions and for them to be able to participate in the European decision-making process. It also wants the principle of subsidiarity to be clearly applied in the future, as well as in the regions, whilst respecting the institutional checks and balances of each Member State. The AER wants the principle of subsidiarity to be verified by the Court of Justice and a body set up that will be represented by national politicians, with delegates from regional Parliaments, whilst respecting the respective Constitutions of Member States. The AER believes that the regions should be able to go to the courts to defend their rights within the national and European constitutional framework.