In the last couple of months, the project’s consortium has organized and implemented several initiatives to strengthen the dynamics of dissemination and, through the presentation of the Intellectual Outputs produced, reach more direct and indirect beneficiaries.
Right after the summer break, the partners met in Seville for the last Transnational Project Meeting where they discussed the development of the project’s activities and results, exchanged views on the situation in their respective home countries and talking together about the finalisation of intellectual outputs. Specifically, dissemination and communication issues were addressed. ALDA and the other partners created a plan for more efficient and effective dissemination of project outputs and management of the Facebook page.
Intellective outputs and interactive platforms for community workers
More recently, in the months of October and November, project’s partners have organized multiplier events in Italy (Lamezia Terme), UK (London) and Greece (Athens) to showcase the results produced. Moreover, the partners have hosted local pilot actions, with community workers, to test the effectiveness and the application of the Intellectual Outputs, in particular the e-Learning Platform for the Upskilling and Empowerment of the Target Group.
Lastly, on November 11th ALDA held an Interactive Webinar, with the collaboration of all partners, to present to a larger online audience the project itself and what has been produced in the last 2 years. The invite to the webinar was shared between ALDA’s and the other partners’ network. In this occasion the consortium was able to engage with associations working in similar fields and dealing with Erasmus+ projects.
The exchange of information and interaction between the participants made these experiences unique and useful for gaining further feedback and to implement the latest changes to the digital education platform.
The project is indeed coming to its finish line but given the great interest in the project we are trying to create all the conditions for a possible follow up and continuation of the collaboration.
On the 4th of April, the Vice-President ALDA Alessandro Perelli and the Director of the International Telematics University UNINETTUNO Professor Maria Amata Garito signed a cooperation agreement between the two institutions and launched their first common project, namely the new edition of the Master on-line in European Law and Policies.
Promoted by the International Telematics University UNINETTUNO in collaboration with the ALDA and the Italian Council of the European Movement. By combining the expertise of the network ALDA in the European context and the experience of UNINETTUNO in distance learning with six faculties and nine master’s degree courses and professional training courses and students from 40 different countries, the new cooperation agreement will lead to the development of other training opportunities tackling European themes and topics. In particular, besides the above mentioned Master, ALDA will develop a series of webinars focused on EU programs and funds, with special reference to the new programming period of the European Commission 2014-2020. Finally, ALDA and UNINETTUNO – through signing the agreement – have expressed their common interest to develop new and innovative transnational projects that are able to combine ALDA and commitment on European issues and the focus of UNINETTUNO on distance education.
The Association of the Local Democracy Agencies, LDA Osijek, LDA Sisak, LDA Verteneglio, Foundation for partnership and civil society development of the Istrian Region, AEGEE- Zagreb, Centre for Civil Initiatives (of the Network CEECN) are the initiators of the Croatian Alliance for the European Year of Citizens 2013. The first meeting took place in Zagreb on the 6th of November and confirmed this formal step. The Croatian Alliance for the European Year of Citizens 2013 will therefore officially registered within the National Platforms Alliances supporting the wide Alliance at the EU level.
The Secretary of ALDA, Ms. Paula Rauzan, Delegate of the LDA Sisak will coordinate the group of initiators. She was also accompanied by the Director of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida and the Delegate of the LDA Osijek, M. Miljenko Turniski The initiators are now working for launching a vast campaign of mobilisation in Croatia that will engage, before the end of the month, the networks of civil society interested to work for the EYAC 2013. They will be proposed to work together to disseminate the Manifesto at the EU level and probably to adapt it to their national and local situation. It is also proposed to work on working groups and to develop common initiative to include more citizens of Croatia in EU policies. The Croatian Platform will be of particular interest because of the upcoming integration of the country into the EU. The Annual priority 2013 – Year of Citizens – will be then meaningful to launch a debate on European Citizenship for this new EU members. ALDA is also member of the EU steering Committee and Coordinator of WG1, as well as initiator of the Italian Alliance. Next 14th of November will take place in Rome (from 10:30 to 13:30 – Eurispes premises Via Orazio, 31) the second meeting of the partners. In this occasion will be adopted a declaration of intent of the Italian Alliance ECY 2013.
Oriano Otocan, ALDA President, and Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Director and member of CIVICUS International Board, will be participating in the 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly (3 – 7 September 2012) in Montreal, Canada. In particular Mrs. Valmorbida will present ALDAs experiences on participatory governance at the workshop on “Good governance through citizen action” that will take place on 5 September (11.00-13.00), after the opening ceremony of the Assembly (9.00-9.30) and the first plenary session (9.30 – 10.45). In the panel also Mrs. Carmen Malena, Canada, Mehr Latif, Programme Manager, Asia Foundation, Pakistan and Mrs. Paola Margarita Q. Deles, Coordinator, People Power Volunteers for Reform, Philippines.
This session will share good practices and lessons in participatory governance from around the world and challenge participants to think beyond traditional forms of protest and activism to less familiar but potentially more impactful practices of ‘critical collaboration’ and participatory governance. As citizens, publicly denouncing injustices in society is an important first step towards seeking change, but it is not enough. Real change comes when citizens not only cry out in the streets, but claim their rightful place as active participants in processes of public governance and decision-making. In recent years, a wide and exciting array of ‘participatory governance’ approaches have been tried and tested around the world. From citizens’ juries, multi-stakeholder dialogues and integrity pacts to participatory budgeting, social audits and community scorecards, citizens and CSOs are creating a multitude of innovative ways to engage in ‘critical collaboration’ with government counterparts. The 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly will focus on defining a new social contract, through discussions on three key themes: changing nations through citizens, building partnerships for social innovation and redefining global governance. The 2012 Assembly will see the launch of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder process, led by CIVICUS, on defining a new social contract, that will culminate in the presentation of recommendations to the United Nations in 2015. The World Assembly comes at a pivotal moment for citizens to redefine the relationships and conditions we want for a sustainable future in a changing world. Having a role in CIVICUS International Board, for ALDA means taking a further step to bring internationally the cause of its work: to improve citizens’ and civil society’s participation at the local level, working closely with local authorities, for development, democracy and respect of human rights.
CIVICUS Board of Directors has formally communicated that Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, has been welcomed as a new co-opted member of CIVICUS International Board. CIVICUS is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. The term of Antonella Valmorbida Board membership will be one year and three months, until the Board meeting in September 2013, when all of the current Board members’ terms will expire. Among the forthcoming engagements as member of CIVICUS Board is the attendance of the Board meeting in September during the CIVICUS World Assembly in Montreal, 3-7 September 2012.
CIVICUS, World Alliance for Citizen Participation, is an international alliance of members and partners which constitutes an influential network of organisations at the local, national, regional and international levels, and spans the spectrum of civil society. CIVICUS includes the following in its definition of civil society: civil society networks and organisations; trade unions; faith-based networks; professional associations; NGO capacity development organisations; philanthropic foundations and other funding bodies. CIVICUS has worked for nearly two decades to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens’ freedom of association are threatened. CIVICUS has a vision of a global community of active, engaged citizens committed to the creation of a more just and equitable world. This is based on the belief that the health of societies exists in direct proportion to the degree of balance between the state, the private sector and civil society. CIVICUS provides a focal point for knowledge-sharing, common interest representation, global institution-building and engagement among these disparate sectors. It acts as an advocate for citizen participation as an essential component of governance and democracy worldwide. CIVICUS seeks to amplify the voices and opinions of ordinary people and it gives expression to the enormous creative energy of the burgeoning sector of civil society.
The itinerary tour “On Albert Londres’ footsteps” will take place in August 2012 in several Balkan countries. This events is dedicated to promote reporting journalism among dispriviledged youth from France and Balkan countries. On 13 June, the France Balkans Network gathered in Saint-Denis, France, to discuss this forthcoming activity of the network. This project is organised within the multilateral decentralised cooperation programme for good governance in South-East Europe supported by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The lead partners are the County Pays Vichy Auvergne and ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies. The main objective of this project is to revive Albert Londres’ (1884-1932) experience, born in Vichy, father of modern journalism and reporting, during his numerous investigation trips in the Balkans at the beginning of the 20th century. His story is aimed at stimulating the taste of adventure, curiosity and openness to other cultures among young people with talent for reporting but who do not have the opportunity to travel much and put their knowledge in reporting. By enabling local authorities, civil society organisations and territories from France and the Balkans to meet and exchange on joint projects, this programme supports the values of peace and intercultural dialogue, as well as promotes European integration of all the countries from South East Europe. Other partners which are involved in this adventure are the Regional Council of Auvergne, the Regional Council of Lower-Normandy, Maison de l’Europe in Caen, the General Council of the Hautes Alpes, CRET Hautes Alpes, the city of Dijon, the City of Saint-Denis and their counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Romania as well as the Local Democracy Agencies in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, the French and Macedonian ALDA offices as well as two Italian partners. Regional and national journalists and several associations (France Television, the National Association for the promotion and defence of press youth initiative, the Association of European Journalists) are also partners in the operation, which receives funding communities, the MAE, Foundations and probably Europe. Then forty young French and Balkan bloggers, young and amateur journalists aged between 18 and 30, were selected to travel in the Balkans for two weeks and report about the current political, social, economic and environmental situation in the Balkans via different means of reporting (old and new technologies) and reflect upon the overall situation in Europe. In preparation to this meeting, ALDA organised a meeting on 6 June with the Local Democracy Agencies involved in the project.
A meeting of municipalities and communities from the Region of Lower Normandy who cooperate with the Macedonian municipalities will take place on April 25 in Caen. The meeting will gather the officials and representatives from the Lower Normandy communities, but also representatives of the Regional Council of Lower Normandy, as well as representatives of the organisation Horizons Solidaires and the representatives from ALDA Skopje office that are in charge of technical support for the cooperation of cities. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the progress of each municipality in the cooperation and will give an update on administrative and financial matters. They will also discuss the opportunities in establishing new links and introducing other municipalities in the cooperation. One part of the meeting will focus on the tourism component, as a part of the Decentralised cooperation between the Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia, and on the role of the municipalities from both regions in tourism development. In the framework of the Decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia, there are currently seven active town twining’s, and more pairings are planned in the future. The town twinning segment builds up contacts and friendship with communities from the two territories and promotes better understanding. The Programme for Decentralised cooperation is coordinated by ALDA.
The increased involvement of Local Authorities (LAs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in EU development policy generates the need for the establishment of a new alliance among them in order to capitalise and improve their experiences and methods of actions. On 28th of March 2012, in the Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels, will be launch WTD – Working Together for Development with the International Conference ”Local authorities and civil society: a partnership for development”.
During the last two decades, LAs gained a significant expertise in terms of conflict prevention, decentralisation and confidence building in development, revealing themselves as real catalysts for change. In strong cooperation with CSOs, LAs confirmed decentralised cooperation methodology as one of the most relevant tools to promote a shared and bottom-up approach to development, inside and outside Europe. ALDA, which has been one of the first European actors promoting this practice through the network of Local Democracy Agencies, is launching a new alliance between LAs and CSOs interested in having a voice heard in Europe as for policy making about development cooperation. We will be pleased to involve your institution or organisation in this new challenging European endeavour, thus the president of ALDA is honoured to invite you all in Brussels. The Conference will gather the main European stakeholders in the field of development and aims at debating on the opportunities LAs have to work together with CSOs to foster a bottom up approach to development and to plan a join strategy to make their efforts more efficient. WTD, Working Together for Development, is a multi-annual development alliance granted within the framework of the European Commission NSA & LA Programme in the Objective III. It has been conceived by ALDA in cooperation with 21 international partners and associates coming from 16 different countries from enlarged the wider Europe. It involves both Associations of Local Authorities and NGO networks, and aims at improving their capacities to act as development agents inside and outside Europe, in partnership with EU and national institutions. WTD adopts a multi-stakeholder approach and focuses on creating strong partnerships between Local Authorities and NGOs. It has a special particular focus on Eastern and South Eastern Europe.
“The European Year of Citizens, suggested by the European Commission for the 2013, today focused on rights, mostly on right to move and work in the Union, should have a wider perspective, and promote European citizenship and identity, including social and cultural aspects”. This is the main proposal of ALDA about the EYC 2013, expressed during the public hearing promoted by the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels. The European Economic and Social Committee is drawing up an opinion on the proposal of the European Commission and would like to give every European citizen, NGO, enterprise, trade union etc. an opportunity to contribute to its opinion, which will be sent to the European Parliament, Commission and Council once it has been adopted. A first NGOs meeting was held in Brussels in EESC on the 27th of January and ALDA was represented by Mr. Marco Boaria. Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Director, attended to the public hearing that was held the day before. “We are interested in an Alliance which main aims should be promoting the participation of a wide spectrum of civil society organisations working to promote European citizenship and implement the European Year of Citizens 2013. ALDA supports the idea of organising quickly “decentralised” groups of support at the national level”, stated Mrs. Valmorbida. ALDA think that the activities of the “year” should be done even more on new members States, future member countries (those of the Enlargement process), and the countries of the ENPI Interregional Programme, since they are the direct beneficiaries of the effects as neighbours of Europe. ALDA proposes that the programme of the 2013 European Year of Citizens works mainly with small and local events and not only focusing on high level discussions, engaging civil society and local authorities and promoting an open debate on the future of participation mechanisms to strengthen European identity and The European Project. ALDA proposes also to reach political objectives in terms of citizens’ participation (and mechanisms for facilitating this) with legislative initiatives, best practices at the community level, etc. with the EYAC 2013. The group, in preparing the Year, should set these high objectives, planning the Year in this direction, considering the upcoming European Parliament Elections in 2014. For further information please visit the EESC website
LDAs Mostar and Central and Southern Serbia – Niš signed a partnership agreement with the Association of Fenomena from Kraljevo (Serbia) for the implementation of project “Promotion of the European Charter for equality between women and men at the local level”, during the first project meeting that took place on 11-12 January 2012. The Project, funded by the European Commission under the IPA Civil Society Facility: Partnership Actions-Empowerment of Women, will be implemented during the 2012. The Association Fenomenon, as the leading organisation in the project, will implement the activities in cooperation with other organisations: Centre for Local Democracy LDA from Nis, Serbia; ANIMA – Center for Women and Peace Education from Kotor, Montenegro, Association of Citizens for Local Democracy Agency Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. The overall project objective is to contribute to the development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The specific objective is to create conditions for development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality, development of local action plans to implement the European Charter for equality in cities and municipalities participating in the project.
The celebration for the 15th anniversary of the LDA of Sisak (HR) coincides, for a not accidental case, with the eve of Croatian access in the big European family, and the awarding of the “12 stars label” to the Municipality for its efforts in ELDW, the European local democracy week, by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The official celebration will take place the 4th of November, with an international conference on “The Road of Croatia towards the EU: the role of Croatian Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs)”, organised in the framework of the ELDW, ) by the LDA of Sisak, in cooperation with ALDA, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the CoE and the the Municipality of Sisak (9.00-13.30 City Hall Sisak). The Conference will be attended by many national and international experts and representatives of European and national institutions as well. Among them Ms Barbara Toce, Member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and Vice Mayor of Pedaso (Italy), Ambassador Henrik Ofstad, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Zagreb, Ambassador Paul Vandoren, Head of the EU Delegation to Croatia, Mr. Dinko Pintarić, Mayor of Sisak, Mr Per Vinther, President of ALDA. In these 15 years, starting from the ruins of the conflict, the LDA has been a promoter of many initiatives whose aim was primarily to promote the participation of citizens and their associations and to strengthen the democratic debate with local authorities. These are the values which Croatia has signed up to get access to the European community and some credit goes also to the work done by the ADL of Sisak. During last 15 years LDA Sisak has implemented more than 100 projects that have directly involved over 15.000 people. Established in 1996 as a pilot project of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe and since 2006 working as a domestic organisation, Local Democracy Agency Sisak enforced itself as one of the key actors in civil society development in Sisak and Sisačko-Moslavačka County. From its very beginnings LDA Sisak is implementing projects aiming to protect human rights and democratic society development, promotes values of tolerance and non-discrimination, multiculturalism, cooperation, partnership and active citizenship. In addition to the international conference, Sisak was selected by ALDA to host the Annual LDAs Delegates meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Lead Partners Representatives of the LDAs (3 – 5 November). The Association of LDAs is confident that the regular meetings and discussions among the Delegates and the Lead Partners of the LDAs could contribute to the development of all the network of the Agencies, in particular with regards the concept of partnership in the framework of the multilateral decentralised cooperation and the area of intervention and interest of each LDA.
The new Local Democracy Agency Armenia will open on 28th of October in Gyumri. It is the second LDA in the South Caucasus area and the thirteenth LDA opened by the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA) with the support of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. “Decentralisation of power and the development of administrative capacities at the local level, together with a capable and vivid civil society, represent a fundamental step in the process of democratisation, stability and development of Armenia”, says ALDA President, Per Vinther. On occasion of the official opening ceremony, ALDA organises a conference to gather Local Authorities, NGOs, citizens, and international representatives that are actively involved in local governance issues to discuss and learn about best practices of involving citizens in public life. The opening conference will take place in the City Hall of Gyumri and will be also be part of the European Week of Local Democracy.
In an effort to support the process of democratisation, stability and development of Armenia ALDA and the Congress decided to establish the Local Democracy Agency in the country. The opening plan has been developing since 2008. It is a long term project and it will utilise the expertise of ALDA and the other LDAs and the network, which gather about 160 members, including Local Authorities, Associations of Local Authorities and non-governmental organisations, coming from more than 30 countries. Partners of LDA Armenia will come from three countries: the Rhône-Alpes Region (France), the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (Italy), the International Committee For The Development of Peoples CISP (Italy), the Union of Communities of Armenia, the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development (Armenia), the Journalists’ Club Asparez (Armenia), and the Armenian Municipalities of Gyumri, the host city, and Ijevan. The role of the international partners will be to provide core financial support, participate in activities where they have the skills and capacities, to encourage their own partners to participate in the work of the LDA and to promote the work of the LDA in their own community and encourage wider participation. Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, situated in the North of the country and has been selected as host since it will provide a good basis to allow the LDA to work on a national level. The Municipality of Gyumri provides an office and rooms for the LDA in a building which already hosts other public associations and NGOs in Gyumri. “Furthermore the vibrant civil society in Gyumri and the possibilities to improve the situation for cooperation between civil society and local authorities are also very important factors”, stresses President Per Vinther. “In addition”, says Mr Vinther, “Gyumri is also twinned with the Georgian city Kutaisi which provides a strong basis for developing the cooperation between both cities”. The first LDA in the Caucasus is based in Kutaisi, Georgia since the year 2006. The LDA will facilitate the participation of civil society in the decision-making process at the local level, increase the interest, awareness and capacities of citizens to take part in the decision-making process at the local level and increase the awareness and skills of the local communities and local authorities to address the needs of their citizens. So a practical exercise of policy sharing between citizens and local authorities should also be facilitated. The LDA will support capacity building of civil society and local authorities and it will implement its activities at the local level with trainings, study visits and other participative methods. Acting as a promoter of democracy and local self-government, the Local Democracy Agency will also promote human rights and sustainable development. The realisation of all objectives will be reached by implementing projects with local authorities and NGOs using the international partners support. The LDA will aim to serve as a bridge between Europe and Armenia and will bring Armenian practice to Europe and European experience to Armenia. Finally the LDA will also work to ensure cross border cooperation in South Caucasus and will work to promote peace and understanding in the South Caucasus region. “There are plans to set up an LDA in Azerbaijan in the near future as well. So the LDA in Armenia will also become part of a network of LDAs in South Caucasus that can promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the countries in South Caucasus” announces Per Vinther.
ALDA will take part in the International conference for the European Year of Volunteers on “Italy – Central and South Eastern Europe: Volunteerism and Institutions in comparison”, 7-9 October 2011 – Gorizia (I). Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Director, will take the floor on the last day, after the presentation of the results of the working groups, together with Anica Mikus Kos, Slovenska Filantropija President, Andrea Waxenegger, University of Graz, President EUCEN (European Network of University Centers for Long Life Learning), and Luca Jahier, the Economic and Social Committee, President Group III.
The conference is promoted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and organised by the regional CSV in collaboration with CSVnet – National Coordination Centres for Voluntary Service; it has also received the patronage of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, European Commission Representation in Italy CEV – European Volunteer Centre, Brussels. The conference will be an opportunity to continue the comparison between volunteerism and institutions in Italy and in Central and South Eastern Europe, focusing on issues such as diversity and social inclusion, young people and participation. The aim is to draw a roadmap for future advocacy activities and common planning. The event represents an important moment to engage and support existing realities of volunteering of those countries which are not members of the European Union yet. The conference will be attended by over 100 Italian and foreign volunteers, institutional representatives and leaders of voluntary organisations, the Centers for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Centers, coming both from Italy and other countries such as Albania, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey. The Conference will be opened, the first day, by a plenary session titled: “Which role for volunteering in the Europe of the future”. The second day will be dedicated to working groups, accompanied by the interventions of Italian and foreign associations introduced by the relations of Joachim Ott, Acting Head of Unit, Directorate General Communication, Unit Policy for Citizens of the European Commission, and Martijn Pakker, Director CEV – European Centre for Volunteering.
Starting from July 4 until July 8, 2011, Macedonian and French professionals will work on discovering and practicing the technics of renovation of traditional buildings in Pont Farcy, Lower Normandy. This practical workshop on renovating ancient buildings with natural and ecological materials will be held in the Norman farms and sites, where the experts from the two countries will demonstrate their skills in reconstruction using traditional methods. The experts will work not only on the implementation, but also on the basic theory knowledge regarding preparation of building sites, renovating and constructing stone walls, cob walls, etc. while using the traditional (natural) materials, easy to practice individually. More information on this specific workshop and building heritage activities can be found at www.balkansheritage.eu. This practical workshop is organised in the framework of the Decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy region and Republic of Macedonia, in the component 5 – Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage, project coordinated by ALDA. For further information please consult the webpage of the Cooperation http://crbn-mk.courriers.info/
With three days of exhibitions, debates and concerts, the city of Brindisi has commemorated the first landing of Albanian citizens fleeing towards freedom. From 11th to 13th of March was held the exhibition “The hospitable city: Albania – Brindisi twenty years later“. It was March 7th, in 1991, when thousands of Albanians fleeing from a country devastated by a severe economic and political crisis landed in the port of Brindisi.
Twenty years have passed and the city of Brindisi recovered the memory of this historical page, still current. The program, developed through an extensive course of action, has decreased the city in an atmosphere of reflection and commemoration. Moments of entertainment and discussion, including art installations, events of the narrative, allegorical band marches through the streets of the historic center, documentaries and special interest, conference-seminar on immigration and the concert of an artist of great appeal, have read, with the lens of history, those days of March that shook nationally and internationally the public attention.
“The City hospitable” proposed to rediscover a dramatic period in the history of the Balkan country and also the great welcome offered by citizens and institutions in Brindisi, which was able to alleviate the suffering of countless lives embarked on an adventurous journey, revealing an extraordinary spirit of cohesion.
Twenty years later, today those people are integrated and vital into the civil society of the city.
The members of the Governing Board of Asael, the Association of municipalities of Aragon Region (Spain) that was dissolved in late 2009 swept away by a scandal, former President Jesus Alone in the head, will be liable personally for debts left. ALDA, with its other partners, decided to take legal action on the basis of the Spanish Law on Associations (the “Ley Organica 1 / 2002, de 22 de marzo, reguladora del Derecho de Asociacion). “We are forced to choose the legal way -said Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA-because all our efforts to resolve the issue amicably have not been successful. The Aragon institutions we questioned, as Asael was an association of local authorities, ignored our calls or answered that the issue does not concern them. A rubber wall has been raised around Asael and its administrators that were all mayors of Aragon towns”.
But the Spanish Law on Associations is clear and says that administrators are responsible of debts of their Association debts, caused by malicious reasons, and also for culpable negligence, and that they have to pay with their personal assets. “It’s clear-stated the Director of Alda, AntonellaValmorbida- that during the Sol management of Asael, in recent years none of the administrators has exercised effective control, to avoid accumulating debts and that European funds were not used for the purpose for which they were assigned to Asael, to support project activities”.
The projects were developed in the years 2008-2009 and were Bandair, Emanzipar and Eclau. The other ALDA members partners of the project managed by Asael were the province of Reggio Emilia (Italy), the City of Bydgoszcz (Poland), Baltisfem (Lithuania), the Local Councils’ Association, Association of Municipalities (Malta), the Institute of Enterpreneurship, an NGO (Greece), the Association for the development of mountain communities (Bulgaria). The credit of ALDA and its partners amounts around to 115.000 (ALDA 30,180, City of Bydgoszcz 31,000, Baltifem, 24,000, Institute of Enterpreuneurship, 9,700, Province of Reggio Emilia 9,000, Association for Development of Mountain Municipalities, 9,000, Local Councils’Association, 1,800). This is an amount of money that Asael has to pay to its partners for activities under the project, personal taxes, social contributions. Some of them could have lots of serious financial difficulties if they will not be paid.
“We believe that the situation has been largely overlooked bye very one here in Aragon – still says the Director of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida – by the risk that it may have in relations with the European Community. The Commission’s representative office in Madrid is aware of what happened and shares our position. TheCommission’s anti-fraud office is investigating possible embezzlement of which has been discussed in newspapers in the region. We are willing to go all the way to guarantee our rights, and we believe that it’ll be hard that any other European project could have partners entities such as the Aragonese Famcp, one of which vice president is the current President of Asael, whose responsibilities, if not for Sol’s management facts, is now due to elude any response.”
Asael’s former partners do not understand how institutions and political forces in Aragon do not exercise all is in their power to success fully resolve the issue, which also includes former employees of Asael remained without payment.
“We know that the former president of Asael, JesusSol, was very close to the President of PAR, Jose Angel Biel, who is vice president and spokesman of the regional government, and that the majority of members of Municipality member of Asael were led by mayors of the PAR. Can the PAR, which will celebrate its congress in the next days – still says Antonella Valmorbida – ignore the moral issue internally? And do the other parties in government and in the opposition not have the heart to safeguard the image of the region of Aragon in Europe? And how do they believe that, at the upcoming May elections, they can nominate again those outgoing mayors responsible for this failure?”
These are questions which the public of the region should demand answers, because the ethics of elected representatives and the institutions they governed has been called into question.
“We regret being forced to give public evidence of this situation – concluded the Director of ALDA, AntonellaValmorbida-but silence would be complicit in unlawful conduct. And we are even more regretful for the thirty years of history of Asael, its efficient staff and the president himself Sol, who we always had, until these facts have emerged, a very good account on. Asael was our partner and Sol was a member of our Board. It’s a real shame that things have had this outcome.”
The next 10th and 11th of March will take place in Sarajevo “NEXPO 2011” , the first Local Government Fair including participants from South Eastern Europe. ALDA is actively involved in the programme of this event with a stand and the participation of its President, Per Vinther, in the first panel on Good Governance and EU Integration (see http://nexpo.nalas.eu/).
The stand will mostly present the last activities of ALDA on local governance and citizens participation as well as the activities of the Local Democracy Agencies from Mostar, Prijedor and Zavidovici. “NEXPO 2011” is organised by NALAS, network of associations of local authorities of South East Europe, and more than 1,000 people will be participating, representatives from local municipalities, associations and international organisations.
A clear definition and extension of the competences of local authorities, appropriate local and regional financial means and autonomy, improvement of governance through increased transparence and participation and strengthening of capacities for public services. These are the four central needs of local authorities in the Western Balkans indicated by Keith Withmore, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, in his conclusion speech of the conference on the European perspective of the Western Balkans and the contribution of local and regional authorities that took place in Paris, in the French Senate, on 18th and 19th of February. Mr Keith Whitmore underlined also the involvement of the Congress in the Balkans (citing explicitly the LDAs and their existence since 1993 and ALDA’s work).
The conference united representatives of local authorities and other stakeholders of European decentralised cooperation. It was an excellent occasion for French local authorities and authorities from the Western Balkans to meet and exchange their views on the strategies and priorities of European integration.
A central point of reflection was the role of local authorities’ international cooperation in the integration process. Further subjects discussed included the role of good local governance and public local policy for European integration. The pause of enlargement is a chance to rethink the relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans, underlined the debate, and the governments in the Balkans have to act now, and at the same time, the EU has to speed up the accession procedures and propose viable political solution to problems such as the Kosovo issue. Many participants also demanded a greater implication of local authorities in the accession process.
Per Vinther, President of ALDA, was present at the conference and informed about its activities in decentralised cooperation in one of the workshops. The project of decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and the Republic of Macedonia was at the centre of attention. The conference was organised by the French Association of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (AFCCRE) in cooperation with the municipality of Dijon and the Community of Greater Dijon.
In cooperation with the The Franco-German Youth Office OFAJ and memorial centresOradur-sur-Glane in France and Dachau in Germany, LDA CSS implemented three cycle seminar entitled “War and Propaganda: An Approach to History in Europe”.
After a seminar in Dachau, this year youth groups from Germany, France and Serbia met in Oradour, France and Nis. Each seminar has been led by wellknown national historians, experts on each specific topic. Young people had the opportunity to question the relationship between propaganda in the Second World War and the 90s conflicts in the former Yugoslavia while investigating transnational historiography.
The project aims at building a better understanding of Restorative Justice in Europe in order to facilitate the collaboration between private and public sector and all the relevant stakeholders involved in the process. Restorative justice, provides a different viewpoint from the common sense and legal conceptualisation of crime and societal responses to it. The objective of restorative justice is to bring together those affected most by the criminal act – the perpetrator, victim, and community members – in a non-confrontational manner to encourage responsibility of the offender and understanding of the impact of the offence on the victim and beyond. This perspective is consistent with the European Directive 2012/29/EU, which promotes the rehabilitation and reintegration into society of individuals who have committed crimes.
However, in order for restorative justice initiatives to be implemented, they must be based on a comprehensive “educational” culture that is shared among the different actors involved in the justice process. In addition to the formal preparation of legal professionals, Civil Society Actors play a crucial role in promoting cohesion, combating social marginality, facilitating educational pathways, and supporting the social and labour reintegration of individuals with criminal convictions.
OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives that the project aims to achieve are the following ones:
to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current practices in the field of restorative justice in Europe
based on the findings from the analysis of SO1, to enhance the skills of essential personnel in this field to encourage and facilitate the adoption of restorative justice initiatives within the local community
to facilitate communication between public and private sector stakeholders to explore effective approaches and establish restorative justice routes on a local scale.
On 20–21 November, the picturesque setting of Neusiedler See served as the venue for a pivotal event hosted by FOSTER Europe under the framework of theFOSTER project. This key moment brought together over 50 participants from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, aiming to foster a forward-looking, participatory, and transparent approach to tackling regional and trans-border challenges.
The event focused on water management in the Fertö-Neusiedler See region, a unique Austro-Hungarian border area characterised by its distinct climatic and aquatic conditions. The region has long faced challenges related to sustainable water use, challenges now compounded by the effects of climate change. Using this local case study, participants explored strategies to address these pressing issues while considering the interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
The two-day programme featured a dynamic mix of workshops, an expert seminar, a public roundtable, and an engaging role-play exercise for students. Discussions delved into the potential consequences of introducing a large water supply from the Danube River to the region—a project involving an extensive array of stakeholders, including the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River Basin (ICPDR), the federal state of Lower Austria, and local actors.
The event highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering open, transparent dialogue among all stakeholders to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.
The Public conference gathered almost 100 participants, coming from a wide range of European countries, Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the timeliness of the FOSTER project’s inclusive approach. This method, which advocates for public debate and multi-stakeholder involvement over a 24-month period and beyond, was widely seen as essential for effectively managing water resources and adapting to a changing climate.
Beyond the specific case of water management, the event offered a broader perspective on how inclusive governance can be leveraged to address other trans-border issues. It emphasised the need to build bridges between sectors and nations, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
By facilitating dialogue and encouraging cooperative action, the FOSTER project continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovative and inclusive strategies. This event not only provided a platform for constructive debate but also inspired new approaches to achieving sustainable, long-term solutions for the challenges facing the Fertö-Neusiedler See region and beyond.
The 10th anniversary of the Paris terror attacks on January 7, 2015, provides a somber moment to reflect on the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorism and its intersections with religious-based hate speech. While it is crucial to remember the victims and honor their memory, this milestone also offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between acts of terror and the proliferation of hate-driven narratives targeting specific religious groups.
How terrorist groups exploit religion for violence
One of the enduring tactics of terrorist organisations is the exploitation of religious beliefs to justify violence and recruit adherents. These groups often propagate a distorted and erroneous interpretation of religion to legitimise their actions. This deliberate manipulation serves several purposes: they incite fear and hatred by designing narratives to create division and amplify hostility between communities. By framing their acts as religious missions, they polarise societies and deepen societal rifts. They target vulnerable individuals, particularly youth who feel alienated, to exploit grievances and swell their ranks. Furthermore, they foster ideological unity to secure resources and financial backing. These tactics not only propagate violence but also undermine global efforts to foster unity and peace.
The aftermath of terrorism extends far beyond the immediate physical devastation. It disrupts the fabric of interreligious relations by eroding trust and heightening mistrust between communities, fueled by fear and misinformation. Minority religious groups often face unwarranted blame, leading to widespread prejudice and stigmatisation. Simplistic narratives equating entire religions with terrorism lead to spikes in hate speech, further marginalising vulnerable communities and deepening divisions, hindering societal cohesion and inclusive dialogue.
Unpacking the root causes of terrorism
While hate speech is a visible element, the drivers of terrorism are often more nuanced. Political grievances, including unresolved historical injustices, play a significant role. Socioeconomic inequalities, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, create fertile ground for radical ideologies. Geopolitical power struggles over strategic areas often fuel conflict, while the pursuit of material gains, power, and resources underlies many acts of violence. Acknowledging these factors is crucial to developing effective solutions.
Strategies to counter terrorism and hate speech
Combating the intersection of terrorism and hate speech requires a comprehensive approach. It begins with unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terror and the eradication of hate speech through monitoring and countering harmful narratives both online and offline. Upholding human rights by protecting marginalised communities from discrimination and violence is essential. Encouraging interfaith dialogue builds bridges between communities through shared understanding, and promoting education equips individuals with critical thinking tools to resist radicalisation.
Looking forward: lessons from the Paris attacks
The Paris terror attacks remain a stark reminder of the work needed to dismantle the link between terrorism and hate speech. As we commemorate this somber anniversary, our collective goal must be fostering an inclusive and harmonious global community. Through vigilance, education, and dialogue, we can honor the victims and move closer to a world free from fear and hate.
On 14 December 2024, the Barcelona Provincial Council (Deputaciò de Barcelona – a proud #ALDAMember) hosted the inspiring conference “City Diplomacy in a World in Conflict”, bringing together global experts, local government representatives, and international organisations to explore the potential of city diplomacy amidst today’s complex global challenges.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, contributed significantly to the second panel discussion, focused on “The role of city diplomacy in peace and conflict resolution; democracy, decentralisation and the guarantee of rights.”
In her intervention, Antonella emphasised that city diplomacy is a cornerstone of ALDA’s mission. Highlighting the success of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), she demonstrated how these permanent platforms foster collaboration between local authorities and civil society, addressing challenges through dialogue, inclusion, and shared innovation.
“Local democracy is where responsibility, innovation, and care for communities truly come alive,” she noted, urging participants to harness these principles to create impactful change.
Antonella also underlined the importance of empowering local actors to support peacebuilding, democratic governance, and the protection of rights, even in contexts of global uncertainty.
The conference, which included three panels, served as a dynamic platform for discussing the paradoxes of city diplomacy, especially during a time of geopolitical tension, shifting aid models, and recentralisation. Antonella’s participation reinforced ALDA’s dedication to promoting democracy and solidarity through active partnerships and local empowerment. The event was wrapped up by Maria Eugènia Gay, Vice-President and Deputy Delegate for International Relations and the 2030 Agenda of the Barcelona Provincial Council and Governing Board Member of ALDA.
This event exemplifies ALDA’s commitment to shaping a brighter future by fostering cooperation at the local level, further advancing the principles of democracy and inclusion in a rapidly changing world.
On December 18, 2024, an event took place in Ovruch (Ukraine) that confirmed the international recognition of ALDA’s work. A delegation from France, which included Thibault Guignard, Mayor of Pleuc-l’Hermitage, Vice President of the Saint-Brieuc Armor Agglomeration, and a member of ALDA Governing Board, as well as Edward Mayor, President of the French civic organisation Stand with Ukraine, visited Ovruch to set partnership frameworks.
The key moment of the visit was the signing of two extremely important documents at the Ovruch History Museum: a Letter of Intent for the establishment of a Local Democracy Agency (LDA) in Ovruch, which aims to create a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and the implementation of joint projects to develop civil society and improve local governance. This initiative is supported by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Saint-Brieuc Armor Agglomeration and the Ovruch community, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership in critical areas such as culture, education, youth initiatives, and ecology.
This significant event took place with the support of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration (RMA). Vitalii Bunechko, head of the Zhytomyr RMA, welcomed the Ovruch community, emphasising the importance of international cooperation for the region and Ukraine as a whole. The event was also personally attended by Natalia Arendarchuk, Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr RMA, who expressed sincere words of support, joy, and pride for the Ovruch municipal territorial community.
These signed documents symbolise not only ALDA aspiration for international partnership but also confirm the community’s readiness to implement European values even in the most challenging times.
Despite the challenges of war, Ovruch continues to develop, finding support among international partners who help us rebuild and move forward.
The selection of Ovruch as the potential site for an ALDA office is not only an honor for our community but also a significant responsibility. It confirms our capacity to work on complex international initiatives, support youth development, promote gender equality, and implement projects that ensure sustainable development.
Thanks to the support of our French partners and the Zhytomyr RMA, the Ovruch community strengthens ties among people, implementing the ideas of democracy, partnership, and solidarity, which form the foundation for our shared European future.
Porto Burci and Centro Tecchio were abuzz with energy and optimism as ALDA hosted “VI sono anch’io”, an event commemorating International Migrants Day. Organised within ALDA’s Migration Hub initiative, this gathering marked a milestone for the city of Vicenza (Italy), bringing together—for the first time—diverse stakeholders from local authorities, cooperatives, public service operators, associations, and the wider community to discuss the future of migrant integration.
The event began with warm institutional greetings from the Municipality of Vicenza, underscoring the city’s dedication to fostering inclusion and addressing migration challenges. This was followed by a compelling keynote by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General, who shared the organisation’s stead commitment to creating inclusive societies through its flagship migration initiatives.
Panel discussion: collaboration as the cornerstone of integration
The panel discussion, “Strengthening Collaboration among Local Actors for Effective Integration in Vicenza,” was the highlight of the event. Moderated by the ALDA team, the session brought together a diverse array of voices:
Mattia Pilan, City Councillor of the Municipality of Vicenza with a mandate for relations with foreign communities, represented the local government and discussed the collaborative frameworks in place to support integration efforts.
Elisa Trevisan, Project Coordinator, and Andrea Rilievo, President of Studio Progetto and Governing Board Member of ALDA, shared practical experiences from their work managing the SAI system, supporting over 100 refugees and asylum seekers in Valdagno.
Francesco Zordan from Pari Passo spoke about their specialized focus on empowering vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors and women.
Roberta Festugato, Social Worker and Coordinator of the CAS – Extraordinary Reception Center of the Prefecture of Vicenza, highlighted their multi-faceted efforts in managing CAS projects, addressing housing, education, and health needs.
The discussion illuminated both the challenges and the opportunities for creating a cohesive framework for inclusion, with panelists emphasising the importance of resource-sharing, stronger communication, and a unified vision.
Interactive working groups: co-Creating an inclusive vision
For many participants, the most inspiring part of the event was the interactive working groups. These sessions gave attendees the chance to delve into key questions about integration and propose concrete solutions. Topics ranged from creating welcoming neighborhoods and fostering connections between locals and migrants, to reducing prejudice and involving migrants in local decision-making processes.
Participants, including representatives from associations such as Caritas Vicenza, Centro Astalli, Spazio Porto, and Casa a Colori, shared personal experiences, identified barriers, and brainstormed innovative strategies. Facilitators encouraged open dialogue, ensuring that every voice in the room was heard. Among the ideas that emerged were:
Developing shared cultural events to bring together long-term residents and newcomers.
Establishing a permanent platform for local actors to coordinate efforts and share best practices.
Advocating for policies that empower migrants to take active roles in community life.
These discussions emphasised not only the complexity of integration but also the collective determination to address it. For many participants, it was a rare and powerful moment to collaborate with such a wide array of stakeholders.
The event marked a historic moment for Vicenza. For the first time, a room full of stakeholders—local government officials, service providers, NGOs, and community members—gathered to envision the future of integration in the city. This collaborative effort is a testament to Vicenza’s willingness to tackle complex challenges and its aspiration to become a beacon of inclusivity.
As Mohammed Mustafa, project manager at ALDA’s Migration Hub, remarked:
“Seeing so many stakeholders come together for the first time to discuss migrant integration is deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder that real change starts at the local level, with shared commitment and collaboration. This is just the beginning of a much larger journey for Vicenza.”
The success of “VI sono Anch’io” serves as a stepping stone toward more sustained collaboration. ALDA is committed to building on the momentum of this event, fostering dialogue, and implementing the ideas generated during the working groups. By creating platforms for cooperation and sharing, Vicenza is poised to lead by example in addressing migration with compassion and inclusivity.
ALDA extends heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Vicenza, Studio Progetto, Cosmo SCS, Pari Passo, and all the associations and community members who made this event possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
As we close another year and look ahead to the future, it is important to reflect on both the challenges and the progress we have experienced at ALDA. The past year has been marked by significant events, some of which have deeply shaped our shared mission and values. The European Parliament elections were a key moment in the democratic journey of our continent. They reminded us of all of the power and responsibility we have to build a Europe that is inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of its citizens. As we continue advocating for local democracy and citizen participation, the outcomes of these elections reinforce our determination to create stronger connections between Europe’s institutions and its local communities.
The year was also marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, which remains a source of immense human suffering and political instability. Our thoughts and support continue to be with the people of Ukraine. We remain hopeful that the year ahead will bring the resolution of this conflict, with the withdrawal of Russian forces and the peaceful reconstruction of the country. We will work tirelessly in 2025 to implement our flagship initiative for Ukraine, with the further establishment of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) to support local governance and community rebuilding.
In addition to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, we have been witnessing several other urgent situations around the world, including the worrying context in Georgia and all the other geopolitical tensions and crisis in the Middle East. These remind us of the importance of our work and the necessity of empowering citizens to shape the future of their societies. At ALDA, we remain committed to supporting democratic processes and civic engagement, wherever they are needed.This past year also saw the renewal of ALDA’s Governing Board, a step that ensures we remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of our partners and members. For me personally, 2025 will mark my first full year as President of ALDA, and I am fully committed to this important responsibility. I look forward to working closely with all of you to drive ALDA’s mission forward, building on the work we have done and the challenges that lie ahead.
ALDA is experiencing continuous growth, and this will be reflected in many exciting developments. We are starting new projects, opening new offices, and launching fresh initiatives that will expand our reach and impact. These changes will help us strengthen our community, our networks, and our collective ability to make a difference.
The importance of local governance cannot be overstated. The ALDA community is growing stronger, more united, and more dynamic than ever before. Our members play a central role in this growth, and we are committed to ensuring they remain engaged, supported, and empowered to take part in ALDA’s work. We will continue to listen to your needs and prioritise your involvement in our initiatives, because together, we are stronger.
Looking ahead, I am excited for the challenges and milestones that we will face in 2025. The road ahead is not always easy, but with the determination and cooperation of our members and partners, we will make a lasting impact. Let’s move forward together under the banner of local democracy and citizens’ participation, with renewed commitment and shared vision.
I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year, filled with success, growth, and hope for a better future. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember.
Découvrez la brochure en cliquant sur le bouton à la fin de l’article ! La brochure est disponible en ENG 🇬🇧 et en FR 🇫🇷.
November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), a dedicated time to confront anti-Muslim hate and discrimination, fostering understanding and solidarity across the UK and Europe.This campaign unites communities, organisations, and activists in combating the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that fuel Islamophobia, fostering understanding and unity in the process. For Get the Trolls Out! (GTTO)—a project dedicated to fighting hate speech and promoting fair representation—IAM is an opportunity to amplify efforts in countering Islamophobia and advocating for inclusivity.
Understanding Islamophobia
Islamophobia, or anti-Muslim hate, goes beyond individual prejudice. It is a systemic issue manifesting in discrimination, harassment, and violence against Muslim communities. Misleading media portrayals, divisive political rhetoric, and online hate speech exacerbate the marginalisation of Muslims, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Combating Islamophobia involves challenging these narratives, promoting positive depictions of Muslim identities, and fostering respect for diversity.
The Role of GTTO and the Booklet ‘How to Be an Ally’
As a partner of Get the Trolls Out! project, ALDA supports initiatives like the booklet How to Be an Ally, produced by the Media Diversity Institute within the framework of the project. The booklet provides practical guidance for individuals committed to fighting Islamophobia. Being an ally in this fight means standing up against prejudice, educating oneself and others, and actively supporting Muslim communities. Small actions—like correcting misinformation, amplifying positive Muslim narratives, and challenging harmful stereotypes—can create significant change.
The How to Be an Ally booklet offers actionable steps to combat Islamophobia effectively:
Challenge Harmful Stereotypes: Stand up against discriminatory jokes, language, or behavior that perpetuate Islamophobia. Encourage respectful, inclusive conversations that foster understanding.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about anti-Muslim hate, its impact, and the diverse experiences of Muslim communities. Share this knowledge to challenge misunderstandings and misconceptions.
Correct Misinformation: When you encounter false or harmful information about Muslims, speak up and provide accurate facts to dispel myths and stereotypes.
Amplify Positive Muslim Voices: Support and promote the contributions, achievements, and stories of Muslims to counter negative portrayals in the media and society.
The booklet underscores that being an ally requires continuous effort, standing against hate and promoting equity. By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to dismantling Islamophobia and building a society where all communities are respected and valued.
Through initiatives like How to Be an Ally, Get the Trolls Out! and its partners continue to inspire action, urging everyone to join the movement for a future free from anti-Muslim hate. Together, small actions lead to lasting impact.
Discover the booklet by clicking on the button below! The booklet is available in ENG 🇬🇧 and in FR 🇫🇷.
Découvrez la brochure en cliquant sur le bouton ci-dessous ! La brochure est disponible en ENG 🇬🇧 et en FR 🇫🇷.
“Un grazie a tutto il consiglio regionale che ha votato all’unanimità. Sarà un grande progetto che darà lustro a Villa Fabris e a tutto il territorio del Veneto.”
Antonella Valmorbida, Segretario Generale di ALDA
COMUNICATO STAMPA
L’Assemblea regionale del Veneto ha approvato all’unanimità un emendamento presentato dalla Consigliera regionale Chiara Luisetto (PD), che destina 40 mila euro ad ALDA – l’Associazione Europea per la Democrazia Locale. Le risorse saranno utilizzate per l’organizzazione dell’edizione 2025 della Scuola Internazionale sulla Democrazia Locale, un evento internazionale che si terrà nel Settembre 2025 presso Villa Fabris di Thiene (Italia).
Questa scuola, promossa da ALDA e giunta alla sua seconda edizione, riunisce leader, amministratori locali, accademici e operatori del settore provenienti da tutto il mondo, con l’obiettivo di promuovere e rafforzare le pratiche di governance locale, contribuendo al miglioramento delle democrazie locali attraverso il confronto e lo scambio di buone pratiche.
ALDA, che dal 1999 coordina una rete internazionale di oltre 300 realtà tra enti locali, regionali, università e associazioni, è da sempre impegnata nella promozione della partecipazione cittadina e della democrazia a livello locale.
“La Scuola Internazionale rappresenta un’opportunità unica per stimolare il dialogo e il confronto tra le diverse esperienze di governance, e sono orgogliosa che questo progetto abbia ottenuto il riconoscimento delle istituzioni regionali. Queste risorse contribuiranno a garantire che l’edizione 2025 sia un successo, con ricadute concrete per le nostre comunità attraverso l’apertura di nuovi spazi di dialogo e collaborazione internazionale“, ha dichiarato Chiara Luisetto, Consigliera regionale del PD.
Luisetto ha inoltre sottolineato l’importanza del sostegno alla democrazia locale, in un momento storico in cui le sfide globali richiedono una risposta sempre più collaborativa tra le comunità locali e le istituzioni internazionali.
“La collaborazione con il Comitato delle Regioni dell’Unione Europea, che affianca ALDA in questa iniziativa, è un elemento che conferisce ulteriore valore e solidità a questo progetto. Mai come in questo momento, in cui le tensioni geopolitiche sono altissime, è necessario creare reti di pace e luoghi di dialogo, a partire proprio dalle nostre comunità“, ha concluso la Consigliera.
Anche il Presidente del Consiglio Regionale del Veneto e membro del Comitato delle Regioni a Bruxelles, Roberto Ciambetti, ha espresso soddisfazione per l’approvazione dell’emendamento: “Il Consiglio Regionale ha votato all’unanimità un progetto importante che ha anche il supporto del Comitato delle Regioni, di cui faccio parte. Ringrazio ALDA per il suo contributo in questo. La Scuola Internazionale contribuisce ad approfondire i temi fondamentali del governo locale, le sue sfide e le sue opportunità in un’ottica non solo italiana, ma europea. Penso che possa diventare un progetto di tutto il territorio e contribuire a dare lustro a Villa Fabris e a tutta la regione.”
La squadra al completo esprime soddisfazione per l’approvazione dell’emendamento e per il riconoscimento dell’importanza della Scuola Internazionale sulla Democrazia Locale.
Antonella Valmorbida, Segretario Generale di ALDA, ha commentato: “Questa iniziativa è un esempio concreto di come, lavorando insieme a livello locale e internazionale, possiamo rafforzare la democrazia e costruire comunità più inclusive e resilienti. La Scuola Internazionale rappresenta una piattaforma per l’innovazione, la formazione e l’incontro tra esperti, amministratori e cittadini, ed è un’occasione imperdibile per consolidare una rete globale a favore di un futuro più democratico e sostenibile. Daremo lustro a Villa Fabris e a tutto il territorio del Veneto”
Marco Boaria, CEO di ALDA+, ha aggiunto: “L’assegnazione di queste risorse è un riconoscimento significativo al nostro impegno per la promozione della democrazia locale e delle buone pratiche di governance. La Scuola Internazionale è un momento cruciale per far crescere il dialogo tra istituzioni locali, accademici e attori della società civile. Siamo entusiasti di proseguire su questa strada, con l’obiettivo di rendere ancora più internazionale e impattante questo progetto.”
L’edizione 2025 della Scuola Internazionale si preannuncia quindi un’occasione fondamentale per il rafforzamento della democrazia locale, in cui i partecipanti avranno la possibilità di esplorare soluzioni innovative per i governi locali e di rafforzare le capacità di leadership per affrontare le sfide globali e locali.
Foto di Gruppo della prima Edizione della “Summer School” sulla Democrazia Locale, 2024, che diventerà International School
ALDA – Associazione Europea per la Democrazia Locale – www.alda-europe.eu
🇬🇧 version
PRESS RELEASE
Vicenza, 19/12/2024
The Veneto Region allocates 40,000 euros for the 2025 edition of the International School on Local Democracy organised by ALDA
“Thanks to the entire Regional Council for the unanimous vote. This will be a great project that will bring prestige to Villa Fabris and the Veneto territory.”
Antonella Valmborbida, ALDA Secretary General
The Veneto Regional Assembly unanimously approved an amendment proposed by Regional Councillor Chiara Luisetto (PD), allocating 40,000 euros to ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy. The funds will be used for organising the 2025 edition of the International School on Local Democracy, an international event set to take place in September 2025 at Villa Fabris in Thiene (Italy).
This school, promoted by ALDA and now in its second edition, brings together leaders, local administrators, academics, and professionals from around the world to promote and strengthen local governance practices, improving local democracies through dialogue and the exchange of best practices.
Since 1999, ALDA has coordinated an international network of over 300 entities, including local and regional authorities, universities, and associations, committed to fostering citizen participation and democracy at the local level.
“The International School represents a unique opportunity to stimulate dialogue and exchange on various governance experiences, and I am proud that this project has gained recognition from regional institutions. These funds will ensure the success of the 2025 edition, with tangible benefits for our communities by opening new spaces for international dialogue and collaboration,” said Chiara Luisetto, Regional Councillor for the PD.
Luisetto also stressed the importance of supporting local democracy at a time when global challenges increasingly require collaborative responses from local communities and international institutions.
“The collaboration with the European Union’s Committee of the Regions, which supports ALDA in this initiative, adds further value and strength to the project. Now more than ever, amidst high geopolitical tensions, it is essential to create networks of peace and spaces for dialogue, starting from our communities,” she concluded.
Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council and member of the Committee of the Regions in Brussels, also expressed satisfaction with the amendment’s approval: “The Regional Council unanimously voted for an important project that also has the support of the Committee of the Regions, of which I am a member. I thank ALDA for its contribution to this initiative. The International School deepens fundamental issues of local governance, its challenges, and its opportunities from both an Italian and European perspective. I believe it can become a project for the entire region, bringing prestige to Villa Fabris and the Veneto territory.”
The entire team expressed satisfaction with the amendment’s approval and the recognition of the importance of the International School on Local Democracy.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, commented: “This initiative is a concrete example of how, by working together locally and internationally, we can strengthen democracy and build more inclusive and resilient communities. The International School serves as a platform for innovation, training, and engagement among experts, administrators, and citizens, providing a unique opportunity to consolidate a global network for a more democratic and sustainable future. We will bring prestige to Villa Fabris and the Veneto region.”
Marco Boaria, CEO of ALDA+, added: “The allocation of these funds is a significant recognition of our commitment to promoting local democracy and best governance practices. The International School is a crucial moment to enhance dialogue between local institutions, academics, and civil society actors. We are excited to continue this path, aiming to make the project even more international and impactful.”
The 2025 edition of the International School promises to be a fundamental opportunity for strengthening local democracy, allowing participants to explore innovative solutions for local governments and enhance leadership capacities to address both global and local challenges.
Since its inception in 1999, ALDA has worked tirelessly to promote civic engagement, participatory democracy, and local governance across Europe and beyond. To further enhance its impact and expand its global vision, ALDA has established the Advisory Board, a selected group of experts providing strategic support and technical expertise to the Governing Board and the Association’s thematic initiatives.
ALDA Advisory Board is a diverse team of professionals and specialists drawn from various sectors, regions, and fields of expertise. Acting as a key consultative body, the Advisory Board plays a key role in strengthening ALDA’s initiatives by:
Providing technical expertise and insights in thematic areas such as citizen engagement, climate and environment, gender and inclusion, youth empowerment, migration, digital innovation, and local development.
Bridging geographical areas where ALDA operates, offering localised knowledge and fostering strategic partnerships.
Supporting the Governing Board with tailored advice to inform decision-making processes and future strategic priorities.
This collaborative and multi-dimensional approach allows ALDA to address complex global challenges while maintaining a strong focus on its core mission of fostering participatory democracy.
The Advisory Board aligns its work within ALDA’s Thematic Hubs and it is strategically positioned to enhance ALDA’s work across various regions:
Europe: experts collaborate with ALDA’s thematic hubs to drive citizen participation, social inclusion, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. Representatives such as Kirsi Verkka (City of Helsinki), Maite Arrondo (Urban innovation consultant), and others bring critical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Kirsi recently participated in the OECDInnovative Citizen Participation Network meeting on November 18, 2024, in Paris (France). The meeting emphasised the foundational role of trust in fostering democratic engagement and societal cohesion. She engaged in discussions focused on enhancing democratic practices through digital and deliberative participation models, addressing challenges like misinformation, equity of access, and the responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI. The meeting highlighted the need for legislative support, resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders to establish effective citizen panels but also the importance of robust tools to evaluate participation initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability while combating societal polarisation and fostering inclusive governance. She is currently supporting ALDA in developing a training for our members on digital tools for participation.
Middle East and Africa: professionals like Elif Avci (participatory processes and women empowerment expert in Türkiye), Ahmet Allouch (Youth Without Borders, Tunisia) and Dr. Ibrahim Ndagijimana (GIZ Rwanda) provides insight into governance challenges and opportunities for strengthening civic initiatives in these regions. They have also been invited to key events (Elif Avci participated in the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society Conference on “Regaining our Shared Humanity” in Barcelona in October 2024), participating as volunteer evaluators of sub-granting project proposals (Elif Avci for WE ACT), giving advice and feedback on strategic matters (for the registration of ALDA in Tunisia by Ahmet Allouch) and on project proposals regarding their areas (Ibrahim Ndagijimana).
Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership: experts including Senida Mesi (Member of the Albanian Parliament), Inna Volkova (Odesa Rayon Council) and Tamara Ehs (State Councillor of the Baden-Württemberg State Government) act as key connectors, helping ALDA implement impactful projects in these geopolitically significant areas.
The establishment of the Advisory Board reflects ALDA’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in all its activities. By combining strategic advice with hands-on expertise, the Advisory Board enables ALDA not only to enhance the quality and scope of its projects and initiatives, foster stronger partnerships with local communities, international organisations and key stakeholders, but also to address emerging challenges in governance, climate, migration, and inclusion with tailored and localised solutions.
The Advisory Board’s work began with its official presentation at the ALDA General Assembly 2023, held in Etterbeek, Belgium.
During the Assembly, members of the Advisory Board met with ALDA’s Governing Board, laying the foundation for a fruitful and strategic collaboration.
ALDA Advisory Board members follow closely ALDA’s work, supporting its initiatives, contributing expertise, and engaging in cross-regional dialogue to advance participatory democracy globally. It exemplifies the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling global governance challenges. Through their expertise and commitment, the Advisory Board will support ALDA’s mission to empower local communities, promote civic participation, and build resilient, inclusive societies. As ALDA continues to grow and adapt to a rapidly changing world, the Advisory Board stands as a cornerstone of its global vision, ensuring that ALDA’s work remains impactful, innovative, and responsive to the needs of communities worldwide.
International Migrants Day, observed annually on 18 December, is a global occasion to recognise the contributions of migrants and to raise awareness of the challenges they face.
This year’s observance comes against the backdrop of a rise in forced displacement, as highlighted in the World Migration Report 2024 by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The United Nations estimates that there are about 281 million international migrants in the world, which represents the 3.6 % of the global population. But increasing numbers of people are being displaced, within and out of their country of origin, because of conflict, violence, political or economic instability as well as climate change and other disasters.
In 2022, there were 117 million displaced people in the world, and 71.2 million internally displaced people.
The number of asylum-seekers has risen from 4.1 million in 2020 to 5.4 million in 2022, an increase of more than 30 per cent.
These challenges underscore the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of displacement and provide meaningful support for those affected.
Migration as a catalyst for development
While migration is often portrayed as a challenge, the report also highlights its immense potential as a driver of development. Migrants play vital roles in boosting national economies, alleviating labour shortages, and enriching societies culturally and socially. By facilitating safe and regular migration pathways, governments can unlock these benefits while safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants.
The European Commission has been actively working to expand these pathways through initiatives such as the EU’s Talent Partnerships programme focuses on developing skills in sectors with identified shortages, enabling migrants to contribute effectively to European economies while fostering development in their home countries.
Such partnerships provide structured opportunities for labour mobility and skills development, reducing the risks associated with irregular migration. They also strengthen cooperation on broader migration management goals, fostering mutual benefits for both sending and receiving nations. These initiatives shed light on the important role that countries of origin play in facilitating labour migration.
Building inclusive societies
International Migrants Day reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of fostering safe and inclusive societies. Addressing migration challenges requires collective action.
EPIC-UP project urges local governments, NGOs, and communities to work together in developing sustainable solutions for migrants’ inclusion. Collaboration is key to ensuring fair treatment for all.
Migrants enrich our societies. Let’s celebrate their contributions and embrace diversity.
Migration is not just a journey; it’s a pathway to mutual growth and shared prosperity. Honour the contributions of migrants today.
Behind every number is a story of resilience. Let’s work together to create a world where displacement is not a necessity but an opportunity.
Regular migration pathways empower migrants and reduce risks. Let’s invest in opportunities that benefit everyone.
Migration reminds us of our shared humanity. Together, we can build safe, inclusive communities for all.
La Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti, osservata ogni anno il 18 dicembre, è un’occasione globale per riconoscere i contributi dei migranti e sensibilizzare sulle sfide che affrontano.
L’osservanza di quest’anno avviene sullo sfondo di un aumento degli sfollamenti forzati, come evidenziato nel World Migration Report 2024 dell’Organizzazione Internazionale per le Migrazioni (IOM).
Le Nazioni Unite stimano che ci siano circa 281 milioni di migranti internazionali nel mondo, che rappresentano il 3,6% della popolazione globale. Tuttavia, un numero crescente di persone è costretto a spostarsi, sia all’interno che fuori dal proprio paese d’origine, a causa di conflitti, violenza, instabilità politica o economica, nonché cambiamenti climatici e altri disastri.
Nel 2022, c’erano 117 milioni di sfollati nel mondo e 71,2 milioni di sfollati interni.
Il numero di richiedenti asilo è passato da 4,1 milioni nel 2020 a 5,4 milioni nel 2022, con un aumento di oltre il 30%.
Queste sfide sottolineano l’urgente necessità di sforzi internazionali coordinati per affrontare le cause profonde degli sfollamenti e fornire supporto significativo a chi ne è colpito.
La migrazione come catalizzatore per lo sviluppo
Sebbene la migrazione venga spesso rappresentata come una sfida, il rapporto evidenzia anche il suo enorme potenziale come motore di sviluppo. I migranti svolgono ruoli vitali nel rafforzare le economie nazionali, alleviare la carenza di manodopera e arricchire le società culturalmente e socialmente.
Facilitando percorsi migratori sicuri e regolari, i governi possono sbloccare questi benefici, salvaguardando al contempo i diritti e la dignità dei migranti.
La Commissione Europea sta lavorando attivamente per ampliare tali percorsi attraverso iniziative come il programma Talent Partnerships dell’UE. Questo programma si concentra sullo sviluppo delle competenze in settori con carenze identificate, consentendo ai migranti di contribuire efficacemente alle economie europee e promuovendo lo sviluppo nei loro paesi d’origine.
Queste partnership forniscono opportunità strutturate per la mobilità lavorativa e lo sviluppo delle competenze, riducendo i rischi associati alla migrazione irregolare. Esse rafforzano anche la cooperazione sugli obiettivi più ampi della gestione delle migrazioni, promuovendo benefici reciproci sia per i paesi di origine che per quelli di destinazione. Queste iniziative evidenziano l’importante ruolo che i paesi di origine giocano nel facilitare la migrazione lavorativa.
Costruire società inclusive
La Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti ci ricorda l’interconnessione dell’umanità e l’importanza di promuovere società sicure e inclusive. Affrontare le sfide migratorie richiede un’azione collettiva.
Il progetto EPIC-UP invita i governi locali, le ONG e le comunità a collaborare per sviluppare soluzioni sostenibili per l’inclusione dei migranti. La collaborazione è fondamentale per garantire un trattamento equo per tutti.
I migranti arricchiscono le nostre società. Celebriamo i loro contributi e abbracciamo la diversità.
La migrazione non è solo un viaggio; è un percorso verso la crescita reciproca e la prosperità condivisa. Onoriamo i contributi dei migranti oggi.
Dietro ogni numero c’è una storia di resilienza. Lavoriamo insieme per creare un mondo in cui lo sfollamento non sia una necessità, ma un’opportunità.
Percorsi migratori regolari responsabilizzano i migranti e riducono i rischi. Investiamo in opportunità che avvantaggiano tutti.
La migrazione ci ricorda la nostra umanità condivisa. Insieme possiamo costruire comunità sicure e inclusive per tutti.
As the project came to an end, the activities of The Future We Want (FWW) project continued in various forms even after the end of theCaravan, thanks to the engagement of participants and partners. Numerous entities were involved, including radio stations, student associations, schools, international organisations and local authorities.
Since September we have been planning advocacy meetings and interviews, to grow awareness about the issue of Fast Fashion and the aims of the campaign. Here’s how we continued contributing to increasing young Europeans’ engagement with sustainability and development issues.
At the beginning of October, some participants were interviewed by Romain L’Hostis, speaker of EURADIO, a local radio station in Strasbourg, France. The interview was later released as a podcast on their website. The aim was to present the project and talk about the advocacy meetings but also some anecdotes that happened during the caravan.
On October 21st, 2024, some participants met Guillaume Libsig, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, responsible among other things, for community life and youth. During the meeting Mr. Libsig emphasised the need to create spaces that promote the issue and contribute to generating positive, not negative, support for the campaign.
As part of these ongoing efforts, and to wrap up the project, the FWW dissemination event, La jeunesse et la politique : vers un nouvel espace plus inclusif ? (“Youth and politics: towards a new, more inclusive space”), took place on December 10, 2024, at the Institute of Political Studiesin Strasbourg. Several organisations and individuals took part in the round table, including Alter Bureau, an ecological and solidarity association from Sciences Po Strasbourg; Alexandre Godonaise, President of the association Les Jeunes Européens – Strasbourg; Thibaut Terré and Nazarena Plumb, participants in the project; and Andrea Michelini and Fedoua Bouderdaben, Project Managers at ALDA.
On December 13, 2024, we presented the project at Collège Notre-Dame-de-Sion in Strasbourg, where we discussed the main topics of the project, namely fast fashion and sustainability, with younger students (11-12 years old). To raise awareness of environmental issues and pollution, we engaged the students in interactive tasks after an initial discussion. The students proved to be informed and curious, enthusiastically participating in the proposed activities.
These two events provided an opportunity to share the FWW project with both university students and younger audiences, fostering dialogue and engagement on themes of politics, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
The last (for now) advocacy meeting was held with two members of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe advisory council on December 13, 2024. Possibilities for future collaborations were discussed between them and some participants of the FWW who are truly committed to continue the project’s campaign even after its end.
On December 14, 2024, a presentation to disseminate the results of the project was done by Andrea Michelini (Project Manager of FWW at ALDA), for the Business Academy 2024 organised by the Center for Career Development (CERK) to equip young adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina with essential project management skills. After introducing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Andrea Michelini presented the FWW as an example of an innovative socially responsible project.
Last but not least, the groundwork was laid for a possible collaboration between the FWW participants and youth leaders of UNODC MENA Youth Regional Network. On December 9, Andrea Michelini met with Oweis Khaldoun, UNODC Head of Office in Palestine, and a second meeting is planned soon with our two groups of youth leaders in order to further discuss future synergies.
As part of the project consortium, ALDA is proud to announce that The Future We Want project is one of the 14 winning initiatives of the GENE Global Education Youth Award 2024.
GENE – Global Education Network Europe – recognises the importance of quality in Global Education through this Global Education Youth Award 2024. This Award identifies examples of quality Global Education practice in Europe and offers recognition and disseminates learning from such examples among policymakers and other stakeholders in Europe.
We are honoured to be part of this year’s winning initiatives and we want to thank everyone who made this possible: the 8 partners from 8 European countries, the 50 volunteers with whom we set off on this journey, the public authorities who listened to us and promised us their support (whether at local, national, or European level), and last but not least, the people who stopped and participated to the activities organised during the street campaigns.
Although the project is coming to an end, we hope that this is only the first of many more successes, and that the seeds planted by this project will continue to grow and build a more sustainable future for next generations across Europe and beyond.
Sport has the power to unite, promote health, and foster inclusion. The SIMPLE project, Sport, Inclusion, Movement, Participation, Learning, Environment, aims to leverage this power to bridge the gap between sport, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the project runs from November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, with active participation from partners in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Through sport-based activities, SIMPLE seeks to promote youth inclusion, support people with disabilities, and encourage sustainable practices in local communities.
The core of the project has been the development of the sport activities that took place in Italy, Greece and Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria, 66 children and young people under 15, including individuals with disabilities, participated in the sports activities and events organised by the IYII team in the city of Varna in the period August-October 2024 within the project. Adventure run for the youth of Varna, on the occasion of “Varna Day”, attracted young residents and guests to a group run in the dark and cool in the Sea Garden. They all ran for health in an organised group along a predetermined route with an experienced guide, glowing headbands and bracelets, and lots of prizes and surprises. There was no competitive element, but there was a raffle with prizes for all participants. The sports event is organised in partnership with the municipality of Varna and a local sports club. Sports weekend for the children of Varna”, attracted the attention of many children, their parents and friends. The event kicked off with a full day of sports and entertainment activities on the lawn behind the Crooked Tree in the Sea Garden. The children participated in competitive games in the form of “Games of the Will in Nature”, quizzes on environmental protection and brain power, and a litter clean-up campaign after the event. The aim of the events was to show the young generation the connection between sport and environmental protection through physical activity in the local nature and giving every child the opportunity to be physically active, as well as to engage public and open spaces through cooperation with local authorities and organisations that are not part of this project to further disseminate the results of the project after its end.
In Italy, the Association Moana60 Spirit of Community APS organised several events throughout the duration of the project that involved all young people and people with disabilities. Young children and people with visual impairments participated in Discovering the Territory events where they had the opportunity to explore the local environment while engaging in sports activities that promote well-being, inclusion, and environmental awareness. During the summer, the association sailed with young children and people with disabilities at the discovery of the biodiversity of the Mediterranean sea.
In Greece, InnovED involved 40 students aged between 12-14 from Volos in the activities organised within the “SIMPLE” project. Half of the participants were neurodivergent students. The sport activities were held in open and safely protected spaces. The activities that were implemented were “trash collection” in the surrounding area, the “Scavenger Hunt Games” and an informative session where students, some parents and the caregivers of the people with disabilities learnt about the objectives of the SIMPLE project and its unique outputs. All the activities were specially adjusted for the specific disabilities, so that all students felt included and could participate.
The SIMPLE project is making tangible strides toward achieving its vision of inclusive and sustainable sports communities. The successful delivery of core strategies and the ongoing local activities signal strong momentum.
With the support of partners in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, the project continues to inspire social inclusion and environmental stewardship through sport.
As more local events unfold, SIMPLE’s impact on the community will only grow stronger. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the project!
The European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE), granted by the Council of Europe to local governments that embrace and commit to developing a culture of good governance. Represented by Mr. Niall Sheerin, Vice President of the Council of Europe’s Center of Expertise in Good Governance, the CoE expressed their satisfaction for the number of Turkish municipalities who are actively committed to local democracy and are engaged to crown these efforts with the award of the ELoGE label.
As underlined by ALDA former Governing Board Member Mr. Mario Žuliček in his speech, ELoGE can also be used as a tool for assessment and self-improvement: in his past role at the Association of Cities of the Republic of Croatia, and currently as well, he is involved in the attribution of the award to Croatian cities and he could see the positive impact of this initiative on local democracy in the country. In his view, democracy is not a specific level that we need to reach, but an effort of constant development in many different areas.
However, no matter the different motivations that can push a municipality to apply to receive the label, the ELoGE winners are always the citizens who can benefit from better services and more space for participation.
Mr. Žuliček also took the chance to underline the need to advocate for decentralisation in all countries, in order to further enhance policies and services at the local level, and mention the Local Democracy Agency in Edremit as an example of ALDA’s concrete engagement to good governance in the country.
Considering their efforts and commitments, the Municipalities that acquired the right to use the Label are Adana, Amasya, Ankara, Avcılar, Bağcılar – to which Mr. Žuliček had the honor to hand the award, Balıkesir, Eskişehir, Etimesgut, Gaziantep, Kadıköy, Melikgazi – to which Ms. Giulia Sostero, coordinator of ALDA’s MEA department, had the honor to hand the award, Niğde and Sultanbeyli.
As ALDA, we are looking forward to further support the diffusion of ELoGE in the country for a stronger, more solid local democracy.
The AMIL Project (Alliance Multi-Stakeholder for Migrants Integration and Labor) is a strategically significant initiative designed to promote the sustainable integration of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) into the labor market. Among its standout features are the Pilot Actions, which employ an integrated and multidimensional approach to enhance professional opportunities and economic inclusion for TCNs using innovative methodologies and targeted interventions.
Recruitment and activation of beneficiaries
The initial phase includes extensive awareness-raising and outreach activities targeting potential beneficiaries, supported by a comprehensive communication strategy. Tools such as dedicated websites, social media platforms, and informational materials distributed at reception centers and diaspora communities ensure widespread coverage. Municipalities play a strategic role in facilitating beneficiaries’ access to project services. The selection process is rigorous, beginning with CV collection and analysis, followed by individual interviews and orientation seminars. This ensures an adequate number of participants in each involved country.
Skills Assessment and Training Needs Analysis
Once selected, candidates undergo a thorough assessment of their skills and a focused analysis of their training needs. This process considers competencies acquired in informal and non-formal contexts, identifying gaps and contributing to the co-definition of tailored professional profiles. The EU Skills Profile Tool for Third-Country Nationals is used to map skills, qualifications, and work experience. Individual and group assessments encourage a participatory approach, fostering active engagement and self-evaluation.
Personalised Intervention Plans (PIPs)
Following the skills assessment, Personalized Intervention Plans (PIPs) are developed for each beneficiary. These plans, created by experts in collaboration with local partners, outline targeted strategies to improve access to resources and effectively support employment pathways. PIPs define shared goals among all stakeholders, promoting an integrated and multifocal approach that maximises outcomes and ensures beneficiary involvement.
Professional Skills Workshops
The workshops are tailored to beneficiaries’ backgrounds and the specific needs of the labor market. These programs, offered both online and in-person, cover various sectors, including hospitality, construction, logistics, and the green economy. Participants begin with an overview of market trends, labor regulations, and safety standards, followed by sector-specific training. Accredited training programs ensure that beneficiaries acquire relevant and in-demand skills, preparing them for effective labor market integration.
Professional and Specialised Language Training
Beneficiaries have the opportunity to complement their professional training with intensive language courses aimed at improving linguistic skills, particularly for roles such as intercultural mediators. The proposed training model will be shared and regularly updated at the European level, ensuring uniform standards and high-quality training across participating regions.
Workshops for Soft Skills Development
Soft skills are crucial for effective integration into the labor market. These workshops address key aspects such as cultural decoding, skill identification and evaluation, and strengthening of areas identified as needing improvement. Innovative tools like sports, art, and digital storytelling are used to develop these skills, which are often culturally complex yet essential for adapting to new socio-professional contexts.
Coaching and Mentoring Processes
Coaching and mentoring programs provide continuous support and monitoring. Beneficiaries participate in individual and group workshops to update CVs, prepare for job searches, and receive advice on work-based learning programs like internships and job shadowing. Coaches and mentors guide participants throughout the process, ensuring they are well-prepared for the labor market.
A Holistic Approach to Integration
Through its comprehensive Pilot Actions, the AMIL Project adopts a holistic approach to migrant integration. From selection and skill assessment to personalised planning and targeted training, the initiative aims to significantly enhance the employability and economic inclusion of TCNs. This approach not only delivers direct benefits to individual participants but also contributes to building a more inclusive, cohesive, and integrated society.
The AMIL Project – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labor – is funded by the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (GA Project No. 101140939) – follow us to stay updated on the latest developments and outcomes of the AMIL Project! For more details on ongoing activities, stay tuned for the project’s official newsletter: in the meantime, sign up to join the AMIL project’s Community of Interest at this link.
On November 27, 2024, in Brussels (Belgium), the final event of the “Moving On” project brought together partners from seven European countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Spain) to reflect on two years of impactful work aimed at promoting equality, inclusion, and participation of Roma, Sinti, and Traveller youth in sport and through sport. The event marked the culmination of extensive efforts in tackling anti-gypsyism and fostering positive narratives across Europe.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including:
John Collins, Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention Men’s Worker, Exchange House Ireland
Camilla Vedovato, European Association for Local Democracy (Moderator)
Anna Carballo, Board Member, European Roma Grassroots Organisation
Jonathan Lee, European Roma Rights Centre
The initiative began with a general presentation of the project’s outcomes, highlighting the significant strides made over the past two years. The discussions then moved to exploration of the barriers faced by Roma, Sinti, and Traveller youth, including fear of discrimination, insufficient access to services, and exclusionary policies. The speakers also underscored the critical role of political mobilisation and the importance of implementing equity-focused policies and strategic intersectional actions at the local level.
It is important to implement equity-focused policies and strategic intersectional actions at the local level
A highlight of the event was the “A Sporting Chance: Roma, Sinti, & Travellers Fighting Racism in Sport” exhibition, curated by Vojin Ivkov, which celebrated the transformative power of sport in combating gypsism and racism. This exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the essential role sport can play in fostering inclusion and challenging stereotypes.
The final event of the “Moving On” project provided a fitting conclusion to an important journey, reinforcing the need for continued efforts in promoting equality, inclusion, and the active participation of marginalised youth through sport. Through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared commitment to positive change, the project has made an impactful step in changing the marginalisation of Roma, Sinti, and Traveller youth across Europe.
The POLITIK-HER project bootcamp in Naples brought together five young women from each implementing partner country (Italy, Cyprus, Romania, Sweden) for an intensive and transformative experience aimed at empowering the next generation of female leaders. The bootcamp, held at the Dialogue Place, provided an opportunity for participants to develop essential skills in project management, leadership, and social impact.
One of the most powerful elements of the bootcamp was the opportunity for each participant to present her pilot action focused on young women and gender-related issues. These pilot actions are designed to be implemented in the coming year, with the goal of creating concrete, sustainable projects in their communities. By outlining these plans, participants gained valuable feedback and insights from their peers and mentors, allowing them to refine their ideas and develop actionable strategies for driving change.
The bootcamp also included an interdisciplinary tour of the Scampia neighborhood, organised by the MOSS Ecomuseo association. This tour provided the participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and transformation within one of Naples’ most well-known districts. They learned about the ongoing efforts to foster resilience and social change in the area, which serves as a powerful example of community-driven empowerment. Additionally, the program included a guided tour of Naples, focused on the role of women throughout the city’s history.
Building Essential Skills for the Future
Throughout the bootcamp, the young women developed critical leadership, communication, and project management skills—key tools for creating inclusive, sustainable communities. The training sessions and workshops provided practical knowledge, allowing participants to build the confidence and capabilities needed to spearhead future projects that address gender inequality and youth empowerment.
In addition to empowering their skills, the participants benefited from an enriching cross-cultural exchange, sharing experiences and challenges with fellow young women from across Europe. The mentorship provided during the bootcamp also helped them establish networks and gain confidence in their abilities to create change within their communities.
The POLITIK-HER bootcamp was just the beginning of an exciting journey for these young women. In the coming year, they will work to implement their pilot actions, putting into practice the skills and strategies they developed during the program. The support of the network they built and the mentorship they received will be invaluable as they take the next steps toward creating concrete, sustainable projects that empower young women and address gender-related issues in their communities.
On November 18 and 19, 2024, the city of Paris (France) hosted the grand finale of the PAVE project—our International Peace Forum. This landmark event marked the conclusion of an incredible journey that brought together over 150 young individuals from more than 7 countries. The International Peace Forum was far more than a closing event; it was a celebration of the collective energy, creativity, and dedication that participants had brought to the project over the past two years. The PAVE initiative has been a driving force to promote unity, understanding, and action among European youth, making significant strides towards peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Highlights from the PAVE Journey
The project’s flagship event, the International Peace Academy held in Zagreb, Croatia, set the tone for what was to come. This inaugural gathering brought together over 70 participants from Ukraine, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, and Poland. Building on this foundation, the PAVE project also organised eight volunteering weeks in post-conflict areas, providing 96 young volunteers with hands-on opportunities to engage in impactful work.
Over the past two years, the PAVE project has fostered unity, understanding, and action among European youth. Among its standout achievements was the International Peace Academy, held in Zagreb (Croatia), our inaugural flagship event. This gathering brought together over 70 participants from Ukraine, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, and Poland, setting the tone for the collaborative efforts that followed.
Additionally, the project consortium facilitated 8 volunteering weeks in post-conflict areas, enabling 96 young volunteers to engage in impactful work.
The International Peace Forum in Paris was designed to empower our young participants as active contributors. They took center stage, moderating panels and leading discussions on pressing issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the challenges to European security, and the implications for the future of young Europeans. Special thanks go to our exceptional PAVE consortium team, who brought 60 participants to Paris, and to our inspiring speakers from Agence Française Erasmus+ and YOUTHID. Their insights and contributions enriched the event and inspired our participants.
What’s Next?
While the International Peace Forum may be the final in-person event of the PAVE project, this is far from the end of our journey. The vibrant network of connections we’ve cultivated will continue to thrive, with new volunteering opportunities on the horizon. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come!
