From 17 to 20 March, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels hosted Civil Society Week 2025, bringing together organisations, policymakers, and engaged citizens to discuss key challenges facing Europe today. As an active member of the Liaison Group of the EESC, ALDA was at the forefront of the discussions, co-organising two high-level panels and engaging in key exchanges on the future of local democracy and citizen participation.
On 17 March, ALDA co-organised the panel “Charting Europe’s Course: Reconnecting Polarised Societies through Community Learning & Citizenship Education”. The discussion highlighted the importance of education, culture, and media literacy in strengthening democracy and fostering civic engagement. Speakers underscored the need for greater recognition of teachers, investment in cultural initiatives that bridge identities, and community-led learning models that empower citizens. Among the panellists was Maite Arrondo, ALDA Advisory Board member, who brought valuable insights on how collaborative approaches and civic education can play a transformative role in reconnecting divided communities. Ensuring that participatory democracy starts locally is key to countering disinformation and political polarisation across Europe.
Two days later, on 19 March, the focus turned to one of Europe’s most pressing social challenges—affordable and sustainable housing. ALDA’s panel “Towards More Affordable, Democratic, and Sustainable Housing in Europe” brought together experts and policymakers to discuss solutions to the growing housing crisis. With rising costs, financialisation, and energy poverty affecting vulnerable communities, the conversation explored the role of cooperative housing models, stronger tenant protections, and regulatory measures in ensuring that housing remains a fundamental right, not just a financial asset. Local authorities, it was noted, play a critical role in bridging economic concerns with human rights priorities, requiring greater support at the European level.
“Strengthening local democracy and citizen participation is essential to countering polarisation, fostering inclusion, and shaping a more resilient Europe”
Beyond the panels, ALDA had a strong presence throughout Civil Society Week 2025, engaging participants at its dedicated stand, sharing its work, and strengthening partnerships with fellow organisations and institutions. The event culminated in a Closing Ceremony on 20 March, where ALDA’s President, Nataša Vučković, took the stage alongside institutional representatives, such as Oliver Röpke, EESC President, and Nicolae Ştefănuță, Vice-President of the European Parliament, to reflect on the key takeaways. In her intervention, Vučković emphasised the critical role of citizen engagement in strengthening democracy, underlining the need to address societal divides between generations and between urban and rural communities. She also spoke about the potential of young people and new technologies in helping to bridge these gaps. As she powerfully stated: “To make your voice heard in the community, first on the local level and then possibly at the national level, citizens can truly realise the importance of various democratic rules.” Her words reinforced ALDA’s commitment to ensuring that local voices are represented in European policymaking and to fostering democratic innovation across all levels of governance.
As Civil Society Week 2025 comes to a close, one message is clear: democracy thrives when citizens, institutions, and civil society work together. ALDA remains committed to supporting local actors, fostering participatory governance, and driving positive change across Europe and beyond.
🔗 Find out more about Civil Society Week 2025: EESC Website
