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Join us on this new episode of ALDA Podcast « Shades of Democracy » as we discuss EU enlargement, and developments in Ukraine. 
Our distinguished guests, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and Marta Barandiy, founder of Promote Ukraine, share their perspectives on the situation in Ukraine, its links with the EU, and ALDA’s role in supporting democratic values in the region.

Tune in for more knowledge on the topic! 

Useful links:
ALDA Flagship Initiative in Ukraine ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aQo94l
Promote Ukraine website  ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bXDssi

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PRESS RELEASE – On 21 June 2024, civil society organisations and climate defenders will meet at the “Democracy and Inclusion in Times of Climate Crisis” event at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Rue Belliard 99/101, in Brussels.

Participants will debate on how to best answer the climate crisis from the perspective of marginalised voices. Partners of the EU24–Engage for the Planet project will present the main results of the “(Un)heard Voices” campaign.

The event is free and open to anyone, with special attention to people from marginalised backgrounds. This is the moment to have your voice heard on climate issues.

* * *

Through a series of compelling video interviews, “(Un)heard Voices” brought to light the perspectives and experiences of individuals underrepresented in political discourse. Migrants, women, young and senior people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, they advocate for equality and recognition. Each story is a testament to the rich tapestry of identities and struggles that define our continent in times of climate crisis.

“(Un)heard Voices” goes beyond mere storytelling. It’s a call to action, urging citizens to confront their own biases, expand their understanding of social issues, and actively engage with marginalised communities in the democratic process. By amplifying these voices, we want to foster empathy, solidarity, and meaningful change in the political landscape of Europe.

For Monika, a disabled woman from Poland, the biggest challenge is to be heard: “Disability, climate crisis and environmental problems are closely related to each other,” she argues. “Two of the most common reasons for disability are environmental issues and climate change. We are a vulnerable group, the first to experience the consequences of this crisis.”

That is why the right to vote becomes essential in ensuring that voices of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, are heard and represented in the democratic process.

“Voting is simply a duty as well as a right,” claims Karim, a man with a migrant background from France. “Voting is a right acquired over time with great sacrifices and social struggles. Continuing to vote and having a say in political decisions and choices will remain, for me, the essential difference between being a citizen and being subjected to politics.”

As the European elections draw near, the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities has never been more pronounced. Against the backdrop of unprecedented environmental challenges, it is imperative to ensure that the concerns of all citizens, especially those from marginalised groups, are heard and addressed in the policymaking process.

The upcoming European elections present a crucial moment for fostering inclusivity and environmental justice in decision-making.

Recognising this, the EU24–Engage for the Planet consortium launched “(Un)heard Voices” to empower marginalised people and elevate climate concerns on the European agenda.

Final Outreach Event “Democracy and Inclusivity in Times of Climate Crisis”

For more information on the “Democracy and Inclusion in Times of Climate Crisis” event of 21 June in Brussels (Belgium), visit the website by clicking on the right.

For more information about EU24 Engage for the Planet and its initiatives, please visit engage4theplanet.com and engage4theplanet.com/unheard-voices-campaign.

Context

The EU24 Engage for the Planet project aims at decreasing the democratic participation gap of young citizens, citizens of diverse backgrounds, mobile union citizens in a gender-balanced way, by showing them their voices matter. While the turnout in the last EU election was the highest in 25 years, citizens of diverse backgrounds and mobile union citizens remain underrepresented among active EU voters, as well as democratic engagement. Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity today and needs transnational and multinational solutions.

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AT A GLANCE

SpeakUP aims to revitalize the public sphere as an arena where individuals can come together to discuss and identify societal problems and work towards consensus building through rational debate. The aim is to nurture proactive debate culture, enhance understanding of participatory democracy, and promote active citizen engagement in socially polarizing topics by creating a network of debate clubs across Romania, Cyprus and Hungary. Importantly, the project also aspires to embed advocacy and participation at its core. Debate club members will be encouraged to spearhead community-focused advocacy campaigns and be active at the local level.

OBJECTIVES

SPEAK UP main objective is to leverage structured debate to enhance youth political participation and democratic involvement by creating a network of resilient debate clubs in Romania, Cyprus, and Hungary, specifically targeting marginalized and fringe youth groups at risk of radicalization.

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From 13 to 15 May 2024, ALDA’s General Assembly and Festival hosted a significant panel discussion on “Local Democracy & Participatory Democracy” which explored the Defense of Democracy Package, civil society’s role, and local participatory initiatives within the European Union.

ALDA’s General Assembly and Festival 2024: Spotlight on Democracy in the EU

Key stakeholders from diverse sectors gathered to assess the current state and future of democracy within the European Union (EU).

Defense of Democracy Package: An Overview

Vincent Vandersmissen, representing the Belgian Presidency of the EU, detailed the Defense of Democracy Package (DoDP), designed to protect democratic processes across member states and at the European level. The proposal underscores the necessity of transparency, especially in interest representation, to counteract foreign interference in EU and national policymaking. Vandersmissen stressed the directive’s focus on safeguarding democracy, despite concerns from member states about its implementation.

The directive has ignited debate due to its resemblance to « foreign agents » laws in countries like Georgia, Hungary, and Russia, which have been used to stigmatise NGOs receiving foreign funding. Vandersmissen noted that while 15 EU member states maintain transparency registers, none specifically target foreign organisations. This has raised fears of unjustly labeling NGOs as « foreign agents, » leading to potential discrimination. These concerns are under active discussion at Coreper, with the Belgian presidency acting as an « honest broker. »

The DoDP also includes recommendations to boost democratic participation by increasing funding for civil society organizations (CSOs) and promoting inclusive electoral processes, particularly for mobile citizens.

Civil Society’s Concerns

Gabriela Civico, Director of the European Volunteer Centre and President of Civil Society Europe, shared critical insights from the civil society perspective through a video message. She criticised the directive on interest representation for its vague definitions, potentially affecting around 1,000 organisations. Civico warned that these organisations might be forced to register or lose funding from international sources, exacerbating current concerns about shrinking civic space within the EU.

Civico called for enhanced support from the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program to strengthen civil society in an increasingly challenging environment. Her message highlighted the indispensable role of civil society in maintaining democratic health and the need for supportive policies.

Participatory Democracy: Practical Insights and Models

José Manuel Ribeiro, Mayor of Valongo, shared practical experiences in implementing participatory democracy at the local level. He acknowledged the traditional resistance of mayors towards participatory democracy, often viewed as a challenge. However, Ribeiro argued that participatory democracy can transform local governance by fostering better relationships between citizens and authorities.

In Valongo, initiatives such as youth and senior participatory budgets have been successful. Despite low participation rates, the impact on participants is profound, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The city also introduced an internal participatory budget for civil servants and urban planning projects involving children aged 10 to 15, showcasing the potential of participatory democracy to enhance local governance and civic engagement.

Mathis Dippon, Programme Manager for the European Capital of Democracy, presented this initiative, allowing any city to apply for the title. Once selected, the city hosts a year-long democracy festival, showcasing best practices in participatory democracy. This initiative aims to create a network of exemplary democratic practices for other cities to emulate.

Barcelona, the current European Capital of Democracy, serves as a model with its various democratic processes and citizen assemblies. Dippon emphasised the importance of targeted approaches to engage different audiences and ensuring that citizens’ recommendations have tangible consequences. This approach not only broadens participation but also strengthens the democratic fabric by making citizens feel their contributions matter.

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In March 2024, ALDA launched a call for proposals to fund ALDA members willing to support impactful initiatives that promote a sense of belonging to the European Union in the year of the EU elections.

In order to promote good governance and citizen participation at the local level in Europe and beyond, ALDA leads a wide range of actions supporting local, national and international stakeholders in achieving their goals in the fields of European integration, decentralisation, human rights, social inclusion, sustainable development, civic initiatives and much more. As its core element, ALDA supports citizens and groups of citizens in their initiatives aimed at improving their local context, building bridges with local authorities in order to make the change real. In this framework, ALDA works through a participatory approach and the method of multilateral decentralised cooperation, always focusing on strong partnerships between local authorities and civil society organisations.

ALDA works with and for local resilient communities, to address the future challenges from a democratic, environmental, social and economic point of view

The call was aimed at supporting local and grass-root initiatives in the field of EU values and policies, in order to promote both a sense of belonging to the EU in view of the 2024 EU elections, and a sense of “local ownership” and engagement in the local community. This way the funded projects were able to pave the way for further activities in this sense and ensure the capitalisation of the results.

The call was addressed to ALDA members based in the EU which presented their own projects focused on increasing public knowledge, awareness and interest about the EU policies, values and strategies.

These organisations will implement different strategies at local level targeting different vulnerable groups in areas such as: education, citizens engagement, health, climate action, gender equality among others.

ALDA received many interesting and qualitative applications. After the evaluation was carried out by an appointed Selection Committee (SeC), 11 organisations from 6 different countries were selected.

These organisations will implement different strategies at local level targeting different vulnerable groups in areas such as: education, citizens engagement, health, climate action, gender equality among others.

These 11 beneficiaries of the regranting programme are:

Name of the project: Forward EU (FEU)

City of implementation: Brussels, Belgium. 

The project aims to empower young people and promote active engagement in civic activities by integrating creative methodologies (interactive quizzes, treasure hunts and digital tools), varied events, and inclusive engagement strategies and collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

Name of the project: VISTA: Voices for Integration, Solidarity, and Trust in Action

City of implementation: Naples, Turin, Parma, Italy. 

The main objective of the project is to promote participation, integration, solidarity, and trust of young people, including some refugees. The project will also develop tools, key messages, and community initiatives that empower participants to become advocates for positive change, foster meaningful connections within and across their communities, and inspire collective action towards more inclusive and resilient societies, in line with fundamental EU values. 

Name of the project: Amplifying Youth Voices in Mental Health at EU level: Advancing Participatory Platforms and Policy Trackers for Actionable Change

City of implementation: Barcelona, Spain. 

The project aims to influence policy decisions in the field of mental health at local, national, and European level through workshops, webinars and integrating arts-based methods with digital participation platforms.

Name of the project: I VOTE, WE WIN. Together against inequalities

City of implementation: Brescia, Italy. 

The main goal of the project is to promote within the citizens – especially among young and new voters – a sense of belonging to the EU as well as to enhance people’s awareness, engagement and social participation with respect to EU rights and value. To achieve this, a seminar on the functioning of the EU elections and varied public events will be organised.

Name of the project: SARAJEVO – BARCELONA: LEARNING FROM 30 YEARS OF LOCAL COOPERATION

City of implementation: Barcelona, Spain – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The main goal of the project is to strengthen local democracy and citizen participation, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and cooperation between cities, particularly Sarajevo and Barcelona. This will be achieved through a series of activities (organisation of a book presentation, a photo exhibition and conferences, participation in a campaign and workshop) designed to promote dialogue, reconciliation and civic engagement.

Name of the project: Democratic Action of Refugees in Europe (DARE)

City of implementation: Brussels, Belgium.

The project aims to promote the participation of first time voters with refugee backgrounds, who have recently obtained citizenship in an EU country. The project envisions a webinar to raise awareness about EU elections; workshops to co-create messages to encourage participation in the elections; a meeting between newly elected progressive Members European Parliament (MEPs) and a small group of community leaders with refugee background; and a closing webinar.

Name of the project: EmpowerEU: Youth Multipliers for Democracy

City of implementation: Lisbon, Portugal. 

The project seeks to actively engage young people in discussions regarding the EU impact on their lives, raising awareness of EU decision-making processes, and encouraging their participation in shaping Europe’s future, especially concerning EU elections. To achieve this, the project will implement an intensive bootcamp and academy, providing participants with in-depth knowledge and skills related to EU policies, institutions, and democratic processes.

Name of the project: “Empowering European Citizens” Seminar

City of implementation: Nocera Umbra (PG), Italy. 

The main goal of the project is to empower young European citizens by fostering their knowledge, understanding, and engagement with the European Union. The Seminar consists of a totally free week of study-vacation, which combines lectures and group discussion with recreational activities.

Name of the project: Your Voice, Your Europe!

Country of implementation: Spain, Slovenia, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium. 

The project aims to connect and engage youth and other groups from various countries, with different social backgrounds, and from different local environments, to raise awareness about the importance of European Parliament elections. The methodology will integrate artistic expression (organisation and implementation of 12 street art intervention), social media activities, interactive discussions, cross-cultural exchange, and reflections.

Name of the project: TAKE A STEP! Sustainable Territory & European Participation

City of implementation: Vicenza, Italy. 

The main goal of the project is to promote the education, empowerment and participation of the target groups (broad citizenship, including youths and vulnerable groups) concerning the environmental crisis and the climate change adaptation and mitigation. The activities involve round tables with local and non-local experts and activists, theatre and music performances.

Name of the project: ENGAGE EU (Empowering New Generations through Artistic Group Experiences Europe)

City of implementation: Marseille, France. 

The project will start with “L’Europe à la Barre” which is an immersive theatrical production that plunges the audience into a fictitious trial of the European Union, inviting the public to judge the EU itself. Through lively debates, the play stimulates deep reflection on the future of Europe, and urges the participants to embrace their European citizenship. Then, the project continues with the “ENGAGE” workshop, an initiative aimed at promoting creative reflection on democracy and its integration into the daily lives of participants.

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AT A GLANCE

Data is crucial for governance and economic growth, yet local authorities in Central Europe often struggle to use it effectively. Meanwhile, the private sector and civil society are advancing rapidly in digitalisation, making extensive use of Open Data and IoT (Internet of Things), but their potential in solving urban and social issues remains underutilised.

The EnCLOD project aims to enhance governance in five Central European territories by promoting the use of Open Data and IoT sensor networks. This initiative strengthens multi-level governance, engages civil society, and fosters public-private collaboration, driving innovation and economic prosperity.

Objectives:

The project is carried out by a consortium of 10 partners, including local authorities, universities, and technological SMEs, from five Central European countries: Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Hungary.

The project aims to significantly enhance the awareness and knowledge of policy actors and decision-makers from pilot territories and beyond regarding the potential of Open Data (OD) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for territorial governance. This will be achieved through the collection of case studies, targeted education, and capacity-building activities.

Additionally, the project will generate tangible, visible, and lasting impacts in five Central European pilot areas (Vicenza, Italy; Olomouc, Czech Republic; Debrecen, Hungary; Zilina, Slovakia; and Nova Gorica, Slovenia). This will be accomplished through the development of local Action Plans that leverage OD and IoT opportunities for effective territorial governance and city-region planning. Furthermore, five Pilot Actions will be implemented to address specific challenges related to mobility/transport, the environment, or climate change in each area.

In all instances, special emphasis will be placed on fostering active engagement from citizens and economic operators through the organisation of hackathons, public events, and the provision of all generated data under an Open Data commons license.

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Be the next External Evaluator for the TALE Project! ALDA invites you to seize an exciting opportunity as the External Evaluator for our TALE – TAke the Lead in the EU Elections project, co-funded by the European Parliament.

About the TALE Project

The TALE project is dedicated to fostering active participation among European youth across seven Member States. Through comprehensive training, dynamic communication campaigns, and engaging participatory workshops, we aim to bridge gaps in voter turnout and empower young citizens to shape the future of European democracy.

Your Role as an External Evaluator

As the External Evaluator, you will play a pivotal role in providing impartial and objective assessments of our project’s progress and impact. Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting comprehensive surveys during and after project implementation.
  • Collaborating with partners and beneficiaries to monitor project outcomes.
  • Producing a final evaluation report with actionable recommendations.

Eligibility Criteria

We are seeking experienced evaluators with:

  • A background in conducting external evaluations for similar projects.
  • Expertise in participatory evaluation methodologies.
  • Familiarity with European youth engagement and democratic processes.

Application Process

Interested in joining us? Send your CV and a methodology proposal to Dafne Sgarra at dafne@aldaintranet.org, mentioning “TALE evaluator” in the email subject, by June 11, 2024, at 17:00.

For more details about the application procedure, click here.

Join us in empowering European youth and shaping a vibrant European democracy! We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to ensure the success and impact of the TALE project.

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ALDA+ is excited to disseminate the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-TT call for proposals, focusing on Town Twinning initiatives. This programme offers a unique opportunity for municipalities and local communities to engage in international exchanges that celebrate the rich diversity and shared heritage of the European Union. Through these exchanges, citizens can gain practical experiences that foster mutual understanding, friendship, and a stronger sense of European identity.

The Town Twinning programme aims to promote exchanges between citizens from different countries, providing them with practical experiences of the EU’s common heritage. It seeks to enhance mutual understanding and tolerance, foster a sense of European belonging and identity, support peaceful relations and active local participation, encourage cooperation and the exchange of best practices between municipalities, and reinforce the role of local and regional authorities in European integration.

Projects under this call should focus on intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reflection on a new narrative for Europe that is citizen-oriented and forward-looking, debates on the EU’s achievements and current challenges, and addressing themes like solidarity, inclusion, and the EU’s response to societal challenges. 

Eligible activities include workshops, seminars, and conferences, training activities and expert meetings, cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions, awareness-raising activities, development and dissemination of good practices, and the use of social media and communication tools.

Are you interested in the call? Apply! 

Why Apply Through ALDA+?

ALDA+, the Benefit Corporation of ALDA, offers extensive support to ensure your project’s success:

  • Expert Guidance: it provides strategic advice on project design, ensuring alignment with EU priorities and funding requirements.
  • Application Support: it offers professional assistance in drafting and submitting your application, maximizing your chances of securing funding.
  • Project Implementation: From project management to dissemination activities, it ensures that your project runs smoothly and achieves its objectives.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Benefit from tailored training sessions to enhance your team’s capabilities in managing EU-funded projects.

By working with ALDA+, you gain access to a wealth of expertise and resources that can significantly enhance your project’s impact and sustainability.

The application process is detailed and requires careful preparation. To begin, read the call documentation, model grant agreement, and guidelines available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Prepare your proposal to ensure alignment with the call’s objectives, themes, and activities, and submit your proposal electronically through the Funding & Tenders Portal by the deadline of September 19, 2024, at 17:00 CET. 

Sounds complicated? 

ALDA+ can provide you with the expertise you need to submit a successful application.

Key dates to keep in mind include the submission deadline on September 19, 2024, the evaluation period from September 2024 to February 2025, results announcement in March 2025, and grant agreement signature in June 2025. The available budget for this call is €4,000,000.

To begin your journey towards securing this exciting funding opportunity, apply now and let ALDA+ guide you towards a successful Town Twinning project!

Don’t miss this opportunity to foster cross-border friendships and strengthen the European spirit within your community.

If interested, contact us by sending a message to service@aldaplus.it

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AT A GLANCE

E- VOICE is a project reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 in 7 European countries: Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Belgium and France involving 9 institutions.

It is a project for institutions that want to build resilient communities across Europe for the post pandemic era. Voice targets young people, CSOs, educational authorities, local governments, and families. The process of building democratic and resilient societies of the future must involve young people whose voice must be heard. The participation of the young people to the decision making for the future of their communities and of the EU partners cannot take place unless obstacles that the COVID-19 pandemic have both created and worsened are removed. Partners have identified 4 issues: mental health problems, educational poverty, unhealthy habits, unemployment to research the best existing practices to generate a list of recommendations for the partnership.

OBJECTIVES

  • Connect communities to build a solidarity network focusing on the exchange and transfer of the best practices acquired during the pandemic, reduce Covid19 induced health and economic issues, create a protection to save lives and livelihoods, reduce poverty and inequalities which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and strengthen bottom-up solidarity initiatives planned and conducted by CSOs in 7 Countries of Europe.
  • Explore the potential of youth participation in the projects at the local, national, and cross-national levels, make it possible for young people to make their voices heard and shape the communities they live in.
  • Take advantage of experiences highlighting the conditions that favour youth participation, which is the ground on which civic participation may thrive and the future of Europe can be shaped.
  • In view of the Conference on the Future of Europe, create a debate around the measures adopted following the pandemic (the Next Generation EU plan, the reinforcement to the MFF, etc.) and how the 6 priorities of the European Commission can shape our lives.

RELATED NEWS

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Thanks to the project « EU4Accountability (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova), funded by the European Union and implemented by A.O. « Renasterea », with the support of ALDA, in the villages of Carahasani and Talmaza in Stefan Voda district, participatory local governance and increased social accountability have been strengthened through the active involvement of local residents and collaboration with local public authorities.

In the framework of the project, civil servants and residents received training in project management, local development and community leadership, information campaigns were organised to promote civic participation, effective and transparent communication in local governance and the advantages of participatory budgeting mechanism for community development.

« Undoubtedly, EU4Accountability has contributed enormously to the development of those useful tools for our locality that support and improve our work as a local public authority, but the citizen, as the ultimate beneficiary of the efforts for the sustainable development of the community, cannot be excluded from this equation. Involving citizens in decision-making, including in the participatory budgeting process, ensures that these decisions are based on their needs and interests« , emphasised Mr. Eugeniu Prutean, Mayor of Talmaza.

Following the public consultations with citizens, Coalitions for Social Responsibility were created in both localities and the priorities in the localities were discussed. At the same time, citizens came up with proposals and participated in decision-making for the implementation of projects related to efficient and fast communication of the Mayoralties, especially in crisis situations. To this end, 35 outdoor audio loudspeakers have been installed, integrated in 2 systems, which have a cumulative range of 8 km.

« Transparency in decision making is a priority for us as a local administration, and through the EU-funded project, this has become a proud achievement. Building the capacity of civil servants and civic activists in project writing is an important stepping stone in our aspirations for local development, and it contributes to the substantial improvement of the projects we develop in this regard. We have managed to develop tools that encourage citizens’ participation, such as the Local Coalition for Social Accountability, or the participatory budgeting mechanism, which we consider essential for an efficient and citizen-oriented participatory local governance« , said Mr. Oleg Ciobanu, Mayor of Carahasani.

Through EU4Accountability, with the efforts of APL and A.O « Renasterea », citizens were encouraged to participate in the public hearings for the approval of the local budget. Citizens were actively involved and presented proposals, including on the participatory budgeting segment, and this activity was a first in the two localities.

The EU4Accountability project has contributed to increased transparency of decision-making in the two localities

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The EU4Accountability project has contributed to increased transparency of decision-making in the two localities, and over 8000 citizens have mechanisms to be part of the local governance process; 900 citizens were informed about the role of social accountability, local democracy, the impact of civic participation in the community; 30 civil servants and civic activists were trained in project management, local development and public policy development; in 2 localities the meeting rooms of the LPA were modernized, and over 200 citizens were directly involved in the project activities.

The project « EU4Accountability » (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova) runs from 2022-2024, and is funded by the European Union, implemented by ALDA, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and People in Need Moldova. It is implemented in 10 districts (Cahul, Comrat, Cimislia, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Riscani, Straseni, Stefan Voda, Telenesti) and has a total budget of 1.6 million EUR.

To know more about the project click here.

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Citizens Participation as an essential element to face climate challenges

On May 14th 2024, the Environment & Climate Hub together with the Civic Engagement Hub of ALDA held a panel session during the “Local Democracy for Global Impact” General Assembly in Barcelona, Spain. Taking place from May 13 until 15, 2024, the event was marked by panels, conferences, workshops, and sessions on critical topics like civic participation, environment and climate, gender and inclusion, digitalisation and much more.

The ‘Citizens Participation as an essential element to climate change’ panel aimed to foster the importance of citizen engagement in tackling climate-related challenges, particularly in the context of initiatives like the European Green Deal. The increasing impacts of climate change we are witnessing today highlight the urgency for collective action: in the light of this alarming context, civic participation and local democracy appear to be key elements to create policies and strategies to face climate change effects. 
The panel, moderated by Ms Valeria Fantini, Project Manager and Coordinator of the Environment and Climate Hub of ALDA, featured an impressive lineup of speakers: Ms Alessia Marzotto,  co-chair of the Civic Engagement Hub of ALDA; Mr Daniel Botha, Expert in Justice, Equity and Democracy at ICLEI; Desbina Kallinikidou from the Municipality of Oberhausen; Mr Carles Llorens, Secretary-General at ORU-FOGAR; and Mr Chorten Dorji, Executive Director at HAB Bhutan.

The event was a great chance to explore, exchange and debate interesting practices on citizens participation

The discussion focused on two main aspects: the first one on sharing best practices, and the second part on how to make these practices more concrete and integrated in policymaking. 

ALDA Hub coordinator and moderator Mrs. Valeria Fantini introduced the session sharing some key elements of two relevant projects, of which ALDA is part: SHARED GREEN DEAL Project and the REAL DEAL project. In relation to the latter, Mrs. Alessia Marzotto introduced the ‘Civil Society Forum for Sustainability – Shaping the European Green Deal’ in the context of the European REAL DEAL project, highlighting the importance of creating informal, inclusive, and safe spaces where stakeholders (academia, NGOs, policymakers, citizens) can discuss pressing issues related to the EU Green Deal and express their opinion.

Mr. Daniel Botha, speaking about the Accting Project, stressed the importance of the role of local NGOs in the promotion of citizens’ engagement and the necessity of focusing on their funding and financial resources so that civil society organisations can use them effectively to promote sustainable development.

Mrs. Desbina Kallinikidou pointed out that when discussing climate change and gender issues, the key is to support NGOs because they already work on these topics and are often closer to citizens. In this regard, the Inequalities Matters project, of which she is a member, aims to develop an accessible language in order to build a functioning network on environment and sustainability issues, to take care of public relations and to launch new projects in the field and support existing ones. To carry out their mission, NGOs therefore need support and coordination.

Carles Lloren emphasised the significance of developing processes that provide solutions to problems and thus prove to be effective: in such cases, people will always feel engaged and consequently take part in participatory processes. In support of this idea, he highlighted various participatory cases in different parts of the world, including Ecuador, Catalonia, Basque Country, and Senegal.

Chorten Dorji introduced Bhutan and their own association, discussing the need to cooperate to make our voices heard and thus address the negative effects of climate change.

The panel aroused great interest among the audience, who actively participated during the Q&A session. In particular, Aquí project brought to attention the need to include experts from different fields, both in local and governmental plans, so that we can effectively respond to the imperatives of climate change.

The event was a great chance to explore, exchange and debate interesting practices on citizens participation. It concluded with a call for continued collaboration and innovation in these fields to promote more sustainable and engaging societies.

You can find the photos of the panel here.

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Within the REAL DEAL project, on May 7 and 8, 2024, ALDA actively participated in the ASviS Festival of Sustainable Development in Rome, Italy. The Festival was created to raise awareness among growing segments of the population on social, economic, and environmental sustainability, extending beyond subject-matter experts. It aimed to foster a cultural shift in individual and collective behaviors and to stimulate “bottom-up” requests that would compel the Country’s leadership to comply with the agreements undertaken with the UN. Additionally, the Festival sought to give voice to citizens, businesses, national and local administrations, universities, and civil society to promote dialogue and the sharing of best practices on the issues of the 2030 Agenda.

The Festival was a unique experience at the international level, reaching millions of people in Italy each year through the participation of hundreds of organisations across the country. Universities played an active role, and « sustainable development squares” were opened in several major Italian cities. This stimulated an unprecedented reflection on the future of Italy, Europe, and the world. In 2019 and 2020, the Festival was nominated among thousands of projects as a finalist for the SDG Action Awards of the UN SDG Action Campaign, recognised for being an innovative initiative and a unique experience globally.

Day 1: Deliberative Democracy in Action

Over the past six months, citizens’ assemblies in Denmark and Italy, organised by Nyt Europa and ASviS respectively, focused on the European Semester. These assemblies engaged participants in a deliberative process to develop concrete policy proposals related to the European Green Deal and European economic policies.

In Rome (Italy), participants from both countries convened to evaluate their involvement in the EU policymaking process. They compared the outcomes and political recommendations from their respective assemblies and discussed methods to enhance stakeholder and citizen involvement in EU economic policymaking. By the end of the day, participants agreed on common policy recommendations addressing climate and environment, social justice, macroeconomic governance, and deliberative democracy methods. These recommendations were presented during the ASviS Festival on May 8th.

Day 2: Dialogue on the Green Deal and Sustainable Development

The second day featured a dialogue on the Green Deal, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the economic system, moderated by Julie Rosenkilde of Nyt Europa. Ingeborg Nestroy (RIFS), the REAL DEAL project coordinator, introduced the project, followed by a debate featuring Enrico Giovannini (ASviS Scientific Director) and Judith Hermann (Forum Umwelt und Entwicklung).

Ivana Demarinis, representing the Italian citizens’ assembly, presented newly formulated policy recommendations, reflecting the rigorous debates and collective reflections from the previous day.

Expert Insights and Citizen Engagement

The day’s second session included a panel of experts on European decision-making participation. Notable speakers included Ulrike Liebert (European University Institute), Daniela Longo (SCS Consulting), Eileen Roth (Forum Umwelt und Entwicklung) and Dafne Sgarra (ALDA). Ms. Sgarra highlighted the TALE project and ALDA’s campaign for the EU elections, “Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results,” which aims to boost voter turnout and enhance active citizen participation beyond voting.

Simone Aslak, representing Danish participants, concluded the event with insights into the decision-making and participation methods discussed the previous day.

A Platform for Shared Experiences and Policy Innovation

This event provided a valuable platform for citizens to share experiences regarding economic governance, environmental issues, and social justice. It exemplified effective citizen engagement and participation, combined with expert insights and the efforts of civil society organisations (CSOs) to foster good governance at all levels.

By participating in the ASviS Festival, ALDA reinforced its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive policymaking, paving the way for more engaged and informed citizens across Europe.

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On 28 May, ALDA and parters of the Civil Society for EU’s campaign led by Civil Society Europe secured more than 300 signatures by European election candidates.

The coalition secured endorsers from all member states but Cyprus, with France bringing most of the signatures, followed by Italy and Latvia.

Are you a candidate to the European elections? Do you want your candidates to sign the pledge? Visit civilsocietyforeu.eu/the-pledge.

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During the ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 on May 13, a profoundly moving event unfolded: the Ceremony of Recognition for ALDA’s Members’ Support to Ukrainian Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs).

ALDA’s engagement in Ukraine is now over a decade, during which it has been instrumental in delivering training on good local governance and participation to local authorities, alongside providing support to civil society organisations. The establishment of the first Local Democracy Agency in Dnipropetrovsk Region in 2015, together with the ALDA member Lower Silesia Region (Poland) and the Region of Alsace (France), marked a significant milestone. Subsequently, the creation of the LDA in Mariupol, supported by Gdansk Municipality (Poland) in 2017, further fortified ALDA’s commitment to fostering democratic practices in the region. In November 2023 also LDA Odesa was opened, and it is the third LDA established in the country. The creation of this Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, as an instrument of peace and social cohesion, is the first step for the creation of other LDAs in the country, as established by ALDA’s Flagship Initiative in Ukraine.

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ALDA’s dedication to supporting its Ukrainian members and partners has intensified dramatically. This heightened commitment, however, would not have been possible without the invaluable support of ALDA’s members and partners, who have stood in solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times.

The Ceremony of Recognition represented a moving moment to express gratitude to those who have supported Ukraine, whether through longstanding efforts or humanitarian aid

Led by Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, the event featured heartfelt testimonials from ALDA members, including Ms. Margarita Fullana Arrom, Mayor of Algaida Municipality (Spain) and Secretary of Fons Mallorqui de Solidaritat i Cooperació, and Mr. Vadim Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol (Ukraine) and representative of the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

It is worth highlighting the exceptional role played by Vadim Boichenko, who, as the only recognised and legal mayor of Mariupol, operates in exile within his own country, tirelessly advocating for the citizens of Mariupol who have been displaced by the illegal Russian occupation. Despite facing immense challenges, Vadim Boichenko’s unwavering commitment to his community shines through, making his speech during the ceremony all the more poignant.

« I am grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine. We need to feel it… Your resilience, our common resilience, gives us confidence that this war will end with our victory. I would like to recall the experience we have shared with ALDA. We have already had the ambition to learn about transparency, and thanks to partners like ALDA who came to us and provided us with the tools to learn, we managed to achieve it. We need this component for the world to recognize us as a European partner. »

Vadim Boichenko, Mayor in Exile of Mariupol, Ukraine

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Recognition Certificates to ALDA’s members for their devoted support. Among these were notable organisations such as Fons Mallorquí, Associació Fons Pitius de Cooperació (Spain), Fons Menorquí de Cooperació (Spain), Gdansk Municipality, ADL Zavidovici (Italy), Progettarte (Italy), Studio Progetto Social Cooperative (Italy), Lower Silesia Region, Hauts de France Region (France), Region Istria (Croatia), Region Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy), Foster Europe (Austria), Grand Est Region (France), Barcelona Provincial Council (Spain), and all other supporters.

In commemorating the collective efforts and unwavering solidarity extended to Ukrainian LDAs, the ceremony underscored the power of collaboration and the resilience of communities in times of adversity. As ALDA continues its mission of promoting local democracy and fostering partnerships worldwide, the event served as a reminder of the transformative impact that can be achieved through collective action and mutual support.

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ALDA deeply thanks everyone who attended ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024, – Local Democracy will Save Democracy, which took place from May 13 to 15 2024 in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. Your participation made this event truly memorable. We are thrilled to share the photos capturing the highlights and special moments of activities, workshops, conferences, panels and more!

Click the link below to relive the excitement and find your pictures.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates and more snapshots from the event!

Click here to get the pictures of ALDA Festival & General Assembly 2024

or filter by the panel you attended:

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND MIGRATION

LOCAL DEMOCRACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY AND MIGRATION PRACTICES

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

LOCAL DEMOCRACY FOR INCLUSIVITY: EXPLORING GENDER EQUALITY IN CAREGIVING AND SOCIOECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION AS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT TO FACE
CLIMATE CHALLENGES

THE VALUE OF PEER-TO-PEER APPROACH IN CROSS-BORDERS
COOPERATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

ALDA MARKETPLACE

TOOL FAIR ON INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE IN MEDITERRANEAN CITIES

DEMOCRATISATION OF AFRICA VS THE AFRICANISATION OF
DEMOCRACY, WOULD LOCAL DEMOCRACY FIND THE BALANCE?

LOCAL DEMOCRACY IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT: A GREAT HERITAGE TOWARDS NEW PERSPECTIVES

LOCAL DEMOCRACY: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES AN ENHANCED
COOPERATION BETWEEN CSOS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN
THE WESTERN BALKANS

WORKSHOP – INTRODUCTION TO TALD FOR CSO AND LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES

MAXIMIZING RESOURCES: FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES FOR
LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

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On 22 May, ALDA contributed to a workshop on Communicating Europe Locally and the Importance of Democratic Participation in Fiesso Umbertiano, Italy, in collaboration with the Europe Direct Center of Padova.

ALDA Secretary-General Antonella Valmorbida gave a lecture on “The Importance of Democratic Participation in the European Political System”

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On Saturday 11th May 2024 ALDA participated in the event « Vimercate in Europa, l’Europa a Vimercate: PNRR, HEARD e altri progetti da raccontare » held at the Falcone e Borsellino auditorium of the civic library of Vimercate (Italy). 

The day, with a European background, focused on three panels discussing politics, PNRR and European projects, including the HEARD project, which aims to deepen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on democratic debate, the enjoyment of fundamental rights and women’s work-life balance through the adoption of a gender perspective. 

Partners from nine European countries assessed the the effects of the pandemic on the democratic debate and social rights

The project involved partners from nine European countries to assess the effect of the pandemic on rule of law principles, democratic values and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, with a specific focus on social rights. A targeted needs analysis conducted in each of the nine countries led to the formulation of policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the future effects of COVID-19 pandemic-like situations. These recommendations are the result of the needs expressed by citizens during the pandemic, highlighting discomforts that, although they may seem superficial, have lasting effects on personal and social problems, negatively affecting quality of life.

After these recommendations were identified, they were discussed with political representatives of the municipality of Vimercate, which is also a partner of the project in cooperation with ALDA+. On Saturday, the recommendations were presented to the community of Vimercate and commented on by some politicians from the municipality in a debate. In particular, Mariasole Mascia (Deputy Mayor of Vimercate and Councillor PNRR and European policies), Riccardo Corti (Councillor for personal care) and Daniele Dossi (City Councillor and member of the European BELC network) participated in the first two panels, and Federica Villa (City Councillor) in the third panel. 

It was an important opportunity to confront the needs of citizenship regarding rights and freedoms that, in the name of the right to health, have been put on hold for several months. It was interesting to understand the role of the local authorities during the pandemic and the commitment and collaboration they brought to continue working. Several initiatives were presented which the municipality, with the help of the PNRR, is pursuing to improve services and support civil society. The pandemic emphasised the various gaps on various social fronts, such as digitalisation, gender inequality in employment and beyond, and citizen participation. Also thanks to the HEARD project, it was possible to concretely involve civil society in order to deepen and confront the needs of citizens and it will be an inspiration for the future in the implementation of policies to support citizenship.

🇮🇹 Italian Version 🇮🇹

Il giorno sabato 11 maggio 2024 ALDA ha partecipato all’evento “Vimercate in Europa, l’Europa a Vimercate: PNRR, HEARD e altri progetti da raccontare” tenutosi all’auditorium Falcone e Borsellino della biblioteca civica di Vimercate (MB). 

La giornata, a sfondo europeo, si è concentrata in 3 panel discutendo di politica, PNRR e progetti Europei, tra cui il progetto HEARD, che vuole approfondire l’impatto della pandemia da COVID-19 sul dibattito democratico, il godimento di diritti fondamentali e il bilanciamento vita-lavoro delle donne attraverso l’adozione di un approccio di genere. 

Il progetto ha coinvolto partner provenienti da nove Paesi europei per valutare l’effetto della pandemia sui principi dello stato di diritto, i valori democratici e il godimento dei diritti umani fondamentali, con un focus specifico sui diritti sociali. Attraverso un’analisi dei bisogni condotta in ciascuno dei nove paesi,  si è giunti alla  formulazione di raccomandazioni politiche, mirate a mitigare gli effetti futuri di situazioni simili alla pandemia da COVID-19. Queste raccomandazioni sono frutto delle esigenze espresse dai cittadini durante la pandemia, evidenziando disagi che, pur potendo sembrare superficiali, hanno effetti duraturi su problemi personali e sociali, incidendo negativamente sulla qualità della vita.

L’obiettivo successivo all’individuazione di tali raccomandazioni, è stato discuterne con i rappresentanti politici del Comune di Vimercate, anch’esso partner del progetto in collaborazione con ALDA+. Nella giornata di sabato, infatti, sono state presentate alla comunità di Vimercate le varie raccomandazioni che sono state commentate da alcuni politici del comune in un dibattito. In particolare, hanno partecipato Mariasole Mascia (Vicesindaco di Vimercate e Assessore PNRR e politiche europee), Riccardo Corti (Assessore alla cura delle persone) e Daniele Dossi (Consigliere comunale e membro della rete Europea BELC) nei primi due panel, e di Federica Villa (Consigliere Comunale) nel terzo panel. 

È stata un’occasione importante per mettere a confronto i bisogni della cittadinanza in merito ai diritti e alle libertà che, in favore del diritto alla salute, sono state messe in pausa per diversi mesi. È stato interessante capire il ruolo delle autorità locali durante la pandemia e l’impegno e collaborazione che hanno portato avanti per continuare a lavorare. Sono state presentate diverse iniziative che il comune, grazie anche al PNRR, sta portando avanti per migliorare i servizi e supportare la società civile. La pandemia ha enfatizzato le varie lacune su diversi fronti sociali, come digitalizzazione, disparità di genere nel mondo del lavoro e non solo, partecipazione cittadina. Grazie anche al progetto HEARD, si è potuto coinvolgere concretamente la società civile per approfondire e confrontare i bisogni dei cittadini e sarà uno spunto per il futuro nell’attuazione di politiche di supporto alla cittadinanza.

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On 23 May, ALDA was present in the hemicycle of the European Parliament where was held the Eurovision debate of the lead candidates for the Commission presidency.

Candidates Walter Baier (European Left), Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen (European People’s Party), Terry Reintke (European Greens), and Nicolas Schmit (Party of European Socialists) presented their ambitions for Europe and their programmes should they be elected at the head of the European Commission.

Illustration: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP