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On the 24th June, ALDA had the pleasure to host second ALDATalk this year, dedicated to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe, with participation and presentations from: Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and member of the steering committee of the the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (FCE) and co-chair of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe and Hervé Moritz, Vice-Président Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace and Spokesperson, Union of European Federalists – France (UEF).

During the ALDATalk, ALDA Secretary General Ms. Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the involvement of ALDA in the process of the Conference, including the input into the work of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as ALDA’s activities aimed at familiarizing ALDA members with the COFE structure, in particular disseminating the European values through the use of the Multilingual Platform and ad hoc training for ALDA members. She concluded her intervention by mentioning the urgent need to follow up and implement final recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Similarly, Ms. Alexandrina Najmowicz presented the overall structure of the CoFoE, the role of the CSO Convention and her own reflections on the process. In her presentation she pointed out a worrying trend of diminishing involvement of civil society in decision-making in general. She also commented on the relatively small participation of individuals in the Conference through the online platform.

ALDATalk: all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions

Nevertheless she also highlighted the input of the civil society to the CoFoE has been reflected in the final conclusions of the Conference and stated the civil society will continue to follow the next steps after the process.

In addition, Mr. Hervé Moritz presented the role of Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace in the Conference, and in particular the Convention Citoyenne sur l’Europe held in Strasbourg to provide local contribution to the CoFoE. He stated that the Convention Cityonne also played a role in empowerment of the citizens and giving them a sense of impact into policy-making.

Both Ms. Najmowicz and Mr. Moritz also touched upon the impact that the outbreak of the war in Ukraine had on the process and final steps of the Conference.

Finally, within the occasion of this ALDATalk, all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions. Speakers also highlighted the need for deeper and more meaningful involvement of the civil society and citizens in decision-making and protection of the civic space.

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA +  participated in the European Development Days 2022(EDD) which took place in Brussels on June 21-22, 2022. 

The EDD are Europe’s leading multistakeholder forum, organised by the European Commission, on international partnerships and development, with the aim of bringing key actors from all over Europe and beyond together to share ideas and good practices in ways that encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. 

The theme of this year’s EDD was “Global Gateway: building sustainable partnerships for a connected world”. An edition dedicated to the European Strategy “to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world”.

The EDD 2022 consisted of different types of sections, among which high level panes, lab debates, brainstorming sessions, agora sessions and project/report presentations on the following topics: Digital, Climate & Energy, Health, Education & Research and Transport. 

The latter, especially, was the realm within which ALDA+ provided its contribution!

Hence, ALDA+ decided to participate in this international event with a stand addressing  “Urban development, smart & interconnected cities. Together for fostering Good Governance at Local and Global Level”. Bringing the positive example of the Autrement project.

The European Development Days encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges

The Autrement project addresses the challenges of sustainable urban mobility and planning in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. It aims to promote, on the one hand, a greater citizen participation in local governance and a sustainable urban development, and, on the other hand, soft mobility especially by encouraging biking in both Tunisian cities.  

Despite the paperless format, our stand engaged the participants and created the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, not only on transport, but also on good governance and citizens participation, the two main pillars on which ALDA and ALDA+ are based. 

We are extremely glad and proud for having had the possibility to participate in such an important event. The EDD2022 were the perfect spot to showcase, once more, ALDA’s flagship initiative the “European Support to Local Democracy”,  since it provides a complete overview on ALDA’s expertises in all target regions and underlines the fundamental role of cooperation.

DOCUMENTS

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The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova hosted, on 22 June 2022, the third edition of the Civil Society Gala 2022 and the outstanding winners of civil society organizations from the Republic of Moldova, which contributed to the consolidation of democracy, economic and social development.

Civil society organizations, beneficiaries of EU assistance, which have achieved remarkable and tangible results, while promoting European values, democracy, economic and social development, both at national and local level, have been awarded at the event, for the following categories:

  • Stronger governance
  • Stronger society
  • Stronger economy
  • Stronger connectivity

Within this framework, ALDA was awarded the European Prize for “Stronger Governance” at the 2022 Civil Society Gala, organized by the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

ALDA was awarded the European Prize for “Stronger Governance” at the 2022 Civil Society Gala

Among the remarkable results obtained, the Association managed to transform the central alley “Ștefan cel Mare şi Sfânt” in the city of Cimișlia, into a pleasant and modern public area. With the support of the European Union, the alley now offers 20 benches for passers-by, 20 rubbish bins to keep the area clean and two information panels to keep locals informed of the town hall’s activities.

Additionally, ALDA mobilized the community to restore the beauty of another symbolic recreation place, called “Vatra Cimișliei”, which the local authorities and activists turned into a real tourist gem. The Association also supported the arrangement of several places. playground for children in Cimișlia and an active recreation area for young people – in all these initiatives, local citizens were encouraged to actively participate in cooperation with local authorities.

The European Prize for “Stronger Governance” was awarded for the tangible results achieved through the implementation of the “Activating Government Reform for Improving Development”(AGREED) project, funded by the European Union. Hence, through the projects supported by AGREED, the members of the local communities participated directly in the community development in order to improve their living conditions, through the jointly planned action with the local NGOs and local authorities.

Furthermore, Citizens have increased their own capacities for action in the community, and their skills of responsible participation in ensuring good local governance.

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On June 21-22, 2022, ALDA participated in the European Partnership for Democracy Conference 2022 in Brussels. 

The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance. 

This year’s conference offered a chance to explore the future of European and global democracy during these unprecedented times. 

Nowadays, considering, on the one hand, both the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and the continued democratic backsliding around the world; or, on the other hand, the concerns risen on the issue of  rule of law within the EU, as well as the finalisation of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), it is fundamental for European states to strengthen their coordination and cooperation in defence of democratic principles.

The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance

From a general perspective, The EPD conference was divided into three panels and into six breakout rooms, each of which tackling the war in Ukraine and the state of democracy worldwide. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA and President of the EPD Board, intervened during the second panel  “State of Democracy in Europe and looking ahead to the 2024 elections”, where she discussed with other speakers the state of democracy in the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections. 

While Alexandru Coica, EaP, Russia and Central Asia coordinator, participated in the breakout session “Democracy support in repressive environments”. 

During the second day of the conference, the partners of the EPD network split up in different working groups in order to exchange ideas, thoughts and engage in constructive dialogues on common challenges, finalising the session with an interesting workshop on data visualization. 

Overall, by joining the EPD Conference 2022, ALDA wanted to highlight the importance of cooperating and creating synergies to support Ukraine and strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond. 

DOCUMENTS

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On 22 June 2022, ALDA together with Local Democracy Agencies gathered for the Conference “Supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine” in Brussels, at Residence Palace.

At the core of the conference was an update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and the implementation of ALDA’s activities to support Ukrainian civilians and people in need.

The conference consisted of two panels. The first panel started with Bruno Julian Hamm – Pütt, Konrad Adenauer foundation Kyiv opening speech, stressing how important is “to support the European path, to show the economic future while supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine”.

Similarly, Antonella Valmorbida, the Secretary-General of ALDA, presented the testimonies from Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol and Dnipro. She also explained the methods undertaken by them in terms of the promotion of democracy as well as people’s engagement.

The Association will continue its work together with Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine on activities to further promote local democracy

In addition, considering the historical and statutory bond among the Association and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe (the Congress), the Svetislav Paunovic joined on behalf of the Congress, emphasizing in his speech that support of local governance in Ukraine and the cooperative relations between local and international governments are crucial in the reconstruction of democracy. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk, President of CoR Working Group on Ukraine, was on the like mind, stressing the continuous support for the work and activities of the Agencies.

Moreover, before entering the second part of the conference, Tetiana Lomakina, Adviser-representative of the President of Ukraine on the barrier society issues and delegate of the Local Democracy Agency in Mariupol stressed: “there are three key points on which Ukraine is focusing now: the return of Ukrainian citizens back home; the preparation for the winter in order to ensure that people have a place to live; and work on the reconstruction work on damaged buildings”.

Moving on to the second session, both Local Democracy Agencies in Mariupol and Dnipro presented their work and new projects. Specifically, Anzhelika Pylypenko, the Delegate from Local Democracy Agency Dnipro, presented the “Phoenix” project. She explained that the aim of the project is to reactivate the work of the Dnipro office; consult internally displaced persons, including soldiers and families, and train civilians on how to save their lives in the time of active hostilities.

Further testimonies were shared by Olha Oliinyk, head of NGO “Ideas for People” and deputy head of the Secretariat of VOAOMS, while Inna Volkova, Councillor of Odesa Rayon Council explained the administrative system in Ukraine while sharing pilot projects on modular housing in Ukraine. Both speakers emphasised the will for future initiatives, cooperation and potential opening of the Local Democracy Agencies in Odesa and Vinnytsia.

Last but not least, LDA Mostar Delegate, Dzenana Dedic shared her experience and work of the Agency right after the Balkan war that she, together with other thousands of civilians, had to face. “Stay human!” she said, while remembering those terrible days.

Overall, ALDA has already proved its continuous commitment to helping and supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens. The Association will continue its work together with Ukrainian Local Democracy Agencies on activities to promote local democracy further.

DOCUMENTS

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The Balkan network for local democracy (BNLD) reunites for the first time in 2022 for the Regional Capacity building and Networking seminar, which took place in Novi Sad, Serbia, from the 20th to the 22nd of June 2022.

The event organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” gathered around 25 participants, trainers, guest speakers, representing BNLD members and regional CSO networks.

Capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations

The programme saw capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations.

This activity is organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” financed within the Project Protecting Civic Space –Regional Civil Society Development Hub” financed by SIDA and implemented by BCSDN.

DOCUMENTS

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The Annual General Meeting of the Balkan Network for Local Democracy(BNLD) took place on the 22nd of June 2022 in Novi Sad, Serbia. On the agenda were the election of the President, as well as the strategic accountability principles of the Network. The Delegate of Local Democracy Agency Zavidivoci, BiH, Sladjan Ilic, previously having sat in the Governing Board, was elected as the new President of BNLD.

Sladjan Ilic, previously member of the the Governing Board, is elected as the new President of BNLD

A different discussion highlighted that after the long period of COVID – 19 outbreaks, there was a generation shift in the organization and in civil society. Changes are constant and fast, on the personal, social, and organizational levels. The members agreed that a good quality and solid base for a functional registered organisation was laid out, and that the Network is ready for bigger projects.

In addition, it was pointed out that the creation of digital tools and development of the Network presence is a strong point and that the Network needs to continue working in that direction so as to lead to more sustainable projects.

BNLD, since its creation in 2019, has been actively promoting regional cooperation, local democracy, and peace and reconciliation in the Western Balkan countries.

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The project entitled “Development and advocacy project of the Concept of e-democracy of the Dnipro city until 2020” implemented by the LDA Dnipro will be presented at the 4th Eastern Partnership Youth Conference – Youth for Revitalisation of Democracy in Prague on 11-12 July 2022.

The project was supported by INNOVABRIGE Foundation and implemented in different cities in Ukraine. The city was the first one to develop the concept of the project and conduct a successful advocacy campaign for its approval by the Dnipro City Council. Young people aged 21-29 made up the main part of the Concept Development team.

Dnipro was the first city to develop the concept of the project and conduct a successful advocacy campaign for its approval by the Dnipro City Council

The main aim of the project was to facilitate e-democracy applications in the city of Dnipro. This included electronic local petitions, appeals of citizens to authorities, discussions and voting for projects, and consultations with the population on important issues for the community.

In these times, the Eastern Partnership countries experience a number of worrying trends. Specifically, rising extremism and disinformation as well as threats against journalists result in citizens’ mistrust of democratic institutions. Therefore, it is important to make young people heard at all levels in order to create democratic and inclusive societies.

The 4th Eastern Partnership Youth Conference – Youth for Revitalisation of Democracy will give the opportunity to approximately 100 young people to take part and discover methods and strategies which improve inclusive youth participation in democratic processes, as well as facilitate youth involvement at all levels of political decision-making.

ALDA congratulates the colleagues from LDA for such a great achievement!

[Picture credits: Eastern Partnership Youth Conference]

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[❗️DEADLINE POSTPONED TO 12 SEPTEMBER 2022]

The EPIC project – European Platform of Integrating Cities is a three-year project funded European Union – AMIF programme – which aims to improve the integration of migrants at the local level by creating a European network of local authorities and civil society organisations that:

A) will share knowledge and practices of inclusion of citizens from third countries,
B) engage in peer-to-peer exchanges on the basis of common priorities and different competences,
C) will develop efficient integration services within the local territories and
D) will improve capacities to counter negative narratives on migration.

Based on the transfer of knowledge and skills between local authorities and NGOs with different degrees of experience, EPIC supports practical, direct and gradual learning to improve the inclusion of migrants in each project city.

Apply to the EPIC call for proposal for two pilot project  by 12 September 2022!

Subject of the Notice and Aims of the Intervention

Within the EPIC programme, ALDA in collaboration with the Region of Sardinia and the project partners project partners, proposes an ideas competition to develop TWO PILOT PROJECTS in the Region Sardinia.

The pilot projects envisage the implementation of activities related to the themes of promotion and active socio-occupational participation of migrants, with particular reference to the valorisation of 2G young people (second generation).
The ideas may concern, by way of example only, paths that can be activated both in the school and extra-school environments, complementary to initiatives already existing in the territory of the Region of Sardinia or ex novo.

Amount of the grant

ALDA provides a budget of Euro 15,000.00 for each of the two winning projects.
Both winners shall contribute to the total budget of Euro 15,000.00 with a 45% of co-financing of the total, amounting to Euro 6,750 of co-financing not deriving from other EU funds.

[❗️DEADLINE POSTPONED TO 12 SEPTEMBER 2022]

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Related documents & info:

Call for proposal – updated [available in Italian only]
Annexes A-B. Application form [available in Italian only]
Annex C – budget [available in Italian only]
Annex D – report [available in Italian only]

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On 17 June 2022, ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida joined the webinar entitled: “Ukraine: Regional and local initiatives for support and exchanges”, organised by the Assembly for European Region (AER).

Considering the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the need to support local citizens now facing a tremendous reality, a great number of civil society organization (CSOs), institutions and other entitles have started a countless initiatives targeted to provide concrete help.

Based on its experience, concrete knowledge and field work, ALDA has presented its networks and strategy to support Ukrainian citizens at AER’s webinar

Within this framework, led by the opening speech of Magnus Berntsson, AER President, several experts and representatives of the CSOs joined the invitation to share and discuss together how to foster and further develop the ongoing actions.

Based on its experience, concrete knowledge and field work, ALDA has presented its networks and strategy to support Ukrainian citizens. Hence, since the beginning of this unjust war, the Association has proved its continuous and tireless commitment to help the colleagues form the Local Democracy Agencies in Mariupol and Dnipro, as well as other friends leaving in Ukraine.

ALDA is very much willing to keep on its activities with Ukrainian partners, while remaining available for future possibilities with new stakeholders.

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Check all the initiatives of #ALDAforUkraine
Check the agenda of the webinar

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DOCUMENTS

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Earlier this year, ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy – was awarded the Operating Grant of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union!

From a general perspective, this specific grant is articulated in the following pillars:

  1. Equality, Rights and Gender Equality; focusing on promoting rights, non-discrimination, equality (including gender equality), and advancing gender and non-discrimination mainstreaming
  2. Citizens’ engagement and participation; in terms of  promoting citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union, exchanges between citizens of different Member States, and raising awareness of the common European history
  3. Daphne; which stand for fighting violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children
  4. Union values, targeting the protection and promotion of Union values

Based and inspired by these above-mentioned guiding lights, ALDA has been fully committed in turning those goals into fact, thus engaging citizens, and local communities within its actions. The DESIRE project, aiming at raising people and especially youth’s awareness on the historical importance and the meaning of the Declaration of Schuman for the EU, is just an example.

The pillars of the CERV programme at the basis of ALDA’s projects and initiatives

Yet, the Association collaborates and exchanges with several other entities and networks, from the Local Democracy Agencies to other CSOs and institutions. 

Starting from the former, ALDA has organised a dedicated conference, involving several donors and stakeholders, on the current situation, and possible future opportunities for the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, willing to contribute to the process of peace-building, citizens’ engagement while firmly condemning this war. The conference will take place on 22 June 2022, at 2.30 PM at Residence Palace, Wetstraat 155, Brussels, Belgium

Considering the latter, ALDA will join the Award Ceremony of the European Federalist Movement in Verona, to celebrate winners of the contest “Lets’ become European citizens” on 30 June 2022 at 4 PM at Loggia Frà Giocondo, Verona, Italy.

These are just a few of the countless initiatives undertaken by ALDA, within the CERV programme, as a leading association within the democracy promotion and citizens’ engagement framework, in Europe and beyond.

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On June 15th, 2022, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA took part to “Local Democracy; Digital Accessibility & Assistive Technologies; Future of Digital Identity” a webinar in preparation of the upcoming Global Forum Event 2022, which will take place on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th October 2022 in Muscat, Oman. 

The webinar focused on Digital Accessibility, which, along with Local Democracy and Assistive Technologies, are going to be the three protagonist themes of this year’s Global Forum. 

The Global Forum/ Shaping the Future Event will take place on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th October 2022 in Muscat, Oman

After two years of suspension due to the covid pandemic, the Global Forum/ Shaping the Future Event is back to a face-to-face modality, and it foresees several speakers on the topic of digital solutions for a smarter, more sustainable and resilient world. 

Since 1992, the Global Forum gathers together experts of different fields in order to discuss the main technologic, economic, social, societal, political and ethical issues and challenges that affect the digital society. 

ALDA believes that digitalisation comes with challenges and opportunities and that it needs to be guided by a long term strategy, not only digital but also cultural. This strategy is the key to exploit the potential that digitalisation offers, while ensuring data protection and digital security. 

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“United in diversity” is not only the motto of the European Union, but also the fundamental idea on which the LET’S MEET project is based. 

The LET’S MEET project aims at erasing the geographical borders by sharing, through the use of new media such as podcasts, biographies of the most prominent figures of European cultures in order to highlight and embrace the cultural diversity rooted in European history. 

The main idea behind this project is to disseminate knowledge on European multicultural personalities which have made cultural diversity their most powerful weapon, transferring ideas and artistic motives across Europe, thus contributing to the construction of the European Cultural Community and Civic Identity.

“United in diversity” is not only the motto of the European Union, but also the fundamental idea on which the LET’S MEET project is based. 

Halfway through the end of the project, the partners of the LET’S MEET project decided to meet for their first International face-to-face Meeting on 7&8 June in Brussels.

During this two-days long event, the partners discussed the achievements of the project and outlined its future directions, exchanging ideas and thoughts and creating a melting pot of cultures. In addition, they had the opportunity to get to know better the personalities that shaped Brussels, by walking through the streets of a city that is the very essence of multiculturality.

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From the 9th to the 12th of June, the Part-Y project has been part of the FAIR Mobile Exhibition fleet for the New European Bauhaus Festival! 

The Part-Y project, represented by ALDA and Kallipolis, took part in the festival and exchanged with citizens the project and their expertise on placemaking and urban planning, by sharing its handbook to support young people in placemaking activities! 

The festival was an incredible opportunity to raise awareness on the project and on the inclusion of the youth in decision-making processes in regards to placemaking. 

After the project explanation, Part-Y’s delegates interacted with guests and passers-by, asking them questions and suggestions on placemaking, on what they would like to change or what is missing in public spaces.

The festival was an incredible opportunity to raise awareness on the project and on the inclusion of the youth in decision-making processes in regards to placemaking

The first edition of the European Bauhaus festival, organised by the European Commission, was attended by more than 100 projects, alongside concerts and artistic and cultural performances in several European cities and online. It was an amazing opportunity to explore the New European Bauhaus values of beauty, sustainability and togetherness, and their power to address societal challenges.

Do not miss the next activities of the PART-Y project by following us on social media: 

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46 months of activities, 6 partners, 7 concrete interventions to implement Natural Water-Retention Measures, 1 mission: implementing a strategy for adaptation to climate change and flood risk in urban and rural areas, through the active involvement of local communities. This is the project Life Beware, whose results were presented in the final event on June 4th in Santorso.

During the whole day, participants were able to get to know the project’s achievements in depth, and to reflect together on potential future developments and actions that can be implemented as a follow up.

In the morning, Life Beware facilitator Giulio Pesenti held the “Life Beware, e poi?” [“Life Beware, then what?”] workshop using the Open Space Technology methodology. The latter is an innovative way of organizing workshops and laboratories, which fuels participants’ passion and interest by allowing them to choose the ways of working that they find most useful and productive.

“Now we have a great responsibility: accompanying other institutional actors and territories to strongly commit to environmental and hydraulic resilience, guarding the delicate balance between man and nature” (Franco Balzi – Mayor of Santorso)

Moreover, in the late afternoon with the final conference and round table entitled: “Acqua, Resilienza e Territorio. Attività e Risultati del Progetto LIFE BEWARE” [“Water, Resilience and Territory. Activities and Results of the LIFE BEWARE Project”]. During the first part, representatives of the project shared the most innovative and interesting results for the AltoVicentino area from the point of view of their Organization. Furthermore, the second part saw the contribution of representatives from Ispra, ViAcqua, Centro Internazionale Civiltà dell’Acqua ONLUS and Anbi Veneto for a shared reflection on the environmental resilience of our territory and how to best involve citizens on these issues. The actor Diego Dalla Via moderated the event and animated it with short performances on the topic of water and climate change during interludes.

The consortium is really proud of the achievements of the project, and it is also happy to have shared with so many people knowledge, best practices and questions related to the world of climate change, promoting an active and constructive dialogue on the challenges of the climate crisis.

Thanks again to everyone who participated!

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The final event was preceded by two days of Professional training that took place both online and in-person on the 31st of May and 1st of June. The training targeted technicians and professionals, focusing on stormwater management in urban and agricultural environments for flood prevention and land adaptation to climate change. This opportunity also included on site visits of the NWRM implemented. Professional Training Credits were officially recognized by the Veneto Order of Geologists and the Order of Agronomists and Foresters. The training was led by Prof. Lucia Bortolini, Prof. Vincenzo D’agostino and Dr. Francesco Bettella of the TESAF Department of the University of Padua, Ing.  Paolo Ronco of Centro Rive, Dr. Roberto Fiorentin of Veneto Agricoltura and Ing. Laura Di Prima of Consorzio di Bonifica Alta Pianura Veneta.

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How far are communities able to support EU Mobile Citizens (EUMCs), and how do the latter experience the move from a Member State to another, especially in terms of accessibility of services in the digital era?

APProach project has successfully responded to these challenges, thus willing to narrow the gap among citizens, and Local Authorities.
To do so, a dedicated digital ecosystem has been created, to help EU citizens facing obstacles when deciding to move with their families to another EU country: poor administrative services, social inclusion, schooling insertion, additional requirements to register to vote/stand as a candidate in the European Parliament or the municipal elections.
Indeed, the APProach digital ecosystem provides quick access to information concerning voting, education, civic life, social life, as well as how to get started in your host city!

After months of its conclusion, its contribution is still worthwhile and useful for the entire community… but let’s take a closer look.

Starting in 2018, and willing to increase the knowledge on EUMCs rights, as well as sharing information on the bureaucratic steps those citizens will encounter, APProach project saw the commitment of six municipalities gathering together in order to provide support to new European comers.

APProach digital ecosystem: the go-to source to get access to information concerning voting, education, civic and social life

Despite the challenges foreseen and tackled within the project, a greater one affected this initiative as it did with many others: COVID-19. Hence, the entire project was greatly impacted by this tremendous health crisis, yet without dauntening the partners of the project.

Thus, in March 2021 a series of three webinars marked the conclusion of this project, debating not only on the concept of citizenship; but also on the impact of COVID19 on digital tools, and new forms of civic participation such as e-voting.

Hence, from a general perspective, achievements can be summarised into five main pillars:

  1.  Community and network: have an added value per se, especially in reflecting and analysing the the efficiency and challenges of the Local Authorities when welcoming EUMCs;
  2.  The Digital Ecosystem: represents a new communication tool and the ultimate go-to source for EUMCs and municipalities;
  3. Visibility and communication: several outputs have been implemented, from small videos to reports and news, willing to spread the value and mission of the project;
  4. Training: to Local Authorities and civil society, contributing to a better understanding and implementation of “European Citizens” definition;
  5. Concreteness: 60 people within the municipalities’ staff have been engened, thus benefiting, as a spillover effect, 7500 EUMCs (as the indications of the application).

If the above-mentioned pillars were specifically related to the peculiarities of the project itself, it is worth mentioning also some single actions conducted by the partners and related to the overall achievement of the APProach aims.

Related to the fifth pillar, concreteness, in the framework of the EU parliament and administrative elections, for example, APProach provided great support to the EUMCs in the Milano Municipality.

Similarly, Erasmus students in Lisbon do represent a great percentage of Mobile Citizens in the Portuguese capital: therefore, the municipality, considering the positive tool developed by APProach, targeted the latter exactly in support of those new students.

In addition, but more on the CSOs side, in light of the the role of ALDA within the Conference on the Future of Europe, as well as a key stakeholder in democracy promotion and civic engagement, the Association took the positive experience of APProach as a best-practice example when it comes to the relation between democracy and digitalization, especially in terms of citizenship. Thus, in its flagship initiative European Support for Local Democracy, the project represents the perfect in-between of “the need to meet the top-down approach coming from the various institutions and bottom-up approach coming from the citizens, the civil society organisations when digital tools are in question to improve the exercise of the citizens’ rights.”

Overall, despite the incidental crises posed by COVID-19, partners managed not only to achieve the initial goals, but also single partners got inspired by this project, fully implementing it at local level, while empowering EU Mobile Citizens.

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DOCUMENTS

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On May 24th-25th, 2022 a Transnational Partners Meeting of the 3STEPS project was held in Athens, Greece, with partners both on site and online.

During the meeting, partners discussed the implementation of the piloting phases for both methods of inclusion of disadvantaged migrant youth in the 5 implementing countries through a training of educators/trainers/teachers and the training of mentors. Moreover, partners shared good practices in implementing the youth training with young refugees and migrants at local level while continuing in discussing the creation of the 3 STEPS Network and dissemination/exploitation of the project.

Transnational Partners Meeting of the 3STEPS project was held in Athens, Greece, with partners both on site and online.

Therefore, the meeting was the occasion for the whole consortium to discuss the progress and reflect on the effective promotion of developed materials and methodologies to support the integration of migrant and refugee learners!

The project combines the motivating effect of ethnic role models with a blended mentoring approach that was especially developed on the basis of migrants’ needs.

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About 3STEPS

3STEPS – Fostering Education and Inclusion of disadvantaged refugee and migrant learners is a EU project funded by Erasmus Plus KA3 which involves partners from 5 countries, namely Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and France. The project aims to upscale two methods: first good practice is known as “Basic Education” and the second good practice, “TANDEM NOW” which involves Ethnic Role Model Mentors and aims at helping youth with a migration background develop social and professional skills as well as the support needed to stay in school.

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On 7-8 of June, ALDA took part in the CAMELOT project event hosted by Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal (AMP). During two-days meeting, partners shared experiences regarding the management of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI)

The event started with the intervention of Manuel Pizarro, Member of the European Parliament, who presented the role of Integrated Territorial Investments in metropolitan areas, underlining the importance of local and regional governments in the functioning of the EU institutions.

António Cunha, President of the North Regional Coordination and Development Commission, presented the experience of his region in designing and negotiating the North 2030 Operational Programme which gather EU funding for the territory. According to him, and within the framework of implementation of a new legislation on decentralization in Portugal, ITI will gather stakeholders, the same vision of development.

Echoing Cunha’s presentation, Filipe Ferreira, Metropolitan Executive Officer Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) and Vicente Pinto, Metropolitan Executive Officer AMP presented the results of the  2020 Strategies as well as their expectations for 2030 ones.

Similarly, participants from the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, the Metropolitan City of Milan, the Metropolitan City of Bari, the City of Zagreb, the Stuttgart Region and the Craiova municipality presented their experience in managing ITI as well as their concerns regarding the trend toward centralization of EU funding. ALDA invited the participants to join its working group on Local Democracy, advocating for necessary evolutions of ITI management modalities and to deepen the involvement of citizens in the development and implementation Integrated Territorial Investments funded projects.

ALDA  advocates for necessary evolutions of ITI management modalities and to deepen the involvement of citizens in the development and implementation of Integrated Territorial Investments funded projects

On Wednesday 8 June, the second day of the meeting, the group visited the Leça’s Green Corridor project. The 29-mile-long River Leça springs in Santo Tirso, at an altitude of 475 m, and flows into the sea in Matosinhos. For several decades, it was considered one of the most polluted rivers in Europe. In 2016, the four municipalities through which the river flows – Matosinhos, Maia, Valongo and Santo Tirso – joined forces and began working on the consolidation, strategy and definition of a plan for the Leça Corridor, at an early stage within the Porto Metropolitan Area, and then by themselves.

These municipalities presented “Leça’s Green Corridor”, an environmental and mobility project, with strong cultural, economic, touristic and social character, which will allow the landscape and environmental improvement of the River Leça and its banks, while contributing to territorial cohesion, connecting coastline and inland through a specific channel dedicated to soft transport modes.

In addition to that, the project foresees the construction of a pedestrian and cycling path, creating a mobility alternative on foot and by bicycle for daily travel among the surrounding areas. “Leça’s Green Corridor” will be the first step towards the river’s full depollution and the amelioration of the river banks’ landscape, transforming them into leisure areas. The improvement and revitalization process has already begun, supported by European Community funds through the Urban Development Strategy Plans (PEDUS) of the municipalities involved.

Finally, partners gathered in the Church and Museum of Porto’s Misericórdia (MMIPO). Located in Porto’s historical centre’s Rua das Flores, in the building that headquartered the institution from the mid- sixteenth century to 2013. Over the centuries, the building has undergone several changes, the most recent being its adaptation for museum functions. The Museum has the double goal of spreading Porto’s Santa Casa da Misericórdia’s history and its institutional purposes, and of displaying its art collections, by providing a set of resources representing the memory and identity of this organisation, and projecting it into the future. A visit to the Museum is also an opportunity to learn more about the past and present of this area of the city.

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