When it comes to concretely support and fund citizens’ engagement, as well as the implementation of rights and European values, a key tool to bear in mind is the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme – also known as CERV. The latter will tackle those areas, previously targeted by both the “Europe for Citizens” programme and the “Rights, Equality and Citizenship ” one. Yet, for the seven upcoming years, projects will all merge under this single programme –  CERV.

More into details, CERV has to be understood as a programme targeted to protect and promote both rights and values, which are enshrined in the Treaties, as well as in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Furthermore, it is intended to support CSOs and stakeholders actively involved in promoting democracy and citizens’ engagement at different levels: from local to international.

Support CSOs and stakeholders actively involved in promoting democracy and citizens’ engagement

Besides, the programme is divided into four pillars, each of which is focusing on a specific area: 

1. Union values: to protect, promote and raise awareness on rights. Within this pillar, financial support is given to CSOs working in this sector, and active in the strengthening of the democratic  framework;
2. Equality, Rights and Gender Equality: to promote rights, non-discrimination, equality, including gender equality. Projects supported by this pillar are targeted to – for example – fight discrimination, protect rights of the child and prople with disabilities;
3. Citizens’ engagement and participation: to encourage citizens’ involvement in the democratic life of the Union. This pillar is also designed to foster exchanges among Member States, and to raise awareness on the European history;
4. Daphne: to support and promote the victims of violence. Projects under this pillar are aimed to prevent and fight all forms of gender-based violence, of violence against children or other groups at risk

Concerning the budgetary aspect, the latter amounts to over 1.55 billion euros. Hence, CERV programme is included within the Cohesion, Resilience and Value heading, which is one of the seven ones listed within the Multiannual Financial Framework.  

In addition, CERV opens up to CSOs, stakeholders and any interested parties to join the CERV – Civil Dialogue Week 2021 taking place from May 25th to May 28th 2021.

As project developers, democracy and citizens’ participation promoter, ALDA is glad to learn that not only the final budget allocated has doubled, but also that great support has been given to these programmes, and to each player engaged in this sector. Thus, ALDA has always been committed to concretely turned values and principles of these programmes into concrete actions. For example, when it comes to “promote Unione Values” (pillar 1), one can think of the recently implemented DESIRE Project; focusing on the Schuman Declaration; or the successfully concluded GET UP project, when tackling “Equality, Rights and Gender Equality” (pillar 2). Last but not least, since day one ALDA has been a strategic partner to the European Commission, a relationship strengthened by worthwhile and constant “structural dialogue”, which has positively impacted on a wide number of communities in the EU and beyond.

Useful links:

• EU Regulation – establishing CERV
• Civil Dialogue Week – Agenda
• CERV – Published calls 

During its 20 years of life, ALDA has been more and more engaged in the Eastern Partnership, especially in Ukraine, when it comes to democracy promotion, support to local authorities and civil society, and development of good governance.

Thus, on April the 20th 2021, ALDA was invited to join the “Public consultations as a tool of participatory democracy. World practises and standards”. The event, promoted by the Ukrainian Parliamentary Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development, saw the participation of ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, also in the capacity of expert of the Council of Europe (CoE).

Support of decentralisation processes and in the promotion of public administration reforms in Ukraine

The online conference followed an agenda structured into two parts: a first panel discussion focusing on the “Current state of public consultations in Ukraine and presentation of the legislative initiative regarding its improvement”. The discussion involved ministers, members of the Parliament, experts and associations’ representatives from Ukraine discussing and sharing their perspectives and insights as far as the topic of the panel concerned.

“An international experience in conducting public consultation. Lessons from Ukraine” was the theme of the second panel, which saw the participation of ALDA Secretary General, as keynote speaker, together with delegates from European and international institutions. The latter served as a platform to reflect, debate and share knowledge when it comes to democracy promotion, decentralisation and good governance. Moreover, within this framework, ALDA’s contribution was particularly relevant in light of its proven experience in the support of decentralisation processes and in the promotion of public administration reforms in Ukraine.

The video conference was held in cooperation with:

• Minister of Justice of Ukraine
• Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
• OSCE
• National Democratic Institute (NDI)
• UKAID
• USAID
• Global Communities Partners for Good
• Fond Skhidna Yevropa
• Прямуємо разом
• EU4PAR
• SIGMA
• OECD
• Council of Europe

Thursday and Friday the 22^nd and the 23^rd of April were two meaningful days for the online introduction of the project VALID – European Towns – Enacting Common Values of Solidarity and Intercultural Dialogue. This two-days online event was organised by the municipality of Larissa (Greece) together with various stakeholders placed at different level:

• The municipality of Peja (Kosovo*) as the lead partner;
• The municipalities of Zadivovici (Bosnia and Hezergovina), Niksic (Montenegro), Knjazevac (Serbia), Patos (Albania), Kumanovo (North Macedonia);
• The cities of Ravenna (Italy), Larissa (Greece);
• The Association for Developing Voluntary Work Novo Mesto (Slovenia); and
• The Local Democracy Agencies such LDA Kosovo and LDA Subotica and ALDA, as partners of the project.

The main objective of the project, as M. George Soultis said during the first meeting, “is to build connections between European cities”. Indeed, the VALID project aims to build a strong network of towns committed to intercultural exchange by using dialogue and open spaces through the promotion of cultural participation and civil society in decision-making. This strong network of cities was thought as a way to build bridges and connections while establishing a common legal frame.

Moreover, this international event offered an opportunity to reflect on different European matters such as, for example, on candidates to the EU adhesion. Additionally, it was the occasion to share experiences and knowledge about certain facts that might inspire other stakeholders; empathising – among other things – on the role of cities and municipalities in the establishment of a well-functioning democratic society; by insisting on the idea that changes can be made at the local level.

The principle of local participation is a key factor in making sustainable cities in the future

Over these two days of cultural interaction and discussion, a lot of speakers got involved and shared their visions and progresses made at their own level: the principle of local participation is a key factor in making sustainable cities in the future. Hence, speakers underlined the necessity to facilitate interactions between the local governments and stakeholders coming from the civic society. The example of the municipality of Larissa showed as a successful story, encouraging and giving inspiration to other participants.

As the different speakers were sharing their experiences, the conversation lead to a couple of reflections on social inclusion, such as:

• It goes before cultural inclusion;
• It has to do with social identity which in some countries can lead to exclusion due to different opinion, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity;
• Despite the fact that inclusion should belong to a moral consideration, societies would actually benefit from a clear process of inclusion as it would generate economical assets.

Furthermore, the event served as a moment of discussion also as far as the multi-stakeholder approach within a project concerns. More in depths, it will quite often be a beneficial practice, especially when it comes to countries motivated by the same outcome. Yet, education, work, or school but more importantly, local governments could play a key part by implementing functioning tools to avoid discrimination – be it exclusion of some people due to their origin, ethnicity, race, or belief.

At last, the level of transparency and of public consultation was also addressed. As a matter of fact, young people have shown a high level of interest in political actions, making them potential “change promoters”, who will present a positive impact on decision-making process.

Concluding, this project is placing intercultural dialogue and exchange at the heart of it and aims to address exclusion and marginalisation while giving power to the citizens.

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VALID project engages 12 partners in 10 countries and it is financially supported by the Europe for Citizens programme

On Monday, April 26th, on the occasion of the World Democracy Forum (WDF), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has organised an online event. This ninth edition of the WDF foresees monthly debates on different topics, ending on November 2021 with the final event. Having that in mind, let’s see what the April edition was about!  Focusing on the environment, the debate served as a moment of discussion and reflection on the actions taken at local level as far as green transition initiatives and citizens’ participation  are concerned.

Promoting debate among institutions and representatives of the civil society is an essential factor

In light of her expertise on environmental issues, Ms Nataša Vučković, ALDA Governing Board member, was among the keynote speakers of the event. Representing the Center for Democracy Foundation, Ms Vučković shared key insights on the topic as well as good practices of green transition measures, with a specific focus on the Balkan Region. Furthermore, she has a proven track on rule of law, human rights and parliamentary procedures; being also a member of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 

On behalf of ALDA as a whole, we take the occasion to thank and congratulate the Congress for the organisation of this  event: we are deeply convinced that promoting debate among institutions and representatives of the civil society is an essential factor to raise awareness and stimulate concrete actions and cooperation among stakeholders. 

Watch the video about WDF

ALDA has been supporting the communication between civil society, local associations and authorities in Tunisia for many years. 

ALDA Tunisia under the leadership of Solidarité Laïque gave birth to Municivile project. The project aims to contribute to the construction of an effective local democracy in Tunisia, taking into account the needs of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and to strengthen the participation of Tunisian civil society in the implementation of the decentralisation process in the country.

To better do that, the project was divided into three main action fronts, each administered with the mutual cooperation of a Tunisian and a French institution: 

• Education
• Social and Solidarity Economy
• Local and participative democracy

ALDA and Scouts Tunisiens associations, coordinator of the local and participative democracy pole, established the MUNICIVIL project which designed an extensive plan of actions, focused on advocacy and capacity building to help CSOs to reach citizens, understand their needs and contribute to the construction of an inclusive and participative democracy in Tunisia. Their main actions involve:

• Trainings of Trainers (ToT) (administrative staff, elected officials and civil society actors);
• Training on local democracy and participation
• Local public consultations;
• Exchange visits between France and Tunisia
• Financing Masters studies and promoting Civic engagement of Sub Saharan Master students.

Promoting a long lasting and durable transformation towards the reduction of inequalities, expansion of local participation and to the decentralisation process in Tunisia

From a general perspective, PCPA trainings reached out not only CSOs involved, but also local government and educational institutions; promoting a long lasting and durable transformation towards the reduction of inequalities, expansion of local participation and to the decentralisation process in Tunisia. Significant improvements from it can already be observed:

• CSOs have increased their capacity to understand and voice the citizens’ needs, while  improving their methods on the implementation of an effective participatory democracy and enhancing their engagement in local and national decision-making process;
• Methods from the trainings have been spread to other CSOs, local government and educational institutions
• The communication and dissemination of project results have been more effective
• Tunisian and European local authorities have been progressing towards the decentralisation process by strengthening their cooperation

Yet, this is not everything. Thus, activities are still going on, focusing on:  

• The third training session for administrative staff, elected officials and civil society actors from a range of selected municipalities;
• The partnership with Faculty of political, social and juridical sciences (Faculté des sciences juridiques, politiques et sociales) of Tunis in order to fund 3 master thesis on Local Governance and related themes;
• The launch of local events on 12 different municipalities to promote civil society consultation and municipality commissions trainings;

Bear in mind that these are only a few actions developed within the PCPA’s framework and a series of other actions are expected to be put in place throughout the rest of the  year. 

To know more about Société Laïque, please visit their website: https://www.solidarite-laique.org/ 

Last March 29th, took place, by videoconference, the “European Stakeholders’ Platform of the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at the Local Level” – an important session organised by the Council of Europe to review the state of the democracy and good governance in the CoE-member countries. Such an assessment has been carried out according to the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) and the 12 principles of Good Governance.

ALDA has received the accreditation to implement ELoGE in Croatia and North Macedonia until June 2023

More in particular, the meeting was the occasion for ALDA, and other European Oganisations, to presents the accreditation and renewal requests to implement ELoGE in targeted territories.

We are thus proud and excited to announce that ALDA, has received the accreditation to implement ELoGE in Croatia and North Macedonia until June 2023.

Similarly to our past actions in Moldova and Ukraine, during the next 2 years ALDA will deliver specialised trainings to local and regional authorities, civil society organisations and citizens of around 15 Croatian and Macedonian municipalities. Such courses will provide those stakeholders with an in- depth knowledge of democratic processes and tools, enabling and monitoring the implementation of the 12 principles of good democratic governance at the local level.

We look forward to continue our mission of empowering local communities all over the Enlarged Europe, working side by side with the Council of Europe and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, by means of our strong partnership and shared vision.

On Tuesday, April 13th – ALDA Secretary General Secretary Antonella Valmorbida has been invited, with other experts, to take part in the Committee of Ministers’ hearing session at the Council of Europe. This is the first time that Civil Society Organisations have been invited to join; thus this occasion gained particular relevance in the process of making citizens’ voice heard at European level.

Entitled “Elections during the Covid-19 crisis: the role of civil society organisation”, the informal exchange of views was structured on two rounds of questions. ALDA Secretary General was among the representatives of CSOs invited to the first moment of discussion, together with:

• Mr Ken Godfrey, Executive Director, European Partnership for Democracy;
• Ms Tanja Hollstein, Senior Election Adviser, Westminster Foundation for Democracy;
• Ms Ana Rusu, Senior Election Adviser, Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw.

CSOs can play an essential role […] in ensuring “that electoral processes are efficient, trusted and in line with international standards”

During the “Question A” panel, experts and professionals got the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience as far as the work of CSOs concerns, in light of the current health crisis. More in depth, guest speakers discussed how Civil Society Organisations, in general, have been able to keep contacts with  their public, to continue their work, while adapting their methods. Besides, experts reflected on how the election processes have been managed, also to ensure voter information, education and outreach.

The second half of the session was dedicated to the “Question B” panel, investigating if the Covid-19 pandemic favoured both the use of new digital technologies in electoral processes and awareness raising campaigns. Besides, guests speakers reflected on both the advantages and risks of technological tools (e-registration, e-voting, counting) themselves.

Finally, as reported in the Concluding Remarks, the role of CSOs in acting in an “unbiased and impartial way” was underlined, especially  as far as the promotion of “trust in the electoral processes” concerns. Furthermore, it has been noted how, Civil Society Organisations can play an essential role, together with authorities, in ensuring “that electoral processes are efficient, trusted and in line with international standards”

ALDA is motivated to keep its commitment both at local and international level in promoting democracy and citizens’ participation; welcoming and boosting for this initiative of mutual-share among CSOs and institutions.

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Useful links:

Read Antonella Valmorbida’s full speech

To further read on the Concluding Remarks click on this link

To know more on the speakers please visit the CoE Agenda