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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

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On May 22 ALDA had the great honour to accompany the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan (HAB) at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. 

This meeting underscored the mutual commitment of both organisations to fostering sustainable development and promoting democratic values through their collaborative efforts. The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation of the HAB’s activities, followed by an in-depth discussion on the collaborative framework with ALDA under the “Voice for Green Change Partnership.” This partnership is a testament to the shared values and objectives of ALDA and HAB, focusing on fostering local democracy, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. 

The Handicrafts Association of Bhutan represents numerous small businesses that face a myriad of challenges in their daily operations, hindering their growth and potential

HAB’s approach to addressing these challenges involves inspiring policy change from the grassroots level—a bottom-up democratic method that aligns seamlessly with ALDA’s mission and expertise. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that economic development does not compromise environmental sustainability, a core value shared by both HAB and ALDA. 

One of the key aspects of this partnership is the exchange of knowledge and practices related to energy efficiency and sustainability. The Bhutanese Handicrafts Association is keen to adopt energy-saving techniques and innovative approaches to sustainability, leveraging the insights gained from European projects facilitated by ALDA. This exchange is crucial for promoting green practices within Bhutan’s handicrafts sector and beyond. 

The “Voice for Green Change Partnership” aims to enhance intra-institutional dialogue and coordination, promoting good governance and development within Bhutan’s private sector. Bhutan’s significant milestone in 2023, becoming the 7th country to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), highlights the nation’s progress in welfare and economic development. 

This partnership seeks to build on this progress by fostering formal linkages between people, SMEs, CSOs, local authorities, and the central government, while ensuring the adoption of green practices and resilience-focused policies. The Bhutanese delegation’s journey in Europe, starting from the ALDA General Assembly and Festival 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, reflects their commitment to learning and collaboration. 

This trip to the Bhutanese Embassy provided an invaluable opportunity for the Bhutanese representatives to engage with European counterparts, share experiences, and explore new avenues for sustainable development and democratic governance. ALDA is proud to support the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan in its pursuit of a more interconnected and sustainable future. Through this partnership, both organisations aim to drive green development from the grassroots level, ensuring that democratic initiatives underpin their efforts. 

By working together, ALDA and HAB are poised to make significant strides towards a greener, more resilient world. 

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On the afternoon of May 15, 2024, the ALDA Festival and General Assembly hosted an amazing event entitled “Introduction to TALD for CSO and Local and Regional Governments: presenting the methodology and raise awareness on how to use it” within its framework, focusing on advancing territorial development and decentralisation. 

This year’s assembly emphasised the European Consensus on Development (2017), reaffirming the EU’s commitment to poverty eradication and the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

The European Consensus on Development outlines a holistic vision where poverty eradication remains the primary objective. This vision integrates sustainable development’s economic, social, and environmental aspects. Central to this approach is the concept of territorial development, increasingly recognised for its effectiveness in addressing global challenges through tailored, localised strategies.

Territorial approaches to development leverage the collective efforts of community actors to address common challenges through context-specific actions and policies. These approaches view territories as governance spaces where local actors can conceive and implement future projects, embodying a bottom-up methodology essential for sustainable development.

The Territorial Approach to Local Development (TALD)

The European Commission has crafted its territorial strategy known as the “Territorial Approach to Local Development” (TALD). TALD aligns seamlessly with the principles of the Territorial Perspective for Development (TP4D) promoted by the International Alliance, fostering a development perspective rooted in territorial specificity. In the broader debate, the territorial approach is seen as a potent tool for addressing the objectives of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to incorporate subnational entities into the development process. The Global Gateway, as articulated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, represents “a template for how Europe can build more resilient connections with the world.” This strategy is crucial in narrowing the global investment gap and enhancing global development partnerships.

Key Workshops and Discussions

The ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 featured a workshop that delved deeply into these themes, divided into two crucial segments. The first part established a methodological framework for the TALD approach, elucidating its implications and advantages for the involved territories. This segment aimed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how TALD can foster sustainable local development.

Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, kicked off the workshop with introductory words and the presentation of ALDA’s flagship initiative on TALD. Her insights set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the territorial approach, highlighting its significance and potential impact on local development.

Eugène Zapata Garesché, Team Leader of the TALD Facility, then delved into the specific tools and opportunities that the TALD methodology offers. His presentation provided practical insights and frameworks that territories can adopt to enhance their local development strategies.

The second part of the workshop shifted focus to the current state of decentralisation policies on the African continent. Agustí Fernández de Losada, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Global Cities Programme at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs), presented the key findings of a recent Decentralisation Study in Africa (2023) conducted by the TALD Facility. His analysis covered recent policies and decisions influencing decentralisation, the challenges faced by Africa’s local and regional governments, and potential opportunities for EU support.

This discussion was particularly pertinent in light of the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 European Commission Communication “Empowering Local Authorities in Partner Countries for Enhanced Governance and More Effective Development Outcomes.”

The ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 underscored the importance of territorial development and decentralisation as vital components of sustainable development. Through focused workshops and insightful presentations, the event highlighted how localised, community-driven approaches can address global challenges and foster resilient, inclusive growth.

As we come together to exchange insights, strategies, and innovations, the ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 promises to be a symbol of collaboration and progress, highlighting the transformative power of territorial development in shaping sustainable futures.

DOCUMENTS

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Barcelona, 15 May 2024, the EU-funded EPIC-UP project kicked off with the aim of developing and testing integration strategies for the inclusion of migrants at local level. From the 13th to the 15th of May 2024, the partner organisations gathered in Barcelona, Spain, for the launch meeting, hosted by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), in the framework of The ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 – “Local Democracy for Global Impact”. The EPIC-UP partners participated at this event to explore synergies with other migration initiatives.

The general objective of EPIC-UP is to validate a multi-stakeholder methodology for local integration of migrants and refugees, capable of improving collaboration between stakeholders, such as migrants and migrants-led organizations, public authorities, and civil society organisations so that the integration strategies are user-centred, and thus more effective.  

The project’s approach includes involving stakeholders throughout the design and implementation cycle, tapping into the potential of existing best practices that other peers can share and test it in small-scale environments. The integration strategies will be socially innovative in their ends, because they track an unmet societal challenge, but also in their means, as the migrants and refugees will be put at the centre of the design. 

EPIC-UP will establish Community of Practices (CoPs) in six EU countries (Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain) where good practices and strategies will be leveraged. The CoPs will test and consolidate six new integration services through a social experimentation process that involves co-creation steps carried out jointly by the diverse stakeholders engaged.

The 12 partner organizations gathered in Barcelona for the project’s kick-off meeting, hosted by ALDA in the framework of Local Democracy for Global Impact festival

Benefits for both urban and rural areas

The integration of migrants benefits both urban and rural areas in the EU in various ways. Urban areas, where most migrants reside, stand to gain from the diverse cultural perspectives and economic contributions migrants bring. While many national strategies still are designed without proper consultation of the local level stakeholders, cities have a wealth of experience in implementing evidence-based integration policies. By tapping into this experience through peer learning and better coordination among stakeholders, urban centres can enhance their integration efforts and promote social cohesion. Moreover, involving migrants directly in the democratic process and public life can strengthen political participation, addressing one of the weakest areas of integration policy and fostering a more inclusive society.

Meanwhile, in rural areas, the integration of migrants offers opportunities for economic revitalization and demographic rejuvenation. Their settlement can counteract population decline and aging demographics, providing a workforce and injecting energy into local industries. Additionally, by dispersing the population, the integration of migrants helps alleviate the strain on urban areas facing issues of overpopulation, resource depletion, and social exclusion.

Thus, fostering integration initiatives in both urban and rural settings not only enriches communities culturally but also promotes economic sustainability and social cohesion across the EU.

Project’s expected impact

The EPIC-UP project aims to enhance the social inclusion of migrants across six EU countries by developing and testing an inclusive participatory methodology. It will disseminate best practices in local migrant integration strategies and empower migrants and refugees to engage more actively in public spheres, ensuring their voices are better heard. The project will also implement a capacity-building programme to promote migrant participation in integration policy design and execution, produce policy recommendations for more resilient migration policies, and test six new local integration services.

About EPIC-UP

EPIC-UP is an initiative funded by the AMIF programme of the European Union (EU) and coordinated by ALDA. It brings together 12 partner organizations and 13 associated partners from 8 different EU countries. The project will capitalise on the existing knowledge and know-how of the consortium working on migrant integration and inclusion to design an enhanced model of multi-actor collaboration to develop, test and implement local integration strategies.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

On May 15, 2024, ALDA hosted its annual Festival & General Assembly in Barcelona, featuring a panel discussion titled “Local Democracy in a Shifting Landscape: Reassessing the EU Enlargement Agenda in Eastern Partnership Countries & Its Implications.” The event highlighted ALDA’s ongoing initiatives and the critical challenges facing Eastern Partnership countries amid geopolitical tensions and aspirations for European integration. The panel aimed to foster collaboration and showcase the experiences of partners in these regions.

ALDA has played a proactive role in Eastern Partnership countries, significantly ramping up efforts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Recognised as a strategic partner of the European Commission in 2024, ALDA signed a Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) to bolster civil society organisations (CSOs) in the region over the next four years. By collaborating with local partners, ALDA has introduced participatory measures at the local level, fostering resilience and solidarity among civil society and local authorities.

The panel featured insights from various stakeholders, addressing unique challenges and progress in Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It also included a guest speaker from the Association of Cities in Croatia and a representative from the DG NEAR of the European Commission.

Moldova: Enhancing Trust Through Participatory Budgeting

In Moldova, efforts to meet European democratic standards have been underscored by the introduction of participatory budgeting. This tool involves citizens in local policymaking, building trust in local authorities by supporting grassroots community-based organisations and demonstrating the impact of citizen participation.

Georgia: Civic Engagement for European Integration

Georgia’s commitment to European integration was marked by its 2023 candidacy for EU membership. Strong civic engagement at the local level is seen as crucial for effectively implementing EU regulations and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard. Local initiatives have been launched to educate and involve communities, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in the democratic process.

Ukraine: Strengthening Community Resilience Amid Conflict

In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has led to robust cooperation between local authorities and the state. Projects such as centers for children and women affected by war, offering psychological support and various activities, have been made possible through ALDA’s support. This collaboration has strengthened community resilience and highlighted the importance of civic engagement in times of crisis.

Armenia: Maintaining Democratic Momentum

Armenia’s journey towards democracy has faced setbacks due to geopolitical shifts, particularly the 2013 decision to move away from EU integration. Despite these challenges, efforts have focused on promoting citizen participation and enhancing local accountability and transparency. Initiatives to involve citizens in local governance have been crucial in maintaining democratic momentum.

Belarus: Sustaining Civil Society Under Repression

In Belarus, the struggle for democracy has been exacerbated by government repression, necessitating underground solidarity movements. Support channels, such as solidarity foundations and specific dialogue channels with the European Commission, have been crucial in sustaining local civil society efforts.

Croatia: Lessons from EU Accession

Croatia’s successful experience of EU accession has highlighted the importance of political consensus and efforts at all government levels. The benefits of EU membership, including project financing opportunities and stricter regulations, have been highlighted alongside the challenges faced by local authorities in navigating these changes.

The panel underscored the diverse challenges and achievements within Eastern Partnership countries, emphasising the critical role of local democracy and citizen participation in navigating these turbulent times.

ALDA’s efforts and strategic partnerships continue to play a pivotal role in supporting these nations’ aspirations for democratic governance and European integration. As the landscape shifts, the commitment to fostering resilient, participatory local democracies remains a cornerstone of ALDA’s mission.

DOCUMENTS

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As part of its General Assembly and Festival 2024, on May 14 ALDA hosted a dynamic workshop titled “Integrated Cities for Migrant Inclusion: Multi-Sectoral Collaboration.” This event focused on how collaboration across diverse sectors can facilitate the inclusion and integration of migrants at the local level. Bringing together various stakeholders, the workshop discussed practical strategies and shared insights on creating inclusive environments for migrants, influencing international policy-making through local actions.

The workshop commenced by highlighting the importance of engaging various sectors to involve migrants within the EU and beyond

Emphasising training and capacity building for local authorities, NGOs, and institutions, the session spotlighted social experimentation as an innovative method to address social needs and bridge the gap between research, policy-making, and practical implementation in migration and social justice. The core theme revolved around how collaborative efforts involving local authorities, NGOs, and community organisations can create a supportive environment for migrants.

Presentations by EPIC-UP project leaders underscored the sectors of intervention within EPIC-UP and how coordination with different sectors ensures migrant participation and inclusion at the local level. Key speakers included:

Mrs. Patricia Martínez with AEIDL, ss the WP6 Leader of the EPIC-UP Project, AEIDL presented lessons learned from previous projects and outlined upcoming work on Migration Narratives. They emphasised the need to change the narrative on migration in the age of polarisation and disinformation, highlighting the importance of effective dissemination, exploitation, communication, and outreach strategies.

Mrs. Laura Barranco and Mrs. Irene Almazán from Fundación Cepaim discussed social experimentation as a policy intervention that provides innovative responses to social needs. They explored effective methods and models to ensure targeted Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Local Authorities (LAs) achieve tangible and systematic changes in integrating migrant populations at the local level.

Mrs. Maddalena Alberti from ADL Zavidovici presented on capacity building, focusing on effective methods and models for integration capacity building and training for Local Authorities (LAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and institutions working in migration inclusion. They also discussed the role of peer-mentoring sessions in facilitating knowledge sharing and ensuring successful integration.

Following the presentations by EPIC-UP leaders, the workshop featured insights from cities and regions that have adopted similar coordination efforts, sharing their experiences and lessons learned:

Mrs. Aleksandra Semeriak representing Fons Catala De Cooperacio Al Desenvolupament, highlighted legal support and systemised legal channels for migrants. The “Refuge Local World” Campaign addresses the immediate needs of refugees, forcibly displaced individuals, and stateless populations at the local level, contributing to the establishment of safe and legal pathways for individuals in need of international protection within the city.

Mrs. Cristina Serna Vargas from the Municipality of Sant Boi de Llobregat (Spain) shared their comprehensive strategy for local reception based on their experiences. They discussed the importance of a holistic approach in ensuring effective and sustainable migrant integration.

Also, Mrs. Jessica Acquavita with Region Istria (Croatia) presented their approach to addressing migration challenges through initiatives focused on social cohesion and inclusion. They highlighted various successful initiatives supporting migrant integration and promoting cultural diversity, showcasing the region’s commitment to creating inclusive environments.

The workshop concluded with a consensus on the critical role of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing migration challenges and promoting migrant inclusion. The diverse strategies and successful initiatives discussed underscored the importance of coordinated actions across various sectors. This collaborative approach aims to create supportive environments for migrants, ensuring their rights and facilitating their active participation in the community.

ALDA’s workshop on multi-sectoral collaboration for migrant inclusion provided a comprehensive platform for sharing innovative approaches and practical solutions. The insights and experiences shared during the session offer valuable guidance for future initiatives, promoting a more inclusive and cohesive society.

DOCUMENTS

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On May 14, a pivotal policy session on migration titled “Changing Communities: The Role of Local Authorities in Addressing the Migration Phenomena” was held as part of the General Assembly and Festival 2024. ALDA convened key stakeholders to unveil its Flagship Migration Strategy for 2024-2028. The session underscored the essential role local authorities play in managing migration challenges, promoting integration, and advocating for migrants’ rights.

The session commenced with a presentation of ALDA’s new migration strategy, which highlighted two primary initiatives: Coordinated Actions for Migrants’ Rights and Community Integration Advocacy.

This strategy calls upon ALDA’s members and networks to unite in enhancing and safeguarding the rights of migrants, shaping EU policies, and fostering inclusive environments

Mr. André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, shared insights into how cities, at the forefront of EU policy implementation, ensure the inclusion of migrants and coordinate efforts to tackle migration challenges. He emphasised the crucial role cities play in transforming communities through effective migrant inclusion strategies.

Following this, Mr. Vincent Gatel, Deputy Mayor of the Welcoming City, elaborated on strategies and policies adopted by local authorities in alignment with the National Association of Welcoming Cities and Territories. These strategies aim to create inclusive environments for migrants, fostering cohesive communities amidst evolving migration dynamics.

Mrs. Raisa Labaran, Municipal Councillor of the Municipality of Brescia (Italy), discussed specific initiatives and policies implemented to integrate migrants into the community and safeguard their rights. Brescia’s efforts serve as a model for other municipalities aiming to foster inclusive environments, highlighting the importance of local-level initiatives in migration policy.

Ms. Lupe Moreno, Deputy Director General of Migration, Refugee, and Antiracism, emphasised the importance of collaboration between regional and local authorities. She highlighted how these efforts address migration challenges and promote inclusive communities, aligning with Catalonia’s political priorities. One of the initiatives, in which the Government of Catalonia participates, is the European project EU-Belong. Funded by AMIF and led by the Assembly of European Regions, this project aims to build capacity and co-design intercultural integration strategies with local stakeholders. Additionally, Mr. Jordi Cuadras, President of Fons Català de Cooperació al Desenvolupament, presented initiatives focusing on social cohesion and inclusion, showcasing successful integration efforts at the local level.

Mrs. Şener Burcuhan, Director of International Affairs for the Marmara Municipalities Union (MMU), shared insights on the Migration Policy Center’s role in providing a collaborative platform for stakeholders in the region. This platform addresses migration challenges and promotes social cohesion and urban belonging in the Marmara Region, underscoring the importance of coordinated networks in migration policy.

Mr. Roberto Venneri, General Secretary of the Region of Puglia (Italy), elaborated on the region’s approach to prioritising social cohesion and inclusion in addressing migration challenges. He highlighted various successful initiatives supporting migrant integration through EU-funded projects, demonstrating Puglia’s proactive stance on migration issues.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the importance of collaborative efforts and the sharing of best practices in addressing migration challenges and promoting migrant integration. The diverse approaches and successful initiatives presented underscored the critical role of coordinated actions at all levels of governance. This collective effort aims to create supportive and inclusive environments for migrants, ensuring their rights and facilitating their active participation in the community.

The launch of ALDA’s Flagship Migration Strategy 2024-2028 represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and cohesive Europe, where local authorities are pivotal in transforming communities and addressing migration phenomena.

  • Period:

    -

  • Countries involved:

    Western Balkans

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

DOCUMENTS

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The Western Balkans hold a significant place in ALDA’s history, with the first Local Democracy Agency (LDA) established in Subotica, Serbia in 1993. Today, out of the 15 LDAs worldwide, seven continue to operate effectively in the Western Balkans. Over the past 30 years, ALDA has intensified its efforts to support democracy and citizen engagement in the region, bringing the EU closer to the Western Balkans through various initiatives.

During the ALDA Festival and General Assembly – “Local Democracy for Global Impact” held on May 14-15 in Barcelona, Spain, a panel discussion titled “Local Democracy: Effective Strategies for Enhanced Cooperation Between CSOs and Local Authorities in the Western Balkans” was convened. This panel gathered key stakeholders from civil society organisations (CSOs), local authorities, and international bodies to discuss and enhance cooperation for democratic development in the Western Balkans.

Ivana Velkova, Deputy Head of Unit Western Balkans – ALDA Skopje Office, facilitated the panel, providing an overview of the current situation in the region and highlighting the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in promoting stability and democratisation on the path to EU accession.

The session brought together experts from both the European Union and the Western Balkans, offering a unique perspective on cooperation between CSOs and local authorities.

The discussion focused on two main themes: the role of CSOs in fostering transparency and accountability within local governance structures, and successful partnerships between CSOs, government bodies, and international organisations.

Timčo Mucunski, Mayor of Aerodrom, Skopje, emphasised that success at the local level requires institutionalised dialogue between partners, leveraging the strong project implementation capacities of civil society to compensate for the weaker financial capacities of local authorities. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the business sector as a driving force for success.

Laurent Plosceanu, Vice-President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), noted that the EESC has actively engaged with candidate countries from the beginning. As a representative institution for CSOs and social partners, the EESC supports civil society both within the EU and in candidate countries, having developed a robust network of CSOs.

Nataša Vučković, newly elected President of ALDA and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) in Serbia, stressed that European integration is not only about economic alignment but also involves a significant social dimension. She pointed out that in some countries, institutions often serve as facades for political decisions, making it crucial to work with local assemblies to defend democracy and prioritise citizens’ interests.

Dženana Dedić, delegate of the Local Democracy Agency Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina, presented the results of the “Link 4 Cooperation” project, which involved cooperation among 12 municipalities in B&H, enhancing their capacities while working with local grassroots organisations.

In the second round of discussions, speakers emphasised the importance of successful collaborations among CSOs, government bodies, and international organisations.

Thibaut Lespagnol, Deputy Delegate for Local Communities and Civil Society at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, discussed France’s revised approach to the Balkans since 2017. This strategy underscores France’s commitment to investing in the region, recognising its growth potential. He also noted that while French CSOs have reduced their involvement, the French government has increased financial support to address key challenges and opportunities in the Balkans.

Aljosa Ajanovic Andelic, Member of the Board of Directors of the District 11 City to City Association in Barcelona, highlighted the essential role of city diplomacy in strengthening local policymaking. By engaging in diplomatic relations at the city level, District 11 aims to foster stronger partnerships with other urban centers, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative projects.

Maja Varoshlija, project manager at ALDA, presented the new three-year BOOST program, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This program aims to optimise opportunities, sustainability, and transformation of civil society in the Western Balkans.

Robert Jankulovski from the Municipality of Karposh in Skopje highlighted the long-standing cooperation with other cities and municipalities, emphasising mutual development and support through partnerships. In 2012, Karposh twinned with Fleury as part of the Normandy-Macedonia ALDA program, fostering a valuable friendship and collaboration, and inspiring similar local projects.

The panel underscored the critical role of CSOs in enhancing accountability, transparency, and civic engagement, essential for the democratic development and EU integration of the Western Balkans. This event was a key part of ongoing efforts to support democratic governance in the region, attended by a wide range of stakeholders committed to fostering positive change.