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After more than 3 years of hard work, the partners of EPIC will finally have the opportunity to gather together for the Final events of the project, which will take place on the 6th and 7th June in Brussels. 

On the 6th of June, there will be the International networking path, which wants to be an opportunity to bring together public and private representatives to exchange in an interactive way on migrants’ integration, starting by looking at the project’s results and through different thematics (education, employment, legal and administrative support, housing, health, narrative, civic engagement and policy making). Marketplace space and focus groups on the above mentioned topics will be organised, to build synergies with other participating organisations. In this context, we do believe that your contribution will bring interesting and fruitful insights to the knowledge and experience exchange and stimulate the networking, given your expertise on the topics.

The focus is to to discuss and reflect on the challenges around the reception and integration of people with migration background

The following day, the final conference, named “Challenges of the integration of migrants: get inspired from the experiences of Cities and NGOs”, will take place from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. in Brussels, organised in the framework of the European project EPIC of which ALDA is coordinator, The event wants to be an opportunity to bring together public and private representatives to discuss and reflect on the challenges around the reception and integration of people with migration background, starting from the sharing of the project results.

The events are part of ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2023, named Local Democracy will Save Democracy! The festival will include participants from the EU countries and the neighbourhood, where colleagues, members and partners of ALDA will come together for fruitful exchanges on key EU priorities, sharing knowledge and best practices on themes such as migration, inclusion, gender equality, environmental protection, sustainable development and human rights

Here you can find the agenda of the events!If you wish to attend, please register at the following link.

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Within the framework of the project “Milan Sport United”, PlayMore! – leader of the initiative –  together with ALDA, are glad to announce the open call for participation in the “SPORT FOR ALL” event which will take place from 8 to 10 June 2023 in Milan, Italy.

The purpose of the project is to use sport as a medium to encourage integration and social inclusion.

⛹🏽The project consortium is looking for:

  • An NGO committed to issues of inclusion through sport, practising training and tournaments in a multicultural environment.
  • EU Member 

⛹🏽The project consortium is inviting:

 An amateur multi-sports team that can travel to Italy consisting of:

  • at least 50 % asylum seekers, refugees and holders of international protection;
  • volunteers and local athletes;
  • 1-2 instructors/educators  as accompanying persons.

(ideal composition: 1 instructor, 1 educator, 4 local athletes, 4 refugees; mixed genders)

Invited players can choose which sport activity to join among; running, futsal, soccer, basketball and beach volley. It is possible to choose multiple options.

The event “Sport for All” is thought for you!

Through different sport activities refugees, together with citizens and local stakeholders will set up more inclusive communities. 

⛹🏽When and Where?

The event will take place from Thursday 8 June until Saturday 10 June 2023 at the PlayMore! Sport centre, in Via della Moscova, 26 – Milan, Italy.  

⛹🏽How to participate:

If you are interested fill the form accessible here by 26 May 2023!

Participation in the event is FREE.

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On 15 May 2023, ALDA and the Central European Initiative (CEI) met in Trieste (🇮🇹) to identify further possibilities for cooperation on the basis of the MoU – Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 in order to formalise the framework of the partnership that combines the work in the Western Balkans. The signature of the MoU represented an official and crucial moment of institutional bond between ALDA and CEI as it has been the outcome of a longstanding fil rouge that combines the ongoing commitment of the two organisations in the area. 

ALDA Governing Board Member and Representative of the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Mr. Alessandro Perelli, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida together with the Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy, Mr. Marco Boaria, met with CEI Secretary General, Mr. Roberto Antonione, and CEI Senior Officer, Mr. Ugo Poli, to discuss the next steps to undertake and strengthen the cooperation. 

Increasing citizen participation and the democratic level in different local Western Balkans realities is the key point at the basis of the partnership between ALDA and CEI, that are currently cooperating and joining forces to give concrete support to the building of a strong local good governance expertise. 

Increasing citizen participation and the democratic level in different Western Balkans realities is the key point at the basis of the partnership between ALDA and CEI

The plan foresees a key event in Skopje (North Macedonia) together with ALDA Skopje in 2023 and the presentation of the flagship initiative in Ukraine: the aim is to continue to expand LDAs range of action and strengthen their work. ALDA represents CEI’s key partner for its work in the Western Balkans: CEI Moldova representatives will also take part in ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2023 as an opportunity to further enhance this collaboration. 

hese events will be marked by a festive atmosphere as 2023 is the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the first Local Democracy Agency Subotica in the Balkans: we look forward to celebrating the everyday activity of the LDAs and their delegates, the achievements of ALDA and the LDAs through the years, with the collaboration of our closest partners.

The choice of Trieste, regional capital of the “Friuli Venezia Giulia” Autonomous Region (🇮🇹) as the host of the meeting is symbolic as it remarks the formalisation of this long-lasting collaboration between the Region, ALDA and CEI. 

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Are you a Local Authority, Youth Civil Society Organisation or Association who is sensitive to sustainable food production and consumption patterns and wants to work with young people? You have a chance to get your activity funded by the Food Wave Project!

What is the main objective of the call for proposals?

The Food Wave Project – co-funded by the EU under the Development Education and Awareness Raising Programme (DEAR) and promoted by the Municipality of Milan together with ActionAid Italia, ACRA, Mani Tese Onlus and 25 project partners in 16 countries, including ALDA – will support grass-root initiatives in the field of climate-friendly food consumption behaviors and involve smaller youth organisations interested in joining the action but lacking the necessary means to do so.

The first call for proposals of the Food Wave Project was launched and directed to youth-led small Civil Society Organisations promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns to fight climate change, while the second call was addressed to Cities and Municipalities. Now it is time for the third call addressed to Local Authorities, Youth Civil Society Organisations or Associations to support grass-root initiatives in the field of climate-friendly food consumption behaviours!

Don’t miss your chance to participate, as at least 5 projects will be funded!

What is the main objective of the call of proposal?

The project will support actions developed by a partnership of Local Authorities, Youth Civil Society Organisations or Associations dealing with the topic of sustainable food consumption and production and targeting young people (15-35 years old).

Any submitted proposal must be of max 15.000 EUR. Each applicant will benefit from a financing of 75% of the total of the action up to a maximum of 11.250,00 € Eur. The budget presented by any submitted proposal must be of max 15.000 EUR (financing of the action up to a maximum of 11.250,00 € Eur) and min 9.600 EUR (financing up to a maximum of 7.200,00 € Eur).

The remaining 25% of the action will be provided by each applicant as co-funding. The financing and co-financing % always remain the same even if the overall cost of the proposed action is lower than 15.000 EUR. The general action carried out by the Applicant can be higher than 15.000 EUR, but in this case the remaining budget of the overall costs of the proposal will be covered with The Applicant’s own financial resources.

Which is the thematic focus of the call?

Each proposed action needs to address the nexus between food and climate change! Different types of activities can be eligible for the sub grant: activities with schools, communication activities, promotion and dissemination activities, awareness raising activities, training, art projects and initiatives, initiatives against food waste etc.

The FOOD WAVE call for proposals will be open until June 16, 2023

When and where can the project be implemented?

The implementation phase will be included between the 1st of July 2023 and the 30th of October 2023. Activities must take place in one of the following EU Member States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.

Who can apply?

The project proposals can be presented by a partnership of minimum 2 Local Authorities, Youth Civil Society Organisations or Associations that will work together to build a joint proposal. The small network of organisations will choose a project “leader” that is the one that will send the application.

How to apply?

Read the full call for proposals to have all the information about the call and how to apply!

The call will be open from 13 May to 16 June.

The election for the International Evaluation Committee will take place from 16 June to 29 June.

Here is the link to send your application.

The applicants will receive support by the Food Wave team during the proposal writing process. All the questions related to the present call for proposals and the participation modalities have to be addressed to the following email address: catchthewave@alda-europe.eu 

Follow Food Wave Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated!

#CatchTheWave and Lead the Change!

🇬🇧 Read the call for proposals

🇬🇧 Annex II – Declaration of Honour

🇬🇧 Memorandum of Understanding

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The presence of ALDA in Ukraine dates back to 2012 and counts two Local Democracy Agencies in the country: LDA Dnipro established in 2015, followed two years later by the opening of LDA Mariupol. 

Even before the start of this terrible war that has been going on for more than a year now, ALDA had the intention of strengthening its connection with Ukraine by opening other Local Democracy Agencies to work alongside the existing ones.

The attack on the country and its people in February 2022 has accelerated this process and made it inevitable to have instruments in Ukraine that promote values such as democracy, peace, freedom and citizens participation.

It is also for this reason that, during the first week of May, an ALDA team travelled to Ukraine to meet with representatives of the cities where two Local Democracy Agencies are scheduled to open soon: Odesa and Vinnytsia…and it didn’t end here

ALDA’s presence in Ukraine dates back to 2012, and to date, the connection with the nation and its people has grown stronger day by day

On May 9, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida and the Consultant for LDAs development in Ukraine, Mr. Bartlomiej Andrzej Ostrowski, met online with the Head of the Regional Council in Rivne, Mr. Andriy Karaush, and with the Deputy of the Regional Council, Ms. Svitlana Bohatyrchuk-Kryvko, in order to open an additional Local Democracy Agency in Rivne. 

As highlighted during the meeting by Mr. Karaush, the opportunities for cooperation are endless and range from vocational education to tourism and the enhancement and conservation of architectural monuments. 

ALDA’s connection with Ukraine and its population grows stronger day by day, as the will to help the Ukrainian people rebuild their beautiful country. 

 “Our presence in Ukraine dates back to 2012. Our Local Democracy Agencies are working in Mariupol and Dnipro. (..) ALDA wants to open another seven LDAs in the country, and we are interested in doing so also in Rivne and thus establish a strong and resilient cooperation with the city” – stated Mrs. Valmorbida. 

On a day as important as Europe Day, it is crucial to promote and support entities, such as Local Democracy Agencies, that promote values of equality, human rights and democracy on which the European project is based. 

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The “E–VOICE: A Voice for Europe”,  project partners and a delegation of Italian youngsters, met in Mioveni (Romania) from 19 to 21 April, where it was discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and education of young people.

During the three days, the representatives of 6 countries discussed with students and teachers of the two high schools in Mioveni (Liceul Teoretic “Iulia Zamfirescu” and Liceul Tecnologic Construcții de Mașini Mioveni), as well as the director of Mioveni’s social assistance department, the aftermath of COVID-19 on education, mental health and social dynamics.

The youngsters had the chance to find out, beyond figures, institutional and scientific analyses, public policies and crisis measures, what was the human, emotional, cultural and social reaction of their peers to the pandemic both in their local community and in other countries. The discussions were focused on education and the unpredictable impact of the pandemic on young minds, on the way children and adolescents perceive themselves in a society where everyday certainties have been suddenly relativised.

The three-day event gave to the project consortium the opportunity to discuss youth inclusion in the post-pandemic period

The consortium had the chance to visit Mioveni City Hospital, where they discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system, how doctors had to adapt day by day to the challenges brought by COVID-19 in order to help those suffering from the disease as efficiently as possible, and how they successfully treated more than 2000 patients.

The next sites visited were the Orthodox Cathedral “Saints Peter and Paul”, the Mioveni Technological High School for Machine Building and the Golești Museum of Viticulture and Pomiculture.

The project, under the “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)” programme, is carried out by a partnership of 7 countries – Italy (Gazzo), Romania (Mioveni), Croatia (Sibenik), Bulgaria (Union Of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities – UBBSLA), Spain (Fondo Andaluz de Municipios para la Solidariadad Internacional- FAMSI), Belgium (Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management- ACR+) and France (ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy).

The next phase of the project will take place in Sibenik (Croatia) in September. Stay tuned for further updates!

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On the very first day of ALDA Festival and General Assembly, June 7, the Association’s Thematic Hub “Youth empowerment and education”, working on enhancing youth participation and on fostering education and learning opportunities for youngsters, will organise two captivating events in the framework of the TALE and the P-CUBE projects at Maison Hap, Brussels (Belgium). 

Within the TALE project, funded by the European Parliament and focused on the 2024 EU elections, and on young citizens and changemakers’ engagement, the TALE World Café will be held on June 7 at 2pm (CEST). 

Moderated by European Capital of Democracy, this event will represent the opportunity to share relevant information on the upcoming 2024 EU elections with stakeholders and citizens, raising awareness on the EU key priorities, values and institutions, and actively involving them in the democratic process.

Join us for the ALDA Festival and General Assembly to discuss important topics such as Youth and Digitalisation!

Thus, each cluster has produced a coherent and representative sheet to be submitted to key policymakers to ensure that the voice of CSOs is heated and taken into consideration for the elaboration of policies and plans.

In addition to this, ALDA’s Thematic Hub “Youth empowerment and education” will also conduct “Education becomes digital” – the international Final Conference of the P-CUBE project, which will take place on June 7 from 4pm to 5.30pm (CEST). 

This event will focus on digital education, with particular attention to 2023 as “European Year of Skills”, and to “digitalisation” as one of the pillars of the Erasmus+ programme. This topic will be introduced by Ms. Marta Markowska, Policy Officer for Digital Education in the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture (DG EAC) – European Commission. 

Afterwards, a roundtable discussion will present three concrete case studies from Longlife Learning Platform, ALL DIGITAL, Science for Democracy, and ALDA, related to digital skills, digital education and gaming, offering a specific focus on the P-CUBE game. 

Read the whole programme of the ALDA Festival and General Assembly by clicking here.  

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The first week of May was a hectic time for ALDA, with part of the Association on a mission to Ukraine and another part leaving for Georgia.

From 1 to 4 May 2023, ALDA Governing Board member and representative of Società Cooperativa Sociale Studio Progetto, Mr. Andrea Rilievo, together with the Head of the Development Department of ALDA, Mr. Marco Boaria, flew to Georgia for a trip aimed at strengthening their partnership ties in the country, while getting a taste of the nation’s beautiful culture. 

On May 2 the ALDA team arrived in Kutaisi (Georgia), welcomed by the Executive Director of the Local Democracy Agency Georgia, Ms. Nino Khukhua, who immediately introduced them to the Georgian traditions by having them participate in the Kutaisoba (or Gviriloba) festival. 

The Kutaisoba Festival, or ‘Day of the chamomile’ is held on 2 May each year in the city of Kutaisi. It was established in the early 20th century and commemorates the tradition of schoolgirls in Kutaisi, who sold chamomile tea to passers-by and donated the proceeds to leprosy patients. Hundreds of people arrive in the city from the entire Imereti region of Kutaisi to take part in the celebrations. The programme includes competitions, contests, concerts, flower and handicraft exhibitions in the city centre, while regional gastronomic specialities are served in the area set up near the Mukhnari forest, about one kilometre from Kutaisi.

ALDA’s journey to Georgia was aimed at strengthening its partnership ties in the country, while getting a taste of the nation’s beautiful culture 

The official opening ceremony of the event was held by the entire city administration, among which the Mayor of Kutaisi, Mr. Ioseb Khakhaleishvili, (ALDA member) who warmly received the Association representatives and with whom he discussed future activities and goals to be achieved together, working hand in hand. 

After taking part in this beautiful tradition, the ALDA team met with the entire staff of the LDA Georgia to talk about the organisation’s activities and achieved results, as well as its objectives.

The day after, on May 3, Mr. Rilievo and Mr. Boaria left for the city of Zugdidi (Georgia) where they met the Mayor of the Municipality of Zugdidi (ALDA member), Mr. Mamuka Tsotseria, together with his first deputy, Mr. Konstantine Kakava.

Mr. Tsotseria highlighted how the cooperation between the municipality itself and the Association, established in 2018, has grown considerably and strengthened over time. 

Afterwards, the ALDA representatives had a meeting with Mr. Giga Parulava, Chairman of Zugdidi City Council, and took the opportunity to discuss the cooperation strategy for the future, which includes strengthening self-government, increasing citizen involvement in decision-making, and capacity building of civil servants for the effective functioning of self-government units.

Before returning home, the ALDA delegation had a Masterclass on EU funds opportunities especially concerning the Eastern Partnership area, which saw the participation of 30 persons. 

The Association team returned after three fruitful and very intense days, having consolidated the already strong networks in the country and enriched their cultural and personal baggage, which made the experience in Georgia truly unforgettable.

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As a fulfillment of three years of activities, the last conference of the DEAR project Climate Of Change kicked off on March 27, 2023. The event entitled Change Talks: Civil Society Dialogues on Social and Climate Justice, brought together academics, policymakers, grassroots activists from the Global South and youth representatives to discuss the great human and social challenges posed by the climate crisis.

The conference included two main panels. The first debate on Climate change-induced migration started by reassessing the phenomenon from the results of  the research conducted by the team of the University of Bologna during the 1st year of project implementation. It highlighted how despite the fact that climate change is, and will be, a major cause of migrations around the world, there is still no specific protection status for climate migrants and refugees, according to the Geneva Pact. 

The second round table focused instead on The rights-based road towards a sustainable economic system. Here the researcher Lukas Warning from OxFam Germany clearly highlighted the dangers and vices of the capitalist society we live in. While Karin Schönpflug, economist specialising in gender and economy, emphasized how climate change is more than just an environmental crisis and reflects the bias of economic paradigms that grant the unaccounted exploitation of natural resources around the world.

Watch the video of the Final Conference by clicking here!

As a great moment to act together against the climate crisis, ALDA not only actively participated in organising the conference but also forwarded the invitation to the event to its members. Four ALDA members were involved and could enjoy the discussions sparkled during the conference: 1) Marcelo Gerlach, Trainee in Climate Change from CRISP- Crisis Simulation for Peace, Germany, 2) Konstantine Kakava, Deputy Mayor from Zugdidi Municipality City Hall, Georgia; 3) Nazlıcan Akcı, Training and Projects Expert from Marmara Municipalities Union, Türkiye; and 4) Sevket Kaan Ediz, Officer in the Directorate of Research and Development from Konak Municipality, Türkiye.

The event culminated with the handling of the Climate of Change petition to Clara De La Torre (European Commission’s Deputy Director for Climate Action) by the campaign youth ambassadors. As the petition was signed by more than 100’000 EU citizens, it asks for a number of actions for climate justice that can be summarised in three main points. 1) Keeping global warming under 1.5°C by achieving climate neutrality by 2040, 2) shifting towards a socially and ecologically positive economy, 3) protecting climate change-induced migrants through human-rights and enabling youth participation in these matters.

Watch the video by clicking here.

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ALDA’s commitment to Ukraine and its people has continued unceasingly since that tremendous day when Russia attacked the country. 

More than a year after the beginning of the war, a team from ALDA decided to leave for Ukraine for a 5-day mission, which took place at the beginning of May, with the aim of increasing this ongoing commitment to the nation, strengthening the links already established and creating new ones. 

The support to Ukraine involves the Association in its entirety, by starting from ALDA Governing Board members, an expert Board made of 15 members from 9 countries representing local, regional authorities and civil society organisations which will guide ALDA until 2024.

The support to Ukraine involves the Association in its entirety, by starting from ALDA Governing Board members

As a demonstration of this, Mr. Emir Coric, ALDA Governing Board member and representative of the Municipality of Centar (North Macedonia), took part in this mission, playing a key role for the Association and its partners in the country. 

Participating on behalf of Skopje Centre but also as advisor of the Minister of Local Government of Northern Macedonia, Mr. Coric took part in the mission with the main purpose of involving the municipalities of Northern Macedonia in the ALDA flagship initiative in support of Ukraine. An initiative aimed at establishing collaborations to support ALDA’s work in the country and to become partners of the two new Ukrainian Local Democracy Agencies which will soon be created in Odesa and Vinnytsia. 

In this regard, Mr. Coric’s involvement and useful insights shared during the meetings in the two cities, proved to be fundamental for this purpose. 

“The work done during this mission in Ukraine is essential for ALDA. According to my experience in the Western Balkans the Local Democracy Agencies are an excellent instrument of cooperation in difficult times, both for the reconstruction of the country and the restoration of peace” – stated Mr. Coric. 

Mr. Coric’s presence in Ukraine strengthened even more the already very active role of the Western Balkans in supporting the country and its population. 

Given the geographical proximity of Ukraine and the very similar history between the two areas, the actions of the Governing Board Member were not only dictated by his valuable experience, but also by his deep emotional involvement. 

***

Learn more about the mission in Ukraine by clicking here.

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ALDA Governing Board met last 28 April for a special online session that marked some great improvements on the process to become an ALDA Member. While beforehand the procedure to admit new members in ALDA was based only on the analysis of the documents submitted by each new entity applying, ALDA has recently decided to adopt a method more aimed at dialogue and direct acquaintance with potential new members. 

Indeed, started in early 2023, local authorities or civil society organisations wishing to enter the network of ALDA as members are invited to introduce themselves and their motivations to become an ALDA member directly to the Governing Board during a dedicated online meeting taking place regularly during the year.

The reasons for this change are to be found in the ever-increasing importance and value that ALDA places on its members as an integral part of the Association and driver of change in local communities.

The Governing Board gathered specifically to discuss the application of several potential new members

Thus, on April 28th, 2023,  the Governing Board gathered specifically to discuss and give feedback about the application of several potential new members: 

  • Dnipro University, Ukraine
  • Municipality of Karpos, North Macedonia 
  • Municipality of Hani i Elezit, Kosovo 
  • Municipality of Shtime, Kosovo
  • Center for Legal Civic Initiatives – CLCI, Albania

One after another, potential members took the floor and presented their local reality, strategies and challenges to improve local democracy and citizens’ participation, including examples of present and past good practices they implemented in these fields.

As a conclusion to this special Governing Board session, all members presented have been welcome as new members of ALDA.

Thus, we give a warm welcome to all news Members of our network and cannot wait to begin to work side by side in order to keep enhancing local democracy around Europe and its Neighborhood! 

***

To learn more about the ALDA membership and its benefits, check out the Membership Infopack and/or contact us to membership@alda-europe.eu 

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On March 4th, the city of Trieste will host the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ALDA – the European Association of Local Democracy – and CEI – the Central European Initiative.

President of ALDA, Mr Oriano Otocan, together with Secretary General of the CEI, Mr Roberto Antonione, and Secretary General of ALDA, Ms Antonella Valmorbida will attend the ceremony. Moreover, Mr Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the “Friuli Venezia Giulia” Autonomous Region will also be among the keynote speakers at the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding.

ALDA is looking forward to this signing ceremony, testifying the fruitful collaboration with CEI

Thus, the capital city of the “Friuli Venezia Giulia” Autonomous Region will be the scenario of this institutional moment, which marks the formalization of this long-lasting collaboration between these two actors. Particularly focusing on the the work of the two organizations in the Balkans region, the Memorandum will further spur the harmony among the two organizations, as already happened within the “WELCOMING project”, aimed at discussing the issues related to migrations and to exchange the best practices and experiences in this field.

ALDA is looking forward to this signing ceremony, testifying the fruitful collaboration with CEI.

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The ‘Enlargement Day’ organised by the Committee of the Regions in cooperation with DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), and the European Commission took place on 4 and 5 May 2023 in Brussel, Belgium. 

This year’s ‘Enlargement Day’ faces a changed political reality, with Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina being granted candidate status and Kosovo* as potential candidate for EU accession. Therefore, the EU’s enlargement policy is now at a moment of particular political focus.

The presentations and debates of the working groups and joint consultative committees held during the ‘Enlargement Day’ were dedicated to raising awareness of the local and regional dimension of the enlargement process. Its members exchanged experiences and best practices with the invited guest speaker on how to involve local and regional authorities in EU enlargement policy.

Local and regional authorities play a key role in EU accession

This year’s event also celebrates 2023 as the European Year of Skills, all the seven sub-events of ‘Enlargement Day’ also addressed this topic.  The ‘Enlargement Day’ represented the opportunity to explore the needs and priorities in terms of what skills are needed by local and regional stakeholders and the way to operate in line with EU rules and procedures. Particular focus was put on the current issues such as brain-drain to the EU countries.

ALDA’s regional coordinator for Western Balkans and Director of the Skopje office, Ms. Katica Janeva, followed the event in Brussels and shared the experience of ALDA especially in the part empowering skills of public administration and the issue of brain-drain. ALDA’s work in the Western Balkans focuses on the EU perspective and capacity building of local authorities.

***

The ‘Enlargement Day’ is the CoR’s annual flagship event on EU enlargement policy, first held in 2015. Its raison d’être is the growing realisation among the EU institutions and partner countries alike that a country joining the EU needs to prepare not only its central government and administration for accession, but also its local and regional authorities.

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Last week, ALDA’s Middle East & Africa Coordinator Giulia Sostero and Project Manager & Head of Strasbourg Office Apolline Bonfils had the great chance to meet with Tunç Soyer, the Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, who is strongly engaged in local democracy. Our team was in İzmir (Türkiye) together with our partners MAD – Center for Spatial Justice for a coordination and monitoring visit of THE:PLACE programme, which aims to reinforce European Union exchange with Turkish Civil Society Organisations and cooperation between Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities. 

THE:PLACE – Türkiye Hand in hand with Europe is a Programme for Local Authorities and Civil Society Exchange which aims to build up lasting Türkiye – European Union networks of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that work on local issues and on promoting an exchange aimed to increase their capacity to create meaningful impact in their respective areas of work. THE:PLACE programme aims to favour the empowerment of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Local Authorities (LAs) as actors of local development, through specific capacity building, peer learning and joint cooperation on co-designed common projects. The programme seeks to create quadrilateral partnerships composed of 1 Civil Society Organisation based in Türkiye associated with 1 Local Authority + 1 Civil Society Organisation based in the EU associated with 1 Local Authority.

This visit was the opportunity to meet some current beneficiaries and potential new ones, as the 2nd round of the programme will soon be launched.

Thus, the ALDA delegation met with mayor Tunç Soyer, Head of Social Affairs and International Relations Department in İzmir Metropolitan Municipality; with the vice-mayor Saadet Çağlın, Head of Citizens participation and Urban planning department in Karşıyaka Municipality; with Kaan Ediz, Head of International Relations Department in Konak Municipality; with the President and General Coordinator of BAYETAV Foundation; with the President, International Networks and Youth participation departments of Pi Youth Association. 

The visit also presented the opportunity to further illustrate to the Mayor the possibilities and benefits of joining ALDA’s network and becoming a Member, for which İzmir Metropolitan Municipality will soon present its official request. 

The meeting was an enriching opportunity to exchange best practices and inputs around the importance of enhancing local democracy in İzmir. 

More details are coming soon!

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality (meeting with the mayor Mr. Tunç Soyer, Social Affairs and International Relations Department)
Karşıyaka Municipality (meeting with the vice-mayor Ms Saadet
Çağlın, the Citizens participation and Urban planning department)
Pi Youth Association (meeting with the President, International Networks and Youth participation departments).
BAYETAV Foundation (meeting with the President and General Coordinator)
Konak Municipality (meeting with Kaan Ediz, International Relations Department)

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LIFE METRO ADAPT is a European project, funded by the LIFE programme, which lasted from September 2018 to September 2021. It involved the Metropolitan City of Milan (CMM), the CAP Group, e-Geos, Ambiente Italia, ALDA- European Association for Local Democracy and Legambiente Lombardia.

LIFE METRO ADAPT aimed to mainstream adaptation strategies and measures in the development of a territorial plan for CMM and in the planning and building rules of the 134 CMM municipalities. It  achieved this aim through the adoption of an innovative approach that identifies the role of intermediate governing bodies. The project also managed to promote nature-based solutions to meet a range of objectives, such as the reduction of the flooding risk and the heat-island effect, while also regenerating neglected urban spaces.

The project aimed at enhancing bottom-up initiatives and thus increasing citizen awareness and engagement in issues related to climate change adaptation. The implementation of demonstration facilities directly involved stakeholders from the building sector and engineering professionals working in water management. Furthermore, LIFE METRO ADAPT developed innovative meteorological satellite data and high precision soil sealing maps, in order to produce detailed vulnerability analysis (focusing in particular on heat islands and floods). The aim was to ensure the availability of information specific to each municipality.

Finally, the project’s goal consisted in the development of a network of metropolitan areas in Italy and elsewhere in Europe to enhance the mainstreaming of adaptation policies and measures and support the implementation of nature-based solutions.

LIFE METRO ADAPT mainstreamed climate change adaptation strategies and measures in the new territorial plan of the Metropolitan City of Milan in Italy. This has successfully enhanced bottom-up initiatives related to adaptation throughout the metropolitan area. The project team created an effective governance model, and significantly increased awareness of climate change issues among the general public, technical stakeholders, and local policymakers. They spread the ‘culture’ of climate change adaptation, in particular nature-based solutions (NBS) and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), through a series of legal and guidance documents.

These results have led the European Commission to recognise the relevance of the project, both in Lombardy and at European level, as an example of successful climate action and to shortlist it for the LIFE Awards 2023.

The Awards recognise excellence in nature protection, environment, and climate action.  A hybrid ceremony announcing the winners is scheduled for 6 June during EU Green Week 2023– the key event in the EU environment policy calendar. A special jury will nominate the winners for this award. However, citizens can make their voices heard by voting for the LIFE Citizens’ Award.  Anyone can vote for the LIFE METRO ADAPT project by following this link!

More than a year has passed since September 2021, and the LIFE Metro Adapt consortium continues to share the results and methods of the project, which have led to its nomination for the Life Award 2023. Below we trace the steps that have brought us here today.

LIFE METRO ADAPT timeline – A successful year later

September 2021

The project came to an end with a very good resonance and a positive response.

February 2022

  • On 22 and 23 February 2023, the Metropolitan City of Milan (CMM)  brought its experience to the TAIEX TRATOLOW international workshop on “Urban Adaptation, Resilience and the SECAP Adaptation Component” taking place in Istanbul (Türkiye). The overall objective of the workshop was to further support and promote exchanges between the beneficiaries (Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye) and urban areas by sharing experiences and good practices. In particular, adaptation efforts in the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). The focus was on the climate risks of heat and flooding, in particular on local vulnerability, impact and risk assessment, cost/benefit of adaptation solutions, local adaptation planning and implementation of adaptation solutions. In this sense, the Metropolitan City of Milan was invited to present the adaptation measures implemented in its territory through the European LIFE METRO ADAPT project.
  • The Metropolitan City of Milan (CMM) called to share good practices of territorial network development during the workshop of the Interreg Maritime Project ReS_EAU – Nice 27 February 2022. CMM was also called upon in this context to bring its experience, particularly in the area of territorial engagement on the topic of climate change adaptation, which builds on the work done through the LIFE Metro Adapt Project.

March 2022

As part of The Nature of Cities Festival, a 3-day virtual event that took place from 29 to 31 March 2022, the LIFE Metro Adapt project was invited to the webinar “Reshaping Cities: How Urban Areas Can Tackle Climate Change” hold by the LIFE Beware project.

The seed session focused on the topic of Cities’ resilience to Climate Change and, thanks to the contribution of four projects (among which LIFE METRO ADAPT) it highlighted various ways and best practices in which urban areas can successfully address this issue, in an innovative way. In particular, Maria Rosaria Scoppettuolo and Valeria Guerrini from the partner Gruppo CAP presented “LIFE METRO ADAPT – The implementation of Nature Based Solutions in the Metropolitan Area of Milan”, showing the best practices developed within the project and how they successfully impacted the territory.

June 2022

LIFE METRO ADAPT is presented at the National Conference for Sustainable Development of the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition – Tuesday 21 June 2022

September 2022

On 28 September 2022 the Metropolitan City of Milan is called upon to share its work as a case study of the effective territorialisation of the SDGs at the Regional Pre-forum for Sustainable Development: where it brought its experience in the Lombardy region by also talking about the LIFE METRO ADAPT project.

April 2023

LIFE METRO ADAPT is shortlisted for the LIFE Award 2023 under the category CLIMATE ACTION.

June 2023

6 June 2023- LIFE Awards 23 winners revealed.

In addition to the LIFE Award 2023, the LIFE Citizens Award will be launched, where citizens themselves will vote for the best project! Don’t miss the opportunity to vote for LIFE METRO ADAPT at this link!

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LIFE METRO ADAPT is on Facebook and Twitter

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The European Union was founded on fundamental values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. 

For more than a year, these same values have been endangered in Ukraine. For more than a year, the Ukrainian people have been fighting to regain their land, their freedom and their democracy. But they are not fighting alone. 

In this significant period, which is the week before Europe Day (May 9), ALDA decides to leave for Ukraine to reaffirm its closeness and constant commitment to the nation and its people.

A team composed by ALDA Governing Board Member, Mr. Emir Coric, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA EaP, Russia & Central Asia Coordinator, Mr. Alexandru Coica, the Consultant for LDAs development in Ukraine, Mr. Bartlomiej A. Ostrowski and the Director of Foster Europe, Mr. Stefan August Lutgenau, left on Tuesday May 2nd for a five-day mission to Ukraine.

It is fundamental to remember that in Europe there are those who fight every day to get back those same values that we celebrate on 9 May 

Despite the short timeframe, the schedule was tight. The first destination was the city of Odesa, where the ALDA team met several local civil society organisations with whom to have an intense and interesting discussion on their work in supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other disadvantaged groups.

The meeting was followed by the encounter with the Head of the Odesa Rayon Council, Mr. Vitalii Barvinenko, ALDA member and partner, to enhance the already strong partnership and discuss future possibilities of cooperation. 

The second and last destination was Vinnytsia, where ALDA representatives met Deputy Mayor of the Vinnytsia City Council, Ms. Halyna Yakubovych, and signed the official application form to become an ALDA member, and thus begin to develop a strong and resilient relationship, marked by the promotion and support of democracy in Ukraine and beyond.

The mission also served to lay the foundation for a long-term project: the creation of two Local Democracy Agencies in the cities of Odesa and Vinnytsia. As stated by the words of Mr. Emir Coric, ALDA Governing Board Member: “The Local Democracy Agencies proved to be an excellent instrument of cooperation in difficult times, both for the reconstruction of the country and for the restoration of peace”. 

With already two Local Democracy Agencies in the country, LDA Mariupol and LDA Dnipro, the opening of two additional agencies would allow for greater cohesion and would strengthen the bridge created between the Association and Ukraine. 

These intense days served to reaffirm ALDA’s continued commitment to the Ukrainian nation and people, strengthening existing ties and creating new ones, with one common goal: to strengthen democracy, citizen participation and return to a free and peaceful country.

In the important period leading up to Europe Day, it is fundamental to remember that in Europe there are those who fight everyday to get back those same values that we celebrate on 9 May. 

ALDA’s mission to Ukraine ends here, but the Association’s commitment to the country and its people continues unceasingly.

DOCUMENTS

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As citizens and decision makers of tomorrow, ALDA works tirelessly to empower younger generations and amplify their voice on societal utmost topics, such as climate change and social inequality. As a matter of fact, aiming at reinforcing this action, ALDA promoted a debate workshop at the Liceé Fresnel in France, which took place on 27 & 28 February 2023. 

The  workshop, (fuelled by the DEAR project Climate of Change) was meant as an educational activity to provide young students with the necessary and relevant tools to stand and support an argument. Furthermore, as the project’s framework stands, the workshop allowed them to get more familiarised with climate change and issues related to it, such as climate justice and climate induced migration. 

On the first day of the workshop, the facilitators introduced the concept of persuasion and its three modes ETHOS, PHATOS, and LOGOS. These modes are the principles to convince the audience with strong and rational arguments, and each one includes a different approach to the audience.

Click here and watch the video of the #ClimateofChange workshop!

Ethos refers to credibility, ethics or values while the speaker exposes his/her arguments. Pathos, on the other hand, is related to the emotions and feelings the audience experiences. Finally, Logos is equivalent to logic and rationality, meaning that concrete and realistic facts are used to convince the public of statistics or charts.  

On the second and last day of the workshop, the high school students were divided into groups, and the purpose was to put into practice what they learned during the first day, along with developing critical thinking. The activity consisted of elaborating pros and cons arguments on low-cost tourism and its eventual consequences as an economic opportunity or a risk to the environment.

The educational objectives were to present the message in a concise, effective and clear manner; to arouse curiosity and maintain attention while speaking; to control the body, voice and words to send the right signals, and speak with full awareness and confidence. 

In conclusion, along with the workshop activities, the students were introduced to the project #ClimateofChange and the activities implemented so far. Young people’s awareness and voice on environmental issues are fundamental for better solutions.

Click here to watch the #ClimateofChange video!

DOCUMENTS

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Youth is not the future, it is the present: the engine of innovation for the construction of a solid tomorrow’s society. 

ALDA knows it very well and as an active promoter of youth empowerment projects in the local area, participated in the event “What kind of future if we do not invest in young people?”, which happened last April 20.

The debate took place at the “Agorà del Centro Culturale S. Paolo” in Vicenza (IT) and was strongly promoted by organisations working with and for youth in the city and its surroundings, including ALDA. In light of the upcoming elections 2023-2028 for the renewal of local administration, experiences, reflections and proposals were presented to the Mayoral candidates and city councillors, who in turn presented the strategy by which they intend to enhance new generations and invest in educational, social and relational dynamics, structures and services with a regard for greater inclusion and active youth involvement. 

Associations’ spokesmen promoting the meeting expressed the local civil society’s shared point of view on urgent issues and needs that have been emerging among new generations, especially after the pandemic. The theme was addressed from cultural, social and health perspectives in the first place, but the active participation of young people in local contexts has been an interesting theme which stimulated ideas that finally put youth at the centre as future citizens and potential local administrators. 

Active participation of young people in local contexts at the centre of the debate

ALDA’s point of view was brought to the table by an historical member and active partner, La Piccionaia, a network of artists that realises and proposes activities of pedagogy of art for children, teenagers and adults. Moreover, associations highlighted the importance of looking out for the future of new generations through the present investment, because it means having an idea and a vision of the City to share with all generations. 

ALDA’s unique expertise gained during its over 20 years of activity as a stakeholder in the field of youth empowerment, engagement and inclusion will continue serving local initiatives that put young people in a position to be heard. ALDA firmly believes that the crucial outcome of this meeting will be strongly considered by future candidates while drafting their election programmes in which hopefully youth will be put at the centre. 

ALDA has confidence in the future of Vicenza and in his next leader that will optimistically turn a large spotlight on young people in the interest of all generations, the economy and the quality of public life.

Open up the discussion, listen to the voice of civil society and build on it to make future choices: a useful exercise and a good practice not only for Vicenza, but to be replicated in different local contexts.