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The 15 members of ALDA Governing Board, including our President, Mr Oriano Otočan, gathered for their annual meeting on the eve of the ALDA General Assembly, in the afternoon of Thursday June 24th.

As often, this period of the year is the occasion to make the point on ALDA’s activities and to disclose and discuss key documents for the democratic life of the Association, passing towards the review and approval of the Governing Board.

The members of the Governing Board had then the opportunity and duty to discuss about core documents such as ALDA and ALDA+ accounts for 2020 and budget and program for 2021, which have been approved unanimously by all participants. Indeed, despite the challenging year that we leave behind us, the Association’s balance sheet showed an overall positive and promising situation.

Following all the Governing Board members started planning the preparation of the ALDA General Assembly

Following all the Governing Board members started planning the preparation of the ALDA General Assembly with a series of crucial decisions for the smooth progress of the Assembly, being the core event of the whole week.

All of them, along with the ALDA secretariat went through the documents and decisions to be discussed with our members on the following day, assuring a clear and detailed presentation of ALDA’s activities, going also through the internal reports drafted by the President, the Treasurer, and the Auditor of ALDA. Thereafter, the Governing Board members had the chance to enjoy the preview of both ALDA’s and the LDA’s Activity Reports.

The third and last part of the meeting was more centred on strategical and political issues, with the approval of the revised strategies for ALDA Going Global, general updates on the Local Democracy Agencies, on the members and on the upcoming events involving the Association.

Key decisions and discussion which paved the way to the awaited ALDA Ordinary General Assembly!

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ALDA is extremely proud to make part in the Anna Lindh Virtual Marathon for Dialogue with the project “Cross Border cooperation to strengthen the decentralisation process in response to the Covid-19 Crisis”.

Indeed, the whole month of June ALDA and its trainers have been engaged in the delivery of trainings and capacity buildings on advocacy techniques and communication tools to French and Tunisian civil society organisations.

The trainings were held respectively by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, and Elisabetta Uroni, Head of the Communication Department of ALDA.

Support Tunisia in addressing the problems encountered during its decentralisation process.

While the overall objective of the project was to shed light on the different roles of stakeholders in decentralisation, paying a particular attention to the part played by the State in these kinds of processes, the trainings aimed at providing local organisations with tools and knowledge to promote decentralisation and democratic principles in their local context.

As a result, the associations involved will have to launch an advocacy campaign through short video pills promoting democracy, rule of law, conflict resolution and culture of peace.

As mentioned, the reason of this action was to support Tunisia in addressing the problems encountered during its decentralisation process. One of the priorities, indeed, is to clarify the role of the State in the whole process of decentralisation, since many municipalities gave up the process because of political conflicts and lack of interest and involvement.

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To know more about Anna Lindh Foundation, check the website

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With the occasion of 700th anniversary of the death of the epic poet Dante, within VALID project a meeting has been organised, in this Italian city of Ravenna, on June the 14th of 2021, were the poet is now resting in peace. During the event, the deputy councilor for Culture and representatives of Teatro delle Albe were invited. They were also joined by the citizens who attended the “CHIAMATA PUBBLICA” (Public call) initiatives of 2017 and 2019, to turn the words of the poet into arts, specifically as far as the “Hell” and “Purgatory “respectively concerns.

15 participants took part in various activities involving brainstorming and ideas-sharing. Specifically, two questions were given be they: “based on your personal experience which were the strengths for inclusion and dialogue?” and “please give some ideas and suggestions for the up-coming future”. Participants were also engaged with the creation of word clouds on different topics such as: connection between theatre and inclusion.

Artists and citizens involved with the project partners to further promote culture

People of various ages participating at the meeting, had the opportunity to both learn about the cultural contributions of the municipality; and to increase the feeling of belonging to a community, no matter the background. Dante’s work as a tool to stimulate dialogue and sharing among citizens and participants.

A third international meeting is scheduled for next September, also in Ravenna, and it will bring in artists and citizens involved with the project partners, all in order to further promote the culture of the municipality and the community.

ALDA is very much glad to travel around the cities of VALID, in fostering dialogue and social inclusion.

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On June 9th, ALDA held its 4th and International Capacity Building Workshop within LIME project. The aim of this online event was to discuss the following topic “Migrants’ Labour inclusion: Networks, Cluster Activation and Consolidation” at the European level. In order to do so, various speakers from Italy, Spain, France and Belgium took the floor to discuss two main topics:

  • The self-entrepreneurship and how to set-up a business;
  • The vocation training for migrants’ labour inclusion into the labour market.

Dolinda Cavallo, Project Manager of the LIME project at ALDA, moderated the event, making it participatory and alive through interactions; exchange of ideas;  and sharing of experiences from the participants especially as far as migrants’ labour inclusion concerns.

Besides, the workshop was also the opportunity to discover the LIME project in detail. Loredana Gionne, Head of Cooperation and Co-development Department from CIES Onlus, presented the project, the partners and the two pilot actions in Spain and Italy. The latter two countries highlighted the following good results:

  • In Madrid: 49 participants were trained in the catering sector, 10 were involved in the training on the job, 7 had a job contract after the training. In the end, 14 beneficiaries have found a job without the training on the job!
  • In Rome: 28 participants were trained in the soft skills, 5 trained in technical skills, 12 involved in the training on the job; 14 were involved in the enterprise path, 1 got involved in the national civilian service and last but not least, 1 start-up was established!

The event was the occasion to present the “MEIC – Migrants Economic Integration Cluster methodology”

Afterwards, the event was also the occasion to present the “MEIC – Migrants Economic Integration Cluster methodology” implemented in these two pilot projects and set up within the scope of the LIME project. Considering that half of the participants were not familiar with the concept of cluster and more particularly the “cluster network”, Folco Cimagalli, Full Professor of Sociology of Migrations at LUMSA University presented this paramount notion to promote the swift integration of migrants into the labour market. The presentation focused especially on how the pilot actions in Rome and Madrid implemented this concept and established sustainable clusters of private and public stakeholders.

Moreover, Rossana Cerbone from Confcooperative Roma tackled the issue of “Self-entrepreneurship and social enterprise”, by explaining the methodology and the training path developed by her association. During the pilot action in Rome, Confcooperative Roma identified two main start-ups that could turn into reality: a pastry shop and a cooperative. Specifically, Confcooperative Roma helped them to draft a business plan and to implement their projects. Besides, based on these two examples, the Cooperative illustrated the reasons why migrants should start their own businesses, and more particularly cooperative.

More into depth, access to funding represents a effective tools to allow migrants to create their own start-ups. This specific topic was discussed by David Taquin, from MicroStart. Thus, he introduced the work and missions of MicroStart in helping migrants to create their business while having access to funding. MicroStart works to overcome these obstacles through the implementation of supporting tools, individual coaching sessions, interest-free microcredits, and much more. In order to do so, Microstart has developed partnerships with several public and private stakeholders; which again highlights the importance of networks.

As above-mentioned, the second part of the event focused on “Vocational Training & Migrants labour inclusion into the labour market”. Ivan Toscano, from Cnos Fap, addressed the need to endorse a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach, while emphasising the potential of VET to foster third country nationals integration. Similarly, Margherita Valori from CIES Onlus illustrated the “good labour insertion methodologies”, insisting  on the use of a narrative and biographical approach when it comes to migrants’ labour inclusion. Furthermore, in order to guarantee the effectiveness of interventions, the following aspects are needed: monitoring actions, direct assistance actions, preventive actions, tutoring, and individual coaching.

The discussion then tackled the second country earlier-mentioned: Spain. Berta Ruisanchez from the Spanish association Pinardi, addressed the role of enterprises in improving the migrants’ labour inclusion, and how companies and NGOs should work hand in hand. She presented the toolkit developed by the association in order to raise awareness among enterprises about migrant workers, and to fight stereotypes that often appear as major obstacles to their good integration.

From Spain to France, we met Chloé Schmitt from Kodiko and discovered their “refugee-employee” co-training programme in companies. While presenting their approach, she also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among enterprises and providing them training about stereotypes, cultural differences, etc, and to link their actions with the concept of corporate sustainability and responsibility. The work of Kodiko relies on strong partnerships with enterprises, institutional actors and other NGOs; which was a perfect example of a cluster network.

To conclude the workshop, Cristiana Di Pietro from LUMSA University introduced the EU recommendation paper they will draft, and reminded us how these types of  workshops and shared moments are paramount to better understand how the model of cluster network can be improved and thus better used in the future to promote the swift integration of third countries nationals into the labour market.

ALDA is very pleased to host the LIME Project next meeting within its General Assembly week from June 19th until 25th 2021

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An intense week of events, conferences and debates marked the second half of June 2021. Thus, ALDA, in the occasion of its General Assembly week, launched its seven Working Groups (WGs) on:

  1. Democracy and Local Development;
  2. Environment;
  3. Digitalisation;
  4. Cooperation between CSOs and the Private Sector;
  5. Eastern Partnership/Russia and Central Asia Cooperation;
  6. South-Eastern Europe Cooperation and
  7. Middle-East, Africa and Turkey Cooperation

Thus, members’ participation and active engagement has always been a pillar within ALDA’s mission. With the creation of these seven clusters of interests, the idea is to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing among experts and professionals. Serving as a platform to develop ideas and valuable content, while starting from local experiences and  perceptions; WGs are more far-reaching. Thus, the latter are intended to have an impact at European level, such as: by supporting the digitalisation process within Europe; raising awareness as far as the environment concerns; and promoting exchange of good practices related to local governance.

The importance not only of the thematic themselves, but also the necessity to start at local level to then tackle the European one

Besides, thanks to its long experiences, ALDA has also defined three WGs on specific geographic areas in which it has great expertise on – be they Eastern Partnership, Russia and Central Asia cooperation; South-Eastern Europe Cooperation (SEE) and Middle-East, Africa and Turkey Cooperation (MEA). Hence, within ALDA there are three specific departments working on the above-mentioned areas; therefore the association is very much pleased to exchange on that, always looking at mutual sharing and growth.

Last but not least, considering the role of ALDA both as part of the Civil Society Convention; and as an interlocutor with the private sectors (especially within some projects such as SMELT )the association has considered the creation of a specific Working Group in order to empower cooperation between Civil Society Organisations and profit entities, while promoting fair and inclusive economic activities.

Considering the relevance of these Working Groups, their meetings are also visible on the Conference on the Future of Europe platform, so that to stress, once again, the importance not only of the thematic themselves, but also the necessity to start at local level to then tackle the European one.

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Over the last few months, ALDA, along with 75 membership-based organisations working at the pan-European level, has been actively working towards developing a Civil Society Convention on the Future of Europe serving as a key interlocutor with the EU institutions conveying the voice of citizens and civil society within the Conference for the Future of Europe (CoFoE).

These efforts have finally been acknowledged by the CoFoE executive board. While within the Convention work is well underway and members are about to undertake an extensive consultation campaign across their constituencies – reaching out to millions of citizens in all areas of life: from education to culture, social inclusive, environment, governance and transparency – without clear sight on the follow-up and consideration these major takeaways would be given to the CoFoE, the latter has just been officially endorsed to seat in the Plenary.

Plenary chairs have offered 5 out of the 8 seats reserved for civil society representatives to the Convention members

Indeed, the Plenary chairs have offered 5 out of the 8 seats reserved for civil society representatives to the Convention members, especially those of the Steering Committee ALDA is part of, to contribute to the meetings & debates alongside citizens and representatives from the others bodies and institutions involved.

This initiative, in addition to granting recognition to the work carried out by the Convention, demonstrates genuine consideration of the role of civil society as a representative of the citizens’ voice.

We invite all European associations and organisations to keep up with the Convention’s work and agenda, which beyond this ongoing representation, will ensure to deliver strong inputs upon the CoFoE conclusion.

Last but not least, ALDA is very pleased to inform you that, whether you are a single citizen, a CSO or a Local Municipality you can join us and be an active player within the Conference on the Future of Europe.

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Among others, two projects had a particular relevance during the whole ALDA General Assembly week.

Tackling two key topics also addressed by the Conference on the Future of Europe, namely migration and digital transformation, the spotlight was on the projects LIME – Labour Inclusion for Migrants’ Employment and DIGITAL – Supporting democratic union and active citizenship in digital era.

After the official opening event, the BUK Festival of Modena hosted an interactive panel discussion on the “Roles and responsibilities of migrants inclusion in the labour market”. The event was opened by Dolinda Cavallo, LIME project manager, who gave an overview of the overall project’s achievements and illustrated the MEIC methodology. MEIC – Migrants Economic Migration Cluster aims at facilitating the inclusion of Third Country Nationals into the labour market based on a multi-stakeholder approach and the creatin of cluster networks.

Education, training and employment are at the core of the program, thus we really hope LIME project and its result will give a tangible contribution towards the achievement of the set goals

Following, the public in presence and the audience online listened to the experiences of Francesca Capuozzo, activist and lawyer, who gave an overview on the national and European policies on the matter. The last two speeches were held by Elena Tanzi, member of the Volunteer Association “Porta Aperta Modena” and Francesca Dallatana, managing the training and job placement area of Ciac Onlus Association.

On Monday June 21st, online this time, we had the chance to participate to the LIME final conference: after 2 years of activity the project, led by CIES onlus, came to its end. The event was introduced by ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, who presented the main results and saw the participation of numerous keynote speakers.

Among them we underline the participation of some of the project’s beneficiaries who presented their experience as part of pilot projects implemented in Rome (Italy). Whithin this framework they attended a series of training on soft-skills improvement and entrepreneurship thanks to which they succeeded in finding a job

Finally, we highlight the intervention of Angelique Petrits, European Commissioner Policy Officer, who described the newly implemented action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027. Education, training and employment are at the core of the program, thus we really hope LIME project and its result will give a tangible contribution towards the achievement of the set goals!

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Not only migration. The whole General Assembly week was marked by several discussions concerning the issue of digitalisation, digital transformation, and the impact of new technologies in the lives of citizens and in democratic processes.

Such topics were mainly discussed through the project DIGITAL – Supporting democratic union and active citizenship in digital era during the two events which took place on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 23 June.

Both happening online, the Opening session and the first webinar of the 4th international event titled “The Future is Digital”, were deeply linked to the Conference on the Future of Europe with insights aimed at analysing how the digital revolution we are living will, eventually, affect democracy.

After an introduction by Lisy Piter, ALDA and DIGITAL project manager, panelists – Virgilio Dastoli, President of the European Movement Italy, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and Gilles Pelayo, Head of Units, Europe for citizens programme – EACEA – focused on the challenges addressed by digitalisation to the European Union and its functioning, on one side and the strengths such a transformation is bringing in terms of services’ improvement in the everyday life of European citizens, on the other.

The speakers from the second webinar – Rait Pihelgas, Member of the European Committee of the Regions; Ruth-Marie Henckes, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator – European Partnership for Democracy; David Frautschy Heredia, Director for European Government and Regulatory Affairs – Internet Society; Sofia Caiolo, Project Management Coordinator of ALDA-focused on the future and the impact of the current digital revolution on the citizens, civil societies organization and the European Union (see the Agenda)

The whole General Assembly week was marked by several discussions concerning the issue of digitalisation, digital transformation, and the impact of new technologies in the lives of citizens and in democratic processes

On  Thursday 23 June, the participants were invited to an overview on 3 topics linked to the digital revolution: Youth, Local authorities and Food.

The second day was divided into three webinars. The first one, “A youth digital future” – with  Francesca Passudetti, Head of the Italian Y20 delegation and delegate of Young Ambassadors Society; Thomas Trevisan, Membership Officer – Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Brussels; and Janis Fifka, International board member of European Youth Parliament – opened dialogue among civil society organisations working with young people, to understand their vision on a digital future where youth would represent the prevalent stakeholder.

Consequently during the second webinar of the day, the talk shifted to a more practical and broader level, addressing citizens as a whole, to investigate how local authorities are exploiting new technologies to improve the lives of citizens in terms of services’ accessibility. Jonathan Wofsy, Maire de Chevry-cossigny (France) and Pascal Goergen, Alderman for Citizen Participation, Civil Status, Population, Digital Transition, Digitalisation, International Relations and Partnerships of the municipality of Grez- Doiceau (Belgium) were presented in the discussion to share with us their experiences (see the Agenda)

Digital food: a more sustainable food on our plates? Was the topic of the last part, to investigate how new technologies can support the establishment of a more sustainable pattern, limiting or cancelling the negative footprint our production and consumption models have on the environment. Helping us in understanding the issue there were Isabelle Albert, Autor of  “Tech it green. Transformation numérique et transition écologique : construire la double révolution du 21e siècle”, COO of Satgana,  Doris Marquardt, Programme officer from the European Commission in Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development – Unit B2 – Research and Innovation, Isabelle Piot-Lepetit, Economist at INRAE (l’Institut national de la recherche agronomique) and Deputy Director of the InstitutConvergences Agriculture Numérique, and Sébastien Weykmans, Managing Director of WalDigiFarm.

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On the occasion of the opening event of the 2021 edition of the BUK Festival, held on Saturday 19th June at “Laboratorio Aperto – Ex AEM” in Modena; ALDA – together with the European Federalist Movement and the European Planning Office of the Municipality of Modena – tackled the issue of culture in the European context. Culture as an added value, as a transversal value that unites, that creates future. Precisely the latter was a key aspect of the debate: considering the Conference on the Future of Europe as an opportunity to write together the Europe of tomorrow.

Panelist of the conference, moderated by Francesco Zarzana – Artistic Director of BUK festival and Vice-President ALDA, were:

  • Antonella Valmorbida – Secretary General of ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy;
  • Giorgio Anselmi – President of the European Federalist Movement and the Institute of Federalist Studies “Altiero Spinelli”;
  • Antonella Buja – Head of the European Projects Office, International Relations and Coordination of Complex Projects of the Municipality of Modena; and
  • Giuseppe Caruso – Senior Project Manager Office for European Projects, International Relations and Coordination of Complex Projects of the Municipality of Modena.

Culture as an added value, as a transversal value that unites, that creates future

The four speakers shared the vision according to which culture, be it the common past or the shared present, representS for Italy and for Europe itself a source of rebirth and a stimulus to create a unitary European future.

Thus culture, brilliantly expressed by the many small and medium-sized publishers active at the local level and participating at BUK Festival, opens up to the European context.

Moreover, on the occasion of the opening event, ALDA welcomed the Municipality of Modena as its new member, and thanked Andrea Bortolamasi – Councillor for Culture, Municipality of Modena, for the valuable contribution given to the opening conference of the BUK Festival.

The latter, finally, marked the start of the 2021 ALDA General Assembly. The next events on the calendar, live-streamed from the different ALDA venues, such as Strasbourg and Brussels, will focus on the European context, the Conference on the Future of Europe, and its many facets: from digital to migration.

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BUK Festival – Programme

Municipality of Modena

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On June 11ͭ ͪ 2021, a local activity “Coffee with the President” was realized in Niksic, in which the President of the Municipal Assembly, Mr Nemanja Vukovic, participated. The event was attended by representatives of the Municipality of Niksic, as well as the of state institutions, the NGO sector, entrepreneurs, representatives of the academic community and media and interested citizens. More in details, among the citizens and participants there were:

  • 5 representatives of the Municipality of Niksic,
  • 2 representatives of state institutions,
  • 15 representatives of the NGO sector,
  • 8 representatives of the media and
  • 1 representative of entrepreneurs.

Promoting a culture of dialogue and solidarity in the Municipality of Niksic

The event was of an interactive type and all participants have joined in the discussion. The topics discussed were related to the resolution of the issue of unemployment in the Municipality of Niksic and proposals for solving this problem and improving the transparency of the work of the Municipality, while promoting a culture of dialogue and solidarity. In addition to the topics envisaged by the agenda, participants initiated a conversation on topics related to environmental protection, out of the politic in local communities, the position of the Roma and Egyptians populations, cultural creativity and the like.

Over 50 questions were asked and more than 20 initiatives and 10 proposals to solve current problems, which are burdening the citizens of Niksic were sent. The President of the Municipal Assembly answered all the questions; while promising that he would consider all initiatives and proposals to work together. A model of future cooperation between the city and the civil sector and citizens has been agreed, preconditions have been created for good cooperation between representatives of the NGO sector, citizens and decision-makers.

This initiative was part of the VALID Project

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Over the course of the 15th and the 16th of June of 2021, the VALID project organized their second intercultural event: the Intercultural City Exchange, hosted in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, though held online over zoom. The focus is on a local level, specifically with the purpose of finding connections between groups and creating an exchange of culture, such as through cities, cultural ideas, etc.

As well as this, ideas were shared around during the runtime of the conference and suggestions were given in terms of what can be done for cultural minorities, migrants, etc. to promote inclusiveness, cultural dialogue, and building a network of towns. The zoom meeting was also divided into breakout sessions that discussed local ways of participating and suggestions, and polls were done in order to gauge the opinions and knowledge of participants.

The event in Novo Mesto was productive and helped to share interesting ideas for cultural promotion

Possible expectations and suggestions given further increase participation, inclusion, motivation, etc. for recipients and prove to be beneficial. General things encouraged include creating things such as NGOs and consultative bodies for cultural minorities/migrants, encourage those who have the right to vote, promoting art and creativity, flexibility, approaches such as personal and “here and now” approaches, among other things.

Among the discussion topics covered was also things that are already done for promotion of inclusion, such as daily centers (mostly for children,) activities and classes for kids and adults (such as language, IT, work help, etc.), workshops, year-wide cultural events, and more. It was also made clear that there will be future international events held across other countries.

Overall, it can be said that this event was productive and helped to share interesting ideas for cultural promotion. Of course, more events like this will be held.

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The VALID project is a bottom-up approach for promoting inclusion and cultural dialogue among people, and the purpose of this meeting was to facilitate that, with several speakers giving presentations with examples of local development, including people from various cultural projects, NGOs and other associations.

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ALDA is very pleased to share updated information on the implementation of the project within the programme “Platform for Good Governance and Environmental Protection”, financed by UNDP Ukraine.

Froom a broad perspective, the overall aim of the project is to develop and strengthen the institutional capacity of:

  • Local authorities;
  • Representatives of civil society organisations of pilot communities in community governance, public influence on decision-making, and
  • Implementation of good governance policy using the principles of participatory democracy.

More into depth, the project envisages the delivery of 12 trainings and 12 round tables. Starting with the topic of the first training, the latter took place on June 14th -16th and it was entitled “Introduction of e-democracy in local governance and receiving feedback from the community”.

The overall aim of the project is to develop and strengthen the institutional capacity

The training was attended by 22 representatives from the Local Public Authorities of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine and by representatives of Civil Society Organisations. Representatives from:

  • UNDP Ukraine;
  • Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast Administrations and
  • ALDA

were among keynote speakers. As far as the second topic concerns, be it “Good governance: clear and transparent reporting by local authorities”, the training was attended by 21 representatives from the same territorial communities.

Overall, training sessions are based on relevant examples from international and national practice, focused on the development of professional competencies of local authorities’ leaders such as: leadership and effective team management skills; the ability to identify problems and set tasks for their solution using tools of time and crisis management. Moreover, throughout the project, each participant has to work on one idea or project (success story) s/he is willing to implement in his/her communities. In order to develop this tasks, participants will be assisted by trainers during the Coaching Sessions, providing also practical advice.

Antonella Valmorbida – Secretary General – and ALDA will also support participants by providing valuable knowledge and tools, while leading several trainings, happening at the beginning of July. This is just the beginning of a great project, more updates in the upcoming months.

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Join ALDA for being involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe 

This year, on May 9th we celebrated the “Europe Day”, but that day also marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable happenings of our democratic history: the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), with an opening session held – in hybrid format – at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

Yet, what is the Conference on the Future of Europe?

The Conference (CoFoE) represents the opportunity for all European citizens to discuss and debate on both challenges and priorities, and discuss on the future path that Europe should follow. Thus, the idea behind it is that all three institutions – be they European Parliament; Council and Commission – will listen to European citizens, their ideas and proposals as far as the future of Europe concerns.

Still one question remains: “How can people actively join the Conference?”

Based on a bottom-up and citizens-oriented approach, citizens can both take part in several conferences and events, divided into topics. Starting from the multilingual digital platform citizens will have the possibility to share their ideas; organise events while joining some of them already available at the participatory space online.

More, the European citizens’ panels, organised by the European Commission, will bring together representatives in terms of citizens’ age, socioeconomic background, gender and origins; they will gather regularly and provide inputs to the Conference Plenary.

Till the end of the Conference, we have the possibility to propose the EUROPE THAT WE WANT !

ALDA will give you the opportunity to be part of the Conference, by raising your voice and the voices of citizens to make Europe the one we want.

The key topics to be addressed are :

  • Climate change and environment
  • Health
  • A stronger economy, social justice and jobs
  • The European Union stronger in the world
  • Values, rights, rule of law and security
  • Digital transformation
  • European democracy
  • Migration
  • Education, culture, youth and sport
  • Other ideas

 If you are a local authority:

  •  You can join ALDA and participate to our projects and be part of our Working groups, which are officially registered as consultations in the official website of the European Commission
  • You can get in touch with ALDA for assistance with the registration to the official CoFoE Platform, organise an event, elaborate recommendations. We will help you to raise your voice. Tell us what you are interested in by filling-out this FORM or writing an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

 If you are an association or a civil society group:

  • You can join ALDA and participate to our projects and be part of our Working groups, which are officially registered as consultations in the official website of the European Commission
  • You can get in touch with ALDA for assistance with the registration to the official CoFoE Platform, organise an event, elaborate recommendations. We will help you to raise your voice. Tell us what you are interested in by filling-out this FORM or writing an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

 If you are a citizen:

  • You can be part of a consultation, present your proposal and engage in discussions on one or more of the key issues mentioned above. If you are interested in playing an active part in the consultation process set up by ALDA please fill-out this FORM and indicate your field(s) of interest.

For more information, write an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

ALDA, beside the Working Groups involving the members, is planning, in cooperation with the programme of the Committee of the Regions and the Bertelsmann Foundation, a series of consultations that will take place in the upcoming months and will be officially registered in the CoFoE Platform.

Moreover, ALDA is one of the Steering Committee members of the Civil Society Convention for the future of Europe which is represented with 5 seats at the Plenary of the Conference and which is gathering several times to collect ideas and suggestions of European Citizens, including your idea, as well!

ALDA is also organising series of events and consultations thanks to its networks and in particular with the European Movement International, the European Movement Italy, the European Movement France and the European Federalist Movement of Italy.

ALDA looks forward to the Conference on the Future of Europe, as a concrete occasion to restart, to improve and to strengthen Europe together with its citizens!

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On June 11th 2021, the group of young people engaged in youth CSOs from Knjazevac had a meeting with the representative of the local governance, the Deputy Mayor Mr. Branislav Josifovic. The topic of the activity was participation of youth in the decision-making on the local level, as well as the presentation of the recommendations for the improving the quality of life of young people in Knjaževac.

Prior to this meeting, a street action was organized, where young activists asked the citizens to vote on their recommendations and to add their suggestions. In the document presented to the local authorities, there were four recommendations for improving the quality of life for young people in municipality of Knjazevac that had the most votes:

  1. to establish a youth centre,
  2. to create more opportunities for recreational sports,
  3. to have a counselling program for young people and
  4. to have more cultural and entertaining activities for youth, organized according to their interests.

Four recommendations for improving the quality of life for young people in municipality of Knjazevac

The conclusion of the meeting is that the recommendations largely concur with the activities planned by the local government for the coming period. A space that would be intended for young people is also planned, and which should be established at the beginning of next year. The deputy mayor stated that the local government will consult with young people when planning the next activities, and invited them to address him directly with questions and suggestions concerning young people.

The activity was a part of the project VALID – European Cities – Strengthening Common Values of Solidarity and Intercultural Dialogue funded by the Europe for Citizens program.

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The Valid story continues with great success. The second international event will be held on the 15th and 16th of June 2021 on the Zoom platform, organised by the Volunteer center Novo Mesto.

Dedicated to tools and mechanisms the second international event has one main aim: sharing. Thus, the project partners will create a safe spot for sharing as far as the role of intercultural dialogue concerns, especially in facilitating social inclusion, as well as implementation and monitoring of local development policies.

The second international event has one main aim: sharing

More specifically, it also deals  with methods, tools and good practices to promote social inclusion, civic engagement and intercultural dialogue at local level.

The event is open for experts, facilitators, social workers, volunteers and interested locals. If you interested please register on the following LINK.

You can follow the event on the Zoom Platform.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Within the “Local Democracy Network Development”project, delegates from LDA Dnipropetrovsk, LDA Mariupol, LDA Georgia, LDA Armenia and LDA Moldova will join a workshop, organised in Chisinau from 8th to 10th of June 2021. Focusing on the particularities of each LDA’s work; the main idea of the workshop is to discuss and finalise the strategy for the network in accordance with the Black Sea (BS) NGO Forum’s revised Strategic Framework for CSO Cooperation.

More into depth, the strategy will be developed taking into accounts the following principles:

  •   Good local governance;
  •   Active citizenship;
  •   Youth;
  •   Environment;
  •   Coordination of activities and

·   Network extension and communication.

The idea behind this project is to turn LDAs into “bridges” between citizens and local governments, thus improving the citizen’s participation in their communities

Yet, an initial draft of the strategy has been already prepared, in May during a 3-day online workshop,  with the support of an external facilitator. The latter was in charge to both elaborate and draft the strategy, while ensuring that the entire process would be implemented.

On a general perspective, aiming at establishing a network of LDAs from Eastern Partnership countries working in the Black Sea region, the idea behind this project is to turn LDAs into “bridges” between citizens and local governments, thus improving the citizen’s participation in their communities.

As far as the objectives of this initiative, one can identify:

  •   Increasing the resilience and sustainability of the Local Democracy Agencies Network (LDAs) working in the Black Sea Region;
  •   Boosting the fundraising skills, institutional capacities of the Black Sea LDAs with specific focus on resilience and sustainability and
  •   Elaborating, based on a participatory process, of a regional mid-term strategy of LDAs’ network development in the region.

Thus, the project is intended to formalise the network of the LDAs in four countries – be they Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine –  while extending the network in other BS countries, and  spreading the concept of local democracy to a larger area.

Finally, the project aims at training and supporting LDAs in strengthening their own organisational skills and capacity, such as internal governance, resilience and fundraising. At the same time it is also designed to  build a stronger and sustainable network, able to act for a long-term period of time.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

In March 2021 a new project has kicked off in Ukraine, more specifically in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

“Platform on Good Governance and Environmental Protection”, this is the project’s title led by ALDA, foresees the implementation of a series of trainings addressed to local authority representatives , civil society organisations of pilot communities in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas for the development of professional competencies and the implementation of short term professional development programmes for local authorities’ officials and public officers as required by the law in force to facilitate the adaptation of official activities to the European standards.

A project to upgrade local communities’ right to influence decision-making processes

Moreover, within the framework of the project twelve round-table discussions (6 in Donetsk and 6 in Luhansk) will be organised on the implementation of reforms and their influence on the sustainability of community development through the exchange of best practices on local governance.

All in all, the project in Ukraine, which will conclude by the end of the current year, aims at developing human resources of representatives of local authorities, civil society organisations of pilot communities in Donetsk and Luhansk region, as well as gaining an active competent community within its development including the right to influence on decision-making.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Together for the Conference on the Future of Europe

ALDA has co-signed, with other organisations, the Joint Civil Society Declaration so that to create a platform serving not only as a counterpart for the EU institutions, but also to represent citizens and people living in EU.

The Conference on the Future of Europe, officially launched in Strasbourg on May 9th, and planning to last till spring 2022, involves a great number of Civil Society Organisations, whose expectations are to get further details about what the EU does for them and for all EU citizens as well discussing ad hoc solutions to face future challenges. In addition, the role of the Civil Society Organisations is fundamental in bringing people together, enabling them to become active players, while designing common goals. Thus, one aspect to be discussed during the Conference should be, as stated in the Declaration, “how to reconnect people with the European Union and its institutions”.

The Conference sets itself the goal of giving citizens a greater role in shaping EU policies and ambitions, improving the Union’s resilience to crises, be it economic or health-related. It will create a new public forum for an open, inclusive, transparent and structured debate with Europeans around the issues that matter to them and affect their everyday lives.

Register now to ALDA General Assembly

and related events

Registration

The General Assembly week will also host the official launch of the new ALDA Working Groups, an opportunity for our members to share knowledge and develop ideas and projects based on the. main thematic areas ALDA works in. To get more information and sign up to one or more working group, follow this link.

See the comprehensive agenda of the week.

Find below the agenda of the week and sign-up to one or more events:

19 June 2021

The Role of Culture in the European Union

9.30am – 11am, Modena (Italy)

At the BUK Festival opening event, keynote speakers, among whom Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, will address the topic of culture, which will be the fil rouge will guide the conversation. The panel will be followed by a questions and answers session.

Event Agenda

Roles and responsibilities of migrants’ inclusion in the labour market

11.30am – 12.30pm, Modena (Italy)

The fil rouge of migration will guide the conversation through questions addressed to the speakers, creating a more dynamic environment. At the end of the presentation a Q&A session will be opened and all attendees will havve the chance to iintract with the panelists.

Event Agenda

19-20 June 2021

Visit us at the BUK Festival!

All day long, Modena (Italy)

ALDA will be present with a stand during the whole BUK Festival presenting its work, projects and activities. Come and visit us!

Learn more

21 June 2021

Final Conference – LIME project

10am – 12pm, Online

LIME – Labour Integration For Migrants Employment – is a 2-year project which aims at promoting the swift integration of young Third Country Nationals – TCNs – (aged 18-29) in the labour market, by implementing the Migrants Economic Integration Cluster – MEIC model all over Europe.

Event Agenda

Cooperation between CSOs and the private sector – 1st Working Group meeting

2pm – 4pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA Working Groups with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria.

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

Democracy and local development – 1st Working Group meeting

4pm – 6pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA WG with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

22 June 2021

The future is Digital – DIGITAL project, 5th International event

10am – 12.30pm, Online

The project promotes collaboration among policy-makers and citizens from 15 countries, to stimulate democratic and civic participation across Europe, and to support democratic Union in the digital era.

Event Agenda

Environment – 1st Working Group meeting

2pm – 4pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA Working Groups with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria.

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

Digitalisation – 1st Working Group meeting

4pm – 6pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA Working Groups with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria.

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

23 June 2021

DIGITAL project – Webinars

10am – 3.15pm, Online

The project promotes collaboration among policy-makers and citizens from 15 countries, to stimulate democratic and civic participation across Europe, and to support democratic Union in the digital era.

The event will be made of 3 panels: (1) A youth digital future; (2)Digital for citizens; (3) Digital food: a more sustainable future on our plates?

Event Agenda

1st panel – A youth digital future

10am – 11.30am, Online

Often the future is represented by the youth: this is the opportunity to have a panel discussion with youth organisations and listen to their point of view.

2nd panel – Digital for citizens

11.30am – 12.45pm, Online

Focusing on the local level, this session will explore how digitalisation is an opportunity and a challenge for local authorities.

3rd panel – Digital food: a more sustainable food on our plates?

2pm – 3.15pm, Online

Our production and consumption patterns leave a negative environmental footprint, but digital technologies can play a key role in finding solutions.

Eastern P’Ship/Russia and Central Asia Cooperation – 1st Working Group meeting

2pm – 4pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA Working Groups with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria.

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

South Eastern Europe Cooperation – 1st Working Group meeting

2pm – 4pm, Online

A first meeting of ALDA members subscribed to the ALDA Working Groups with a structure that will be aligned with the CoFoE platform criteria.

Event Agenda
Join Working Group

24 June 2021

Governing Board meeting

3.30pm – 7pm, Online & Vicenza (Italy)

ALDA Governing Board members will gather to discuss about key issues and next activities.

25 june 2021

ALDA Ordinary Annual General Assembly

10am – 1pm, Online

The Annual General Assembly of ALDA, to update and ask for members’ contribution about the present situation of the Association and future plans

The related documents will be sent via email to the ALDA Members only

The Organised Civil Society role in the Conference on the Future of Europe

2pm – 4pm, Online

Public conference organised by ALDA on the role of Civil Society Organization and the organised civil society world towards the Conference on the Future of Europe. Panelist form the European Institutions and the European Organised Civil Society will discussing the added value and fundamental role of an active civil society participation, and tackling the key issues of citizens participation for the future of Europe.

Event Agenda
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