Local Democracy Agencies
The LDAs: a unique and successful experiment of democratic support, with full engagement of local governments and civil society organisations from Europe and the neighbouring countries
ALDA coordinates and supports the network of 17 Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in their activities. Initiated by the Council of Europe in the early ‘90s, the LDAs represent a unique and successful experiment of democratic support, with full engagement of local governments and civil society organisations from Europe and the neighbouring countries.
The LDAs are locally-based organisations, funded and supported by both local partners and international associates with a long-term joint programme providing financial and political support to fulfil their mandate and to accompany local democracy and civil society empowerment. Indeed, partnership-building is a crucial aspect for each LDA, as their work is based on the innovative method of multilateral decentralised cooperation. The LDAs are also operational in the field of city diplomacy.
With the accession of Croatia to the European Union in July 2013, the three former Local Democracy Agencies in the country became Operational Partners (OPs) of ALDA.
