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Are you a young politician under the age of 35, serving in regional or local positions within the EU and the EU candidate countries? Are you looking for opportunities to network, gather information on EU legislation and EU funding opportunities?

Do you want to be involved in the work of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR​), and meet and debate with CoR members and other local, regional and European politicians?

Take part in the Young Elected Politicians (YEP) network and raise your voice at the EU level!

The YEP programme, launched by the European Committee of the Region (CoR) in 2019, aims to exchange best practices among local and regional politicians, strengthen the involvement of young elected representatives and promote their education through training and other relevant activities.

The programme has already empowered more than 800 young elected politicians, providing them a platform to engage with, and contribute to, European Union policy making and governance.

The initiative will last until spring 2025, with activities scheduled throughout the year. Being part of the YEP programme allows participants to assist a wide variety of events online, hybrid and in person at the CoR premises in Brussels (Belgium) or initiative outside the city.   

Deadline to Apply: 19 April, 2024

We eagerly await your application and your contribution to shape the future of the EU and ensure adequate political representation of young people.

How to apply?

For further information, read the full call on the dedicated website page and fill out the application form in English. 

You have time until 19 April, 2024!

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ALDA gave a presentation on the European elections to the Partners of the Speak Up project, looking for synergies two months ahead of the elections. We also presented ALDA’s own campaign for the European elections, Better Europe Together, in which the partners were invited to participate.

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During the Open Days of Villa Fabris in Thiene and within the “Shape your Europe” Lab, ALDA had an informative session about the Better Europe Together campaign and a stand dedicated to the TALE – TAke the Lead in the European Elections project.

This was the opportunity to inform local participants and citizens about the relevance of the upcoming elections of the next European Parliament as well as about the voting process in Italy.

  • Period:

    -

  • Countries involved:

    Eastern Partnership & Central Asia

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

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During March 10-15, two dedicated project managers from ALDA had the enriching opportunity to attend a comprehensive 5-day training session on migration inclusion in the beautiful city of Copenhagen (Denmark).

The main goal of this training was to arm participants with practical skills and valuable insights needed to effectively address the challenges associated with migration inclusion. At the heart of the agenda was the introduction and testing of the INCLUDATE curriculum, collaboratively developed by seven organisations, including ALDA, in the previous year. INCLUDATE stands out as a structured framework designed to empower migrant associations. It enables them to actively engage in inclusion and diversity strategies tailored to their unique contexts at every stage of the process. 

The aim is to foster inclusive communities across Europe through shared learning experiences.

During their stay, our project managers also seized the opportunity to explore the Migration Museum of Denmark. This exceptional institution chronicles the rich tapestry of immigration, spanning from the Dutch settlers in 16th-century Copenhagen to the Ukrainian refugees of 2022. By spotlighting individual stories, the museum places contemporary migration issues within a broader historical context, offering invaluable perspectives on the subject matter.

Throughout the training, participants immersed themselves in the methodologies of INCLUDATE through a series of engaging sessions. These sessions covered a spectrum of topics, including needs assessment, community mapping, empathy mapping, strategy development, action planning, and implementation strategies. The training was thoughtfully structured around two primary activities: learning of methods and tools, and experiential group work. This hands-on approach allowed participants to adapt these methods to their respective organisational cases and contexts effectively.

As they return from Copenhagen, our project managers are not only equipped with new skills but also inspired to continue their meaningful work within the INCLUDATE project. They are confident in their ability to contribute positively to inclusion and diversity strategies, eager to make an impact in their communities.

  • Period:

    -

  • Countries involved:

    Eastern Partnership & Central Asia

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

On the 8th of April 2024, ALDA hosted a delegation of Ukrainian City and Village Mayors, Civil Society Experts and Businesses at its premises in Brussels, as a part of the study visit organised by ANTS, a member of ALDA. 

During the gettogether, ALDA’s Coordinator of the Secretariat, Mr. Adrien Licha, presented ALDA’s origin as a catalyst for participatory democracy in the Balkans through Local Democracy Agencies. Then – following a depiction of ALDA’s vision and its emphasis on multi stakeholder cooperation – its partnership with Ukraine was introduced. Starting with ALDA’s efforts in knowledge sharing on participatory democracy before 2014, through the formal opening of the first LDA in Ukraine in the aftermath of the invasion of Crimea, until today’s multiple engagements in the country, through the Flagship Initiative on Ukraine. 

Partnerships with programs like U-LEAD with Europe have enabled ALDA to advance its mission in Ukraine, focusing on community development and resilience. 

ALDA’s Flagship Initiative emphasises the importance of LDAs in fostering peace and social cohesion.

Today, ALDA perpetuates its stand for the future of Ukraine putting civic engagement, participatory democracy and civil society at the heart of its initiatives in the country

Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, ALDA remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery through multilateral cooperation, in line with the Lugano Declaration. By engaging local authorities and civil society, ALDA strives to contribute to Ukraine’s peaceful and democratic future. As of now ALDA coordinates three LDAs in Ukraine, while the opening of additional ones is either planned or being discussed. Over the past two years, ALDA’s initiatives in Ukraine have been vital in promoting peace, resilience, and reconstruction. Through collaboration and innovation, ALDA stands with Ukraine in its journey towards a brighter future. 

In this purpose, LDAs in Ukraine carry out several projects, including psychological rehabilitation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dnipro – along with shelters providing food on a daily basis, Project “I Mariupol” offering support centres to provide basic needs to IDPs and capacity-building training on EU programs and Project development,

This is all possible thanks to a cooperative process of engagement with ALDA’s network, building a bridge with the local community and finalised with the Memorandum of Understanding putting the LDA in place. Going further, ALDA’s support and monitoring of the LDA’s activities is constant, to ensure the carrying out of activities in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The discussion testifies to the mutual admiration and interest both parts showed and it laid down and touched upon many compelling issues. Empowerment of youth and bottom-up democratic processes kicked off the talks, which later moved to the topics of sustainability, green environmental recovery and reconstruction, management of the immeasurable quantity of waste generated by the Russian invasion and the delicate issue of demining agricultural territories and tackling the damages already inflicted.
The discussion has been enriching and all of the topics touched raised new challenges for the implementation of a bottom-up and participative decision-making process, requiring further coordination and better synergy: two aspects that ALDA will definitely prioritise for the time being, working alongside its Ukrainian colleagues.

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On 27 and 28 March 2024, ALDA was present in Paris at the Conseil économique, social et environnemental’s (CESE) two-day event dedicated to the European Union and the European elections. We presented our activities and flagship initiatives to the members of the CESE.

ALDA was kindly invited to participate by the Mouvement Européen France, our partner in l’Europe pour de Bon ! campaign in France.

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On April 6, 2024, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, delivered a presentation on the importance of the European elections 2024 to the Officina sociopolitica Altovicentino. The presentation included an explanation of the European Parliament, of the functions of the Members of the European Parliament and of ALDA’s campaign ‘Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results‘.

The event, entitled ‘Progettazione Europea’ was also attended by Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy of ALDA, who led a presentation on European projects tackling all the project cycle management.

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On April 5, 2024, ALDA delivered an interactive presentation concerning the upcoming European elections to 60 students of the Atheneum Royal Jean Absil in Brussels. The event was aimed at presenting to the students the role of the European Parliament, the number of MEPs that will be elected and their function, and the date for the elections in Belgium.

ALDA gratefully accepted the invitation extended by Stand up for Europe to introduce their simulation of a European Parliament vote. Within this engaging exercise, students assume roles advocating for propositions of law and endorsing amendments in adherence to specific political guidelines.

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Connecting experts and citizens from diverse backgrounds and regions through digital tools in order to shape policies and initiatives.

To actively shape the European Green Deal, online participation can serve as a powerful tool to engage and connect individuals, amplify their voices, and foster inclusive decision-making processes. For this reason, the partners of the REAL DEAL project are delighted to announce the launch of the project’s participatory platform for the European Green Deal – My Real Deal.

The REAL DEAL project sets out to stimulate a pan-European debate involving different stakeholder groups, with the aims of reshaping citizens’ and stakeholders’ active participation and deliberation in the green and just transition. It brings together excellent research with experienced practitioners of deliberative democracy from a wide range of disciplines including environmental rights and the law of public participation, ethics and responsible innovation, gender studies and ecofeminism, psychology, geography, urban planning and applied sustainability studies.

In a massive co-creating exercise, it will research, test and validate innovative tools, formats and processes for deliberative democracy. It involves the EU’s largest networks of civil society organisations active in the field of environment – European Environmental Bureau, climate – Climate Action Network, sustainable development – SDG Watch Europe, local democracy – ALDA and the European Movement International, linking to the youth climate – YEE/Generation Climate Europe and the social justice movement – SOLIDAR. These large networks will invite civil society from across the region to the European Civil Society Forum for the Green and Just Transition to serve as the hub for deliberation on the EDG – making full use of their networks of hundreds of CSOs and millions of citizens across the EU, as well as their established relationships with thousands of policymakers.

The REAL DEAL platform represents a significant step in the efforts to engage citizens in shaping environmental policies all over Europe. Through its multilingualism and multiculturalism, the platform contributes to removing the language and cultural barrier by fostering exchange among citizens from different countries. Each individual is therefore encouraged to write and read contributions in their own language.

My Real Deal provides a space for citizens to voice their opinions, share their concerns, and propose ideas related to the European Green Deal

The purpose of the platform is to serve as a hub for individuals across Europe who are eager to contribute to the transition towards a greener future. Individuals can contribute to the Green Deal discussions by subscribing and sharing the most pressing topic(s) as well as contribute to the debate by reacting to posts from other contributors.

By including citizens from different regions and countries through online participation, solutions and ideas are more actionable. Therefore, this platform fills in the need for a safe place where individuals can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions regardless of their physical location. This way issues like climate change, which require coordinated efforts on a global scale, can be solved in an inclusive manner. 

These online discussions will be analysed by the REAL DEAL project team and incorporated into a report; which will be presented and submitted to the European Commission as part of the research project.

You will find the platform by clicking here.

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DISCOVER HERE HOW TO JOIN

Are you a municipality or an organsation working with families affected by energy poverty? If so, join the SCEPA Community of Interest and gain access to valuable resources and collaboration opportunities.

Why Join?

With 9.1% of European households living in energy poverty, it’s crucial to implement solutions that alleviate the burden on vulnerable households. SCEPA (Scaling up the Energy Poverty Approach) is a project under the NWE Interreg Programme, focused on reducing energy poverty, piloting effective solutions, and making a just energy transition a reality.

Community Benefits:

  • Learn from universities and municipalities working together to combat energy poverty.
  • Attend online or in-person meetings based on your availability.
  • Access cost-free monthly newsletters, technical reports, and learning materials.
  • Collaborate on creating energy communities and promoting behavioral change in energy consumption.
  • Provide feedback and contribute to the project’s success.

SCEPA runs until June 2027, funded by the NWE Interreg Programme of the European Commission.

Ready to make a difference? Join here!

The objectives of SCEPA are these ones and you can be part of it through the community of interest and you can be part of it!

In order to be considered for the SCEPA Community of Interest, kindly fill up the following registration form, leave your contacts and tell us more about your local contest. You will eventually be contacted by:

ALDA, projects@aldaintranet.org

Register through the Google Form here

For further information on the project click here or please contact:

SCEPA Lead Partner Municipality of Arnhem, Thijn de Voogd, Thijn.de.Voogd@arnhem.nl | +31 6 27432234

SCEPA Communication Manager, Erik van Cuijk, erik.van.cuijk@arnhem.nl | +31 6 11837272

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ALDA is deeply committed to supporting transgender individuals, especially on Trans Visibility Day. It’s crucial for everyone to educate themselves on being a supportive ally. Here are some valuable tips for allyship with transgender people :

Those TIPS were taken from GLAAD, a non profit organization focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy and cultural change, go check them out for more information. 

Don’t make assumptions about a transgender person’s sexual orientation.
Gender identity is different from sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is about who we’re attracted to. Gender identity is about our own personal sense of being a man or a woman, or neither of those binary genders. Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or any other sexual orientation.

If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first.
If you’re unsure which pronoun a person uses, listen first to the pronouns other people use when referring to them. If you must ask which pronoun the person uses, start with your own. For example, “Hi, I’m Alex and I use the pronouns he and him. What about you?”. If you accidently use the wrong pronoun, apologize quickly and sincerely, correct your mistake, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the situation, the more uncomfortable it is.

Be patient with a person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity.
A person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity may take some time to figure out what’s true for them. They might, for example, use a name or pronoun, and then decide at a later time to change the name or pronoun again. Do your best to be respectful and use the name and pronoun requested. 

Don’t ask a transgender person what their “real name” is.
If you happen to know the name someone was given at birth but no longer uses, don’t share it without the person’s explicit permission. Similarly, don’t share photos of someone from before their transition, unless you have their permission.

Be careful about confidentiality, disclosure, and “outing.”
Some transgender people feel comfortable disclosing their gender history, while others do not. A transgender person’s gender history is personal information and it is up to them to share it with others. Do not casually share this information, speculate, or gossip about a person you know or think is transgender. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it also can have negative consequences in a world that is very intolerant of gender diversity. Transgender people can lose jobs, housing, friends, or even their lives when other people find out about their gender history.

Understand there is no “right” or “wrong” way to transition, and that it is different for every person.
Some transgender people access medical care like hormone replacement therapy and surgeries as part of their transition in order to align their bodies with their gender identity. Some transgender people want their authentic gender identity to be recognized without hormones or surgery. Some transgender people cannot access gender affirming healthcare due to a lack of financial resources or access to trained providers. A transgender person’s gender is not dependent on medical procedures or how they look. Accept that if someone tells you they are transgender, they are.

Don’t ask about a transgender person’s genitals, surgical status, or sex life.
It would be inappropriate to ask a cisgender (non-transgender) person about the appearance or status of their genitals. It is equally inappropriate to ask a transgender person those questions. Don’t ask if a transgender person has had “the surgery” or if they are “pre-op” or “post-op.” If a transgender person wants to talk to you about such matters, they will bring it up. Similarly, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask a cisgender person about how they have sex, so the same courtesy should be extended to transgender people.

Avoid backhanded compliments and “helpful” tips.
While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be hurtful or even insulting:

“I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty.”

“You look just like a real woman.”

“She’s so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender.”

“He’s so hot. I’d date him even though he’s transgender.”

“You’re so brave.”

“You’d pass so much better if you wore less/more make-up, had a better wig, etc.”

“Have you considered a voice coach?”

Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB spaces.
You may hear anti-transgender comments from anti-LGBTQ activists, but you may also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they’re gay, it’s ok for them to use certain words or tell jokes about transgender people. It’s important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they’re said and no matter who says them.

At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone.
In a group setting, identify people by articles of clothing instead of using gendered language. For example, the “person in the blue shirt,” instead of the “woman in the front.” Similarly, “Sir” and “Madam” are best avoided. If bathrooms in the space are not already all-gender, ask if it’s possible to put an all-gender sign on them. In some circumstances, where not everyone is known, consider asking people to introduce themselves with their names and pronouns. For example, “Hi, I’m Nick and I use he/him pronouns.” Start with yourself and use a serious tone that will discourage others from dismissing the activity with a joke. However, if you feel this practice will have the effect of singling out the trans people in the room or putting them on the spot, avoid it. Remember, it costs cisgender people nothing to share their pronouns, but for trans people it can mean they are sharing something very personal about their gender.

If you want to ensure a safe space from discrimination and create a gender equal work environment, check out ALDA’s gender equality and anti discrimination policy. 

Listen to transgender people.
The best way to be an ally is to listen with an open mind to transgender people speaking for themselves. Follow thought leaders in the transgender community. Check out books, films, YouTube channels, and trans blogs to find out more about transgender people and the issues people within the community face. We recommend watching the documentary “Disclosure” on Netflix. Directed by Sam Feder and executive produced by Laverne Cox, “Disclosure” surveys the history of trans representation in TV and film using archival footage and interviews with 30 trans advocates and artists working in the entertainment industry. The film reveals how the media has created and perpetuated stereotypes about transgender people.

Know your own limits as an ally.
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It is better to admit you don’t know something than to make assumptions or say something that may be incorrect or hurtful. Seek out the appropriate resources that will help you learn more. Remember being an ally is a sustained and persistent pattern of action; not an idle or stable noun. 

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On March 23rd, the Secretary General of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, met with the students of the Paolo Lioy High School in Vicenza (Italy), to raise awareness about the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 6-9, 2024.

During the meeting, organised by the Volunteer Service Center of the Province of Vicenza (CSV) as part of the “Vote Volunteer Vision” campaign developed by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the importance of European institutions, their role, and how elections have a huge impact on citizens’ daily lives.

Furthermore, before encouraging the students to vote, she presented ALDA’s campaign for the European elections ‘Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results’. 🇪🇺

Discover it here: https://lnkd.in/d2btFKmx

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Article in 🇮🇹, 🇬🇧 below

Fino al 29 marzo sono aperte le candidature per la partecipazione all’assemblea deliberativa sulle riforme e sugli investimenti prioritari del governo italiano nell’ambito del Green Deal europeo. Un’iniziativa organizzata da ASviS, con gli altri partner del progetto di ricerca Real Deal promosso dall’Unione europea, per coinvolgere le cittadine e i cittadini nei processi decisionali e sollecitare la partecipazione attiva.

Perché partecipare:
  1. Per contribuire alla formulazione delle proposte politiche che ritieni necessario siano adottate dal nostro governo, attraverso un percorso aperto di partecipazione attiva.
  2. Per confrontare le tue idee con gli altri partecipanti e contribuire alla ricerca di soluzioni comuni per il cambiamento.
  3. Per collaborare con cittadini/e delle diverse realtà regionali, partecipando in qualunque posto ti trovi, in modo da confrontare differenti prospettive e bisogni.
Il processo

ASviS intende coinvolgere 100 cittadine e cittadini provenienti dal territorio italiano interessati a condividere idee di cambiamento e proposte per il futuro delle politiche nazionali. I partecipanti saranno coinvolti in una assemblea online (sulla piattaforma Zoom) che si terrà il 18 aprile 2024, dalle 15:30 alle 18.30. Il focus del confronto è “Investimenti e riforme del Documento di economia e finanza nazionale considerando gli indirizzi e le raccomandazioni all’Italia espresse dall’Ue”.

Gli argomenti che l’assemblea dovrà trattare riguardano:

  • la produttività;
  • l’ambiente;
  • l’equità;
  • la stabilità di bilancio.

I partecipanti riceveranno preventivamente un “Kit di benvenuto” introduttivo alle attività con elementi utili a comprendere il focus della discussione e che sarà presentato in un webinar il 9 aprile.

I 100 partecipanti, dopo un primo momento in plenaria, saranno coinvolti in diversi tavoli di approfondimento connessi alle quattro tematiche. I tavoli verranno organizzati tenendo conto delle preferenze espresse da ogni partecipante tramite un questionario preliminare. I gruppi di lavoro, coordinati da esperti ASviS e facilitatori, condivideranno bisogni, idee e suggerimenti utili ad aprire discussioni e predisporranno una serie di proposte connesse alla tematica di approfondimento. In chiusura dei lavori, ogni tavolo (nominando un portavoce) potrà esporre in plenaria le proprie proposte, che verranno discusse e deliberate con voto a maggioranza.

La presentazione dei risultati

Le proposte e le raccomandazioni della cittadinanza saranno presentate alle istituzioni di governo e ai media durante il prossimo Festival dello Sviluppo Sostenibile (7-23 maggio 2024).  L’output farà successivamente parte del Rapporto ASviS di maggio, quale sorta di Documento di economia e finanza della società civile italiana (Def+) che sarà elaborato da ASviS; ciò avverrà in parallelo all’attività del governo nell’ambito del processo del Semestre europeo, sulla base degli indirizzi espressi dalle istituzioni dell’Ue e delle raccomandazioni specifiche per l’Italia.

Il progetto Real Deal

Il progetto Real Deal mira a sviluppare modelli di partecipazione attiva e forme di democrazia deliberativa all’interno dell’Ue. L’obiettivo finale è definire un “protocollo Real Deal” per coinvolgere in maniera strutturata la società civile e la cittadinanza nei processi decisionali delle politiche a livello dell’Ue e nei diversi Stati membri. Il progetto realizzerà una piattaforma paneuropea per la democrazia deliberativa, applicabile anche alla scala nazionale.

Per registrarsi, troverete qui sotto il link: https://it.surveymonkey.com/r/M8G6NHD

Real Deal: join the citizens’ assembly of ASviS, let’s design policies together!

Until the 29th of March, applications are open for participation in the deliberative assembly on the Italian government’s priority reforms and investments within the European Green Deal. An initiative organised by ASVIS, together with the other partners of the Real Deal research project promoted by the European Union, to involve citizens in decision-making processes and encourage active participation.

Why participate:
  1. To contribute to the formulation of policy proposals that you believe should be adopted by our government, through an open path of active participation.
  2. To compare your ideas with other participants and contribute to the search for common solutions for change.
  3. To collaborate with citizens from different regions, participating wherever you are, to compare different perspectives and needs.
The process

ASviS aims to involve 100 Italian citizens interested in sharing ideas for change and proposals for the future of national policies. Participants will be involved in an online assembly (on the Zoom platform) to be held on 18 April 2024, from 15:30 to 18:30. The focus of the discussion is ‘Investments and reforms in the National Economic and Financial Document considering the guidelines and recommendations to Italy expressed by the EU’.

The topics to be addressed by the assembly include:

  • productivity.
  • the environment.
  • equity.
  • budgetary stability.

Participants will receive in advance an introductory “Welcome Kit” to the activities with useful elements for understanding the focus of the discussion, which will be presented in a webinar on 9th April.

The 100 participants, after an initial plenary session, will be involved in several in-depth tables related to the four themes. The tables will be organised considering the preferences expressed by each participant through a preliminary questionnaire. The working groups, coordinated by ASviS experts and facilitators, will share needs, ideas, and suggestions useful for opening discussions and will prepare a series of proposals related to the topic of in-depth study. At the end of the work, each table (appointing a spokesperson) will be able to present its proposals in plenary, which will be discussed and decided by majority vote.

The presentation of results

Citizens’ proposals and recommendations will be presented to government institutions and the media during the next Festival of Sustainable Development (7-23 May 2024).  The output will subsequently be part of the May ASviS Report, as a sort of Economic and Financial Document of Italian Civil Society (Def+) to be drawn up by ASviS; this will be done in parallel with the government’s activities within the European Semester process, on the basis of the guidelines expressed by the EU institutions and the specific recommendations for Italy.

The Real Deal project

The Real Deal project aims to develop models of active participation and forms of deliberative democracy within the EU. The goal is to define a ‘Real Deal protocol’ to involve civil society and citizenship in a structured way in policy-making processes at the EU level and in the different member states. The project will create a pan-European platform for deliberative democracy, also applicable at the national scale.

To register, please find below the link: https://it.surveymonkey.com/r/M8G6NHD

The project UP2YOU aims to develop new training paths for University students focusing on SDGs and Community organizing – promoting the creation of new managerial figures who can act as agents of change.

  • Period:

    01/09/2023 - 31/08/2025

  • Countries involved:

    Cyprus
    European Union
    France
    Italy
    North Macedonia
    Spain
    Turkey

  • Donor:

    European Commission

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

    Universidad de Vigo

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:

    Andrea Michelini
    projects@alda-europe.eu

DOCUMENTS

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AT A GLANCE

The project UP2YOU aims to develop new training paths for University students focusing on SDGs and Community organising – promoting the creation of new managerial figures who can act as agents of change.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO IMPLEMENT?
After an initial analysis of target groups’ needs & challenges, exchange of practices & identification of needs, OERs, LCL & CBS will be co-developed & tested in all participating countries including partners’ staff, HE students & teachers, CSOs professionals & other local stakeholders. OERs & digital tools will be used for training target groups, to establish 5 Living Communities Labs (co-developed & tested with local stakeholders and supported by a co-designed Community Balance Scorecard)

OBJECTIVES

To promote quadruple helix model improvement & uptake as means to promote sustainable & inclusive development of local communities through participatory, multidisciplinary approaches

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA warmly welcomed the historic decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which marks a further step on the road of EU integration. An encouraging move that underlines the impressive progresses implemented by the country in the last years, revitalising the prospect of a deeper and prone European enlargement process.

Following the previous conclusions taken by the EU Council in December 2023 on opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and granting candidate status to Georgia, the current decision on Bosnia and Herzegovina reinforces the idea of a more democratic and inclusive European society.

The whole ALDA community, engaged to promote good governance and citizens participation, stands active in supporting the ongoing efforts of these countries to implement the essential reforms and improvements needed. Moreover, as mentioned during the international conference “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance – Roadmap for the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine on the Path to EU Accession”, we heartily emphasise the crucial role of local authorities and civil society cooperation in this European journey. 

ALDA contributes to a stronger and united society, promoting democratic values worldwide and fostering the European aspirations of the countries involved 

The outstanding progress made by the Bosnian authorities in promoting good governance, demonstrated also by the awarding of the European Label of Excellence in Governance to a number of its municipalities, inspires pride and optimism in the country’s reform and European integration path.

We are extremely glad of the positive results achieved, and we call on the European institutions and government authorities to push ahead with collaboration and local support.

ALDA contributes to a stronger and united society, promoting democratic values worldwide and fostering the European aspirations of the countries involved.

We know that the European journey is not yet over and we stand ready to foster candidate countries, local authorities and citizens in the pursuit of positive developments and initiatives for a better Europe.

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On March 15, 2024, within the framework of the ALDA Governing Board which took place in Labin (Croatia), the ALDA delegation met some high-school students to discuss the importance of the upcoming European Elections 2024 and to present ALDA’s campaign “Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results”.

The meeting, led by ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, focused on the importance of the European elections and how the European institutions affect the daily lives of every citizen.

The students, despite not yet having reached the age of majority, showed interest and participation and made it clear that they would definitely like to participate in the elections in five years’ time, so that they could shape the future of Europe by expressing their vote.

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Image credits © European Union / Fred Guerdin

In the city of Mons, Belgium, from 18th to 19th March 2024, the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities unfolded as a pivotal gathering, drawing leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe. Organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the summit served as a platform for critical discussions on democracy, governance, and the future of Europe.

Mr. Margritris Schinas, European Commission Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, in his keynote address, emphasised the need to reinforce Europe’s centrality and resilience. Ensuring the integrity of the electoral process emerged as a priority, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges and attacks against EU regions and cities. Schinas highlighted the importance of readiness for upcoming elections, noting Europe’s demonstrated capacity for progress when met with determination and willpower.

Within the program, particular attention was directed towards Ukraine, underscoring the imperative of bolstering democratic values and resilience in the midst of ongoing crises. This resonates with ALDA’s commitment to supporting local democracy in Ukraine, where it collaborates closely with partners through the Flagship Initiative in Ukraine.

ALDA’s stand, a prominent fixture throughout the summit, served as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing

Notably, the Italian Delegation of the European Committee of the Regions visited ALDA’s stand. This institutional encounter saw the presence of key figures including Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General; Ms. Nataša Vučković, Vice-President of ALDA, and Mrs. Maddalena Alberti, President of ADL Zavidovići Association, with her delegation. This engagement underscored ALDA’s pivotal role in shaping the local context and advancing social inclusion, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration at the heart of European governance.

Right at the end of the summit, the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award Ceremony emerged as a poignant moment of recognition. The ADL Zavidovići Association, an ALDA member, was honoured with the esteemed award for its exceptional contributions to local and regional governance. Originating amidst the turmoil of the Bosnian War, the association’s evolution into a dynamic force exemplified the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change.

ALDA Secretary General, Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, hailed the ADL Zavidovići Association’s achievement as a testament to its unwavering commitment to strengthening local communities. The award ceremony, scheduled on the fifth anniversary of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz’s tragic assassination, served as a solemn tribute to his enduring legacy of inclusivity, solidarity, and diversity in local governance.

As the summit concluded, the resonance of its discussions echoed beyond the confines of Mons, reverberating across Europe and beyond. ALDA, at the forefront of these deliberations, remained steadfast in its mission to promote good governance, citizen participation, and social cohesion at the local level. As Europe navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, ALDA stands poised to continue its vital work, fostering local democracy.

As the summit wrapped up, its discussions rippled far beyond Mons, leaving food for thought to the participants, coming from all over Europe and beyond. ALDA’s presence with the stand played a central role throughout, staying true to its core mission of promoting good governance, citizen participation, and social cohesion at the local level. As Europe confronts ongoing changes, ALDA stands ready to continue its crucial work, supporting and strengthening local democracy.

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On March 19 2024, a significant step towards fostering intercultural dialogue and collaboration in North Macedonia was taken with the meeting for the creation of the Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation. Hosted by ALDA in Skopje (North Macedonia), the event brought together representatives from 13 Macedonian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working across various fields.

The meeting started with a presentation about the history, objectives, and activities of the Foundation. Participants were provided with insights into the diverse programs, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. ALDA’s representatives also shared technical insights into the process of establishing the network and outlined a timeline for its development, paving the way for an open discussion. This collective endorsement underscores the commitment of the Macedonian civil society towards promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Beyond the formal agenda, the meeting provided a platform for informal networking, where representatives shared insights about their ongoing work, future aims, and potential synergies

Discussions revolved around identifying common objectives and exploring possibilities for collaborative projects within the framework of the Anna Lindh Foundation network. The establishment of the network not only signifies a milestone in fostering cultural exchange and understanding but also opens the way for different collaborative initiatives that will enrich the social fabric of North Macedonia.

Moving forward, the Macedonian civil society remains determined to embrace the opportunities afforded by the Anna Lindh Foundation network, as they embark on a journey of collective action towards a more inclusive and interconnected future. The meeting for the creation of the Network of the Foundation in North Macedonia shows the power of dialogue and collaboration in advancing shared aspirations of peace, understanding, and solidarity across borders.

Established in 2004, the Anna Lindh Foundation has emerged as a platform for intercultural exchange, bringing together over 4000 civil society organisations from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on various fields including intercultural relations, human rights, education, and sustainable development, the Foundation’s impact resonates across borders.