On the 4th and 5th of July, CAMELOT partners gathered in Gdansk (Poland) for the Steering committee and the international conference at the European Solidarity Centre (ESC).
On the first day, the meeting was structured as a roundtable where all the partners shared their experience on urban and metropolitan EU cohesion policies, mainly by talking about the actions undertaken to tackle climate change and its consequences.
The following day, CAMELOT partners joined the 3rd Pomeranian Climate Solidarity Forum in the ESC. The forum was devoted to energy transition, environmental issues, renewable energy sources and adaptation to climate change. The forum began by talking of the current war in Ukraine and its implication in the energy sector.
In Gdansk to experience on urban and metropolitan EU cohesion policies
In the introduction, the Secretary General of ALDA, Ms.Antonella Valmorbida, took part in the panel discussion alongside the Mayor of Gdansk, Ms.Aleksandra Dulkiewicz. Valmorbida talked about the role of Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine and the importance of European solidarity to the country, then she explained how ALDA and its network are bringing EU funded projects to Ukraine and how to keep fostering the alliance. The forum continued with 3 debates on:
winter energy,
climate change in metropolitan areas (in which the CAMELOT project described its outcome) and
climate impact on agriculture.
Overall, the meeting was a successful moment of mutual exchange among partners on how to localise at metropolitan level the cohesion policy.
From the 12th to the 18th of June 2022, a delegation of high level officials from national and Local Authorities (LAs) from Türkiye, participated in the cross-border study visit on local governance-related issues in Austria and Croatia.
Organized by ALDA + and UNDP Türkiye, and within the framework of LAR III Project, this third study visit enabled the participants to deepen their knowledge on local administration capacity of the two-above mentioned EU Member States; benefiting from several meetings with Austrian and Croatian high level representatives from Ministries, Regional and Local Authorities.
Within LAR III project, the delegation from Türkiye visited Austria and Croatia institutions
There, for instance, the Turkish delegation had the opportunity to meet representatives of the City of Graz and of the Province of Styria. The latter shared examples of both best practices, and experience in the field of performance management; as well as Austrian lobbying activities in Brussels, while offering a guided tour through the streets of the medieval old town.
Moreover, to end on a high note, Pula hosted the final meetings with Croatian LAs. Hence, the Director of the Regional Coordinator of the Istrian County for European Programs and Funds and a representative of the Istrian Development Agency welcomed the LAR III Turkish delegation, providing good knowledge and tools on participatory local governance.
Finally, participants traveled to Zagreb where they exchanged experiences with representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Administration, the City of Zagreb and while meeting the President of Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association and visiting the exhibition for 30 years of Cooperation between Türkiye and Croatia.
Overall, it was a in-depth, very useful week and intense … but surely an enriching experience!
REAL DEAL is a recently-launched research project, funded by the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, that aims at reshaping the active participation of citizens and stakeholders around the European Green Deal (EGD).
Building on recent experiences of pan-European deliberation processes, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, the REAL DEAL’s main research objective is to analyse, test and validate innovative citizens’ participation and deliberation tools, formats and processes in the context of the green and just transition.
The research partners have started to lay out the conceptual foundations for a future protocol for deliberative decision-making at European and country-level in the context of the European Green Deal. This will be followed by a test and validation of innovative deliberative formats and tools across 13 countries and at EU level, including digital, hybrid and physical events and processes.
In parallel, the REAL DEAL partners have started to identify and mobilise a pan-European network of stakeholders, with more than 500 organisations working in the areas of deliberative democracy and climate action across Europe. The first meeting of this stakeholder network took place during the “Civil Society Forum for Sustainability: Shaping the European Green Deal”, starting on June 9th in Brussels (Belgium).
The project has a dedicated transdisciplinary approach, a co-lead in the project coordination, and a co-creation of the whole work from the beginning and throughout: from the proposal to refining the research questions, the work in the work packages and task up to the internal review, all is done in joint work between researchers and civil society organisations. From a citizen outreach perspective, the REAL DEAL is set to engage with citizens and other stakeholders by building a community of Europeans who promote participation and deliberation in the green and just transition. The digital hub where citizens can get involved and take action is: www.realdeal.eu.
To meet the ambitious objectives for its research and citizen outreach activities, REAL DEAL brings together 16 (sixteen) partners, including researchers of deliberative democracy and Europe’s largest civil society organisations (CSOs).
The project is jointly coordinated by the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), a research organisation, and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), a civil society organisation.
The REAL DEAL research project involves:
Researchers and practitioners of deliberative democracy from a wide range of fields, including sustainability studies, participatory democracy, environmental rights and the law of public participation, ethics and responsible innovation, gender studies and ecofeminism, psychology, geography, urban planning.
Europe’s largest civil society networks advocating on the environment, climate, sustainable development, women’s rights, local and European democracy and youth environmental organization
ALDA is looking for the implementation of this project, while promoting active participation within the green transition!
From the 28th of June until the 1st of July 2022 the partners of the #EuSAVE project held the 6th international event in Concello de Vimianzo, Spain. The meeting was organised by the latter who is also the leader of the project. The title of the meeting was “Designing new and innovative joint development strategies for EU smart and sustainable historic villages”. The project includes partners from Italy, Croatia, Portugal, North Macedonia, Latvia and Bulgaria:
On the first day the partners were invited to a Welcome Dinner, to which also the Mayoress of Concello de Vimianzo Mónica Rodríguez Ordóñez joined.
The morning of the second day, the 29th of June 2022, was dedicated to the 6th transnational coordination meeting which took place at the house of culture in Vimianzo.
In the afternoon the group immersed themselves in the cultural and natural heritage of the Death Coast by visiting the church of Saint James of Cereixo, the fulling mills of O Mosquetín as well as the coastal towns Fisterra and Muxía. The outdoor lunch was accompanied by a musical performance of the well-known galician singer Inma Macías. The association Partido de Corcubión which consists of galician immigrants living in Argentina joined some of the activities during the international event
“Designing new and innovative joint development strategies for EU smart and sustainable historic villages” at the centre of EuSAVE meeting in Concello de Vimianzo
On the 30th of June some partners strolled through the village market of Vimianzo in the morning.after The Transnational Info Day took place in the house of culture during the whole afternoon. The Mayoress of Vimianzo Mónica Rodríguez Ordóñez officially started with welcoming words followed by presentations of each partner country about the project, its results, a virtual itinerary through each territory and lessons learned. On behalf of ALDA, Alessia Marzotto and Ingrid Nazarenus held a presentation about, ALDA’s role in the the #EuSAVE project
The Transnational Info Day continued with a presentation about the cultural heritage of Vimianzo held by the cultural heritage specialist Manuel Rias Santos. After a medieval banquet in the Castle of Vimianzo and a spontaneous music performance from the association Partido de Corcubión, the Transnational Info Day went on with a presentation about “The Way of St. James in Galicia and the Death Coast” by the journalist and historian Antón Pombo.
Further presentations were held about the “Initiatives to enhance the value of the cultural heritage on the Death Coast” by the Vice President of the Galician Tourism Cluster Jesús Picallo, the “Importance of the heritage in the rural tourism” by the president of FEGATUR Francisco Xabier Alumíña Chorén and the “Initiatives to enhance the value of the cultural heritage on the Ribeira Sacra“ by the Manager of the Ribeira Sacra Tourism Consortium AlexandraSeara Sobrino.
During the thematic breakfast on the last day of the International meeting, the 1st of July 2022, the project partners learned more about the typical Galician finger food “Pinchos Irmandiños” from Carlos Gómez. After that, the partners met in the house of culture. The Municipality of Bolyarovo presented “Joint Strategies for smart and sustainable historical villages in the EU”, after which Cecilia Meledandri and SilviaPiccoli from ALDA talked about “The New Multi-annual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU. Tailor-made processes with different duration”.
After a coffee break, the Transnational workshop proceeded with a presentation of the Municipality of Vimianzo about the “Sustainability and Transfer Plan of the #EuSAVE network” and a workshop about proposals for the continuity and sustainability of the #EuSAVE network. The International event of the project concluded with a farewell dinner with costumes and a concert in the village of Vimianzo.
*** More information about the #EuSAVE project can be found on the Website as well as on the Facebook and Instagram pages of the project:
The city of Verona welcomed the Award Ceremony of the “Diventiamo Cittadini Europei” [“Let’s become European Citizens”] students contest, promoted by European Federalist Movement (EFM), on 30th June 2022, and as for the previous editions, ALDA joined it with enthusiasm.
Professor, G. Anselmi, on behalf of EFM, introduced the overall theoretical framework of the contest, welcoming the students, their families and teachers. “How do you see the European Union in 2050?”a participant at the “Ventotene Seminar” asked to the Italian President – Mr. Mattarella – in August 2019, as recalled by Mr. Anselmi. “I am convinced” – replied the President – “that in 2050 the Union will have achieved, and fully expressed that horizon of freedom as indicated in the Ventotene Manifesto”
On this very same question, the participants of the 2022 “Diventiamo Cittadini Europei” contest based their works. Organised by the European Federalist Movement (EFM) in Verona, together with both public and private partners, the competition is intended to engage young people to get closer to the European Union, and to the policies and issues. On the latter for example, several students analysed and worked on the transport and railway system across Europe.
Award Ceremony of the “Let’s become European Citizens” students contest, promoted by European Federalist Movement (EFM)
Almost 30 students from different schools located in the Veneto Region won the competition, and they will, thus, take part at the summer school in Canazei (Trento), during which they will be able to deepen their knowledge on the Union, while creating solid bonds and engage in peer-to-peer dialogues.
At the Award Ceremony, hold at the “Loggia di Fra’ Giocondo” of the historic halls within the Verona Province Headquarter, the President of the Verona Province, Mr. Scalzotto, congratulated students while sharing his experience during the Erasmus period in Passau (Germany). Similarly, Prof. Coccia, from Institute “San Pio V” in Rome, gave his compliments to the winners, while Christian Verzé, from Europe Direct Verona, guided the ceremony showing the work of the centre as well as the papers handled in by the participants. In addition, Mr. Farina, on behalf of the “Rotary Club” – Verona Section, stressed the importance of these moments as occasion on growth and share.
ALDA joined the event, expressing the key aspects of stimulating the culture of dialogue, of traveling and of mutual exchange, as a necessity for growth and development of the democratic realities in which we are living.
*** Related articles:
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Federalist seminar in Neumarkt: youth call for a Federal Europe
The Booklet “Towards an European standard forestry curricula – Forestry Operators Reflecting on Equalising Skills and Training” aims to provide a summary of the information and comparative analyses carried out within the FOREST project, as well as to suggest some specific reflections on the importance of moving towards a harmonisation of forestry education.
Organised by ALDA, Veneto Agricoltura hosted the final event of “Forest Project” in Cansiglio – Italy – on 23rd and 24th June 2022 – at its “Hangar” office. The latter, more specifically, is a beautiful location, built on a dismissed NATO military base.
More in depth on the event itself, the members of the four European organisations from Slovenia, Romania and Croatia that collaborated on the project attended the event:
The first day was dedicated to the project management meeting, where the partners discussed the results of the project exchanging opinions about the situations in their home countries and talked together about a possible future cooperation.
On the 24th June 2022, the FOREST final public conference started at 10 a.m. in the Hangar in Cansiglio. Almost 40 participants joined the conference, among forest owners, operators and educators.
The event started with a general presentation of the project by Nadia Di Iulio from ALDA and Federico Correale from Veneto Agricoltura, followed by Alessandra Brigo, Project Manager from ALDA, and Ana Dijan’s, from Croatian Wood Cluster, presentation of the Booklet “Towards an European standard forestry curricula”, developed within this project. Hence, as illustrated by Alessandra Brigo, this document aims to provide a summary of the information and comparative analyses carried out within the project, as well as to suggest some specific reflections on the importance of moving towards a harmonisation of forestry education.
In addition, Ana Dijan showed and commented on the main results obtained by the comparative analysis run in 5 countries (Italy, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania).
FOREST final event: a great opportunity for everybody to exchange opinions, experiences and different points of view
For instance, the survey results depend on the country, its legislative framework and state-of-art forestry. Although the education and training systems are different in each country, the results show that almost half of the participants (46%) are not satisfied with the organisation of the education system, in particular with the number of hours dedicated to practice during the training period. Approximately 60% of the polled confirm that they are not familiar with the European chainsaw certificate but at the same time the majority (64%) support the idea of introducing the European chainsaw certificate as a mandatory requirement in the employment process. However, almost two-thirds of respondents (68%) favour experienced workers over holders of European chainsaw certificates when hiring.
Besides, relevant Italian regional representatives also contributed to the conference:
Isabella Pasutto (Veneto Region) illustrated an overview of the Forestry Training Session in Veneto Region.
Valerio Motta Frè (Piedmont Region) and Pierpaolo Brenta (IPLA) followed with the presentation of a national and successful standardisation initiative: “The For.Italy Project: an Experience of standardisation of forestry training on a national scale”.
Finally, project partners took the floor starting with Martin Krondorfer from Forstliche Ausbildungsstätte Pichl. He talked about Safety in forest work, explaining the tools needed to reduce the of the accidents in the forests such as equipment for the forestry workers.
Barbara Turk from GRM Novo Mesto – center biotehnike in turizma, Slovenia, showed a presentation related to the legislative framework, certifications and qualifications about every country, explaining the differences between them.
After a coffee break, the meeting continued with two speeches from Ana Vorovenci and Diana Bacircea, from the Asociatia Nationala a femeilor din mediul rural, focused on the woman inclusion in the forestry. The Asociatia underlines how the forest sector is still considered ”a man’s world” and it is one of the most segregated gender activities. Indeed, the goals of this association are encouraging forest women owners’ involvement in forestry entrepreneurship and supporting women in attending forestry training/certification. Lastly, Ana Dijan from Croatian Wood Cluster intervened to give an overview of sustainability as part of safety on work.
After the lunch, the partners and conference participants joined a study tour through the Cansiglio forests and visited the botanical garden, guided by Veneto Agricoltura. Concluding, a debate between the participants and the FOREST project partners was a great opportunity for everybody to exchange opinions, experiences and different points of view according to the main topic of the conference.
As already mentioned, Czech Republic is the second States of the trio, composed together with France and Sweden, to lead the European Council until 2023.Hence, these three Countries have set a series of goals to reach as a group; be they “protecting citizens and freedoms”; based on European values; or “building a greener and more socially equitable Europe”.
Yet, the Czech Presidency has further developed these goals, by narrowing them down into five aspects:
Managing the refugee crisis and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
Energy security
Strengthening European defence capabilities and cybersecurity
Strategic resilience of the European economy
Resilience of democratic institutions
Especially on the first aim, Petr Fiala, Czech Prime Minister, stated – in his message – “the Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown us that our freedom and security are as threatened today as they were in the past. The fight for freedom never ends.” It is clear that in the upcoming six month the commitment of the Presidency will be devoted to closely follow the current situation in Ukraine.
ALDA warmly welcomes the Presidency, willing to support it in turning its goals in actions, while encouraging the Presidency to keep on with helping Ukrainian citizens and people.
On 28 and 29 June 2022, 16 partners from 8 different countries met (both in person and virtually) for the official launch of the new Horizon Europe NEVERMORE project.
The project, in which ALDA is a partner, is determined to support excellence in research on climate science and climate policy. The focus is on the modeling theory in order to take a significant step forward to overcome the current silo approach* in favour of an integrated assessment one for evaluating impacts, risks and interactions of climate change across sectors; as well as adaptation and mitigation strategies towards a climate neutral and resilience society, relying on the multiple feedbacks that occur between the variables involved in climate change.
During these two days of intense work in Trento at the headquarters of the Bruno Kessler Foundation, leader of the project, the partners discussed future steps to be taken and exchanged their project ideas and vision.
More specifically, ALDA, in particular, will be responsible for developing an effective project communication and dissemination strategy. The latter will also include the creation and engagement of five local and one transnational Stakeholder Councils that will be the meeting point between the project and society. Thus, the above-mentioned Councils are going to involve all those actors who are concretely involved within climate change and the related policies.
NEVERMORE: supporting excellence in research on climate science and climate policy
During the meeting, the NEVERMORE project partners presented their actions for the next 4 years and the geographical areas of the 5 case studies that will be followed throughout this period.
Sitia, Crete Island (EL), a place that thrives on agriculture and tourism and where the main problems are: the rise of the sea level; flooding and droughts; the necessity to preserve biodiversity; and the food chain & archaeology.
The Trentino region (IT), a mountainous region whose main policy areas are tourism (mainly winter) and energy and where the most important challenges to be addressed lie in the rising temperature, unpredictable precipitation patterns, and modified seasonal climate dynamics.
The Boreal region of Västerbotten and Norrbotten Counties (SE), region characterised by energy production, tourism and reindeer herding, and which is now witnessing an increase in temperature, causing unpredictable precipitation patterns, while modifying seasonal climate dynamics.
Murcia region (ES), a Mediterranean region with a socio-economic context characterised by agriculture, tourism and industry that is witnessing desertification due to soil erosion in agricultural systems, and required a more sustainable water management system.
The wetland in the Danube Delta (RO) where agriculture, low levels of education, and economic dependence are the overall framework of the area. Hence, there is a need to protect the environment and ethnic wealth, promote sustainable tourism and eco-agriculture, and better land management.
Overall, these two days have proven to be a successful beginning, and a good synergy was born, paving the way for the next 4 years of the project.
On the 24th June, ALDA had the pleasure to host second ALDATalk this year, dedicated to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe, with participation and presentations from: Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and member of the steering committee of the the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (FCE) and co-chair of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe and Hervé Moritz, Vice-Président Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace and Spokesperson, Union of European Federalists – France (UEF).
During the ALDATalk, ALDA Secretary General Ms. Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the involvement of ALDA in the process of the Conference, including the input into the work of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as ALDA’s activities aimed at familiarizing ALDA members with the COFE structure, in particular disseminating the European values through the use of the Multilingual Platform and ad hoc training for ALDA members. She concluded her intervention by mentioning the urgent need to follow up and implement final recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Similarly, Ms. Alexandrina Najmowicz presented the overall structure of the CoFoE, the role of the CSO Convention and her own reflections on the process. In her presentation she pointed out a worrying trend of diminishing involvement of civil society in decision-making in general. She also commented on the relatively small participation of individuals in the Conference through the online platform.
ALDATalk: all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions
Nevertheless she also highlighted the input of the civil society to the CoFoE has been reflected in the final conclusions of the Conference and stated the civil society will continue to follow the next steps after the process.
In addition, Mr. Hervé Moritz presented the role of Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace in the Conference, and in particular the Convention Citoyenne sur l’Europe held in Strasbourg to provide local contribution to the CoFoE. He stated that the Convention Cityonne also played a role in empowerment of the citizens and giving them a sense of impact into policy-making.
Both Ms. Najmowicz and Mr. Moritz also touched upon the impact that the outbreak of the war in Ukraine had on the process and final steps of the Conference.
Finally, within the occasion of this ALDATalk, all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions. Speakers also highlighted the need for deeper and more meaningful involvement of the civil society and citizens in decision-making and protection of the civic space.
The EDD are Europe’s leading multistakeholder forum, organised by the European Commission, on international partnerships and development, with the aim of bringing key actors from all over Europe and beyond together to share ideas and good practices in ways that encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The theme of this year’s EDD was “Global Gateway: building sustainable partnerships for a connected world”. An edition dedicated to the European Strategy “to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world”.
The EDD 2022 consisted of different types of sections, among which high level panes, lab debates, brainstorming sessions, agora sessions and project/report presentations on the following topics: Digital, Climate & Energy, Health, Education & Research and Transport.
The latter, especially, was the realm within which ALDA+ provided its contribution!
Hence, ALDA+ decided to participate in this international event with a stand addressing “Urban development, smart & interconnected cities. Together for fostering Good Governance at Local and Global Level”. Bringing the positive example of the Autrement project.
The European Development Days encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
The Autrement project addresses the challenges of sustainable urban mobility and planning in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. It aims to promote, on the one hand, a greater citizen participation in local governance and a sustainable urban development, and, on the other hand, soft mobility especially by encouraging biking in both Tunisian cities.
Despite the paperless format, our stand engaged the participants and created the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, not only on transport, but also on good governance and citizens participation, the two main pillars on which ALDA and ALDA+ are based.
We are extremely glad and proud for having had the possibility to participate in such an important event. The EDD2022 were the perfect spot to showcase, once more, ALDA’s flagship initiative the “European Support to Local Democracy”, since it provides a complete overview on ALDA’s expertises in all target regions and underlines the fundamental role of cooperation.
The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova hosted, on 22 June 2022, the third edition of the Civil Society Gala 2022 and the outstanding winners of civil society organizations from the Republic of Moldova, which contributed to the consolidation of democracy, economic and social development.
Civil society organizations, beneficiaries of EU assistance, which have achieved remarkable and tangible results, while promoting European values, democracy, economic and social development, both at national and local level, have been awarded at the event, for the following categories:
Stronger governance
Stronger society
Stronger economy
Stronger connectivity
Within this framework, ALDA was awarded the European Prize for “Stronger Governance” at the 2022 Civil Society Gala, organized by the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.
ALDA was awarded the European Prize for “Stronger Governance” at the 2022 Civil Society Gala
Among the remarkable results obtained, the Association managed to transform the central alley “Ștefan cel Mare şi Sfânt” in the city of Cimișlia, into a pleasant and modern public area. With the support of the European Union, the alley now offers 20 benches for passers-by, 20 rubbish bins to keep the area clean and two information panels to keep locals informed of the town hall’s activities.
Additionally, ALDA mobilized the community to restore the beauty of another symbolic recreation place, called “Vatra Cimișliei”, which the local authorities and activists turned into a real tourist gem. The Association also supported the arrangement of several places. playground for children in Cimișlia and an active recreation area for young people – in all these initiatives, local citizens were encouraged to actively participate in cooperation with local authorities.
The European Prize for “Stronger Governance” was awarded for the tangible results achieved through the implementation of the “Activating Government Reform for Improving Development”(AGREED) project, funded by the European Union. Hence, through the projects supported by AGREED, the members of the local communities participated directly in the community development in order to improve their living conditions, through the jointly planned action with the local NGOs and local authorities.
Furthermore, Citizens have increased their own capacities for action in the community, and their skills of responsible participation in ensuring good local governance.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance.
This year’s conference offered a chance to explore the future of European and global democracy during these unprecedented times.
Nowadays, considering, on the one hand, both the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and the continued democratic backsliding around the world; or, on the other hand, the concerns risen on the issue of rule of law within the EU, as well as the finalisation of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), it is fundamental for European states to strengthen their coordination and cooperation in defence of democratic principles.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance
From a general perspective, The EPD conference was divided into three panels and into six breakout rooms, each of which tackling the war in Ukraine and the state of democracy worldwide. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA and President of the EPD Board, intervened during the second panel “State of Democracy in Europe and looking ahead to the 2024 elections”, where she discussed with other speakers the state of democracy in the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.
While Alexandru Coica, EaP, Russia and Central Asia coordinator, participated in the breakout session “Democracy support in repressive environments”.
During the second day of the conference, the partners of the EPD network split up in different working groups in order to exchange ideas, thoughts and engage in constructive dialogues on common challenges, finalising the session with an interesting workshop on data visualization.
Overall, by joining the EPD Conference 2022, ALDA wanted to highlight the importance of cooperating and creating synergies to support Ukraine and strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond.
On 22 June 2022, ALDA together with Local Democracy Agencies gathered for the Conference “Supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine” in Brussels, at Residence Palace.
At the core of the conference was an update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and the implementation of ALDA’s activities to support Ukrainian civilians and people in need.
The conference consisted of two panels. The first panel started with Bruno Julian Hamm – Pütt, Konrad Adenauer foundation Kyiv opening speech, stressing how important is “to support the European path, to show the economic future while supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine”.
Similarly, Antonella Valmorbida, the Secretary-General of ALDA, presented the testimonies from Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol and Dnipro. She also explained the methods undertaken by them in terms of the promotion of democracy as well as people’s engagement.
The Association will continue its work together with Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine on activities to further promote local democracy
In addition, considering the historical and statutory bond among the Association and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe (the Congress), the Svetislav Paunovic joined on behalf of the Congress, emphasizing in his speech that support of local governance in Ukraine and the cooperative relations between local and international governments are crucial in the reconstruction of democracy. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk, President of CoR Working Group on Ukraine, was on the like mind, stressing the continuous support for the work and activities of the Agencies.
Moreover, before entering the second part of the conference, Tetiana Lomakina, Adviser-representative of the President of Ukraine on the barrier society issues and delegate of the Local Democracy Agency in Mariupol stressed: “there are three key points on which Ukraine is focusing now: the return of Ukrainian citizens back home; the preparation for the winter in order to ensure that people have a place to live; and work on the reconstruction work on damaged buildings”.
Moving on to the second session, both Local Democracy Agencies in Mariupol and Dnipro presented their work and new projects. Specifically, Anzhelika Pylypenko, the Delegate from Local Democracy Agency Dnipro, presented the “Phoenix” project. She explained that the aim of the project is to reactivate the work of the Dnipro office; consult internally displaced persons, including soldiers and families, and train civilians on how to save their lives in the time of active hostilities.
Further testimonies were shared by Olha Oliinyk, head of NGO “Ideas for People” and deputy head of the Secretariat of VOAOMS, while Inna Volkova, Councillor of Odesa Rayon Council explained the administrative system in Ukraine while sharing pilot projects on modular housing in Ukraine. Both speakers emphasised the will for future initiatives, cooperation and potential opening of the Local Democracy Agencies in Odesa and Vinnytsia.
Last but not least, LDA Mostar Delegate, Dzenana Dedic shared her experience and work of the Agency right after the Balkan war that she, together with other thousands of civilians, had to face. “Stay human!” she said, while remembering those terrible days.
The Balkan network for local democracy (BNLD) reunites for the first time in 2022 for the Regional Capacity building and Networking seminar, which took place in Novi Sad, Serbia, from the 20th to the 22nd of June 2022.
Capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations
The programme saw capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations.
This activity is organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” financed within the Project Protecting Civic Space –Regional Civil Society Development Hub” financed by SIDA and implemented by BCSDN.
The Annual General Meeting of the Balkan Network for Local Democracy(BNLD) took place on the 22nd of June 2022 in Novi Sad, Serbia. On the agenda were the election of the President, as well as the strategic accountability principles of the Network. The Delegate of Local Democracy Agency Zavidivoci, BiH, Sladjan Ilic, previously having sat in the Governing Board, was elected as the new President of BNLD.
Sladjan Ilic, previously member of the the Governing Board, is elected as the new President of BNLD
A different discussion highlighted that after the long period of COVID – 19 outbreaks, there was a generation shift in the organization and in civil society. Changes are constant and fast, on the personal, social, and organizational levels. The members agreed that a good quality and solid base for a functional registered organisation was laid out, and that the Network is ready for bigger projects.
In addition, it was pointed out that the creation of digital tools and development of the Network presence is a strong point and that the Network needs to continue working in that direction so as to lead to more sustainable projects.
BNLD, since its creation in 2019, has been actively promoting regional cooperation, local democracy, and peace and reconciliation in the Western Balkan countries.
The project was supported by INNOVABRIGE Foundation and implemented in different cities in Ukraine. The city was the first one to develop the concept of the project and conduct a successful advocacy campaign for its approval by the Dnipro City Council. Young people aged 21-29 made up the main part of the Concept Development team.
Dnipro was the first city to develop the concept of the project and conduct a successful advocacy campaign for its approval by the Dnipro City Council
The main aim of the project was to facilitate e-democracy applications in the city of Dnipro. This included electronic local petitions, appeals of citizens to authorities, discussions and voting for projects, and consultations with the population on important issues for the community.
In these times, the Eastern Partnership countries experience a number of worrying trends. Specifically, rising extremism and disinformation as well as threats against journalists result in citizens’ mistrust of democratic institutions. Therefore, it is important to make young people heard at all levels in order to create democratic and inclusive societies.
The 4th Eastern Partnership Youth Conference – Youth for Revitalisation of Democracy will give the opportunity to approximately 100 young people to take part and discover methods and strategies which improve inclusive youth participation in democratic processes, as well as facilitate youth involvement at all levels of political decision-making.
ALDA congratulates the colleagues from LDA for such a great achievement!
The EPIC project – European Platform of Integrating Cities is a three-year project funded European Union – AMIF programme – which aims to improve the integration of migrants at the local level by creating a European network of local authorities and civil society organisations that:
A) will share knowledge and practices of inclusion of citizens from third countries, B) engage in peer-to-peer exchanges on the basis of common priorities and different competences, C) will develop efficient integration services within the local territories and D) will improve capacities to counter negative narratives on migration.
Based on the transfer of knowledge and skills between local authorities and NGOs with different degrees of experience, EPIC supports practical, direct and gradual learning to improve the inclusion of migrants in each project city.
Apply to the EPIC call for proposal for two pilot project by 12 September 2022!
Subject of the Notice and Aims of the Intervention
Within the EPIC programme, ALDA in collaboration with the Region of Sardinia and the project partners project partners, proposes an ideas competition to develop TWO PILOT PROJECTS in the Region Sardinia.
The pilot projects envisage the implementation of activities related to the themes of promotion and active socio-occupational participation of migrants, with particular reference to the valorisation of 2G young people (second generation). The ideas may concern, by way of example only, paths that can be activated both in the school and extra-school environments, complementary to initiatives already existing in the territory of the Region of Sardinia or ex novo.
Amount of the grant
ALDA provides a budget of Euro 15,000.00 for each of the two winning projects. Both winners shall contribute to the total budget of Euro 15,000.00 with a 45% of co-financing of the total, amounting to Euro 6,750 of co-financing not deriving from other EU funds.
