February 24, 2025, marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a war that has reshaped Europe’s geopolitical landscape and profoundly impacted millions of lives. As the conflict persists, ALDA reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine, its people and the democratic resilience of local communities.
Since the beginning of the war, ALDA has been actively engaged in Ukraine, working alongside members, partners, and civil society to promote local democracy, community resilience, and decentralisation efforts. Through its Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), ALDA has provided essential support to local communities, fostering cooperation, humanitarian aid, and advocacy efforts.
For almost a decade, ALDA has built strong relations with Ukrainian local authorities, civil society organisations, and international partners, strengthening democratic governance through decentralised cooperation. The LDAs in Ukraine—established with the support of European municipalities—have played a crucial role in supporting local communities, particularly during these challenging times.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ALDA has reinforced its commitment to supporting local democracy, citizen engagement, and decentralization efforts. Through its Flagship Initiative in Ukraine, ALDA has mobilised resources, engaged in advocacy, and strengthened its network of LDAs to provide long-term support and reconstruction assistance to war-affected communities.
This morning, on February 24, 2025, a powerful moment of reflection and solidarity took place at Palazzo Trissino, uniting Vicentini and Ukrainians in remembrance of the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Organised by CSV Vicenza (#ALDAMember) in collaboration with the Municipality of Vicenza and ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, the event underscored the community’s unwavering commitment to peace and support for those affected by the conflict.
🇮🇹🇺🇦🕊️ The ceremony in Sala Stucchi opened with the national anthems of Italy and Ukraine, performed by Anna Maria Di Filippo and Ilaria Ethno, under the direction of Maestro Giuliano Fracasso.
Among the distinguished speakers:
🔹 Deputy Mayor Isabella Sala, representing the Municipality of Vicenza;
🔹 Vice President Maria Grazia Bettale and Director Maria Rita Dal Molin, representing CSV Vicenza;
🔹 ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida and Anastasia Buslaeva, LDAs coordinator, reaffirming the organisation’s dedication to local democracy and community resilience thanks to the Local Democracy Agencies Network and Flagship;
🔹 Deputy Mayor Svitlana Olshanska, joining remotely from Zhytomyr (#ALDAMember), a city that, in 2023, signed a Cooperation and Partnership Agreement with Mayor Giacomo Possamai to promote friendly relations and a culture of peace.
👉🏻 Deputy Mayor Isabella Sala emphasised the importance of reflection and remembrance:
“Three years have passed since that tragic February 24, 2022, when the first bombs tore through the skies of Ukraine, bringing pain, destruction, and death. Vicenza is a city of peace—not just in words, but in action. It is a principle enshrined in Article 2 of our Statute, inspired by Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, and one that guides our concrete efforts: from welcoming those fleeing the war, to supporting humanitarian projects, standing with the Ukrainian community in our city, and fostering international cooperation through our agreement with Zhytomyr. Today, Vicenza reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace and solidarity.”
🤝🏻 Also present were representatives of numerous associations from across the region, working tirelessly to provide support, inclusion, and assistance to Ukrainian refugees who continue to live in Italy, awaiting the day when peace will finally return to their homeland.
The Role of LDAs: Instruments of Cooperation and Development
LDAs serve as decentralised cooperation platforms that foster local governance, community resilience, and democratic participation. These agencies provide direct support to displaced populations, strengthen civil society, and enhance local authorities’ capacity to address urgent needs
🔹 LDA Dnipro (Established 2014): Supporting IDP integration, democratic governance, and shelter modernisation.
🔹 LDA Mariupol (Established 2017, currently working from Kyiv): Continuing engagement with displaced citizens and the Mariupol Reborn initiative.
🔹 LDA Odesa (Established 2023): Strengthening international cooperation and supporting local governance in post-war reconstruction.
🔹 Signed the Memorandum of Understanding for LDA Vinnytsia
🔹 LDA Kharkiv (Opened in 2024)
Plans are underway to establish more LDAs, expanding the reach of democratic resilience efforts.
Key Actions Under ALDA’s Flagship Initiative
Beyond its local presence, ALDA has mobilised resources and stakeholders to provide tangible support:
🔹 Humanitarian Aid & Emergency Relief
- Raised 134,000€ for humanitarian relief and emergency support:
- Supported to YA Mariupol IDP centres (Provision of food and hygiene kits EUR 19.000) Fons Pitiús de Cooperació and Fons Menorqui;
- Supported the Project for LDA Dnipro – Equipping Shelters EUR 12.000; Funding Source: Fons Pitiús de Cooperació;
- Supported the Vinnytsia region. Funding Source: Fons menorquí de cooperació. Expenditure: Acquisition of two ultrasound machines for Bar hospitals (€9,754.00) and electricity generators (10 units at €824.60 each, totalling €8,246.00). Total Expenditure: €18,000.00
- Supported Dnipro and Odesa. Funding Source: Fons Mallorqui. Dnipro: Renovation of an 80-square-meter communal apartment for temporary IDP social housing; social and psychological adaptation activities for IDPs in Dnipropetrovsk region.
- Services: psychological and legal counselling for IDPs, Conducting training for IDPs on self-development, adaptation, leadership potential, and employment opportunities, organising round tables and meetings with stakeholders on IDP integration.
- In Odesa, a centre for children and adolescents aged 7-14 years (100 sq. m.) was furnished with furniture, carpeting, and equipment (notebook, TV, multimedia projector, screen, microwave oven, cooker, washing vacuum cleaner, heater), consumables for children’s activities and creativity.
- ALDA also provided support for the Early Development Centre for children aged 3-6 years old (120 sq. m.) and a shelter for temporary accommodation of women with IDP children (100 sq. m.). Expenditure: €45,000.00.
- Supported LDA Dnipro – Equipment of the Shelter. Funding Source: NRW region Germany. Total Expenditure: €20,000.00 for the refurbishment of the shelter.
- Supported the Veteran’s Hub in Poltava (#ALDAMember), a centre for veterans’ initiatives and reintegration. Funding Source: Council of Europe. Total Expenditure: €20,000.00.
🔹 International Advocacy & Strategic Engagement
- Brussels Donors’ Conference (July 2022) – Highlighted local needs in Dnipro, Odesa, Vinnytsia, and Mariupol.
- Wroclaw Conference (November 2022) – Defined 10 key recommendations for local self-governments.
- Organised a visit in Kyiv between 14-17 of February 2023 to meet local stakeholders, assess their needs and plan future support actions together.
- Cooperated with Innovation in Politics on making the Act Now Conference 2023 a success, by bringing the expertise of Local Democracy Agencies as a meaningful tool to rebuild trust in Ukrainian society and support local governance;
- Participates in the Committee of the Regions’ ‘European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the reconstruction of Ukraine‘, and several other EU-level bodies such as the CoR’s working group on Ukraine;
- General Assembly in Kyiv (June 2023) – Strengthened cooperation with Ukrainian local authorities.
- International Conference in Vicenza (November 2023) – Focused on decentralized support for Ukrainian municipalities.
- Bridges of Trust Initiative – Strengthened partnerships between European and Ukrainian municipalities. ALDA successfully completed a project in cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe as part of the Bridges of Trust initiative, aimed at strengthening local democracy and fostering partnerships between Ukrainian and European municipalities.
- Contributed to the ELARD Congress by promoting the sharing of good practices between EU and Ukrainian Local Action Groups as a good tool for rural development and inclusive governance.
- Congress of French Mayors and Local Authorities in Paris (Nov 25, 2024) – Organised annually by the Association des Maires de France (AMF), this event gathers local leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders from across France and beyond. ALDA’s presence, alongside the Ukrainian delegation, highlighted the critical importance of local governance in promoting democratic resilience and sustainable development.
- Committee of the Regions’ ‘European Alliance for the Reconstruction of Ukraine’ – ALDA actively contributes to EU-wide reconstruction efforts.
Looking Ahead: Join ALDA in Supporting Ukraine
ALDA will continue to support the development of LDAs in Ukraine and engage international partners in local governance initiatives, particularly in preparation for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, where local democracy will be a key theme in Ukraine’s reconstruction process.
As Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom, ALDA remains steadfast in its mission to support local democracy, active citizenship, and humanitarian relief. But our work is far from over—we invite our network, partners, and supporters to join this commitment in the following ways:
🔹 Support ALDA’s humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
🔹 Become a partner in establishing new LDAs in Ukraine.
🔹 Engage in advocacy to keep Ukraine at the heart of European democratic development.
Now, more than ever, local democracy and community resilience are crucial in rebuilding Ukraine.
Thank you to ALDA Ukraine Task Force composed by Khrystyna Kvartsiana, Representative of ALDA in Ukraine; Anastasia Buslaeva, LDA coordinator; Viacheslav Yefymenko, Ukraine Project Assistant; and Dario Tolfo, of the Secretariat at ALDA in Brussels – who have tirelessely working for a stronger, democratic and peaceful Ukraine.