Embracing Challenges, Empowering Communities: New Year’s Message from Nataša Vučković, President of ALDA

As we close another year and look ahead to the future, it is important to reflect on both the challenges and the progress we have experienced at ALDA. The past year has been marked by significant events, some of which have deeply shaped our shared mission and values. The European Parliament elections were a key moment in the democratic journey of our continent. They reminded us of all of the power and responsibility we have to build a Europe that is inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of its citizens. As we continue advocating for local democracy and citizen participation, the outcomes of these elections reinforce our determination to create stronger connections between Europe’s institutions and its local communities.

The year was also marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, which remains a source of immense human suffering and political instability. Our thoughts and support continue to be with the people of Ukraine. We remain hopeful that the year ahead will bring the resolution of this conflict, with the withdrawal of Russian forces and the peaceful reconstruction of the country. We will work tirelessly in 2025 to implement our flagship initiative for Ukraine, with the further establishment of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) to support local governance and community rebuilding. 

In addition to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, we have been witnessing several other urgent situations around the world, including the worrying context in Georgia and all the other geopolitical tensions and crisis in the Middle East. These remind us of the importance of our work and the necessity of empowering citizens to shape the future of their societies. At ALDA, we remain committed to supporting democratic processes and civic engagement, wherever they are needed.This past year also saw the renewal of ALDA’s Governing Board, a step that ensures we remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of our partners and members. For me personally, 2025 will mark my first full year as President of ALDA, and I am fully committed to this important responsibility. I look forward to working closely with all of you to drive ALDA’s mission forward, building on the work we have done and the challenges that lie ahead.

ALDA is experiencing continuous growth, and this will be reflected in many exciting developments. We are starting new projects, opening new offices, and launching fresh initiatives that will expand our reach and impact. These changes will help us strengthen our community, our networks, and our collective ability to make a difference.

The importance of local governance cannot be overstated. The ALDA community is growing stronger, more united, and more dynamic than ever before. Our members play a central role in this growth, and we are committed to ensuring they remain engaged, supported, and empowered to take part in ALDA’s work. We will continue to listen to your needs and prioritise your involvement in our initiatives, because together, we are stronger.

Looking ahead, I am excited for the challenges and milestones that we will face in 2025. The road ahead is not always easy, but with the determination and cooperation of our members and partners, we will make a lasting impact. Let’s move forward together under the banner of local democracy and citizens’ participation, with renewed commitment and shared vision.

I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year, filled with success, growth, and hope for a better future. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember.

Warm regards,

Nataša Vučković

President of ALDA