On 11 June 2024, Nataša Vučković, ALDA President, delivered an opening speech at the EU Civil Society Forum 2024 for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, an annual event organised by the EU TACSO 3 project on behalf of the European Commission, DG NEAR. The aim of the event, which took place in Belgrade (Serbia) from June 11 to 13, was to provide space for the key stakeholders involved in civil society in the region to come together, network, and offer a platform for discussion of the key topics relevant to civil society this year.

“It is a great honour to be able to welcome you in Belgrade at the opening of the Western Balkans

and Türkiye EU Civil Society Forum 2024.

It is a pleasure to address this Forum on behalf of ALDA – the European Association for Local

Democracy. ALDA is the global alliance of local and regional authorities and civil society actors

working together with a participative approach for resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities.

After being active in the region of the WB for about 25 years, through local democracy agencies,

ALDA has launched, at the end of April 2024, a new three-year regional project supported by the

Agence française de développement (AFD). The BOOST project will offer various paths for

cooperation and support for civil society organisations in the region.”

Nataša Vučković – ALDA President