TRAINING ON STRUCTURAL FUNDS TO THE ISTRIAN COMMUNITY: ALDA AND THE REGION FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA COMBINE THEIR EXPERTISE (27-28 September, Pula, HR)
ALDA and the Foundation for partnership and civil society development of the Region of Istria in cooperation with the Region of Istria and partner organization ZUM Pula organized on 27th and 28th September 2012 in Pula the third and last module of the workshop “EU programs, funds and projects” on the subject of structural funds. Workshops are held within the project Think.EU, funded by Europe for Citizens programme.
Oriano Otočan, Head of Department of International Relations and European Integration of the County, since June this year also president of ALDA, greeted the participants and noted that the project was created in collaboration of the Region of Istria and the Foundation for Partnership and civil society development of the Region of Istria with the aim of educating the widest potential users to use European Union funds. “Through the project THINK.Eu 30-new participants will be trained and ready to prepare and implement projects from various EU funds, in particular the Structural Funds,” said Oriano Otočan.
In order to provide a high – quality training, ALDA has valorized the long-term experience in the structural funds of the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and has involved officials with solid experience in various aspects, i.e. planning, financial management, territorial cooperation. The speakers from Region Friuli Venezia Giulia were Roberto Piccini, 1st level controls on structural funds, Simonetta Micheli, regional service for Communitarian programmes, Raffaella Viviani, Brussels office. The coordinator Marco Boaria, and Anna Ditta, project officer from the ALDA Resource and Development unit also presented their experiences to the participants of the workshop.
ALDA and the Foundation for partnership and civil society development of the Region of Istria in cooperation with the Region of Istria and partner organization ZUM Pula organized on 27th and 28th September 2012 in Pula the third and last module of the workshop “EU programs, funds and projects” on the subject of structural funds. Workshops are held within the project Think.EU, funded by Europe for Citizens programme.
Oriano Otočan, Head of Department of International Relations and European Integration of the County, since June this year also president of ALDA, greeted the participants and noted that the project was created in collaboration of the Region of Istria and the Foundation for Partnership and civil society development of the Region of Istria with the aim of educating the widest potential users to use European Union funds. “Through the project THINK.Eu 30-new participants will be trained and ready to prepare and implement projects from various EU funds, in particular the Structural Funds,” said Oriano Otočan.
In order to provide a high – quality training, ALDA has valorized the long-term experience in the structural funds of the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and has involved officials with solid experience in various aspects, i.e. planning, financial management, territorial cooperation. The speakers from Region Friuli Venezia Giulia were Roberto Piccini, 1st level controls on structural funds, Simonetta Micheli, regional service for Communitarian programmes, Raffaella Viviani, Brussels office. The coordinator Marco Boaria, and Anna Ditta, project officer from the ALDA Resource and Development unit also presented their experiences to the participants of the workshop.
“SUPPORT FOR NETWORKING AT EU LEVEL - SNET.EU”, A NEW PROJECT OF LDAS OSIJEK AND SUBOTICA, ALDA AND OTHER LOCAL PARTNERS.
Officially started on 17th September a common project between LDA Osijek, LDA Subotica, ALDA and other local partners.
The project named “Support for Networking at EU Level – SNET.EU” is a part of the programme IPA CBC Croatia – Serbia and will last for 18 months.
The applicant in Croatia is Local Democracy Agency in Osijek with partners the Croatian Institute for Self-Government (HILS) and Evangelic Theological Seminary (EVS) both from Osijek.
The applicant in Serbia is Local Democracy Agency in Subotica with partners ALDA as well as Open University Subotica.
The main objectives of the project are: to build capacities of local institutions and local authorities for understanding regional EU policy and European integration process; to promote town twinning as a tool for the development of European active citizenship; to contribute to twin town/municipality partner search for LA from Croatia and Serbia at European level and to contribute to networking and cooperation between LA from Croatia and Serbia.
Its aim is also to contribute to the capacity building of human resources for supporting and developing of town twinning involving local authorities in rural areas of Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Sermium Counties in Croatia and Bačka District in Serbia through establishing of resource centers for town twinning.
Besides being a great opportunity for capacity building of small municipalities both in Croatia and Serbia this project is a great contribution for the involvement of experts and partners from LDAs and ALDA regional and European network as well as for further cooperation.
Officially started on 17th September a common project between LDA Osijek, LDA Subotica, ALDA and other local partners.
The project named “Support for Networking at EU Level – SNET.EU” is a part of the programme IPA CBC Croatia – Serbia and will last for 18 months.
The applicant in Croatia is Local Democracy Agency in Osijek with partners the Croatian Institute for Self-Government (HILS) and Evangelic Theological Seminary (EVS) both from Osijek.
The applicant in Serbia is Local Democracy Agency in Subotica with partners ALDA as well as Open University Subotica.
The main objectives of the project are: to build capacities of local institutions and local authorities for understanding regional EU policy and European integration process; to promote town twinning as a tool for the development of European active citizenship; to contribute to twin town/municipality partner search for LA from Croatia and Serbia at European level and to contribute to networking and cooperation between LA from Croatia and Serbia.
Its aim is also to contribute to the capacity building of human resources for supporting and developing of town twinning involving local authorities in rural areas of Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Sermium Counties in Croatia and Bačka District in Serbia through establishing of resource centers for town twinning.
Besides being a great opportunity for capacity building of small municipalities both in Croatia and Serbia this project is a great contribution for the involvement of experts and partners from LDAs and ALDA regional and European network as well as for further cooperation.
ALDA AT THE FINAL STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE DECENTRALISED COOPERATION BETWEEN LOWER NORMANDY AND MACEDONIA
As the end of the second triennial programme approaches, ALDA’s staff, the Skopje Office and all the partners of the cooperation will gather together for the final Steering Committee which will be held from 19th to 21st of September 2012, near the Omaha Beach (the beach of the Allied invasion) in the Lower Normandy region. The goal of this three-day formal meeting is to evaluate the previous activities and define strategies for the future course of the programme.
The decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia has been coordinated by ALDA for 5 consecutive years and will further develop.
During these three workdays, many participatory and creative sessions will be held in order to present the partners from Lower Normandy and Macedonia with the opportunity to summarize the results of the second triennial (2010-2013), offer suggestions for the new programme, identify and analyse the challenges. The partners will be able to share their experiences and creativity, thus contributing once more to the defining of the programme goals. All of the notional activities between the partners will be intertwined with an intercultural dimension.
For more information on the Decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia please consult the website of the cooperation or contact Katica Janeva at katica.janeva@aldaintranet.org.
As the end of the second triennial programme approaches, ALDA’s staff, the Skopje Office and all the partners of the cooperation will gather together for the final Steering Committee which will be held from 19th to 21st of September 2012, near the Omaha Beach (the beach of the Allied invasion) in the Lower Normandy region. The goal of this three-day formal meeting is to evaluate the previous activities and define strategies for the future course of the programme.
The decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia has been coordinated by ALDA for 5 consecutive years and will further develop.
During these three workdays, many participatory and creative sessions will be held in order to present the partners from Lower Normandy and Macedonia with the opportunity to summarize the results of the second triennial (2010-2013), offer suggestions for the new programme, identify and analyse the challenges. The partners will be able to share their experiences and creativity, thus contributing once more to the defining of the programme goals. All of the notional activities between the partners will be intertwined with an intercultural dimension.
For more information on the Decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia please consult the website of the cooperation or contact Katica Janeva at katica.janeva@aldaintranet.org.
WORKSHOP ON “VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITIES’ GOVERNANCE”, 9th VIT PROJECT LOCAL EVENT (Varna, BG 11 - 12 October 2012)
On 11th and 12th October, the Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities (UBBSLA) will organise, in Varna (Bulgaria) a workshop on “How citizens trough volunteering may contribute to the enhancement of the communities’ governance”. This workshop will be the 9th local event organised within the framework of the project VIT, Very Important Twinning, Volunteering in Town, in which ALDA is the lead partner.
The workshop will focus on the Interaction between the generations and the potential opportunities for the elderly people, also on the Public health care for the longevity of the elderly people.
The project VIT focuses on volunteering and democracy in an enlarged Europe. It aims at promoting volunteering in towns, addressing this issue from a participatory perspective.
In particular, the project wishes to create a platform involving different types of stakeholders (see partnership below) for debate, action and reflection on how citizens may enhance governance in Europe. At the same time, the project aims at revitalizing existing town-twinning relations of the partner towns and initiate new twinning.
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Mrs Mariana Ivanova (office@ubbsla.org ).
For more information on travel and accommodation costs of international participants, please contact Mrs. Polina Antonova from UBBSLA (coordinator@ubbsla.org).
On 11th and 12th October, the Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities (UBBSLA) will organise, in Varna (Bulgaria) a workshop on “How citizens trough volunteering may contribute to the enhancement of the communities’ governance”. This workshop will be the 9th local event organised within the framework of the project VIT, Very Important Twinning, Volunteering in Town, in which ALDA is the lead partner.
The workshop will focus on the Interaction between the generations and the potential opportunities for the elderly people, also on the Public health care for the longevity of the elderly people.
The project VIT focuses on volunteering and democracy in an enlarged Europe. It aims at promoting volunteering in towns, addressing this issue from a participatory perspective.
In particular, the project wishes to create a platform involving different types of stakeholders (see partnership below) for debate, action and reflection on how citizens may enhance governance in Europe. At the same time, the project aims at revitalizing existing town-twinning relations of the partner towns and initiate new twinning.
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Mrs Mariana Ivanova (office@ubbsla.org ).
For more information on travel and accommodation costs of international participants, please contact Mrs. Polina Antonova from UBBSLA (coordinator@ubbsla.org).
A PUBLIC TRIBUNE WITH CANDIDATES MAYOR OF JABLANICA MUNICIPALITY WAS ORGANIZED BY LDA MOSTAR (18 September 2012)
Public tribune with candidates for the position of Jablanica Municipality Mayor was held on 18 September 2012 in a crowded cinema hall of the Youth club Pod istim suncem in Jablanica.
Public tribune was organised by Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar within the “Monitoring of public services on local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project.
Results of the Survey on citizen satisfaction with sixteen public services, implemented in Municipality of Jablanica by Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar, which were based (results) on surveying overall 299 households (citizens) on the territory of all 9 Local communities of Jablanica Municipality were the subject of the discussion at the Public tribune.
The main objective of this Public tribune was that the matter of volume and quality of public services, based on the results of the implemented survey, becomes one of the central issues of the election campaign for the 2012 Municipal Elections.
“Monitoring of public services on local level – citizens and local authorities to better services” Project has been initiated and financially supported by the Open Society Fund BiH.
U prepunoj kino sali Omladinskog kluba Pod istim suncem, 18. septembra 2012. godine održana je Javna tribina sa kandidatima za načelnika Općine Jablanica.
Javnu tribinu je organizirala Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar u sklopu projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“.
Rezultati istraživanja o zadovoljstvu građana sa šesnaest javnih usluga, koje je u Općini Jablanica implementirala Agencija lokalne demokratije (LDA) Mostar, a koji se temelje na sprovedenom anketiranju kojim je obuhvaćeno ukupno 299 domaćinstava (građana/ki) sa područja svih 9 Mjesnih zajednica Općine Jablanica, bili su predmetom diskusije na Javnoj tribini.
Osnovni cilj ove Javne tribine bio je da pitanje obima i kvaliteta javnih usluga postane jedno od centralnih pitanja izborne kampanje za lokalne izbore 2012. godine, polazeći od rezultata sprovedenog istraživanja.
Projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“ je iniciran i finansijski podrzan od strane Fonda otvoreno drustvo Bosne i Hercegovine.
Public tribune with candidates for the position of Jablanica Municipality Mayor was held on 18 September 2012 in a crowded cinema hall of the Youth club Pod istim suncem in Jablanica.
Public tribune was organised by Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar within the “Monitoring of public services on local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project.
Results of the Survey on citizen satisfaction with sixteen public services, implemented in Municipality of Jablanica by Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar, which were based (results) on surveying overall 299 households (citizens) on the territory of all 9 Local communities of Jablanica Municipality were the subject of the discussion at the Public tribune.
The main objective of this Public tribune was that the matter of volume and quality of public services, based on the results of the implemented survey, becomes one of the central issues of the election campaign for the 2012 Municipal Elections.
“Monitoring of public services on local level – citizens and local authorities to better services” Project has been initiated and financially supported by the Open Society Fund BiH.
U prepunoj kino sali Omladinskog kluba Pod istim suncem, 18. septembra 2012. godine održana je Javna tribina sa kandidatima za načelnika Općine Jablanica.
Javnu tribinu je organizirala Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar u sklopu projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“.
Rezultati istraživanja o zadovoljstvu građana sa šesnaest javnih usluga, koje je u Općini Jablanica implementirala Agencija lokalne demokratije (LDA) Mostar, a koji se temelje na sprovedenom anketiranju kojim je obuhvaćeno ukupno 299 domaćinstava (građana/ki) sa područja svih 9 Mjesnih zajednica Općine Jablanica, bili su predmetom diskusije na Javnoj tribini.
Osnovni cilj ove Javne tribine bio je da pitanje obima i kvaliteta javnih usluga postane jedno od centralnih pitanja izborne kampanje za lokalne izbore 2012. godine, polazeći od rezultata sprovedenog istraživanja.
Projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“ je iniciran i finansijski podrzan od strane Fonda otvoreno drustvo Bosne i Hercegovine.
LDA MOSTAR IS ORGANISING A PUBLIC TRIBUNE WITH CANDIDATES MAYOR OF KONJIC MUNICIPALITY (27 September 2012)
As a continuation of activities within the “Monitoring of public services on the local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project, Local Democracy Agency Mostar is organising a Public tribune with candidates for the position of Konjic Municipality Mayor.
Public tribune will be held in the Wooden Hall of the Community Centre, on Thursday, 27 September 2012 at 13:00 hrs.
Konjic is a town and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in northern Herzegovina, around 50 kilometres (31 mi) southwest of Sarajevo. It is a mountainous, heavily wooded area, and is 268 m (879 ft) above sea level. The municipality extends on both sides of the Neretva River. The town of Konjic, housed about a third of the total municipality population.
The city is one of the oldest permanent settlements in Bosnia, dating back almost 4000 years; the city in its current incarnation arising as an important town in the late 1300s. Today, the population of Konjic municipality is estimated at 39,000 people.
The main objective of this activity is that the matter of volume and quality of public services becomes one of the central issues of the election campaign for the 2012 Municipal Elections.
“Monitoring of public services on the local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project has been initiated and financially supported by the Open Society Fund BiH.
Local Democracy Agency Mostar, upon implementation of survey on citizen satisfaction with public services in Municipalities of Jablanica and Konjic and City of Mostar, presented the results of the survey to the Municipal Mayors and their closest associates, as well as candidates for the position of a mayor at the 2012 Municipal Elections in Municipalities of Jablanica and Konjic.
AGENCIJA LOKALNE DEMOKRATIJE MOSTAR ORGANIZIRA JAVNU TRIBINU SA KANDIDATIMA ZA NAČELNIKA OPĆINE JABLANICA KONJIC.
Nakon sprovedenog istraživanja zadovoljstva građana javnim uslugama u Općinama Jablanica i Konjic i Gradu Mostaru, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar je upriličila prezentaciju rezultata istraživanja Načelnicima i njihovim najbližim suradnicima, te svim kandidatima za načelnika na Općinskim izborima 07.10.2012.godine u Općinama Konjic i Jablanica.
Kao nastavak aktivnosti, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar, u sklopu projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“, organizira Javnu tribinu sa kandidatima za načelnika Općine Konjic.
Javna tribina će se održati u Drvenoj sali Društvenog doma u četvrtak, 27. 09.2012. godine sa početkom u 13:00 sati.
Osnovni cilj ove aktivnosti je da pitanje obima i kvaliteta javnih usluga postane jedno od centralnih pitanja izborne kampanje za Općinske izbore 2012. godine.
Projekat „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“ je iniciran i finansijski podržan od strane Fonda otvoreno društvo BiH.
As a continuation of activities within the “Monitoring of public services on the local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project, Local Democracy Agency Mostar is organising a Public tribune with candidates for the position of Konjic Municipality Mayor.
Public tribune will be held in the Wooden Hall of the Community Centre, on Thursday, 27 September 2012 at 13:00 hrs.
Konjic is a town and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in northern Herzegovina, around 50 kilometres (31 mi) southwest of Sarajevo. It is a mountainous, heavily wooded area, and is 268 m (879 ft) above sea level. The municipality extends on both sides of the Neretva River. The town of Konjic, housed about a third of the total municipality population.
The city is one of the oldest permanent settlements in Bosnia, dating back almost 4000 years; the city in its current incarnation arising as an important town in the late 1300s. Today, the population of Konjic municipality is estimated at 39,000 people.
The main objective of this activity is that the matter of volume and quality of public services becomes one of the central issues of the election campaign for the 2012 Municipal Elections.
“Monitoring of public services on the local level – citizens and local authorities together to better services” Project has been initiated and financially supported by the Open Society Fund BiH.
Local Democracy Agency Mostar, upon implementation of survey on citizen satisfaction with public services in Municipalities of Jablanica and Konjic and City of Mostar, presented the results of the survey to the Municipal Mayors and their closest associates, as well as candidates for the position of a mayor at the 2012 Municipal Elections in Municipalities of Jablanica and Konjic.
AGENCIJA LOKALNE DEMOKRATIJE MOSTAR ORGANIZIRA JAVNU TRIBINU SA KANDIDATIMA ZA NAČELNIKA OPĆINE JABLANICA KONJIC.
Nakon sprovedenog istraživanja zadovoljstva građana javnim uslugama u Općinama Jablanica i Konjic i Gradu Mostaru, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar je upriličila prezentaciju rezultata istraživanja Načelnicima i njihovim najbližim suradnicima, te svim kandidatima za načelnika na Općinskim izborima 07.10.2012.godine u Općinama Konjic i Jablanica.
Kao nastavak aktivnosti, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar, u sklopu projekta „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i lokalna vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“, organizira Javnu tribinu sa kandidatima za načelnika Općine Konjic.
Javna tribina će se održati u Drvenoj sali Društvenog doma u četvrtak, 27. 09.2012. godine sa početkom u 13:00 sati.
Osnovni cilj ove aktivnosti je da pitanje obima i kvaliteta javnih usluga postane jedno od centralnih pitanja izborne kampanje za Općinske izbore 2012. godine.
Projekat „Monitoring javnih usluga na lokalnom nivou – građani i vlast zajedno do boljih usluga“ je iniciran i finansijski podržan od strane Fonda otvoreno društvo BiH.
EU ENLARGEMENT LABYRINTH ON THE MOVE: BUDAPEST, BRATISLAVA, VIENNA, LJUBLJANA, UDINE (8-15 September 2012)
Enlargement Labyrinth, a mobile, colorful 100 sqm installation composed of simple questionnaires posted on the colour panels making up the way through the labyrinth was set up, in the framework of the project Civil Trust Building, as an innovative format to attract citizens in various locations in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana and Udine during the one week tour that gathered all the project partners.
ALDA was represented by LDA-s and local NGO-s team members.
They acted as the Western Balkan contact persons promoting EU enlargement among the citizens of EU member states through direct conversation with them, dissemination of promotional materials, and assistance in taking the “brave” ones through the labyrinth.
More than thousand interested citizens were attracted to visit the Labyrinth and the stands with the project visibility tools containing key information about the Western Balkan countries, their economy, cultural heritage, tourist destinations and development potential. Linguistic skills in English, German, Hungarian, Slovak, Italian, Serbian, Croat, Albanian, Romanian, were more than welcome while each of the team members was able to communicate in at least three languages needed. In this way, the passers-by in busy streets, squares, shopping malls and in parks who visited the labyrinth in their city, could also express their opinion about the present situation as regards the EU enlargement process and give comments about the lessons learnt during accession, while a number of them were interviewed for a documentary film. Particularly interesting were the promo materials containing the Western Balkan countries’ profile one side and the most popular national dish on the other.
The Labyrinth tour had its peak in Udine on Saturday 15th September during the traditional city festival FRIULI DOC, gathering hundreds of local/regional traditional food and wine producers, farmers, handicrafts who displayed their products and offered them to some one hundred thousand visitors during the four day long festivities. The labyrinth and the stands were located in the main city square and visited by many local citizens, visitors from the Region FVG and other neighbouring areas. Last, but not the least was the special children’s playground installed near the labyrinth where some old, traditional games were practiced by the local kids.
The one week Labyrinth tour was a real success in many aspects while its strong intercultural dimension – promoting both the EU enlargement and EU integration of the Western Balkans through active citizenship and cultural diversity was an excellent learning opportunity for the enthusiastic labyrinth team members, but also for the citizens visiting the stands and responding to the questionnaires.
ALDA is partner of the project “Civil Trust Building”, a co-operation and capacity building action developed by the European House, Budapest, Hungary, which includes LDAs in the Western Balkans as 7 local contact points for promoting EU integration and regional networking actions for improved understanding and awareness of both enlargement and integration related issues.
The project is supported by the Prince programme of the European Commission.
For further information please visit: www.civiltrustbuilding.eu
Stanka Parac Damjanovic
ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator
Enlargement Labyrinth, a mobile, colourful 100 sqm installation composed of simple questionnaires posted on the colour panels making up the way through the labyrinth was set up, in the framework of the project Civil Trust Building, as an innovative format to attract citizens in various locations in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana and Udine during the one week tour that gathered all the project partners.
ALDA was represented by LDA-s and local NGO-s team members.
They acted as the Western Balkan contact persons promoting EU enlargement among the citizens of EU member states through direct conversation with them, dissemination of promotional materials, and assistance in taking the “brave” ones through the labyrinth.
More than thousand interested citizens were attracted to visit the Labyrinth and the stands with the project visibility tools containing key information about the Western Balkan countries, their economy, cultural heritage, tourist destinations and development potential. Linguistic skills in English, German, Hungarian, Slovak, Italian, Serbian, Croat, Albanian, Romanian, were more than welcome while each of the team members was able to communicate in at least three languages needed. In this way, the passers-by in busy streets, squares, shopping malls and in parks who visited the labyrinth in their city, could also express their opinion about the present situation as regards the EU enlargement process and give comments about the lessons learnt during accession, while a number of them were interviewed for a documentary film. Particularly interesting were the promo materials containing the Western Balkan countries’ profile one side and the most popular national dish on the other.
The Labyrinth tour had its peak in Udine on Saturday 15th September during the traditional city festival FRIULI DOC, gathering hundreds of local/regional traditional food and wine producers, farmers, handicrafts who displayed their products and offered them to some one hundred thousand visitors during the four day long festivities. The labyrinth and the stands were located in the main city square and visited by many local citizens, visitors from the Region FVG and other neighbouring areas. Last, but not the least was the special children’s playground installed near the labyrinth where some old, traditional games were practiced by the local kids.
The one week Labyrinth tour was a real success in many aspects while its strong intercultural dimension – promoting both the EU enlargement and EU integration of the Western Balkans through active citizenship and cultural diversity was an excellent learning opportunity for the enthusiastic labyrinth team members, but also for the citizens visiting the stands and responding to the questionnaires.
ALDA is partner of the project “Civil Trust Building”, a co-operation and capacity building action developed by the European House, Budapest, Hungary, which includes LDAs in the Western Balkans as 7 local contact points for promoting EU integration and regional networking actions for improved understanding and awareness of both enlargement and integration related issues.
The project is supported by the Prince programme of the European Commission.
For further information please visit: www.civiltrustbuilding.eu
Stanka Parac Damjanovic
ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator
THE CORLEAP MEETING STRESSED THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY AGENCIES TO PROMOTE LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION IN THE EAP COUNTRIES
During the discussion and the plenary sessions held in Chisenau on the 17th of September, the importance of the LDAs programme was highlighted by Nathaniel Copsey, from the Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University (UK). On the same line, the Secretary General of the Congress (Council of Europe), M. Andreas Kiefer, confirmed that the development of the Local Democracy Agencies in the Eastern Partnership countries has to be recommended as a “possible concrete initiatives from the Corleap, supported by the Congress”.
Two LDAs are already existing in the EaP countries, in Armenia and Georgia. ALDA is also working for an LDA in Azerbaijan and it is very active in Belarus for citizens’ and civil society empowerment.
During the discussion and the plenary sessions held in Chisenau on the 17th of September, the importance of the LDAs programme was highlighted by Nathaniel Copsey, from the Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University (UK). On the same line, the Secretary General of the Congress (Council of Europe), M. Andreas Kiefer, confirmed that the development of the Local Democracy Agencies in the Eastern Partnership countries has to be recommended as a “possible concrete initiatives from the Corleap, supported by the Congress”.
Two LDAs are already existing in the EaP countries, in Armenia and Georgia. ALDA is also working for an LDA in Azerbaijan and it is very active in Belarus for citizens’ and civil society empowerment.
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORLEAP TAKES PLACE IN CHIŞINĂU, MOLDOVA (17 September 2012)
The Director of ALDA, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida, represents the Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership, in her capacity of Coordinator of the Subgroup on Local Governance and Public Administration Reform at the annual meeting of the CORLEAP (Chişinău, Moldova, 17 September 2012).
The Subgroup LGPAR is presenting in Chişinău a report on the state of fiscal decentralisation in the EaP Countries. Connected to it, a specific proposal on Fiscal Decentralisation is addressed to the Corleap members.
The State of Fiscal Decentralisation in the six countries highlights some good progress but also some stagnation or even drawbacks – unfortunately – in some countries, like Belarus and Azerbaijan. Certainly, Fiscal Decentralisation should be part of a vast and complex process of affirmation of Local Authorities, which have to be considered not only as a subdivision of the State power but as more autonomous entities that could respond to the needs of citizens, at the local level.
The Assessment here provided is drafting specific recommendations country by country and with a related timeframe that could be certainly considered for policymaking, together with the expertise provided also by the Corleap members. The role of civil society in supporting fiscal decentralisation is also mentioned as a promoter of debate and awareness, collector of information and data, implementor of programmes and monitoring of the standards to be achieved, expertise and capacity building provider.
The Subgroup for Local Government and Public Administration Reform of the Civil Society Forum proposes to the CORLEAP to launch a common initiative on a single strong priority, such is Fiscal Decentralisation. Aware of the difficulty ahead of us, it is proposed to identify it as a common priority and strongly lobby for a flagship initiative or programme/project proposal, within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
Fiscal decentralization remains a difficult and political target, which might be perceived as a long term objective. Some of the EU representatives within the CORLEAP may also think that Fiscal Decentralisation remains not completed within their own country yet. We consider then this possible joint project as an opportunity of working together, between EU and EaP countries. Fiscal decentralisation is not only a technical step. It is a substantial element for strengthening the real autonomy of local government and local democracy, which we consider essential for peace, sustainable development and prosperity of our communities.
The Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership is a permanent observer of the Corleap and takes part – since last year – in all the 4 official Platforms of the Partnership.
The Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform is composed of 28 NGOs (from EaP and EU) of the Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership, with specific expertise in these fields. ALDA has been the coordinator of the Subgroup since the meeting in Poznan (Nov 2011).
The Director of ALDA, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida, represents the Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership, in her capacity of Coordinator of the Subgroup on Local Governance and Public Administration Reform at the annual meeting of the CORLEAP (Chişinău, Moldova, 17 September 2012).
The Subgroup LGPAR is presenting in Chişinău a report on the state of fiscal decentralisation in the EaP Countries. Connected to it, a specific proposal on Fiscal Decentralisation is addressed to the Corleap members.
The State of Fiscal Decentralisation in the six countries highlights some good progress but also some stagnation or even drawbacks – unfortunately – in some countries, like Belarus and Azerbaijan. Certainly, Fiscal Decentralisation should be part of a vast and complex process of affirmation of Local Authorities, which have to be considered not only as a subdivision of the State power but as more autonomous entities that could respond to the needs of citizens, at the local level.
The Assessment here provided is drafting specific recommendations country by country and with a related timeframe that could be certainly considered for policymaking, together with the expertise provided also by the Corleap members. The role of civil society in supporting fiscal decentralisation is also mentioned as a promoter of debate and awareness, collector of information and data, implementor of programmes and monitoring of the standards to be achieved, expertise and capacity building provider.
The Subgroup for Local Government and Public Administration Reform of the Civil Society Forum proposes to the CORLEAP to launch a common initiative on a single strong priority, such is Fiscal Decentralisation. Aware of the difficulty ahead of us, it is proposed to identify it as a common priority and strongly lobby for a flagship initiative or programme/project proposal, within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
Fiscal decentralization remains a difficult and political target, which might be perceived as a long term objective. Some of the EU representatives within the CORLEAP may also think that Fiscal Decentralisation remains not completed within their own country yet. We consider then this possible joint project as an opportunity of working together, between EU and EaP countries. Fiscal decentralisation is not only a technical step. It is a substantial element for strengthening the real autonomy of local government and local democracy, which we consider essential for peace, sustainable development and prosperity of our communities.
The Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership is a permanent observer of the Corleap and takes part – since last year – in all the 4 official Platforms of the Partnership.
The Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform is composed of 28 NGOs (from EaP and EU) of the Civil Society Forum for Eastern Partnership, with specific expertise in these fields. ALDA has been the coordinator of the Subgroup since the meeting in Poznan (Nov 2011).
A SWISS DELEGATION FROM YVERDON-LES-BAINS IS VISITING THE LDA ALBANIA AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF SHKODER
The Mayor of the Municipality of Yverdon-Les-Bains, Mr Daniel von Siebenthal, Partner of the LDA Albania, is leading the mission of the Swiss Delegation to Shkoder. The aim of the mission is to see the project implemented by the LDA Albania, plan together new activities and meet relevant stakeholders interested in working with the Swiss Municipality.
Moreover, an institutional meeting with the Mayor of Shkoder, Mr Lorenc Luka, led to the decision of having a conference in Yverdon-Les-Bains to promote the Albanian culture to the Swiss community and the member of the Albanian Diaspora living there.
With this mission, the Swiss Delegation confirms its willingness to continue supporting the activities of LDA Albania in the future.
For more information please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org or Ms Lila Pirani, LDA Albania Delegate, at ldaalbania@aldaintranet.org.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Yverdon-Les-Bains, Mr Daniel von Siebenthal, Partner of the LDA Albania, is leading the mission of the Swiss Delegation to Shkoder. The aim of the mission is to see the project implemented by the LDA Albania, plan together new activities and meet relevant stakeholders interested in working with the Swiss Municipality.
Moreover, an institutional meeting with the Mayor of Shkoder, Mr Lorenc Luka, led to the decision of having a conference in Yverdon-Les-Bains to promote the Albanian culture to the Swiss community and the member of the Albanian Diaspora living there.
With this mission, the Swiss Delegation confirms its willingness to continue supporting the activities of LDA Albania in the future.
For more information please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org or Ms Lila Pirani, LDA Albania Delegate, at ldaalbania@aldaintranet.org.