On 12 July 2025, the ALDA community came together at the Europa Experience – David Sassoli in Rome for its Annual General Assembly — a key moment of institutional life and participatory democracy. Members, partners and friends from across Europe and the beyond joined the event, reaffirming their shared commitment to local democracy, citizen participation, and good governance.
The Assembly took place in a particularly symbolic moment, right after the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, where ALDA had contributed to highlighting the role of local authorities and civil society in building democratic resilience. The strong presence and engagement of members once again confirmed ALDA’s unique identity: one community with focus and expertise in a changing world.
The afternoon began with the opening words by ALDA President Nataša Vučković, followed by a keynote from Gunn Marit Helgesen, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Her intervention highlighted the urgent need to strengthen democratic resilience through citizen involvement and innovation.
You can read more about her speech here.
The core of the Assembly was dedicated to statutory work and democratic deliberation. Participants appointed the President of the Assembly and approved key institutional documents, including the minutes of the 2024 General Assembly, the updated Rules of Procedure, and the activity and moral reports of 2024. The Assembly also reviewed progress made on the implementation of ALDA’s 2024–2028 strategic framework, reinforcing the collective direction taken by the Association.Members approved the Treasurer’s report and the 2024 financial accounts, followed by the formal discharge of the Treasurer. The composition of the Governing Board was updated, and members took the opportunity to share reflections, proposals and ideas during the open exchanges, further confirming ALDA’s commitment to participatory governance and transparency.
“This Assembly is not only a statutory moment, but a space for connection and collective responsibility across our diverse membership.”
After the traditional family photo and coffee break, discussions resumed with the approval of the 2025 membership fees, the report à nouveau, and the auditor’s report, ensuring continuity and trust in ALDA’s financial oversight mechanisms. The Assembly then unanimously approved the Programme and Budget for 2025, outlining concrete priorities for the year ahead.
Among the highlights of the event was the delivery of membership certificates to new members, marking the continued expansion and diversification of ALDA’s network. Every new membership strengthens the community’s capacity to act at local level and to respond to democratic challenges with creativity and competence.
The Assembly concluded with a call to come together again in 2026 for the next edition of the ALDA Festival, an event that celebrates democracy in all its forms through encounters, dialogue and shared experiences.
With strong participation, institutional clarity and an engaged membership base, the 2025 General Assembly confirmed ALDA’s role as a central platform for local democracy, international cooperation and civil society development.
As Europe continues to face complex and evolving challenges, ALDA moves forward — with focus, expertise, and a community that remains as united and committed as ever.
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