International Conference – Connected for Democracy: Civil Society and the Council of Europe in Action

On 28 October 2025, the Connected for Democracy Conference takes place online, marking the final event of the BRIDGE to the Council of Europe (CoE) project. The Connected for Democracy Conference highlights how cooperation between the Council of Europe and civil society organisations strengthens democratic participation and contributes to the long-term implementation of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy.

Organised by ALDA with the support of the Council of Europe, the event brings together experts, civil-society actors, and institutional representatives from Southern and Eastern Europe to share project results and explore new pathways for civic engagement. The session will present key achievements, lessons learned, and inspiring examples of community participation developed through the BRIDGE project.

The agenda features opening remarks by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, followed by a keynote speech from Christophe Speckbacher, Head of the Civil Society Unit at the Council of Europe. Panels include project presentations by Viorica Tudos, ALDA Project Manager, and discussions on civic space and democratic participation guided by the Reykjavik Principles, with interventions from Katica Janeva (ALDA Skopje), Nadejda Pascaru-Botnaru (People in Need Moldova), and other partners.

Participants will discover case studies from Italy, Moldova, and Ukraine illustrating how civic initiatives make a tangible difference in local governance. The event will also explore future opportunities for NGOs to integrate Council of Europe recommendations into their work, ensuring that the legacy of BRIDGE continues beyond the project’s conclusion.

Registration is open via Zoom form. Full agenda here.

Learn more about the project on the BRIDGE page on ALDA’s website and on the Council of Europe’s Civil Society Unit.