On 17 March 2026, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, participated in the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Trieste (Italy). The event marked a significant milestone, celebrating three decades of regional cooperation among the 17 CEI Member States under the motto “Turning Policy into Action” and highlighting CEI’s sustained commitment to fostering dialogue, cohesion, and stability across Central Europe.
During the anniversary, ALDA extended its congratulations to CEI, recognising its fundamental role in promoting regional cooperation, stability, and inclusion. The celebration also emphasised the strong alignment between the two organisations in terms of mission, values, and long-term objectives, reflecting a well-established partnership built on mutual trust and a shared vision for a more democratic and cohesive Europe. This collaboration is already visible in concrete joint initiatives, including the upcoming Local Democracy School in Skopje (North Macedonia), which aims to enhance capacity-building and support sustainable local impact.
The event offered an excellent opportunity to strengthen institutional relations. ALDA engaged with several key representatives, including Mrs. Jessica Acquavita, Vice President of the Region of Istria, highlighting the importance of cross-border dialogue and regional partnerships in advancing democratic governance.
Looking ahead, ALDA reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation across Central Europe and promoting shared democratic values. The partnership with CEI continues to demonstrate the value of local-level collaboration in generating sustainable impact, enhancing participation, resilience, and inclusive development. With new initiatives on the horizon, ALDA remains dedicated to advancing joint efforts toward a more cohesive, democratic, and engaged European space.
ALDA warmly congratulates the Central European Initiative on its 30th anniversary and looks forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation and shared achievements.