Strasbourg (France), 2 April 2026 – The meeting of the ALDA Governing Board brought together Board members and Secretariat staff in a hybrid format, reaffirming the organisation’s strategic direction and its growing role in promoting democratic resilience, decentralised cooperation, and local governance across Europe and beyond.
The session was opened online by ALDA President Nataša Vučković, who framed the discussions within the broader international context, highlighting the increasing importance of local democracy in times of geopolitical uncertainty. The meeting was chaired by Roger Lawrence, ensuring a structured and forward-looking exchange among participants.
Strategic vision for 2026: Local Democracy that Delivers
At the core of the discussions was the adoption of the 2026 Programme and Budget, anchored in the overarching theme “Local Democracy that Delivers.” This strategic orientation reflects ALDA’s ambition to advance a positive and results-oriented narrative of democracy, emphasising tangible impact and resilience in local governance systems.
The Governing Board acknowledged the evolving European policy landscape, particularly in view of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and underlined ALDA’s proactive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. Key thematic priorities include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of democratic institutions, alongside continued support for enlargement processes, particularly in the Western Balkans.
A significant focus of the meeting was ALDA’s ongoing decentralisation strategy, aimed at empowering geographical and thematic hubs with increased autonomy, resources, and operational capacity
This transformation is accompanied by:
- The diversification of funding sources
- The expansion of ALDA’s geographical scope, including engagement beyond its traditional areas of operation
- The development of a Centre of Expertise to capitalise on institutional knowledge and strengthen impact measurement
The Governing Board also reviewed the progress of ALDA Italia and ALDA+, highlighting their role in testing new operational models, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding partnerships at local and regional levels.
Strengthening Membership and Governance
With a growing network of over 300 members, ALDA continues to consolidate its role as a key actor in participatory democracy and local governance.
The meeting showcased the diversity of ALDA’s project portfolio, including innovative initiatives such as:
- Hatedemics, a platform addressing hate speech through digital tools and artificial intelligence
- The development of a Local Democracy Agency in Belarus in exile, reflecting new approaches to democracy in displacement contexts
These initiatives illustrate ALDA’s ability to adapt to emerging challenges while maintaining a strong focus on democratic values and local empowerment.
Looking ahead: General Assembly and strategic priorities
Preparations for the upcoming General Assembly in Malta were discussed extensively, including the organisation of an Extraordinary General Assembly to address Statute changes.
The Governing Board meeting in Strasbourg marked a key milestone in consolidating ALDA’s strategic direction, reinforcing its commitment to decentralisation, innovation, and democratic resilience.
As global challenges continue to evolve, ALDA positions itself not only as a project-based organisation, but as a centre of expertise and a catalyst for democratic transformation, capable of delivering concrete impact across diverse contexts.