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The BOOST Project, a regional initiative led by ALDA, and funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is making significant strides in strengthening civil society across the Western Balkans. Through its national sub-granting scheme, BOOST has selected ten impactful projects in each of the six Western Balkans countries: North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, bringing a total of 60 national initiatives that address specific local needs into the fold of democratic transformation.

The selected CSOs are now positioned to deepen cooperation with local stakeholders, ensuring that citizens play a more active role in shaping their communities. Emphasising inclusivity, the programme prioritises youth- and women-led organisations, as well as those operating in rural areas, underscoring its commitment to balanced regional development.

Each awarded initiative aligns with BOOST’s cross-cutting priorities: gender equality, European values, and citizen engagement. These values are embedded within the programme’s three strategic pillars. The first, Youth and Entrepreneurship, focuses on empowering young people, fostering social entrepreneurship, and enhancing youth participation in decision-making. The second, Rural Development and Environmental Protection, supports rural initiatives, promotes women’s leadership in rural contexts, and advances environmental sustainability. The third, Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Community Development, leverages cultural heritage as a driver for community growth and economic opportunity.

To support the implementation of their BOOST ideas, representatives from the selected CSOs will participate in a series of national trainings held across the six WBs countries between October 21 and November 26, 2025.

These sessions are tailored to the specific contexts of each country, offering participants the opportunity to explore diverse implementation strategies, network at national level, and engage in thematic workshops led by local experts, which are designed by the BOOST three strategic pillars.

Each training session will open with remarks from a representative of the French Embassy in the respective country, alongside representatives from the local partners.

The training series began in Albania, from October 21 to 23 and was held in Tirana, where the capacity-building and networking session opened with remarks from Mr. Rémy Privat, Attaché de Coopération at Ambassade de France en Albanie, and Ms. Zana Vokopola, Executive Director of Urban Research Institute.

The National training will continue with a three day event in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina from October 27 to 29 in Mostar. 

Kosovo will host the national training from November 3 to 5 in Pristina, while North Macedonia will gather the BOOST Grantees from November 5 to 7 in Skopje. 

The programme will continue in Serbia, from November 12 to 14 in Nis, while the last national training will be held in Montenegro, from November 24 to 26 in Podgorica.

BOOST—Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society is a catalyst for inclusive innovation and civic resilience. Grounded in EU values of solidarity, equity, and active citizenship, it empowers local changemakers to co-create sustainable, future-ready communities across the Western Balkans.

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AT A GLANCE

RISE aims to empower young people, especially those in vulnerable situations, by enhancing their skills in climate advocacy and environmental literacy.

Through training, mentorship, awareness campaigns, and local actions, it equips youth to address climate change, migration, and conflict.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Provide capacity-building training in-person for 30 young people to educate them on environmental literacy and advocacy.
  2. Organise roundtables with experts on the topic.
  3. Create a mentorship programme for the young people, where they are mentored by the experts that have participated in the roundtables.
  4. Support the development of local pilot actions in 5 countries (Spain, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Ireland) by the young participants of the project. The goal is enabling them to develop actions at the local level to advocate for the climate, and apply the skills that they have gained during the project.

Project’s hashtags: #RiseTogetherForAGreenFuture

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ALDA Italia APS è impegnata in diversi progetti di prossimità e con un considerevole impatto sociale nella provincia di Vicenza. Il progetto Cura e Solidarietà, finanziato dall’Otto per Mille della Chiesa Valdese e che si chiude a fine ottobre, ha contribuito ad una campagna di reclutamento di medici volontari per l’Ambulatorio popolare gestito dall’associazione vicentina Caracol Olol Jackson. Inoltre, è da poco iniziato il progetto ASPIRA! Aspirazioni, Sinergie, Partecipazione, Rete e Alleanze con i NEET, finanziato da Fondazione Cariverona e che vede ALDA Italia come capofila, e che mira promuovere la partecipazione e il coinvolgimento di 15 NEET (l’acronimo di “Not in Education, Employment or Training”, che indica i giovani che non studiano, non lavorano e non seguono percorsi di formazione) dell’alto vicentino, per supportarli nel reinserimento sociale, professionale e psicologico.

Oltre a queste iniziative, continua anche il progetto RESPIRO, Reti di Empowerment e Salute per la Promozione dell’Inclusione e Responsabilità Operativa, anche questo finanziato da Fondazione Cariverona e con capofila l’Associazione Caracol insieme ai partner ALDA Italia e Cooperativa Equality. Tre sono gli obiettivi principali del progetto. 

Innanzitutto, RESPIRO mira a potenziare l’offerta dei servizi medico sociosanitari dell’Ambulatorio popolare gestito dall’Ass. Caracol, che offre cure mediche gratuite a coloro che non hanno accesso al sistema sanitario nazionale (per mancanza dei documenti necessari) o coloro che non possono permettersi cure mediche particolarmente costose, come quelle odontoiatriche. In secondo luogo, il progetto intende aumentare e garantire un maggiore livello di informazione e sensibilizzazione sull’importanza dell’accesso alle cure, e infine rafforzare il coinvolgimento attivo della comunità locale nelle tematiche di cura, salute e welfare generativo.

Il 10 settembre 2025 si è tenuto l’incontro di lancio di RESPIRO, durante il quale i partner hanno presentato al pubblico presente gli obiettivi e le attività di progetto, ed è stata lanciata la creazione di un tavolo di lavoro coordinato da Caracol e ALDA Italia. L’obiettivo del tavolo è produrre un Manifesto di Intenti congiunto per costruire collettivamente delle linee guida su come dovrebbe essere l’approccio alla salute e sanità sociale per le associazioni ed enti che parteciperanno, confrontandosi a partire da parole chiave quali cura, salute e sanità, welfare generativo, comunità. Questo documento potrà poi essere condiviso con tutte le realtà del territorio che si occupano di cura e salute, ma non solo, in particolare nei confronti delle persone più svantaggiate.

Nel frattempo, lo staff di ALDA Italia ha condotto un’analisi dei bisogni degli utenti e dei volontari dell’Ambulatorio, realizzando interviste e questionari, per chiedere proprio a chi frequenta tutti i giorni la clinica come migliorarne i servizi e come meglio garantire il diritto alla salute. Ad esempio, i volontari hanno chiesto di poter essere maggiormente formati sulle possibilità di aiuto e sui servizi offerti dal territorio, e di conoscere meglio le condizioni politiche e socioeconomiche dei paesi di origine degli assistiti, soprattutto nei casi più complessi, in modo da poter aiutare e comunicare meglio con queste persone.

Il progetto prevede infatti dei laboratori di formazione per il personale volontario, medico e non, tenuti dalla Cooperativa Equality, e i cui contenuti sono stati elaborati anche a partire dalle richieste pervenute dai volontari stessi.

Infine, oltre a focalizzarsi sulla comunità di persone che ruotano attorno all’Ambulatorio di Caracol, come indicato dal terzo obiettivo del progetto, RESPIRO mira a coinvolgere i cittadini in un senso più ampio. Per questo motivo, ALDA Italia è responsabile di un’altra delle attività chiave, ovvero l’organizzazione di due laboratori interattivi su tematiche fondamentali quali gli stereotipi di genere e la ricerca di lavoro, rivolti a giovani NEET del territorio. Questi laboratori, pensati per essere altamente partecipativi – coinvolgendo i partecipanti in esperienze pratiche e dinamiche di gruppo per stimolare il confronto, la riflessione e l’apprendimento collaborativo – verranno realizzati tra la fine del 2025 e i primi mesi del 2026.

Si tratta, in conclusione, di attività che si auspica potranno apportare un contributo significativo e positivo alla società vicentina, e che avvicinano ALDA Italia sempre di più alle comunità in cui agisce.

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AT A GLANCE

Italy holds a sad record in Europe, ranking first in Europe for the number of NEETs (not in employment, education or training) most of whom are women.

ASPIRA! wants to support young NEETs (18-34 years old) in their social, professional and psychological empowerment through a synergy between not-for-profit entities, companies and public administration of Alto Vicentino area.

The first phase focuses on raising awareness among stakeholders in the territory, and it features vocational training activities for the NEETs, individual mentoring and group coaching. ALDA Italia will also organise workshops on soft skills. ASPIRA will involve 12/15 NEETs and these activities are divided into three actions: vocational counselling, social inclusion and psychological support.

The second phase aims at creating a toolkit with good practices emerged during the project on how to work with NEETs, after 6 meetings with all the partners and stakeholders of the area.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Strengthen the autonomy of NEETs, both as individuals and as community.
  2. Promote participation and involvement of NEETs.
  3. Create a network of support for NEETs among not-for-profit sector, private sector and public administration.

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[Article in 🇮🇹]

Bruxelles, 13 ottobre 2025 – Presso la Rappresentanza Permanente d’Italia presso l’Unione Europea, l’Ambasciatore Marco Canaparo ha accolto la delegazione dei volontari del Servizio Civile Universale (SCU) attivi a Bruxelles, impegnati in diversi progetti di solidarietà, cittadinanza attiva e cooperazione internazionale.

L’incontro si è aperto con l’intervento del Consigliere Diplomatico del Ministro per lo Sport e i Giovani, Cristiano Musillo, che ha sottolineato l’importanza di «valorizzare il ruolo dei giovani, promuovendo esperienze di incontro e ascolto da realizzare con e non solo per i giovani», in una prospettiva di “diplomazia allargata”. A seguire, è intervenuta la dottoressa Rossella Spera, Coordinatrice del settore Istruzione, Gioventù, Cultura, Sport e Scuole Europee.

Nel corso dell’incontro, il Consigliere di Presidenza del Consiglio Nazionale dei Giovani (CNG), Francesco Marchionni, ha invitato i presenti a essere “ambasciatori dei valori italiani” durante il loro anno di servizio, rappresentando i principi di impegno civico, solidarietà e cooperazione che animano il Servizio Civile Universale.

Sono stati presentati i quattro progetti attualmente attivi a Bruxelles, promossi da ALDA, ACLI, Punto Missione e OPES.

Per ALDA, i volontari partecipano al progetto “BET ON EU”, realizzato in collaborazione con il Comune di Cremona, volto a rafforzare la consapevolezza europea tra i giovani, promuovendo valori di partecipazione democratica, dialogo interculturale e cittadinanza attiva.

In rappresentanza di ALDA ha preso parte all’incontro Manal Snidi, Vice Capo Ufficio di ALDA Bruxelles, insieme ai volontari SCU della sede di Bruxelles.

L’incontro è stato co-organizzato da Valeria Picchi, oggi parte del team ALDA Bruxelles ed ex volontaria del Servizio Civile Universale, e Federico Engaldini, ex volontario per l’ONG Punto Missione (membro della rete FOCSIV), che oggi coordinano la rete dei volontari a Bruxelles. Entrambi hanno guidato il gruppo nella presentazione di una serie di proposte per rafforzare il dialogo tra i giovani volontari e le istituzioni italiane ed europee, tra cui:

  • coinvolgere attivamente i volontari negli eventi e nelle iniziative promosse dalla Rappresentanza.
  • organizzare incontri periodici tra la Rappresentanza e i volontari SCU a Bruxelles;
  • sostenere la creazione di un video istituzionale dedicato al Servizio Civile Universale;
  • promuovere momenti di dialogo con la Commissione europea, per valorizzare l’esperienza civica e formativa dei giovani volontari italiani;

Il Servizio Civile Universale si conferma una forma concreta di diplomazia dei cittadini, capace di costruire ponti di dialogo, solidarietà e pace tra istituzioni e giovani europei

Per ulteriori informazioni qui è possibile consultare le schede dei progetti complete e sintetiche ed il vademecum Durante la sessione, hanno inoltre portato il loro contributo Rosa Melfi, rappresentante dei volontari, che ha sottolineato il valore umano e civico dell’esperienza del servizio civile; Rossano Salvatore, vice-presidente della Conferenza Nazionale degli Enti di Servizio Civile (CNESC), che ha ribadito i principi di nonviolenza e difesa non armata della Patria; e Primo di Blasio di FOCSIV, che ha ricordato come i volontari del SCU rappresentino non solo l’Italia, ma anche l’Europa nel mondo, auspicando un rafforzamento dei Corpi Europei di Solidarietà.

Ha preso parte all’incontro anche la dottoressa Serena Angioli, attaché per sport e politiche giovanili, che ha curato i rapporti con i volontari.

“Il Servizio Civile Universale rappresenta una forma concreta di diplomazia dei cittadini, capace di costruire ponti di dialogo, solidarietà e pace”, hanno dichiarato in chiusura l’Ambasciatore Canaparo e il Consigliere Musillo, sottolineando l’importanza di valorizzare questa esperienza sia in Italia che all’estero.

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From 15 to 17 October, the Monastery of Camaldoli (Tuscany) hosted the third edition of Forum Civica – “Cultivating Democracy. A Look at the Future of Institutions”, bringing together leading scholars, public officials, and civil society representatives to explore how democratic participation can regenerate trust between citizens and institutions.

Forum Civica has become an important space for dialogue on democratic innovation in Italy, bringing together voices from institutions, academia, and civil society. Its third edition focused on the relationship between trust, participation, and the evolving role of local governance in shaping the public good.

This year’s discussions echoed broader European debates on how to rebuild civic confidence and strengthen social cohesion in a time of polarisation and disinformation.

During the roundtable “Institutions and Society: Allies in Building the Common Good,” moderated by the Florence School of Transnational Governance of the European University Institute, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, presented the Association’s thirty years of experience in promoting local democracy and participatory governance.

She emphasised that “democracy is much more than voting — it is the daily act of participation and care for the common good.” Through its vast network of 300 members and thousands of partners, ALDA continues to demonstrate how cooperation between local authorities and civil society can strengthen trust, foster innovation, and make communities more resilient.

“Local democracy strengthens democracy itself and it’s the only antidote to the democracy crisis we are experiencing,” stated Valmorbida. “Strong local authorities and organised citizens form the backbone of an inclusive and effective governance model. Where these two actors work together to develop initiatives, social cohesion grows, resources multiply, and people feel part of their community. Nevertheless, it’s key to follow up on those initiatives to transform dialogue into concrete results, ensuring that participation remains meaningful rather than symbolic.

She also recalled the need to empower municipalities, “the first guardians of democracy,” by ensuring they have the skills and resources necessary to act effectively within their territories.

Valmorbida’s remarks resonated with ALDA’s long-standing mission to connect citizens and local authorities through inclusive governance. Drawing from ALDA’s extensive fieldwork — from the Western Balkans to North Africa — she underlined how local participatory mechanisms such as co-design workshops, civic labs, and participatory budgeting can restore citizens’ sense of ownership over democratic institutions.

“A democracy that listens and co-creates is a democracy that endures,” she added.

The roundtable, featuring contributions from Giovanni Allegretti (University of Coimbra) and Nicoletta Parisi (University of Catania, Movimento Europeo Italia), highlighted how cooperation, integrity, and trust remain the cornerstones of a renewed democratic pact between citizens and institutions.

The event was part of Forum Civica 2025, organised by the Next Generation EuroPA Foundation with the scientific support of the Florence School of Transnational Governance and under the patronage of the European Parliament, the Italian Ministry of Public Administration and the Tuscany Region, among others Arezzo.

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This article is a contribution from Speha Fresia, one of the Italian partners of AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour.

Through an analysis of the labour market in the Lazio region and a reflection on the challenges faced by social workers in providing career guidance to third-country nationals, the article explores the main challenges and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between public and private actors in the labour inclusion of migrants.

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Social workers engaged in labour orientation for third-country nationals often struggle to effectively monitor employment opportunities and active labour policies, frequently relying on personal rather than structural relationships with the productive sector.
The AMIL project aims to address these critical issues. Through its Labour Market Report in Italy and a business database, it will provide a methodology and operational tools to reinforce the cooperative approach among stakeholders, based on the MEIC methodology (Migrants Economic Integration Cluster).


With regard to the sectors offering the most opportunities for young people, the 2023 data analysis for the Lazio region clearly shows where the highest employment potential is concentrated.


The most dynamic sectors, leading in new hires, are two:

  1. Accommodation and food services (including tourism) – which alone account for a significant share, representing 38% of job postings for young people.
  2. Commerce, both wholesale and retail, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, which also reaches 38% of total requests.

Immediately after these two main “drivers,” Advanced Business Support Services rank third, with 36% of job openings. They are followed by Construction (24%) and Operational Support Services for businesses and individuals (15%).
Despite this dynamic demand, the regional labour market shows significant difficulty in finding certain professional profiles among young workers. This means that, in many cases, companies struggle to identify suitable candidates for available positions.

Considering positions classified at EQF Level 3 in the European Qualifications Framework, the professions with the highest gap between labour supply and demand are found in several key areas:

Sector: Construction and Installations

  • Occupation: Skilled construction finishers
    • Hiring difficulty: 73% (3,900 out of 5,360 expected hires)
  • Occupation: Electrical and electronic equipment installers and maintenance technicians
    • Hiring difficulty: 54% (940 out of 1,760 expected hires)

Sector: Services and Market

  • Occupation: Beauty care operators
    • Hiring difficulty: 53% (2,440 out of 4,560 expected hires)
  • Occupation: Restaurant and catering workers
    • Hiring difficulty: 51% (16,490 out of 32,050 expected hires)

In summary, the Lazio region offers a wide range of job opportunities, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and trade, while at the same time struggling to find qualified workers in key sectors such as construction and personal services.
These figures highlight a strong mismatch between labour demand and supply, especially for technical and professional roles, suggesting a potential area of intervention in vocational training for young third-country nationals.


There are several useful sources that social workers can use to monitor employment trends and local job potential in their area, including ISTAT, the “ Atlante del Lavoro e delle Qualificazioni” , Sviluppo Italia Lavoro and “Sistema Excelsior Union Camere”


AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour
To learn more about the AMIL project, click here

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On Thursday, 23 October 2025, the final Environment and Climate Hub Event of the year took place in Brussels, bringing together over 40 participants from civil society organisations, local authorities, universities, and SMEs for an engaging discussion on shaping greener and smarter cities in Europe. The event, titled “Beyond Awareness: How Civil Society Shapes the Green and Smart City”, offered a rich exchange of ideas, initiatives, and tools designed to support local communities in the green transition.

The first session featured presentations from projects and organisations actively working to make cities more sustainable through citizen engagement. Moderated by Valeria Fantini, Environment & Climate Hub Coordinator at ALDA, the session kicked off with Serena Lisai from ACR+, who set the scene by presenting the organisation’s mission and portfolio of initiatives aimed at fostering civic engagement in the circular economy. Serena highlighted how cities can achieve a just transition by implementing circular economy principles, improving public procurement practices, promoting soil health, and strengthening citizen participation in sustainability projects. She also emphasized the role of local and regional authorities in creating collaborative ecosystems for urban sustainability, including initiatives in food systems, industrial symbiosis in construction, and behavior change programs.

Following Serena, Carla Rodríguez Alonso from CARTIF presented the BUILDSPACE project, which develops digital services to support cities in planning energy-efficient buildings and climate resilience strategies. Carla showcased how satellite data, digital twins, and co-creation processes with pilot cities enable better decision-making on urban heat, flood resilience, and climate-adaptive building retrofits. The presentation showed the interactive BUILDSPACE tools, enabling participants to explore practical applications for their own urban contexts.

Rita Martino from ALDA+ introduced GreenScape CE, a project integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into urban infrastructure. Rita shared insights from hackathons conducted in five pilot cities (Zagreb, Warsaw, Szeged, Ptuj, and Milan), which fostered citizen-led ideas for greening urban areas. She also presented key project outputs, including a NbS Handbook, a multi-stakeholder engagement roadmap, and a DIY Guide to Green Up/Cool Down Your Home, designed to help local authorities and communities implement sustainable solutions.

Following the presentations, participants engaged in small-group exercise to discuss how the ideas and tools presented could be adapted and applied in their local contexts. The interactive activities emphasised the role of citizen engagement in the urban green transition, demonstrating how collaboration between communities, local authorities, and organisations can drive meaningful change and a real impact towards the green transition.

The event also featured a Marketplace of Initiatives, allowing participants to explore BUILDSPACE tools, learn more about GreenScape CE and ACR+, discover projects from Energy Cities, and engage with the Environment and Climate Hub initiatives. The Hub team and the ALDA Development Department were present to share insights on opportunities for collaboration across the Hub priorities and transversal topics. The day concluded with a networking lunch, offering attendees the chance to exchange experiences and create new connections.

ALDA Members Session: Fostering Collaboration for the future

After the public Hub event, ALDA members convened with the Hub team present at the Brussels office to follow up on the Hub Event online session held on 29 September 2025. The informal members’ session focused on identifying concrete ways to strengthen connections, collaboration, and joint initiatives within the Hub.

Key insights from the session highlighted several connections on topics of interest, including ecofeminism, energy, and sustainable food, underlining the importance of connecting these areas with citizen empowerment and the inclusion of underrepresented groups. Members shared their ongoing activities, ranging from circular economy initiatives and sustainable building design to soil health projects and citizen behavior programs. Advocacy efforts, particularly related to funding priorities and broader European initiatives, were also discussed as crucial levers for local impact. 

The session emphasised the intersection of democracy and climate action, with a focus on the need to focus more on strengthening democracy for inclusive and practical collaboration at the local level. Members expressed strong interest in engaging in in-person workshops and training sessions, contributing to joint projects on shared priorities, and exchanging resources through the Hub’s newsletter to strengthen collective action and impact.

The discussion highlighted opportunities for co-creation of practical initiatives, including: joint projects on circular economy and renewable energy, pilot activities on sustainable food systems and urban greening, and collaborative training and capacity-building programs.

The Environment and Climate Hub and its members leave Brussels inspired, ready to co-create projects, share knowledge, and deepen partnerships that drive the green transition at local and regional levels.

The Environment and Climate Hub event “Beyond Awareness” demonstrated the power of civil society in shaping greener, smarter, and more inclusive cities. By combining innovative tools, citizen engagement, and strong collaboration between civil society and local authorities, the Hub continues to foster sustainable urban transformation across Europe. By listening to its members and providing the tools they need, ALDA’s Environment & Climate Hub is building a

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Brussels, 13–15 October 2025

The European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 once again brought together thousands of policymakers, local representatives and civil society actors to discuss how to make Europe’s regions stronger, more sustainable, and more democratic.

Throughout the three-day event, ALDA actively contributed to discussions, workshops and networking sessions, reinforcing its long-standing mission to promote local democracy, citizen participation and inclusive territorial development.

Exploring Digital Education for Rural Resilience

Within the thematic track “Cities Building Tomorrow”, ALDA’s Digital & Innovation Hub hosted the session “Digital Education for Rural Resilience: Tools, Stories and Strategies from Across Europe”.

Bringing together policymakers, educators and community leaders, the workshop explored how digital skills and innovation can bridge the rural-urban divide and empower smaller communities to thrive in the digital decade.

This initiative reflected ALDA’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and to ensuring that no community is left behind in Europe’s digital transformation.

👉 Learn more about ALDA’s Digital & Innovation Hub here.

From Housing to Participation: Local Democracy in Practice

Another highlight was the session dedicated to housing and community participation, where Maite Aldaz, Project Manager at ALDA, shared insights on how inclusive housing policies can foster stronger civic engagement and social cohesion at the local level.

Her contribution emphasised the importance of co-creation between citizens and local authorities in addressing complex urban challenges — a principle at the heart of ALDA’s approach to good governance.

“From digital inclusion to participatory housing, ALDA’s contribution to the European Week of Regions and Cities demonstrated that democracy grows stronger when communities lead the change”

Promoting Cooperation and Cultural Heritage

In the same week, ALDA President Nataša Vučković participated in the European Heritage Hub Forum, held as part of the EWRC framework. Her intervention in the panel “The Role of Local Authorities – Democracy, Sustainable Tourism and Solidarity” underlined how safeguarding cultural heritage is deeply linked to democratic governance and community resilience.

👉 Read more about ALDA’s participation here.

Meanwhile, the week also featured the signature ceremony marking the accession of the Region of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) as a new partner of the LDA Vinnytsia Region (Ukraine) — a milestone moment for European cooperation and solidarity within ALDA’s network.

👉 Discover the partnership here.

A Strong Presence in the Exhibition Area

Beyond the sessions, ALDA’s stand at the EWRC exhibition served as a dynamic meeting point for members, partners and new stakeholders. The stand showcased the Association’s wide network of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) and its numerous EU-funded projects fostering participation, environmental sustainability, and local development.

The visibility achieved through this direct interaction reinforced ALDA’s central role as a facilitator between local authorities, civil society, and European institutions.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities came to a close, ALDA reaffirmed its dedication to building bridges between territories and citizens — ensuring that democratic participation remains at the core of Europe’s sustainable future.

👉 Learn more about the European Week of Regions and Cities on the official EWRC website.

  • Period:

    -

  • Countries involved:

    Eastern Partnership & Central Asia
    Ukraine

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

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Brussels, 13 October 2025 — At the Representation of the Region of Rhineland-Palatinate, a signature ceremony marked a new milestone in European cooperation: the official accession of the Region of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) as a partner of the Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Vinnytsia Region (ЛДА Вінниччина).

The event brought together Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, Patrick Molinoz, Vice-President of Région Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and representatives of Diputació de Barcelona — reflecting the strong spirit of interregional cooperation and European solidarity that lies at the heart of ALDA’s mission.

This partnership reaffirms the shared commitment of European regions to stand with Ukraine – promoting local democracy, reconstruction, and resilience through ALDA’s network of Local Democracy Agencies

“By joining the LDA Vinnytsia partnership, Rhineland-Palatinate expands our collective capacity to promote local democracy, develop common projects, and bring European regions and Ukrainian communities closer than ever“

— Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA

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According to the official communication of the Government of Rhineland-Palatinate, the accession was signed “within the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities” – a meaningful setting symbolising unity in times of crisis.

Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer highlighted the partnership as “an important step in deepening European cooperation and a clear sign of solidarity with Ukraine.”

State Secretary Heike Raab further noted: “We will gradually expand our partnership and bring it to life — for the benefit of people in both regions.”

In the coming months, cooperation will focus on joint projects in education, digitalisation, and climate protection, reinforcing Rhineland-Palatinate’s dedication to peace, exchange, and mutual support across Europe.

The ceremony gathered partners and friends from France, Spain, Germany, and Ukraine — a true symbol of unity and trust, demonstrating that cooperation works: delivering tangible results, empowering local authorities, and upholding European values of democracy, participation, and solidarity.

ALDA warmly welcomes the Region of Rhineland-Palatinate to the LDA Vinnytsia Region partnership and looks forward to future initiatives advancing local democracy and European integration in Ukraine.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Heike Raab, Karsten Lucke, Hanno Pfeil, and the team of the Representation of Rhineland-Palatinate in Brussels for their leadership and support — as well as to all partners actively involved, including:

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(C) VELDEMAN PHILIPPE

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Europe recently said farewell to Sofia Corradi, affectionately known as “Mamma Erasmus.” Her vision of educational mobility and cooperation brought to life the Erasmus Programme, one of the European Union’s most celebrated initiatives. Designed to make learning a shared European experience, the programme has transformed higher education, youth work, and civic engagement across the continent.

Nearly forty years after its launch in 1987, the Erasmus legacy continues to shape Europe’s social and democratic landscape. More than 14 million Europeans have benefited from study, training, or volunteering opportunities abroad. With a budget of €26.2 billion for 2021–2027, Erasmus+ remains one of the EU’s strongest instruments for promoting inclusion, participation, and mobility, in this way empowering new generations to learn, engage, and lead.

For ALDA, the spirit of Erasmus has always been central to its mission. Learning, exchange, and cooperation are not only educational tools but essential elements of democracy in action. Through its many Erasmus+-funded projects, ALDA turns these values into practice, bridging the gap between education, civic participation, and local governance.

Among ALDA’s many initiatives supported by the Erasmus+ programme, these are just some examples of how the association transforms learning and participation into tools for democratic engagement. READY (Raising Environmental Awareness for Deprived Youth) helps young people from disadvantaged areas explore how environmental protection and active citizenship can go hand in hand. Funded by Erasmus+, the project promotes creativity, dialogue, and social inclusion through innovative learning experiences, empowering youth to become agents of sustainability in their communities.

Similarly, the RISE project (Resilience, Inclusion, Sustainability, Empowerment) embodies the Erasmus vision by strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes. Through local and international workshops, RISE promotes skills development and democratic awareness, encouraging young citizens to take an active role in shaping the societies they live in.

Another example of Erasmus+ support is CREATE UP, which promotes entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative sectors. By linking education, innovation, and social responsibility, CREATE UP enables emerging professionals and artists to turn ideas into impact, demonstrating how Erasmus+ can connect creativity with civic engagement.

Finally, Youth for Europe, one of ALDA’s long-standing Erasmus+ projects, remains a key reference in promoting intercultural dialogue and shared European identity. Through youth exchanges and local activities, the project strengthens solidarity and understanding between communities across Europe, building bridges between generations and territories.

The Erasmus legacy is alive in ALDA’s daily work — where learning and participation become the foundations of democratic resilience.

Through these and many other initiatives, ALDA demonstrates how education and civic engagement reinforce one another. By empowering young people, supporting local authorities, and connecting citizens through dialogue and shared learning, ALDA contributes to the long-term goals of Erasmus+: building a Europe that is inclusive, sustainable, and democratic.

Beyond projects, ALDA’s Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) and its network of more than 300 members in 50 countries continue to promote opportunities for mobility, training, and partnership. Each Erasmus+ experience, whether a workshop, exchange, or capacity-building programme, becomes a seed for civic transformation, nurturing the next generation of European leaders.

As Europe faces global challenges and transitions, digital, social, and environmental, the Erasmus legacy remains more relevant than ever. It reminds us that cooperation, mutual learning, and empathy are the pillars of a democratic Europe. For ALDA, carrying this legacy forward means continuing to build bridges between citizens and institutions, and ensuring that education and participation remain at the heart of democracy.

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International conference brings together voices of democracy in the region.

On 21 October 2025, in Chişinău, Republic of Moldova, ALDA hosted the International Conference titled “Council of Europe Standards for Civil Society and Instruments of Civic Participation”, under the framework of the BRIDGE to CoE project, funded by the Council of Europe.

The conference brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives of civil society, local and central public administrations, international experts and development partners, to together engage in a full-day of discussions, experience sharing and practical solutions aimed at strengthening democratic resilience and civic participation in Moldova and Ukraine.

At the opening, ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, the Council of Europe’s Head of the Civil Society Unit Christophe Speckbacher, the Council of Europe Office in Chişinău’s Head Falk Lange, the Secretary of State of the Government of Moldova Ana Calinici, and the EU Delegation Team Leader Julda Kielyte underlined the importance of cooperation between authorities, organisations and citizens to promote open, inclusive governance.

A core theme of the conference was the presentation of the Council of Europe’s standards and guidelines for civil society participation in political decision-making.

Participants explored the “Code of Good Practice” and the “Civic Participation in Decision-Making toolkit”, which offer models and steps for local authorities to implement effective, transparent and inclusive consultation processes.

Participants were also introduced to an innovative digital tool, Civic Lab, designed to support citizen involvement in the planning and transformation of public spaces — enabling public consultations, result simulations and engagement of diverse community groups in both physical and online formats.

The BRIDGE to CoE initiative serves as a collaborative platform connecting civic actors across Eastern Europe with European institutions, supporting and promoting democratic resilience and inclusive governance. The Chişinău conference provided a space for learning, dialogue and collaboration, grounded in shared values and collective responsibility amid current challenges to democracy in the region.

Through combining policy-level dialogue and hands-on exchange, the conference reinforced how inclusive civic participation and adherence to Council of Europe standards are essential for resilient local democracy.

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As part of its ongoing mission to foster participatory democracy and sustainable local development, ALDA is proud to play a key role in the FIC-Fighters project—a Horizon Europe initiative tackling the environmental and social legacy of phosphogypsum (PG) waste stacks across Europe.

On 24 September 2025, ALDA brought together a diverse group of citizens in Veles, North Macedonia, for the project’s first local participatory event. The goal? To engage residents directly affected by the PG site—locally known as “White Hill”—and co-create a vision for its transformation.

ALDA’s Role in FIC-Fighters

Within the FIC-Fighters project, ALDA leads the design and implementation of local participatory processes in all six pilot sites across Europe. These initiatives are not just about gathering feedback—they are about empowering citizens to actively shape the decision-making around environmental justice and just transition.

In Veles, ALDA coordinated the first in a series of deliberative and co-creative workshops that will take place in Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Romania, Croatia, and North Macedonia over the course of the project. The methodology focuses on inclusive, dynamic, and locally adapted formats—ensuring that every voice is heard, from youth to elderly, from farmers to former workers.

Fifteen citizens, aged between 17 and 80, participated in an engaging, hands-on workshop. Through group works and storytelling, they explored the environmental, health, and social challenges associated with the PG stack—and collectively imagined future possibilities for the site.

Key Concerns

Participants identified several pressing issues:

  • Pollution of air, water, and soil with invisible but damaging effects
  • Health problems such as anemia and respiratory illnesses
  • Lack of transparency and citizen involvement in monitoring and decision-making
  • Decline in agriculture and increased outmigration from the area

Vulnerable Groups

The discussion also focused on who bears the greatest burden of these impacts:

  • Individuals with chronic illnesses;
  • Farmers and their families;
  • Pregnant women, children, and elderly citizens;
  • Former industrial workers exposed to PG over time.

Community Priorities

With ALDA’s facilitation, citizens collaboratively defined a set of local priorities:

  • Launching recycling initiatives (voted as the top priority);
  • Ensuring transparent environmental monitoring;
  • Strengthening citizen consultation in future decisions;
  • Transforming the PG site into a green and recreational public space.

Opportunities & Obstacles

The community sees hope in the idea of a green transformation and even in the potential reuse of PG waste for extracting critical raw materials. However, high costs and institutional inertia remain major challenges. Citizens called for stronger youth involvement, cross-sector collaboration, and consistent support from national and European actors.

“We want to be involved—not just informed. The future of White Hill must include us.”
— Local participant, Veles

Building Momentum Across Europe

This event in Veles is just the beginning. In the coming months, ALDA will coordinate similar local workshops across other project sites, always with the goal of empowering citizens and ensuring that regeneration strategies are shaped by those who live closest to the impact.

📲 Stay informed and connected with the project’s latest updates:

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As the CIRAN project moves toward its conclusion in December 2025, its commitment to building resilient and democratic approaches to resource governance remains stronger than ever. On 13 October 2025, CIRAN convened a high-level policy dialogue at the European Parliament in Brussels, focused on one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: how to implement the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in a way that is both strategically effective and socially accepted.

The event, titled “Minerals for Strategic Autonomy and Regional Development – Boosting the Critical Raw Materials Act Implementation”, was hosted by MEP Hildegard Bentele, a key figure in shaping the CRMA and currently the Parliament’s Representative on the EU Critical Raw Materials Board.

ALDA was there to bring a critical perspective to the table: the voice of citizens.

This policy event, organised by CIRAN – a Horizon Europe project focused on critical raw materials and community resilience – brought together EU policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and civil society leaders to tackle the real-world challenges of CRMA implementation. ALDA’s participation was particularly focused on presenting the outcomes and insights from citizen engagement activities conducted throughout the project.

ALDA highlighted one central message:

“Well-informed citizens can be fully contributing partners in any development process, rather than simply beneficiaries – and they certainly should never be enemies.”

This sentiment echoes ALDA’s core belief: inclusive and transparent dialogue is essential if Europe is to transition toward strategic autonomy while maintaining democratic legitimacy and social cohesion.

Key Takeaways from the Event

  • There was broad consensus among stakeholders that social acceptance—not technological innovation or economic viability—is the greatest barrier to CRMA implementation.
  • Tools like Community Development Agreements were seen as promising mechanisms to build trust and cooperation between communities and resource developers.
  • However, the difficulties in ensuring broad stakeholder participation revealed deep-rooted polarisation in Europe’s minerals policy landscape.
  • ALDA underlined that engagement must not only be invited, but also made accessible, safe, and meaningful—particularly for civil society and local communities.

The session was followed by a salon dinner, continuing the conversation in a more informal setting and reinforcing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to move forward.

The Real Challenge: Rebuilding Social Infrastructure

Despite the innovative technical and policy solutions discussed, participants agreed that none of these will succeed without a functioning social infrastructure for dialogue. ALDA stressed that efforts must go beyond information-sharing to actively empower communities in decision-making processes around raw materials and resource governance.

The 13 October session at the European Parliament was a powerful reminder: Europe’s green and digital transitions require critical raw materials—but they also require critical democratic practices.

As the CIRAN project nears its conclusion, ALDA will continue advocating for people-first governance. Social acceptance cannot be manufactured—it must be earned through genuine, inclusive, and ongoing dialogue.

Stay up to date with CIRAN’s work on community resilience and critical raw materials!

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On 10 October 2025, ALDA hosted an event in Marseille, France to bring together all the partners of the RISE project (Resilience, Inclusion and Sustainability through Empowerment in Climate Advocacy). The gathering included our first Transnational Partner Meeting and a public event focused on youth engagement in sustainability.

RISE is an Erasmus+ project that began in June 2025 and will run until May 2027. It is led by ALDA, with partners from Spain (Extremadura Agency for International Development Cooperation – AEXCID), Poland (Fundacja Merkury), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Centar za izgradnju mira), Croatia (Regional Foundation for Local Development ZAMAH), and Ireland (Inishowen Development Partnership).

The meeting in Marseille offered a valuable opportunity to meet all partners in person for the first time and to begin preparing the Youth Training, which will take place in Spain’s Extremadura region. In the afternoon, we held a public event to present the RISE project and had the pleasure of hosting two Marseille-based organisations – Les Têtes de l’Art and L’école Buissonnière – who shared their inspiring practices. L’école Buissonnière led a workshop on slow fashion and the opportunities it offers, while Les Têtes de l’Art showcased how art can foster youth inclusion in society. Both activities sparked engaging discussions and thoughtful reflections among participants, concluding an inspiring and eventful day.

The RISE project aims to empower young people aged 18 to 30, particularly those in vulnerable situations, to become leaders in climate advocacy.

A group of 30 young participants from the six partner countries will be selected to take part in a four-day training on environmental literacy and advocacy in Mérida, Spain, at the end of February 2026.

Beyond the in-person training, participants will also benefit from webinars led by experts in the field. These experts will act as mentors, guiding young people as they design and implement their own local climate initiatives. By the end of the project, participants will have the tools and knowledge to launch impactful environmental actions in their communities.

Following this successful kick-off in Marseille, the selection process for the young changemakers training will begin soon. We are excited to continue this journey with our partners and look forward to meeting the young participants in Mérida. Stay tuned to ALDA news for our upcoming open call for participants!

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On 11 and 12 September 2025 at Tallinn, Estonia, ALDA attended the Tallinn Business Incubator’s “Circular Economy & Built Environments: From Vision to Implementation” conference, organised in partnership with Circular Design Alliance (CiD) project. Held at the Club of Different Rooms, at the Telliskivi Creative District, the event gathered architects, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to explore how circular economy principles can reshape architecture, urban planning, and design.

The conference aimed to transform circular economy concepts into practical strategies, addressing the pressing reality that the built environment and related industries account for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions

The first day of the event was dedicated to CiD Accelerator (Demo Day) activities, in which students from the continuous education programme of the project pitched their projects to a jury of experts, showcasing entrepreneurial approaches to circular design, as part of the project development. This particular activity was part of the Accelerator Programme of the project, in which the jury awarded prizes to the winning teams – Rinova (IAAC), Second Matter (IAAC), and Semina (UniGe) –, and praised them for their entrepreneurial spirit.  

Following that, the second day was marked by keynote presentations on the topics of the conference, highlighting relevant practices and underscoring concrete examples of circular innovation such as the presentation of the Hundipea project, the Myceen start-up and the 3cycle system.

As part of the CiD project, ALDA showcased its ongoing work to advance circularity, highlighting the pivotal role of Observatories in the CiD activities. These Observatories are central to CiD’s mission of fostering evidence-based approaches to circular design. ALDA also presented the CCRI Knowledge Hub, which supports cities and regions in their transition towards circular practices, facilitating collaboration, and providing practical guidance. Together, these initiatives demonstrate ALDA’s Environment and Climate Hub commitment to turning data and knowledge into concrete actions that drive the shift towards a more circular and sustainable future.

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On 14 October 2025, ALDA President Nataša Vučković took part in the European Heritage Hub Forum in Brussels, contributing to the high-level panel “The Role of Local Authorities – Democracy, Sustainable Tourism and Solidarity.” Organised by Europa Nostra, the event gathered policymakers, cultural experts, and local representatives to explore how cultural heritage and democracy can reinforce one another as pillars of European identity and social cohesion.

In her intervention, Ms Vučković highlighted the fundamental role that local authorities and civil society play in ensuring that cultural heritage remains a living, democratic process—one rooted in citizen participation, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility. Representing the ALDA, she emphasised how democratic governance at the local level is essential for transforming heritage preservation into a collective, community-driven effort.

“Cultural heritage and democracy are deeply intertwined: both are built on participation, dialogue, and the shared values that unite European communities.”

Moderated by Cristina Garzillo Leemhuis, Head of Socio-Cultural Transformations at ICLEI Europe, the panel featured leading voices such as Charalambos Prountzos and Mehmet Harmanci, leaders of the two communities of Nicosia; Jordi Pascual from United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG); Gaianè Casnati from Europa Nostra; and Stefano Pisani, Mayor of Pollica and former President of Cittaslow International. Together, they exchanged insights on how local governance, sustainable tourism, and cultural solidarity can advance Europe’s democratic and environmental transitions.

Ms Vučković drew upon ALDA’s extensive experience in decentralised cooperation and citizen engagement, citing the BOOST project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The initiative strengthens local actors’ capacities to engage in participatory governance and protect shared cultural values, demonstrating how heritage can serve as a bridge between democracy and sustainable development.
She also underlined ALDA’s broader collaboration with European cooperation agencies such as Expertise France, which share a commitment to empowering local stakeholders and supporting inclusive governance across Europe and its neighbourhood.

She noted that cultural heritage does not only belong to the past but also to the future of local democracy. When citizens are actively involved in decision-making about their heritage, the result is stronger trust in institutions, more resilient communities, and a deeper sense of belonging. “Heritage should be seen as a living resource that empowers people,” she remarked, “and local democracy is the framework through which this empowerment takes place.”

The European Heritage Hub Forum itself aimed to position cultural heritage as a catalyst for preserving European values, aligning with the EU’s broader objectives under the New European Bauhaus and the European Green Deal. Through its panels and discussions, the Forum reaffirmed that the protection of cultural heritage goes hand-in-hand with social justice, sustainability, and democratic governance.

ALDA’s participation further reinforced its commitment to fostering dialogue between local authorities, citizens, and European institutions. By engaging in high-level platforms such as the European Heritage Hub Forum, the Association continues to advocate for inclusive, participatory approaches to heritage governance—where every citizen plays an active role in shaping the cultural and democratic future of Europe.

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Between April 2024 and July 2025, ALDA has been leading efforts to promote the local implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights through the FOCUS project, coordinating the activities of Work Package 5. The goal? To bring the Charter closer to the people, starting with local authorities, and extending to civil society organisations and citizens.

In partnership with Democracy Reporting International, ALDA established a Community of Interest and co-organised the International Training of Multipliers, offering participants a deep dive into the Charter’s scope, legal value, and practical application. The training not only provided theoretical tools but also created space for personal reflection on how EU values play out in everyday governance.

Following the international training, members of the Community of Interest brought this knowledge to their own territories, delivering local follow-up trainings in the Municipality of Brescia (Italy), Barcelona Provincial Council (Spain), Human Rights Cities Network (Belgium), RAM Central Stara Planina (Bulgaria), and Local Councils Association (Malta). Using an interactive, case-based approach, and supported by official manuals and practical guides, the sessions aimed to increase awareness of the Charter, encourage reflection on its local relevance, and stimulate transnational dialogue.

In total, 69 participants representing municipalities and local stakeholders took part in these sessions between May and July 2025. While each training was tailored to the local context, one common theme emerged: a stronger, more practical understanding of the Charter is urgently needed at the local level.


The local trainings revealed a range of priorities across the five countries. In Italy, the focus was on fiscal justice and social inclusion, with challenges such as tax evasion and non-inclusive policies prompting calls for stronger monitoring and legislation grounded in equality and solidarity. Belgium’s sessions highlighted the need for clearer communication on data protection and digital rights, alongside improving urban accessibility for people with disabilities. Spain concentrated on building a solid understanding of the Charter among municipalities to support consistent rights-based practices. Bulgaria raised concerns about environmental protection and personal data transparency amid growing public awareness. Meanwhile, Malta tackled the pressing issue of urban overdevelopment in Valletta, proposing measures like heritage impact assessments, affordable housing, and increased civic participation to preserve cultural identity and support residents.

Thanks to the active involvement of Community of Interest members and the technical support provided by ALDA and DRI, the local trainings have not only deepened the understanding of the Charter, but also generated a comparative overview of challenges and solutions across the five countries. A training details table, complete with narrative reports, offers further insight into each session’s outcomes.

By anchoring EU values in local realities, this initiative takes a crucial step toward making the Charter more than just a legal document, but a living framework for inclusive, rights-based policymaking across Europe

It is important to remember that the fundamental rights protected by the EU Charter are part of a universal framework that applies to all individuals, regardless of their location or political context. Just as local communities across Europe work to uphold these rights, many populations in complex situations, such as in Palestine, Congo and Sudan, continue to face significant challenges in accessing and exercising their fundamental freedoms. This shared struggle underlines the global importance of promoting and protecting human rights everywhere.

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