On 28 October 2025, ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, together with the Council of Europe, hosted the online international conference “Connected for Democracy: Civil Society and the Council of Europe in Action.”
This event marked the conclusion of the project The BRIDGE to the CoE – Building Resilience and Independence for Democratic Governance and Engagement with the Council of Europe, implemented by ALDA in partnership with the Council of Europe.
The conference brought together civil society representatives, local democracy practitioners, and institutional partners from across Southern and Eastern Europe to discuss democratic participation, civic engagement, and the future implementation of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy.
Opening remarks were delivered by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General, followed by a keynote from Christophe Speckbacher, Head of the Civil Society Unit at the Council of Europe.
Viorica Tudos, Project Manager, highlighted how the project has strengthened civil dialogue and raised awareness of Council of Europe recommendations and guidelines for NGOs and wider civil society.
A panel discussion on “Civic Space and Democratic Participation following the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy” featured Ivana Velkova (ALDA Skopje), Christophe Speckbacher (Council of Europe), and Nadejda Pascaru-Botnaru (People in Need Moldova), while case studies from Italy, Moldova, and Ukraine showcased inspiring examples of local democratic action and civic empowerment.
The BRIDGE to the CoE project has built lasting connections between institutions and citizens, strengthening the foundations of democratic resilience across Europe.
Key Moments of the Project
Throughout its implementation, The BRIDGE to the CoE created meaningful synergies between European institutions and local democracy actors through a series of participatory activities:
- Rome, Italy – ALDA General Assembly 2025: presentation of The BRIDGE to the CoE as one of ALDA’s flagship initiatives.
- Thiene, Italy: event “The CoE and the Modalities of Civil Society Involvement”, hosted at Villa Fabris under the patronage of the Municipality of Thiene.
- Shades of Democracy Podcast: episode “Strengthening Democracy Together” featuring Lotta Valtonen (Council of Europe) and Katica Janeva (ALDA Balkans).
- Chișinău, Moldova: international conference “Council of Europe Standards for Civil Society and Instruments of Civil Participation”, gathering over 70 participants.
- ALDA Talk: webinar on democracy and the role of civil society in shaping participatory governance.
