During the ALDA General Assembly 2025 in Rome, members and partners gathered not only to take part in the Association’s key annual moment of governance, but also to discover one of our most promising initiatives: the BRIDGE to the Council of Europe (CoE) project.
This presentation became a true highlight of the Assembly, offering the perfect occasion to showcase how ALDA continues to act as a catalyst between European institutions and local democracy actors.
The BRIDGE project embodies ALDA’s long-standing collaboration with the Council of Europe. Rooted in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, BRIDGE is designed to connect local authorities and civil society with the resources, expertise, and programmes of the CoE.
Through practical activities, capacity-building sessions, and tailored support, the project ensures that communities across Europe can benefit directly from the CoE’s tools—making abstract principles tangible and impactful on the ground.
The General Assembly is more than a statutory gathering; it is a moment of collective vision and exchange. Presenting BRIDGE in front of ALDA’s diverse community of members, partners, and friends was a strategic step:
- It allowed participants to see firsthand how ALDA translates international cooperation into concrete action.
- It highlighted ALDA’s role as a trusted partner of the CoE, able to bring institutional frameworks closer to local realities.
- It sparked enthusiasm and curiosity about how members themselves could become part of this bridge-building journey.
Catching the interest of members and partners
The presentation sparked genuine interest and received highly positive feedback. Participants highlighted how crucial it is to strengthen the connection between local democracy actors and European institutions, particularly at a time when democratic values are under increasing pressure.
The BRIDGE project was welcomed as a fresh, ambitious, and timely initiative. As one member remarked, “It is reassuring to see ALDA not only maintaining but expanding its cooperation with the Council of Europe.” Others immediately expressed their willingness to take part in upcoming activities, a clear sign that our network continues to thrive on co-creation and shared ownership.
Looking ahead
The unveiling of BRIDGE at the Assembly was only the beginning. The project will unfold throughout 2025, providing multiple opportunities for ALDA members to:
- Engage in podcast, online discussions and live exchanges inspired by CoE best practices.
- Promote participatory democracy tools, such as ELoGE, in their territories.
- Strengthen their advocacy efforts by relying on the joint credibility of ALDA and the Council of Europe.
