VOLUNTEERING, ESSENTIAL SUPPORT TO EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP

In Vicenza, September is usually the month dedicated to Volunteering and the main square, Piazza dei Signori, hosts for one day most of the volunteering organisations of the Province.

ALDA took part this year to promote its new instruments: Friends of ALDA  and Volunteers for Democracy. During the debate, that took place on Saturday the 27th, the Secretary-General, Antonella Valmorbida, confirmed once again that volunteering is an essential part of citizens participation to develop of sense of ownership and the social capital of the community. Among the other stakeholders present at the round table were the representatives of the Veneto Region, the newly appointed MEP, Alessandra Moretti, and representatives of the Italian Parliament. During this event were also collected signatures for the ICE, New Deal for Europe.

In Vicenza, September is usually the month dedicated to Volunteering and the main square, Piazza dei Signori, hosts for one day most of the volunteering organisations of the Province.

ALDA took part this year to promote its new instruments: Friends of ALDA  and Volunteers for Democracy. During the debate, that took place on Saturday the 27th, the Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, confirmed once again that volunteering is an essential part of citizens participation to develop of sense of ownership and the social capital of the community. Among the other stakeholders present at the round table were the representatives of the Veneto Region, the newly appointed MEP, Alessandra Moretti, and representatives of the Italian Parliament. During this event were also collected signatures for the ICE, New Deal for Europe.

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ALDA email accounts back on track

Dear members and friends, thank you for your patience. Our email accounts are now working again, but we would kindly ask you to send us everything important sent during the last 24 hours.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you once more for your understanding!

Best regards,

The team of ALDA

Dear members and friends, thank you for your patience. Our email accounts are now working again, but we would kindly ask you to send us everything important sent during the last 24 hours.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you once more for your understanding!

Best regards,

The team of ALDA

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Belarusian and Latvian experiences in comparison in the framework of TANDEM II

In the framework of TANDEM II an international study visit to Latvia was organised from 14th until 20th September 2014 by the project partner, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG).

Belarusian participants from various backgrounds: local NGOs, civil society groups (as well as grassroots citizens’ initiatives), and local authorities took part in this project. ALDA’s project manager, Mariam Khotenashvili participated in the study visit too. The objectives of the study visit were to give Belarusian participants a comprehensive understanding of the reforms undertaken in Latvia to strengthen local governance and citizen participation since gaining independence.
Time was taken to exchange ideas, share experience between the two parties, raise awareness on the Latvian case, show similarities and differences with Belarus, and identify possibilities which can be utilised by Belarus. The study visit furthermore strengthened the relations between the Belarusian participants, namely the participating civil society actors and local authorities, thus not only giving them an understanding of the reforms and changes experienced in a Latvian context but also fostering mutual respect and potential cooperation with each other. A 1-day conference led by LALRG introduced the participants to the reforms which have taken place in Latvia to date. This was followed by several trips to Latvian cities (Daugapils, Prejli, Jūrmala, Elgava) on which a number of interesting citizen initiatives were being presented to the group. Examples of the citizen initiatives.

In the framework of TANDEM II an international study visit to Latvia was organised from 14th until 20th September 2014 by the project partner, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG).

Belarusian participants from various backgrounds: local NGOs, civil society groups (as well as grassroots citizens’ initiatives), and local authorities took part in this project. ALDA’s project manager, Mariam Khotenashvili participated in the study visit too. The objectives of the study visit were to give Belarusian participants a comprehensive understanding of the reforms undertaken in Latvia to strengthen local governance and citizen participation since gaining independence.
Time was taken to exchange ideas, share experience between the two parties, raise awareness on the Latvian case, show similarities and differences with Belarus, and identify possibilities which can be utilised by Belarus. The study visit furthermore strengthened the relations between the Belarusian participants, namely the participating civil society actors and local authorities, thus not only giving them an understanding of the reforms and changes experienced in a Latvian context but also fostering mutual respect and potential cooperation with each other. A 1-day conference led by LALRG introduced the participants to the reforms which have taken place in Latvia to date. This was followed by several trips to Latvian cities (Daugapils, Prejli, Jūrmala, Elgava) on which a number of interesting citizen initiatives were being presented to the group. Examples of the citizen initiatives.

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DECIDE - Launching the testing phase on citizen participation in Slovenia

On 22 September, the Association for Voluntary work Novo mesto successfully launched the pilot testing phase of the “Information research through alternative method” practice run by the Birgu Local Council in Malta. A seminar was organised to support and prepare local citizens and stakeholders for the testing phase of the measure.
The practice, successfully evaluated in Birgu by local several citizens and stakeholders, is an internet site that satisfies the need of information about the works, activities and consultations between the Local Council and citizens. The site is a platform where citizens can express their problems, observations, solutions and get prompt response from the local council.

The activity took place within the framework of the project DECIDE, an initiative launched by ALDA in cooperation with 24 partners from 15 countries from wider Europe, that promotes the exchange of good practices fostering citizen participation at local and regional level. More than 30 practices have been identified, assessed and showcased in the first phase of the project. The measures, collected into the Democratic Compact, are being now exchanged and tested by the partners according to the needs of their territories.


DECIDE – la période d’essai sur la participation citoyenne en Slovénie a été lancée

Le 22 Septembre, l’Association pour le Travail Volontaire Novo Mesto (Assocition for Voluntary Work) a lancé avec succès la phase pilote du «Information research through alternative methods» organisé par le Conseil Local de Birgu, à Malte. Un séminaire a été organisé pour soutenir et préparer les citoyens locaux et les parties prenantes pour la période d’essai de la mesure.

La pratique, évaluée avec succès à Birgu par de nombreux citoyens locaux et parties prenantes, est un site internet qui répond au besoin d’information sur le travail, les activités et les consultations entre le Conseil Local et les citoyens. Le site est une plate-forme où les citoyens peuvent exprimer leurs problèmes, observations, solutions et recevoir une réponse rapide du Conseil Local.

L’activité a eu lieu dans le cadre du projet DECIDE, une initiative lancée par l’ALDA dans la coopération de 24 associés de 15 pays de l’Europe élargie, qui soutient l’échange des bonnes pratiques qui encouragent la participation des citoyens au niveau local et régional. Plus de 30 pratiques ont été identifiées, évaluées et présentées en la première phase du projet. Les associés maintenant sont en train d’échanger et tester les mesures recueillies dans le « Democratic Compact », selon les besoins de leurs territoires.

 


DECIDE – Lancio della fase di valutazione sulla partecipazione dei cittadini in Slovenia

Il 22 settembre l’Associazione per il Lavoro Volontario di Novo Mesto, Slovenia (Association for Voluntary Work) ha lanciato con successo la fase pilota della pratica “Ricerca di informazioni attraverso metodi alternativi” sviluppata dal Comune di Birgu, Malta. Un seminario è stato organizzato per istruire e preparare i cittadini e gli stakeholder locali alla fase di test di questa misura.
La pratica, che è stata valutata positivamente da numerosi cittadini e soggetti locali a Birgu, è un sito internet che soddisfa il bisogno di informazione sui lavori, sulle attività e sulle consultazioni tra i comuni e i cittadini. Il sito è una piattaforma in cui i cittadini possono dar voce ai loro problemi, osservazioni, soluzioni, e ottenere risposte rapide dai comuni.
L’attività è stata organizzata all’interno del progetto DECIDE, un’iniziativa di ALDA in cooperazione con 24 partner da 15 paesi nell’Europa allargata, che promuove lo scambio di buone pratiche a sostegno della partecipazione dei cittadini a livello locale e regionale. Oltre 30 pratiche sono state identificate, valutate e presentate durante la prima fase del progetto. Le misure, raccolte all’interno del Patto Democratico, vengono ora scambiate e testate dai partner in base alle esigenze specifiche del loro territorio.


DECIDE – Запуск фазы оценки участия граждан в Словении

22 сентября Ассоциация добровольной работы в Ново Место, Словения (Association for Voluntary Work) с успехом запустила экспериментальную фазу проекта “Поиск информации при помощи альтернативных методов” разработанную Муниципалитетом Биргу, Мальта. Был организован семинар для того, чтобы научить и подготовить граждан и местных участников к проведению фазы тесов такого масштаба.
Опыт, который был положительно оценен многими гражданами и местными субъектами в Биргу – это интернет-сайт, который удовлетворяет потребности в информации о работе, мероприятиях и консультациях между муниципалитетами и гражданами. Сайт является платформой, где граждане могут озвучить свои проблемы, замечания, решения и получить быстрые ответы от муниципалитетов.
Деятельность была организована в рамках проекта DECIDE, инициативы ALDA в сотрудничестве с 24 партнерами из 15 стран в расширенной Европе, которая продвигает обмен рекомендуемыми практиками в поддержку участия граждан на местном и региональном уровне. В ходе первой фазы проекта было определено, оценено и представлено более 30 дел. Меры, собранные в рамках Демократического соглашения, были протестированы и прошли обмен между партнерами на основе определённых потребностей их территории.

 


DECIDE – Pokretanja faze testiranja o učešću građana u Sloveniji

Dana 22. septembra, Udružanje za razvoj volonterskog rada Novo Mesto, uspešno je lansirao pilot fazu testiranja prakse “Istraživanje informacja kroz alternativnu metodu” koju vodi Birgu Lokalni savet sa Malte. Seminar je organizovan radi podrške i pripreme građana i zainteresovanih strana za fazu testiranja ove mere.

Praksa, uspešno ocenjena u Birgu od strane građana i zainteresovanih strana, je internet stranica koja sadrži sve informacije o radu, aktivnostima i konsultacijama između lokalnih vlasti i građana. Sajt je platforma na kojoj građani mogu da izraze svoje probleme, zapažanja, rešenja i dobiju brz odgovor od lokalnog saveta.

Aktivnost je održana u okviru projekta DECIDE, inicijative pokrenute od strane ALDA u saradnji sa 24 partnera iz 15 zemalja iz proširene Evrope, koja promoviše razmenu dobre prakse podsticanje učešća građana na lokalnom i regionalnom nivou . Više od 30 praksi je identifikovano , ocenjeno i prikazano u prvoj fazi projekta . Mere, sakupljene u Demokratski kompakt, se sada razmenjuju i testiraju od strane partnera u skladu sa potrebama njihovih teritorija.

On 22 September, the Association for Voluntary work Novo mesto successfully launched the pilot testing phase of the “Information research through alternative method” practice run by the Birgu Local Council in Malta. A seminar was organised to support and prepare local citizens and stakeholders for the testing phase of the measure.
The practice, successfully evaluated in Birgu by local several citizens and stakeholders, is an internet site that satisfies the need of information about the works, activities and consultations between the Local Council and citizens. The site is a platform where citizens can express their problems, observations, solutions and get prompt response from the local council.

The activity took place within the framework of the project DECIDE, an initiative launched by ALDA in cooperation with 24 partners from 15 countries from wider Europe, that promotes the exchange of good practices fostering citizen participation at local and regional level. More than 30 practices have been identified, assessed and showcased in the first phase of the project. The measures, collected into the Democratic Compact, are being now exchanged and tested by the partners according to the needs of their territories.


DECIDE – la période d’essai sur la participation citoyenne en Slovénie a été lancée

Le 22 Septembre, l’Association pour le Travail Volontaire Novo Mesto (Assocition for Voluntary Work) a lancé avec succès la phase pilote du «Information research through alternative methods» organisé par le Conseil Local de Birgu, à Malte. Un séminaire a été organisé pour soutenir et préparer les citoyens locaux et les parties prenantes pour la période d’essai de la mesure.

La pratique, évaluée avec succès à Birgu par de nombreux citoyens locaux et parties prenantes, est un site internet qui répond au besoin d’information sur le travail, les activités et les consultations entre le Conseil Local et les citoyens. Le site est une plate-forme où les citoyens peuvent exprimer leurs problèmes, observations, solutions et recevoir une réponse rapide du Conseil Local.

L’activité a eu lieu dans le cadre du projet DECIDE, une initiative lancée par l’ALDA dans la coopération de 24 associés de 15 pays de l’Europe élargie, qui soutient l’échange des bonnes pratiques qui encouragent la participation des citoyens au niveau local et régional. Plus de 30 pratiques ont été identifiées, évaluées et présentées en la première phase du projet. Les associés maintenant sont en train d’échanger et tester les mesures recueillies dans le « Democratic Compact », selon les besoins de leurs territoires.

 


DECIDE – Lancio della fase di valutazione sulla partecipazione dei cittadini in Slovenia

Il 22 settembre l’Associazione per il Lavoro Volontario di Novo Mesto, Slovenia (Association for Voluntary Work) ha lanciato con successo la fase pilota della pratica “Ricerca di informazioni attraverso metodi alternativi” sviluppata dal Comune di Birgu, Malta. Un seminario è stato organizzato per istruire e preparare i cittadini e gli stakeholder locali alla fase di test di questa misura.
La pratica, che è stata valutata positivamente da numerosi cittadini e soggetti locali a Birgu, è un sito internet che soddisfa il bisogno di informazione sui lavori, sulle attività e sulle consultazioni tra i comuni e i cittadini. Il sito è una piattaforma in cui i cittadini possono dar voce ai loro problemi, osservazioni, soluzioni, e ottenere risposte rapide dai comuni.
L’attività è stata organizzata all’interno del progetto DECIDE, un’iniziativa di ALDA in cooperazione con 24 partner da 15 paesi nell’Europa allargata, che promuove lo scambio di buone pratiche a sostegno della partecipazione dei cittadini a livello locale e regionale. Oltre 30 pratiche sono state identificate, valutate e presentate durante la prima fase del progetto. Le misure, raccolte all’interno del Patto Democratico, vengono ora scambiate e testate dai partner in base alle esigenze specifiche del loro territorio.


DECIDE – Запуск фазы оценки участия граждан в Словении

22 сентября Ассоциация добровольной работы в Ново Место, Словения (Association for Voluntary Work) с успехом запустила экспериментальную фазу проекта “Поиск информации при помощи альтернативных методов” разработанную Муниципалитетом Биргу, Мальта. Был организован семинар для того, чтобы научить и подготовить граждан и местных участников к проведению фазы тесов такого масштаба.
Опыт, который был положительно оценен многими гражданами и местными субъектами в Биргу – это интернет-сайт, который удовлетворяет потребности в информации о работе, мероприятиях и консультациях между муниципалитетами и гражданами. Сайт является платформой, где граждане могут озвучить свои проблемы, замечания, решения и получить быстрые ответы от муниципалитетов.
Деятельность была организована в рамках проекта DECIDE, инициативы ALDA в сотрудничестве с 24 партнерами из 15 стран в расширенной Европе, которая продвигает обмен рекомендуемыми практиками в поддержку участия граждан на местном и региональном уровне. В ходе первой фазы проекта было определено, оценено и представлено более 30 дел. Меры, собранные в рамках Демократического соглашения, были протестированы и прошли обмен между партнерами на основе определённых потребностей их территории.

 


DECIDE – Pokretanja faze testiranja o učešću građana u Sloveniji

Dana 22. septembra, Udružanje za razvoj volonterskog rada Novo Mesto, uspešno je lansirao pilot fazu testiranja prakse “Istraživanje informacja kroz alternativnu metodu” koju vodi Birgu Lokalni savet sa Malte. Seminar je organizovan radi podrške i pripreme građana i zainteresovanih strana za fazu testiranja ove mere.

Praksa, uspešno ocenjena u Birgu od strane građana i zainteresovanih strana, je internet stranica koja sadrži sve informacije o radu, aktivnostima i konsultacijama između lokalnih vlasti i građana. Sajt je platforma na kojoj građani mogu da izraze svoje probleme, zapažanja, rešenja i dobiju brz odgovor od lokalnog saveta.

Aktivnost je održana u okviru projekta DECIDE, inicijative pokrenute od strane ALDA u saradnji sa 24 partnera iz 15 zemalja iz proširene Evrope, koja promoviše razmenu dobre prakse podsticanje učešća građana na lokalnom i regionalnom nivou . Više od 30 praksi je identifikovano , ocenjeno i prikazano u prvoj fazi projekta . Mere, sakupljene u Demokratski kompakt, se sada razmenjuju i testiraju od strane partnera u skladu sa potrebama njihovih teritorija.

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The exhibition “Wild Horses in Europe” a rewarding partnership between House of Europe in Caen and Cercle francophone Skopje

The exhibition “Wild Horses in Europe” is the result of a rewarding partnership and a unique vision between several partners in Macedonia and Lower Normandy.
This photography exhibition which presents the idea of horses preserving natural areas in Normandy and Europe aims to highlight the origin and the ecological role of horses descending from primitive races to preserve natural environments with different characteristics; the mountain Pelister southeast of Macedonia and the Bay of Seine in Normandy. It entails photographs of Normandy, Macedonia and Poland and legends for pedagogical purposes that illustrate the lives of horses in their natural environments and explain more precisely the action of animals towards their environment.
The exhibition has been presented on both territories. Firstly in Normandy during the World Equestrian Games 2014 in Caen, the most important event of the equestrian world with more than 500 000 spectators. Then the exhibition came to Macedonia where it will be shown in several cities from September 2014 until January 2015.
This exhibition is part of the project “Wild Horses in Macedonia and Lower Normandy” implemented by House of Europe in Caen in partnership with Cercle francophone Skopje and several other actors: Macedonian Society of Sciences Bitola; High School Paul Cornu of Lisieux; Natural Park in Baie de Seine – Lower Normandy.
This project is supported by the Decentralized cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia, coordinated by ALDA. For more information please visit the official website.

The exhibition “Wild Horses in Europe” is the result of a rewarding partnership and a unique vision between several partners in Macedonia and Lower Normandy.
This photography exhibition which presents the idea of horses preserving natural areas in Normandy and Europe aims to highlight the origin and the ecological role of horses descending from primitive races to preserve natural environments with different characteristics; the mountain Pelister southeast of Macedonia and the Bay of Seine in Normandy. It entails photographs of Normandy, Macedonia and Poland and legends for pedagogical purposes that illustrate the lives of horses in their natural environments and explain more precisely the action of animals towards their environment.
The exhibition has been presented on both territories. Firstly in Normandy during the World Equestrian Games 2014 in Caen, the most important event of the equestrian world with more than 500 000 spectators. Then the exhibition came to Macedonia where it will be shown in several cities from September 2014 until January 2015.
This exhibition is part of the project “Wild Horses in Macedonia and Lower Normandy” implemented by House of Europe in Caen in partnership with Cercle francophone Skopje and several other actors: Macedonian Society of Sciences Bitola; High School Paul Cornu of Lisieux; Natural Park in Baie de Seine – Lower Normandy.
This project is supported by the Decentralized cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia, coordinated by ALDA. For more information please visit the official website.

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Italian Presidency of the EU, still some months to go and to act. No excuses to be passive now!

Le Italian Presidency of the EU has been, as expected, mostly devoted to putting back on the track the institutions. The elections of the European Parliament, the new Commission and the launch of the programming period (with consequent delays of programmes and stand by situations) created a vacuum of power and representativeness. Let’s admit that one could have hardly chosen a worse timing for Europe to be voiceless. Despite the usual pro-European attitude of the Italian positions, the Presidency did not manage to have, so far, any influence on the important emergency decisions that would have been needed for a long lasting effect on our present situation: programmes for employment and economy, immigration, the crisis in Ukraine. We can only be sorry for that. Certainly, Italy could have done more in its Presidency to steer the integration process of the EU and a single voice to address common problems. But, as said, the calendar of the institutions decided in another way.

Lire l'intégralité de la déclaration

Le Italian Presidency of the EU has been, as expected, mostly devoted to putting back on the track the institutions. The elections of the European Parliament, the new Commission and the launch of the programming period (with consequent delays of programmes and stand by situations) created a vacuum of power and representativeness. Let’s admit that one could have hardly chosen a worse timing for Europe to be voiceless. Despite the usual pro-European attitude of the Italian positions, the Presidency did not manage to have, so far, any influence on the important emergency decisions that would have been needed for a long lasting effect on our present situation: programmes for employment and economy, immigration, the crisis in Ukraine. We can only be sorry for that. Certainly, Italy could have done more in its Presidency to steer the integration process of the EU and a single voice to address common problems. But, as said, the calendar of the institutions decided in another way.

Lire l'intégralité de la déclaration

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Presidenza Italiana dalla UE, ancora pochi mesi per agire. Non ci sono più scuse per rimanere passivi!

La Presidenza italiana dell’ Unione Europea è stata, come previsto, per lo più rivolta a stabilizzare le istituzioni. Le elezioni del Parlamento Europeo, della nuova Commissione e l’avvio del nuovo periodo di programmazione (con conseguenti ritardi dei programmi e situazioni di stand by) hanno creato un vuoto di potere e di rappresentatività. Diciamo che difficilmente si sarebbe potuta scegliere una tempistica peggiore per l’Europa per essere senza voce. Nonostante il tradizionale atteggiamento filo-europeo delle istituzioni italiane, la Presidenza finora non è riuscita ad avere alcuna influenza sulle emergenze decisionali, come sarebbe stato necessario per ottenere un effetto duraturo sulla nostra situazione attuale: i programmi per l’occupazione e l’economia , l’immigrazione, la crisi in Ucraina. Possiamo solo esserne dispiaciuti. Di sicuro, l’Italia avrebbe potuto dare molto in questa Presidenza per guidare il processo di integrazione dell’UE e costituire un’unica voce per indirizzare i problemi comuni. Ma, come già detto, il calendario istituzionale ha deciso in un altro modo.
Guardando il bicchiere mezzo pieno, abbiamo davanti a noi altri quattro mesi. Il Parlamento sta lavorando e la Commissione – anche se non ancora in vigore, in attesa di diventare operativa dal 1 novembre, dopo l’audizione finale in Parlamento – è più o meno decisa. I programmi hanno preso il via. Insomma, la macchina è ripartita e si muove. Non ci sono quindi scuse per rimanere passivi e non fare tutti gli sforzi possibili per affrontare, migliorare e provare a risolvere/affrontare i problemi.
Abbiamo davanti a noi alcune settimane e devono essere usate con saggezza. Al primo punto dell’agenda italiana c’è la questione dell’immigrazione, che – secondo un recente sondaggio presentato a Roma a metà settembre – è tra le principali cause di preoccupazione per i cittadini europei. Il problema è affrontato solo marginalmente a livello europeo e i piani nazionali sono limitati. Spesso le comunità locali sono lasciate sole (senza mezzi né linee guida) nell’affrontare il problema. L’UE dovrebbe sviluppare un’ampia politica comune in materia in quanto i flussi di immigrazione clandestina approdano  in uno Stato per poi diffondersi liberamente nei paesi circostanti. Un tema caldo all’ordine del giorno è la risposta europea alla questione della crisi in Ucraina. L’opinione comune è che la risposta data, grazie alla quale è stata sanzionata la Russia, sia parte di una strategia globale. L’Ucraina è un elemento interno (e non marginale) alla sfera di interesse Europea, e dovrebbe essere adottata una risposta più articolata, che includa un supporto decisivo nell’accompagnare un forte Stato ucraino – in termini democratici [1].
Come ultimo punto, ma non per importanza, l’Italia dovrebbe giocare il suo ruolo centrale pro-europeo nel processo di integrazione in qualità di membro fondatore dell’Unione. In questa prospettiva c’è la necessità di consolidare un senso condiviso di identità europea [2]. E’ attraverso l’integrazione che le questioni economiche pressanti devono essere affrontate. Si ricorda qui l’Iniziativa Cittadina Europea, proposta dal Movimento Federalista Europeo (New Deal for Europe) [3] che introduce, con opzioni e soluzioni chiare, una possibile strada da seguire per offrire competitività, sostenibilità e un futuro all’Europa.
La crisi ci mette davanti a un bivio. In un modo o nell’altro, ne usciremo. Sta a noi decidere la strada da seguire. Ci auguriamo che la forza e la stabilità dell’Italia di questi giorni (non così comune), possano aprire la strada verso la giusta direzione e a un posto per noi, cittadini europei, nel panorama globale.
Antonella VALMORBIDA
Segretario Generale di ALDA
[1] ALDA sta sostenendo la costituzione di un’Agenzia della Democrazia Locale in Ucraina – Dnipropetrovsk (per informazioni si prega di consultare la voce news circa la più recente missione in Ucraina, e per il sostegno il Progetto GivenGain)
[2] Si vedano i programmi di ALDA e le Agenzie della Democrazia Locale rivolti al sostegno della governance locale e la partecipazione dei cittadini in Europa e nei paesi del vicinato sulla nostra pagina progetti.
[3] Per sostenere l’ICE ‘New Deal per l’Europa’, visita e firma www.newdeal4europe.eu

La Presidenza italiana dell’ Unione Europea è stata, come previsto, per lo più rivolta a stabilizzare le istituzioni. Le elezioni del Parlamento Europeo, della nuova Commissione e l’avvio del nuovo periodo di programmazione (con conseguenti ritardi dei programmi e situazioni di stand by) hanno creato un vuoto di potere e di rappresentatività. Diciamo che difficilmente si sarebbe potuta scegliere una tempistica peggiore per l’Europa per essere senza voce. Nonostante il tradizionale atteggiamento filo-europeo delle istituzioni italiane, la Presidenza finora non è riuscita ad avere alcuna influenza sulle emergenze decisionali, come sarebbe stato necessario per ottenere un effetto duraturo sulla nostra situazione attuale: i programmi per l’occupazione e l’economia , l’immigrazione, la crisi in Ucraina. Possiamo solo esserne dispiaciuti. Di sicuro, l’Italia avrebbe potuto dare molto in questa Presidenza per guidare il processo di integrazione dell’UE e costituire un’unica voce per indirizzare i problemi comuni. Ma, come già detto, il calendario istituzionale ha deciso in un altro modo.
Guardando il bicchiere mezzo pieno, abbiamo davanti a noi altri quattro mesi. Il Parlamento sta lavorando e la Commissione – anche se non ancora in vigore, in attesa di diventare operativa dal 1 novembre, dopo l’audizione finale in Parlamento – è più o meno decisa. I programmi hanno preso il via. Insomma, la macchina è ripartita e si muove. Non ci sono quindi scuse per rimanere passivi e non fare tutti gli sforzi possibili per affrontare, migliorare e provare a risolvere/affrontare i problemi.
Abbiamo davanti a noi alcune settimane e devono essere usate con saggezza. Al primo punto dell’agenda italiana c’è la questione dell’immigrazione, che – secondo un recente sondaggio presentato a Roma a metà settembre – è tra le principali cause di preoccupazione per i cittadini europei. Il problema è affrontato solo marginalmente a livello europeo e i piani nazionali sono limitati. Spesso le comunità locali sono lasciate sole (senza mezzi né linee guida) nell’affrontare il problema. L’UE dovrebbe sviluppare un’ampia politica comune in materia in quanto i flussi di immigrazione clandestina approdano  in uno Stato per poi diffondersi liberamente nei paesi circostanti. Un tema caldo all’ordine del giorno è la risposta europea alla questione della crisi in Ucraina. L’opinione comune è che la risposta data, grazie alla quale è stata sanzionata la Russia, sia parte di una strategia globale. L’Ucraina è un elemento interno (e non marginale) alla sfera di interesse Europea, e dovrebbe essere adottata una risposta più articolata, che includa un supporto decisivo nell’accompagnare un forte Stato ucraino – in termini democratici [1].
Come ultimo punto, ma non per importanza, l’Italia dovrebbe giocare il suo ruolo centrale pro-europeo nel processo di integrazione in qualità di membro fondatore dell’Unione. In questa prospettiva c’è la necessità di consolidare un senso condiviso di identità europea [2]. E’ attraverso l’integrazione che le questioni economiche pressanti devono essere affrontate. Si ricorda qui l’Iniziativa Cittadina Europea, proposta dal Movimento Federalista Europeo (New Deal for Europe) [3] che introduce, con opzioni e soluzioni chiare, una possibile strada da seguire per offrire competitività, sostenibilità e un futuro all’Europa.
La crisi ci mette davanti a un bivio. In un modo o nell’altro, ne usciremo. Sta a noi decidere la strada da seguire. Ci auguriamo che la forza e la stabilità dell’Italia di questi giorni (non così comune), possano aprire la strada verso la giusta direzione e a un posto per noi, cittadini europei, nel panorama globale.
Antonella VALMORBIDA
Segretario Generale di ALDA
[1] ALDA sta sostenendo la costituzione di un’Agenzia della Democrazia Locale in Ucraina – Dnipropetrovsk (per informazioni si prega di consultare la voce news circa la più recente missione in Ucraina, e per il sostegno il Progetto GivenGain)
[2] Si vedano i programmi di ALDA e le Agenzie della Democrazia Locale rivolti al sostegno della governance locale e la partecipazione dei cittadini in Europa e nei paesi del vicinato sulla nostra pagina progetti.
[3] Per sostenere l’ICE ‘New Deal per l’Europa’, visita e firma www.newdeal4europe.eu

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LDA Zavidovici part of # NO HATE Coalition

The Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici is an active member of the Coalition for prevention of incidents motivated by prejudices „KULTURA MIRA – CULTURE OF PEACE“, that was formed at the beginning of 2014 in Zavidovici. The local Coalition is part of wider national network SuperCitizens with participation of representatives of civil society, local communities and individuals working on the prevention of incidents and crimes of hate and contributing to the process of reconciliation. SuperCitizens come together in a coalition to combat hate, basing its unique work on the premise that real change begin at the local level.
The most recent activity of the local Coalition was a promotional stand that was set up at the center of the city on 19th September 2014, with the aim to promote the Coalition and the values it stands for. Objectives of local coalitions are to:
  • Strengthen positive climate for living in municipality of Zavidovici
  • Reduce emphasized differences among various groups in the community
  • Strengthen the role of women and youth in the fight against prejudices in the community
  • Create mechanisms for joint action of the citizens of Zavidovici
Activities of the Coalition are supported by OSCE Mission to BiH in cooperation with Foundation for New Communication DOKUKINO,  that in 2013 hasdeveloped a new tool for citizens to report hate motivated incidents, responses to these incidents and initiatives aimed at their prevention.

The Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici is an active member of the Coalition for prevention of incidents motivated by prejudices „KULTURA MIRA – CULTURE OF PEACE“, that was formed at the beginning of 2014 in Zavidovici. The local Coalition is part of wider national network SuperCitizens with participation of representatives of civil society, local communities and individuals working on the prevention of incidents and crimes of hate and contributing to the process of reconciliation. SuperCitizens come together in a coalition to combat hate, basing its unique work on the premise that real change begin at the local level.
The most recent activity of the local Coalition was a promotional stand that was set up at the center of the city on 19th September 2014, with the aim to promote the Coalition and the values it stands for. Objectives of local coalitions are to:
  • Strengthen positive climate for living in municipality of Zavidovici
  • Reduce emphasized differences among various groups in the community
  • Strengthen the role of women and youth in the fight against prejudices in the community
  • Create mechanisms for joint action of the citizens of Zavidovici
Activities of the Coalition are supported by OSCE Mission to BiH in cooperation with Foundation for New Communication DOKUKINO,  that in 2013 hasdeveloped a new tool for citizens to report hate motivated incidents, responses to these incidents and initiatives aimed at their prevention.

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Second training of project cycle management skills for NGOs in Montenegro within the project "Local Coalitions for Community Development"

The Municipality of Ulcinj, in Montenegro, was the host of the second meeting and training organised for the eight NGOs – beneficiaries of the sub-granting component, who are now at different implementation stages of their projects in six municipalities. The training coincided with the YOUTH MARATHON organised by NGO Runolist ROZAJE municipality (https://www.facebook.com/runolistrozaje ) promoting the local sustainable tourism development in the mountainous area of Montenegro. All the projects were designed to support municipal development strategies as a wider frame for the grass-root NGOs initiated actions to contribute more effectively to their implementation.
The agenda of the training included the presentations and overview of the activities carried out by the sub-grantees with detailed description of specific local context of implementation of actions. Prepared info sheets, video material, photo gallery will serve for furthering the visibility of entire project.
In many ways, effective communication with all the sub-grantees has been maintained while further  technical assistance and support measures agreed individually with each of them. It was also concluded that further communication between the sub-grantees will continue while the exchange of information about the project progress will be kept on regular basis – through communication with the overall project management team members – ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator Stanka Parac and local coordinator Kerim Medjedovic, Delegate of LDA Niksic.
The sub-grantees project portfolio will be soon available on ALDA website and respective Montenegrin official municipal websites.

The Municipality of Ulcinj, in Montenegro, was the host of the second meeting and training organised for the eight NGOs – beneficiaries of the sub-granting component, who are now at different implementation stages of their projects in six municipalities. The training coincided with the YOUTH MARATHON organised by NGO Runolist ROZAJE municipality (https://www.facebook.com/runolistrozaje ) promoting the local sustainable tourism development in the mountainous area of Montenegro. All the projects were designed to support municipal development strategies as a wider frame for the grass-root NGOs initiated actions to contribute more effectively to their implementation.
The agenda of the training included the presentations and overview of the activities carried out by the sub-grantees with detailed description of specific local context of implementation of actions. Prepared info sheets, video material, photo gallery will serve for furthering the visibility of entire project.
In many ways, effective communication with all the sub-grantees has been maintained while further  technical assistance and support measures agreed individually with each of them. It was also concluded that further communication between the sub-grantees will continue while the exchange of information about the project progress will be kept on regular basis – through communication with the overall project management team members – ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator Stanka Parac and local coordinator Kerim Medjedovic, Delegate of LDA Niksic.
The sub-grantees project portfolio will be soon available on ALDA website and respective Montenegrin official municipal websites.

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Tackling money laundering and tax heavens in Europe - Seminar in Brussels on 9 October

ALDA organised the seminar on “Tackling money laundering and tax heavens in Europe” taking place at the European Parliament, in Brussels, on 9 October.

The seminar is held within the framework of the project Tackling Illegal Economies – TIE, funded by the EU Prevention of and Fight against Organised Crime Programme (ISEC).

The project is implemented in strong cooperation with the associations LIBERA, European Alternatives

and other nine organisations and university institutions coming from six EU countries. The aim of the project is to create grounds for cooperation between the judiciary, media, civil society and academia in Europe in identifying and promoting ways to undermine the profitability of crime by means of the aggression to criminal assets.

Within this framework, four seminars have been held from September 2013, respectively in London, Berlin, Stara Zagora and Paris aimed at identifying good practice in tackling criminal assets and three academic researches have been developed on this topic. The aforementioned initiatives have identified money laundering and tax heavens as a key element to be further analysed and discussed. The upcoming event in Brussels will be an occasion to present and discuss the outcomes of the first year activity and hand to European institutions a set of proposals to contribute to effectively tackle organised crime across Europe. The event is sponsored by Ms Eleonora FORENZA (MEP) and will bring together representatives of the European institutions, national, regional and local authorities, academics and journalists with expertise in financial crimes as well as representatives of civil society associations. Please find here the draft agenda of the event (.pdf).

Register to the event by submitting the following online form. Attendance of the seminar is free of charge. A limit number of places is still available and the registration will be on a “first come, first served” basis. We therefore suggest that you register as soon as possible to ensure your smoothest access to the European Parliament.

ALDA organised the seminar on “Tackling money laundering and tax heavens in Europe” taking place at the European Parliament, in Brussels, on 9 October.

The seminar is held within the framework of the project Tackling Illegal Economies – TIE, funded by the EU Prevention of and Fight against Organised Crime Programme (ISEC).

The project is implemented in strong cooperation with the associations LIBERA, European Alternatives

and other nine organisations and university institutions coming from six EU countries. The aim of the project is to create grounds for cooperation between the judiciary, media, civil society and academia in Europe in identifying and promoting ways to undermine the profitability of crime by means of the aggression to criminal assets.

Within this framework, four seminars have been held from September 2013, respectively in London, Berlin, Stara Zagora and Paris aimed at identifying good practice in tackling criminal assets and three academic researches have been developed on this topic. The aforementioned initiatives have identified money laundering and tax heavens as a key element to be further analysed and discussed. The upcoming event in Brussels will be an occasion to present and discuss the outcomes of the first year activity and hand to European institutions a set of proposals to contribute to effectively tackle organised crime across Europe. The event is sponsored by Ms Eleonora FORENZA (MEP) and will bring together representatives of the European institutions, national, regional and local authorities, academics and journalists with expertise in financial crimes as well as representatives of civil society associations. Please find here the draft agenda of the event (.pdf).

Register to the event by submitting the following online form. Attendance of the seminar is free of charge. A limit number of places is still available and the registration will be on a “first come, first served” basis. We therefore suggest that you register as soon as possible to ensure your smoothest access to the European Parliament.

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