Migration crisis: the support of ALDA

In the framework of EYD2015, September is dedicated to migration. Migration always represented a crucial issue, with its complicate causes and effects, and in this historical moment it is getting more serious than ever.
September started with shocking images: on one hand thousands of people running away from their countries looking for a safe place, a shelter, some help, looking for their own dignity; on the other hand the reaction of the European countries and their people, the humanitarian aid and the several initiatives and campaigns to welcome refugees, but also the physical and moral walls, violence, abuse of power and loss of control. While a dead child washed ashore on a Turkish beach becomes the new symbol of Europe’s migration disaster, thousands of migrants every day choose even the most dangerous ways to reach Europe, often paying the highest price for this decision. Europe and European Union has witnessed many desperate attempts of refugees trying to cross the borders of European Union and find safety.
ALDA strongly defends human rights, and it is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at solving the migration crisis, which is affecting Europe. In the framework of LADDER project several paths were created, among which also the Migration path. The consortium of LADDER has launched an open letter to EU and Member States for a “Humane, comprehensive and immediate action for Migration” which was written on the occasion of the Extraordinary Council meeting of Home Affairs & Justice Ministers of the EU, on 14th September 2015. The letter stresses the importance of humane treatment of Asylum Seekers, calls for improving the European asylum mechanism and combating the illegal migrant smuggling. Other activity of project LADDER is “LADDER Special Initiative on Migration” which is going to take place on 10th – 14th November 2015 in Malta.
ALDA is also experiencing the migration reality through its offices in Subotica and Skopje. Since Subotica is located near Serbian-Hungarian border, they are facing the influx of refugees every day. Moreover, there are concerns about the upcoming winter. With such a huge number of refugees, it is going to be very difficult to provide people with shelter and warm environment. In order to contribute to the solution of this problem, Mayor of Subotica and Kanjiza, together with the UNHCR delegation and Red Cross, visited the old brick factory in Subotica, which could serve as a temporary shelter for migrants. Meanwhile all the Local Democracy Agencies of ALDA, led by the LDA Subotica and the Youth section of Skopje office, are mobilizing to practically get involved in humanitarian actions, in order to provide first aid goods to refugees.
In this chaotic and disastrous situation, Europe is probably facing the biggest migration crisis in history, and European Union is constantly working on developing the common strategy to take care of such a big influx of refugees.

In the framework of EYD2015, September is dedicated to migration. Migration always represented a crucial issue, with its complicate causes and effects, and in this historical moment it is getting more serious than ever.
September started with shocking images: on one hand thousands of people running away from their countries looking for a safe place, a shelter, some help, looking for their own dignity; on the other hand the reaction of the European countries and their people, the humanitarian aid and the several initiatives and campaigns to welcome refugees, but also the physical and moral walls, violence, abuse of power and loss of control. While a dead child washed ashore on a Turkish beach becomes the new symbol of Europe’s migration disaster, thousands of migrants every day choose even the most dangerous ways to reach Europe, often paying the highest price for this decision. Europe and European Union has witnessed many desperate attempts of refugees trying to cross the borders of European Union and find safety.
ALDA strongly defends human rights, and it is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at solving the migration crisis, which is affecting Europe. In the framework of LADDER project several paths were created, among which also the Migration path. The consortium of LADDER has launched an open letter to EU and Member States for a “Humane, comprehensive and immediate action for Migration” which was written on the occasion of the Extraordinary Council meeting of Home Affairs & Justice Ministers of the EU, on 14th September 2015. The letter stresses the importance of humane treatment of Asylum Seekers, calls for improving the European asylum mechanism and combating the illegal migrant smuggling. Other activity of project LADDER is “LADDER Special Initiative on Migration” which is going to take place on 10th – 14th November 2015 in Malta.
ALDA is also experiencing the migration reality through its offices in Subotica and Skopje. Since Subotica is located near Serbian-Hungarian border, they are facing the influx of refugees every day. Moreover, there are concerns about the upcoming winter. With such a huge number of refugees, it is going to be very difficult to provide people with shelter and warm environment. In order to contribute to the solution of this problem, Mayor of Subotica and Kanjiza, together with the UNHCR delegation and Red Cross, visited the old brick factory in Subotica, which could serve as a temporary shelter for migrants. Meanwhile all the Local Democracy Agencies of ALDA, led by the LDA Subotica and the Youth section of Skopje office, are mobilizing to practically get involved in humanitarian actions, in order to provide first aid goods to refugees.
In this chaotic and disastrous situation, Europe is probably facing the biggest migration crisis in history, and European Union is constantly working on developing the common strategy to take care of such a big influx of refugees.

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Let the citizens know how taxpayers’ money is spent for development: 4 months left for the EYD 2015!

The European Year for Development 2015 is the flagships initiative of the EU to present the role and contribution of the EU in eradicating poverty across the world. Recent figures show that less than 50% of EU citizens know how is the EU supporting poverty eradication, and how development aid is spent, while the vast majority (80%) of them believe that development aid is important (source: Eurobarometer 2013). Latest figures of 2015 confirm these trends, justifying the importance of our collective actions and our support to the EYD 2015.
ALDA, within its strategy and projects (such as the LADDER project) fully supports the promotion of the EYD 2015 and its objectives, stressing the importance of communicating clear, concise and relevant information to citizens. The upcoming events foreseen in LADDER’s calendar will have a clear EYD 2015 dimension. If you want to know more or join this initiative, share the news, suggest an event, a creative idea or a personality to become ambassador of the EYD2015, please read more on EYD 2015 website.

The European Year for Development 2015 is the flagships initiative of the EU to present the role and contribution of the EU in eradicating poverty across the world. Recent figures show that less than 50% of EU citizens know how is the EU supporting poverty eradication, and how development aid is spent, while the vast majority (80%) of them believe that development aid is important (source: Eurobarometer 2013). Latest figures of 2015 confirm these trends, justifying the importance of our collective actions and our support to the EYD 2015.
ALDA, within its strategy and projects (such as the LADDER project) fully supports the promotion of the EYD 2015 and its objectives, stressing the importance of communicating clear, concise and relevant information to citizens. The upcoming events foreseen in LADDER’s calendar will have a clear EYD 2015 dimension. If you want to know more or join this initiative, share the news, suggest an event, a creative idea or a personality to become ambassador of the EYD2015, please read more on EYD 2015 website.

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CORLEAP conference in Yerevan to focus on local democracy in the Eastern Partnership

On Friday 18th September, a meeting of the Bureau and public event of the Conference for regional and local authorities for Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) took place in Yerevan, Armenia.
The meeting brought together representatives from EU and EaP countries and it was also the occasion to consider the conclusions of the Riga EaP Summit in May, which recognised the work of CORLEAP in promoting cooperation at the regional and municipal levels of government and approved CORLEAP’s Action Plan for 2016–2017, setting further priorities for the Assembly.
The meeting was then followed by a conference focusing on strategies to foster local democracy in EaP. Coordinator of the working table was Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy. ALDA and CORLEAP have a long-standing cooperation, which is a crucial element for developing their strategies in the EaP. In the past, both organisations worked together in several important occasions, such as for the post monitoring events on local democracy in Armenia and Ukraine, after the report of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
Both ALDA and CORLEAP share the importance of decentralisation processes and trust the strengthening of public local institutions. The event took place in an important moment for the EaP strategy, already affirmed through the ENPI review.
Please see the Agenda of the Conference.

On Friday 18th September, a meeting of the Bureau and public event of the Conference for regional and local authorities for Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) took place in Yerevan, Armenia.
The meeting brought together representatives from EU and EaP countries and it was also the occasion to consider the conclusions of the Riga EaP Summit in May, which recognised the work of CORLEAP in promoting cooperation at the regional and municipal levels of government and approved CORLEAP’s Action Plan for 2016–2017, setting further priorities for the Assembly.
The meeting was then followed by a conference focusing on strategies to foster local democracy in EaP. Coordinator of the working table was Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy. ALDA and CORLEAP have a long-standing cooperation, which is a crucial element for developing their strategies in the EaP. In the past, both organisations worked together in several important occasions, such as for the post monitoring events on local democracy in Armenia and Ukraine, after the report of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
Both ALDA and CORLEAP share the importance of decentralisation processes and trust the strengthening of public local institutions. The event took place in an important moment for the EaP strategy, already affirmed through the ENPI review.
Please see the Agenda of the Conference.

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«PRIME» project last conference

LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region was invited to participate in last concluding conference of PRIME project (topic: effects of the professional education reform), organized by the European Training Foundation in cooperation with Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Modernization of education in general and vocational education in particular is an important step in the process of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Thus, the national authorities launched a series of reforms in the legislative sphere, which implementation also provides optimization and rationalization of VET schools network in the country.
The «PRIME» methodology helps those responsible for decision making to define and implement policies that actually guarantee success. The primary purpose of the «PRIME» methodology implementation in Ukraine is to contribute to national authorities in finding the best plan of action in the opportunities and risks arising in connection with such legislative achievements. The second objective of this process is to ensure capacity building of its members (institutions and individuals) to conduct impact assessments of policies and adoption of decisions.
During this, while the «PRIME» project implementation, to develop options for measures to optimize the network of educational institutions of VET, the definition of success criteria and predicted impact assessment of such events, there was attracted a key group of practitioners, responsible for decision makers and stakeholders – representatives of Kyiv, Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Such work was based on the results of the baseline analysis conducted using structured consultations. The «PRIME» project activity was also based on a working visit to the VET schools in the regions.
At the final conference in Kiev there were presented interim results of the «PRIME» project in Ukraine, multidimensional steps, involving interventions in financing, personnel, network, education, law and communications, selection criteria for the evaluation of the potential risks and benefits, and analysis of the likely impact of measures.
The purpose of this meeting was to summarize the results of the «PRIME» project and prepare the ground for Phase 3. Phase 3 will focus on ensuring the functionality of measures scenario by focusing on the cost of implementation and potential funding sources.
LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region will revise its priorities to find ways of cooperation with the European Training Foundation facing the issues which correspond with regional vectors of development.
Kirill Batalov

Deputy Delegate LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region

LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region was invited to participate in last concluding conference of PRIME project (topic: effects of the professional education reform), organized by the European Training Foundation in cooperation with Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Modernization of education in general and vocational education in particular is an important step in the process of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Thus, the national authorities launched a series of reforms in the legislative sphere, which implementation also provides optimization and rationalization of VET schools network in the country.
The «PRIME» methodology helps those responsible for decision making to define and implement policies that actually guarantee success. The primary purpose of the «PRIME» methodology implementation in Ukraine is to contribute to national authorities in finding the best plan of action in the opportunities and risks arising in connection with such legislative achievements. The second objective of this process is to ensure capacity building of its members (institutions and individuals) to conduct impact assessments of policies and adoption of decisions.
During this, while the «PRIME» project implementation, to develop options for measures to optimize the network of educational institutions of VET, the definition of success criteria and predicted impact assessment of such events, there was attracted a key group of practitioners, responsible for decision makers and stakeholders – representatives of Kyiv, Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Such work was based on the results of the baseline analysis conducted using structured consultations. The «PRIME» project activity was also based on a working visit to the VET schools in the regions.
At the final conference in Kiev there were presented interim results of the «PRIME» project in Ukraine, multidimensional steps, involving interventions in financing, personnel, network, education, law and communications, selection criteria for the evaluation of the potential risks and benefits, and analysis of the likely impact of measures.
The purpose of this meeting was to summarize the results of the «PRIME» project and prepare the ground for Phase 3. Phase 3 will focus on ensuring the functionality of measures scenario by focusing on the cost of implementation and potential funding sources.
LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region will revise its priorities to find ways of cooperation with the European Training Foundation facing the issues which correspond with regional vectors of development.
Kirill Batalov

Deputy Delegate LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region

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ALDA joins the conference on “Human Rights: Challenge Territoriality – Towards a Diverse Duty-Bearer Regime”

ALDA continues to be strongly engaged to migration issues, following the open letter “Humane, comprehensive and immediate action for Migration” sent by the LADDER Consortium to the EU and the Member States. Our involvement is based on a precise reason. The challenges that our communities are facing call for a shared responsibility, from citizens to NGOs and all possible actors of social awareness. Such cooperation shall go beyond state-level duties, for a common interest of mankind.

Within this framework, ALDA participated in the conference “Human Rights: Challenge Territoriality”, held by the European Commission at the External Cooperation Infopoint in Brussels. The event brought together EU institutions, practitioners and several academic experts who shared their points of view on safeguard of workers’ conditions and migration policies. The call on migration is clear: it is time to go beyond individual cases that are breaking our hearts and face the urge of coordination between and within countries on policies and solutions for this terrible situation.

ALDA continues to be strongly engaged to migration issues, following the open letter “Humane, comprehensive and immediate action for Migration” sent by the LADDER Consortium to the EU and the Member States. Our involvement is based on a precise reason. The challenges that our communities are facing call for a shared responsibility, from citizens to NGOs and all possible actors of social awareness. Such cooperation shall go beyond state-level duties, for a common interest of mankind.

Within this framework, ALDA participated in the conference “Human Rights: Challenge Territoriality”, held by the European Commission at the External Cooperation Infopoint in Brussels. The event brought together EU institutions, practitioners and several academic experts who shared their points of view on safeguard of workers’ conditions and migration policies. The call on migration is clear: it is time to go beyond individual cases that are breaking our hearts and face the urge of coordination between and within countries on policies and solutions for this terrible situation.

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Vojvodina.EU Conference - 2007-2013

The conference, held on 15.09 in Novi Sad, aimed to present the activities carried out by the partners of the project Vojvodina.UE 2007-2013 and to acquaint local authorities with the possibilities of improving the conditions for the implementation of projects from EU funds in the period 2014-2020. The project partners are ALDA Subotica, City of Subotica, Regional Center Novi Sad, Prospero Association and Department for Interregional Cooperation. The results of the project are the publication containing the analysis and promotion of local government projects in Vojvodina implemented with EU funding in the period 2007-2013, local and international public informed about the results achieved through the projects financed by EU funds in the previous period, transparency and improved cross-sector partnerships in the use of EU funds, improved conditions for the implementation of EU projects in the future, in the period 2014-2020.

Branko Bugarski, Deputy Mayor for International Cooperation, emphasized that in the previous period 460 projects implemented with IPA funds were implemented, of which in Vojvodina a total of 344, i.e. 87%, and 93% of the resources were spent. In the Development Fund of Vojvodina 1,5 million Euro have been set aside for support in co-financing and pre-financing of projects.

Stanka Parac, Director of ALDA Subotica presented the results of the project Vojvodina.UE in the period 2007-2013.

Particularly interesting was the speech of Gordana Stojanovic from Osijek and Baranja Development Agency who presented their experiences with local authorities in project implementation.

Branka Stojanac then presented the long-standing cooperation that the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has with Vojvodina. Were briefly presented all the projects carried out with Vojvodina in the period 2007-2013. The CASA FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA in BELGRADE, its functions and activities were also presented.

Ivan Knezevic presented the new possibilities for local authorities and new challenges. During the break the representatives of CASA FVG A BELGRADE had the opportunity to talk with representatives of the Department for International Cooperation, representatives of Metal Cluster, and other participants of the conference.

Great interest was shown in the activities of CASA and in possible collaborations.

The conference, held on 15.09 in Novi Sad, aimed to present the activities carried out by the partners of the project Vojvodina.UE 2007-2013 and to acquaint local authorities with the possibilities of improving the conditions for the implementation of projects from EU funds in the period 2014-2020. The project partners are ALDA Subotica, City of Subotica, Regional Center Novi Sad, Prospero Association and Department for Interregional Cooperation. The results of the project are the publication containing the analysis and promotion of local government projects in Vojvodina implemented with EU funding in the period 2007-2013, local and international public informed about the results achieved through the projects financed by EU funds in the previous period, transparency and improved cross-sector partnerships in the use of EU funds, improved conditions for the implementation of EU projects in the future, in the period 2014-2020.

Branko Bugarski, Deputy Mayor for International Cooperation, emphasized that in the previous period 460 projects implemented with IPA funds were implemented, of which in Vojvodina a total of 344, i.e. 87%, and 93% of the resources were spent. In the Development Fund of Vojvodina 1,5 million Euro have been set aside for support in co-financing and pre-financing of projects.

Stanka Parac, Director of ALDA Subotica presented the results of the project Vojvodina.UE in the period 2007-2013.

Particularly interesting was the speech of Gordana Stojanovic from Osijek and Baranja Development Agency who presented their experiences with local authorities in project implementation.

Branka Stojanac then presented the long-standing cooperation that the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has with Vojvodina. Were briefly presented all the projects carried out with Vojvodina in the period 2007-2013. The CASA FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA in BELGRADE, its functions and activities were also presented.

Ivan Knezevic presented the new possibilities for local authorities and new challenges. During the break the representatives of CASA FVG A BELGRADE had the opportunity to talk with representatives of the Department for International Cooperation, representatives of Metal Cluster, and other participants of the conference.

Great interest was shown in the activities of CASA and in possible collaborations.

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An autumn full of activities for LADDER project on different topics: decentralisation, education and migration

LADDER (Local Authorities as Drivers for Development Education & Raising awareness) project is now moving to its next phase, from inception to implementation. Following the 2nd Steering Committee (16/10/2015), the consortium agreed to take the project forward with great enthusiasm!

In the next weeks, the LADDER calendar includes several dates where the DEAR approach will be brainstormed and promoted, tackling the role of Local Authorities in development education, in cooperation with CSOs. Here is a glance at the next “LADDER” dates:

The 3rd training on DEAR in Greece (4-6 November), Special Initiative on Migration in Malta (10-14 November), and Eastern partnership Special initiative in Georgia (1-4 December), and many more! The DEAR approach of LADDER will also be showcased during other key moments, including during the World LED Forum in Turin (14-16 October), the DEAR Fair in Brussels (22-23 October) & the 3rd Congress on Global Education in Croatia (26-28 November) and many more!

Migration and the role of LAs in response to the crisis will be granted particular attention during the Special Initiative in Malta (10-14 November), addressing the challenges of the current migration crisis and the role of LAs.

Two particularly participative calls have been launched in September, the Citizen Journalists initiative (supporting citizens writing on or covering development topics) and the Slogan Competition initiative (involving schools in all partner countries to collect the best slogans for raising awareness on development). Interested to join or know more? Stay tuned on http://www.ladder-project.eu or keep posted on the dedicated page regarding upcoming events.

LADDER (Local Authorities as Drivers for Development Education & Raising awareness) project is now moving to its next phase, from inception to implementation. Following the 2nd Steering Committee (16/10/2015), the consortium agreed to take the project forward with great enthusiasm!

In the next weeks, the LADDER calendar includes several dates where the DEAR approach will be brainstormed and promoted, tackling the role of Local Authorities in development education, in cooperation with CSOs. Here is a glance at the next “LADDER” dates:

The 3rd training on DEAR in Greece (4-6 November), Special Initiative on Migration in Malta (10-14 November), and Eastern partnership Special initiative in Georgia (1-4 December), and many more! The DEAR approach of LADDER will also be showcased during other key moments, including during the World LED Forum in Turin (14-16 October), the DEAR Fair in Brussels (22-23 October) & the 3rd Congress on Global Education in Croatia (26-28 November) and many more!

Migration and the role of LAs in response to the crisis will be granted particular attention during the Special Initiative in Malta (10-14 November), addressing the challenges of the current migration crisis and the role of LAs.

Two particularly participative calls have been launched in September, the Citizen Journalists initiative (supporting citizens writing on or covering development topics) and the Slogan Competition initiative (involving schools in all partner countries to collect the best slogans for raising awareness on development). Interested to join or know more? Stay tuned on http://www.ladder-project.eu or keep posted on the dedicated page regarding upcoming events.

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International Day of Democracy

Aldo Xhani, Coordinator of the Citizenship Programme, and Ela Horoszko, Eastern Partnership Coordinator, represented ALDA in today’s debate on “From Civic Activism to Political Reality” organised by the EP, EC, EEAS, EPD, ENoP, International IDEA and EED within the framework of the celebration of the Intarnational Day of Democracy.
The event gathered key stakeholders from the worldwide community of practitioners to showcase best practices and experience on how to strengthen citizen mobilisation and how to lead to sustainable democratic processes. Particular focus was put on the role of (social) media and new technologies and ho to move from on-line demands to real improvements for citizens. An interactive debate was promoted based on the inputs of Ms Ulrike Lunacek, Vice President of the EP, Levan Tsutskiridze, Netherland Institute for Multi-Party Democracy South Caucasus and Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, Founding Member of the Tunisian Manifeste and Doustourna.
ALDA contributed to the event with its fifteen year experience in promoting democracy at local level. The meeting was, in particular, a key reflection on global challenges for democratic systems in Europe and its Neighbourhood. Much can still be done to engage citizens in the decision making processes particularly at local level in order to promote successful community development.

Aldo Xhani, Coordinator of the Citizenship Programme, and Ela Horoszko, Eastern Partnership Coordinator, represented ALDA in today’s debate on “From Civic Activism to Political Reality” organised by the EP, EC, EEAS, EPD, ENoP, International IDEA and EED within the framework of the celebration of the Intarnational Day of Democracy.
The event gathered key stakeholders from the worldwide community of practitioners to showcase best practices and experience on how to strengthen citizen mobilisation and how to lead to sustainable democratic processes. Particular focus was put on the role of (social) media and new technologies and ho to move from on-line demands to real improvements for citizens. An interactive debate was promoted based on the inputs of Ms Ulrike Lunacek, Vice President of the EP, Levan Tsutskiridze, Netherland Institute for Multi-Party Democracy South Caucasus and Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, Founding Member of the Tunisian Manifeste and Doustourna.
ALDA contributed to the event with its fifteen year experience in promoting democracy at local level. The meeting was, in particular, a key reflection on global challenges for democratic systems in Europe and its Neighbourhood. Much can still be done to engage citizens in the decision making processes particularly at local level in order to promote successful community development.

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Newsletter BN-MK relaunched!

The Program for decentralised cooperation between the French Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia, launched this September their monthly Newsletter. We are inviting to you to follow all the news regarding the cooperation, such as past activities, future activities and news from the partners.

For 10 years now, the Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia are working on different topics in order to strengthen the local development on both territories.

If you are interested in reading the latest news of the cooperation, you can subscribe here for your réseaux ou sur les Macedonian version of the Newsletter, or you can simply read this month’s issue in réseaux ou sur les Macedonian online.

Decentralised cooperation programme between Lower Normandy (France) and Macedonia is coordinated by ALDA Skopje. Read more about this project on the official website of the cooperation or follow the news on the official Facebook du projet APProach.

The Program for decentralised cooperation between the French Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia, launched this September their monthly Newsletter. We are inviting to you to follow all the news regarding the cooperation, such as past activities, future activities and news from the partners.

For 10 years now, the Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia are working on different topics in order to strengthen the local development on both territories.

If you are interested in reading the latest news of the cooperation, you can subscribe here for your réseaux ou sur les Macedonian version of the Newsletter, or you can simply read this month’s issue in réseaux ou sur les Macedonian online.

Decentralised cooperation programme between Lower Normandy (France) and Macedonia is coordinated by ALDA Skopje. Read more about this project on the official website of the cooperation or follow the news on the official Facebook du projet APProach.

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ALDA celebrates the International Day of Democracy: contributions by the LDAs

On 15th September 2015, we celebrate the International Day of Democracy, all around the world. Having the Democracy as a core of its mission, ALDA joins this celebration too, not forgetting the support of good governance and active citizen participation.
On this special occasion, ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, wrote a statement: Participative democracy: Time to deepen democracy for a global responsibility and citizenship stressing the necessity to strengthen democracy, especially during the difficult period that Europe is now facing. In the same manner, the Local Democracy Agencies contributed to this celebration, sharing their reflection on democratic value and its role in the world. Their statements focus on the hard times affecting Europe, and emphasize the importance of democracy, now more than ever, in the framework of active citizen participation and educational values:
“It is apparent that we are facing a crisis of socio-moral resources in our societies today. Democracy is in danger. That is why we need to focus strongly on education for development of democratic capacities of citizens. We need to start from our own local communities, from non-formal programs and moving to institutionalized education in order to achieve long lasting development of democracy.”
Sasa Marinkov, Delegate of LDA Central and Southern Serbia
“Democracy can be considered as a universal responsibility that causes major revolution in thinking and contributes the acceptance of a human overall right “to live” in 21st century.”
Lusine Aleksandryan, Delegate of LDA Armenia
“Democracy is a live process of permanent building and maintaining achieved, and meeting new challenges to improve our society. Continuous work that permanently seeks new standards and innovative methodologies for raising life quality and therefore is essential to have a focus and capability to see our community in a global family. It is a long, demanding yet very rewarding job of changing mind-sets for our better today and great tomorrow of our children. Still, we have to keep on our mind that without active and politically literate citizens and without transparent, accountable and visionary governments at all levels we cannot progress. Therefore, the role of civil society organisations is very important as a promotor of change and watchdog of democratic standards.”
Paula Rauzan, Delegate of LDA – OP Sisak
“We are witnessing that democracy is in decline around the world. That is why it is necessary to reinforce citizens’ trust in the values and principles of democratic processes and their power to make a change.”
Silvija Patarcic, Delegate of LDA Subotica
“As a part of the decentralization of power and assistance in the development of local democracy, LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region, during July-August 2015, have helped the initiative group in the form of systematic consultation, preparation of documents and personal meetings with the population of Vasylkivka district of Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine). As a result, after 2 sessions of Vasylkivka District Council, there was established a body of self-organization of the population named “Zeleniy Gai”, which united 6 settlements.
 
After consultations with LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region, members of the Permanent Working Group of NGOs to Monitor the Activities of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and Execution of its Decisions could take a leading position in the newly created public councils in the city of Dnipropetrovsk and Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration.
 
Young LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region supports the image of the democratic processes in the area and distributes guidelines of decentralization, creating an effective platform for the development of social partnership and project implementation.“
Anzhelika Pylypenko, Delegate of LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Kirill Batalov, Deputy Delegate of LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Brussels, 15th September 2015

On 15th September 2015, we celebrate the International Day of Democracy, all around the world. Having the Democracy as a core of its mission, ALDA joins this celebration too, not forgetting the support of good governance and active citizen participation.
On this special occasion, ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, wrote a statement: Participative democracy: Time to deepen democracy for a global responsibility and citizenship stressing the necessity to strengthen democracy, especially during the difficult period that Europe is now facing. In the same manner, the Local Democracy Agencies contributed to this celebration, sharing their reflection on democratic value and its role in the world. Their statements focus on the hard times affecting Europe, and emphasize the importance of democracy, now more than ever, in the framework of active citizen participation and educational values:
“It is apparent that we are facing a crisis of socio-moral resources in our societies today. Democracy is in danger. That is why we need to focus strongly on education for development of democratic capacities of citizens. We need to start from our own local communities, from non-formal programs and moving to institutionalized education in order to achieve long lasting development of democracy.”
Sasa Marinkov, Delegate of LDA Central and Southern Serbia
“Democracy can be considered as a universal responsibility that causes major revolution in thinking and contributes the acceptance of a human overall right “to live” in 21st century.”
Lusine Aleksandryan, Delegate of LDA Armenia
“Democracy is a live process of permanent building and maintaining achieved, and meeting new challenges to improve our society. Continuous work that permanently seeks new standards and innovative methodologies for raising life quality and therefore is essential to have a focus and capability to see our community in a global family. It is a long, demanding yet very rewarding job of changing mind-sets for our better today and great tomorrow of our children. Still, we have to keep on our mind that without active and politically literate citizens and without transparent, accountable and visionary governments at all levels we cannot progress. Therefore, the role of civil society organisations is very important as a promotor of change and watchdog of democratic standards.”
Paula Rauzan, Delegate of LDA – OP Sisak
“We are witnessing that democracy is in decline around the world. That is why it is necessary to reinforce citizens’ trust in the values and principles of democratic processes and their power to make a change.”
Silvija Patarcic, Delegate of LDA Subotica
“As a part of the decentralization of power and assistance in the development of local democracy, LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region, during July-August 2015, have helped the initiative group in the form of systematic consultation, preparation of documents and personal meetings with the population of Vasylkivka district of Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine). As a result, after 2 sessions of Vasylkivka District Council, there was established a body of self-organization of the population named “Zeleniy Gai”, which united 6 settlements.
 
After consultations with LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region, members of the Permanent Working Group of NGOs to Monitor the Activities of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and Execution of its Decisions could take a leading position in the newly created public councils in the city of Dnipropetrovsk and Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration.
 
Young LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region supports the image of the democratic processes in the area and distributes guidelines of decentralization, creating an effective platform for the development of social partnership and project implementation.“
Anzhelika Pylypenko, Delegate of LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Kirill Batalov, Deputy Delegate of LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Brussels, 15th September 2015

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