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The international workshop “Shaping the Future of Local Governance in Europe: Fueling Citizen Visions” took place on December 9, organised by ALDA within the framework of the Citizen Foresight Europe project, funded by the EU’s CERV Programme. The event aimed to raise participants’ awareness of citizen foresight in the EU and give them the opportunity to experience first-hand an innovative methodology for citizen engagement and forward-thinking policy-making using Open Space Technology methodology.

The event took place at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and opened with an insightful keynote speech by Pierluigi Brombo, Head of Unit for Foresight, Studies and Policy Assessment at the EESC, who highlighted the importance of foresight in shaping inclusive and resilient local governance across Europe.

Following the keynote, Martin Barthel, Vice Director and Executive Manager of Comparative Research Network (CRN), the project leader, presented the Citizen Foresight Europe project and introduced the online platform (www.citizenforesight.eu) which will bring together organisations interested in foresight and participatory policymaking across Europe.

The workshop then continued with an introduction to the Open Space Technology methodology by Anna Ditta, Head of the Project Development Department at ALDA. She explained the principles of this fully participatory approach, outlining the rules of engagement and what participants could expect from the sessions.

After a networking lunch, where participants had the chance to get to know each other and connect, they got into the heart of the open space workshop. 

All were invited to reflect on the core theme of the workshop: building the cities of the future, grounded in strong local democracy and active citizen engagement

In line with the Open Space Technology approach, participants collectively proposed and selected the sub-topics they wished to explore, forming discussion groups around shared interests.

Four key sub-topics emerged: sustainable sufficiency and inclusion; intergenerational dialogue and social loneliness; the housing and renting crisis; and emerging technologies for local democracy. Each group was tasked with identifying current challenges and needs related to their chosen topic, envisioning desirable future scenarios, and co-developing concrete policy recommendations to help achieve these outcomes.

The policy recommendations emerged during the workshop will be published on the project partners’ websites in the coming months and will contribute to the broader objectives of the Citizen Foresight Europe project, supporting evidence-based, participatory, and forward-looking local governance across Europe.

If you want to learn more about the Open Space Technology methodology and other approaches employed by the project partners, you can consult this handbook developed by CRN, which compiles all the methodologies and practices used.

Within the framework of this project, ALDA has also launched a Community of Interest, which aims to bring together different stakeholders interested in foresight, foster the exchange of knowledge and tools, and increase their visibility through the above-mentioned platform developed by CRN.

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This Call for Proposals for study visits grants in Moldova aims to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in exchanging good practices and developing partnerships with organizations and local public authorities in other countries, and is managed by the Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) within the INSPIRED Moldova project, funded by the European Union. 

The overall purpose of the call is to facilitate study visits aimed at informing and inspiring good governance initiatives and reforms at the local level, strengthening consultation and cooperation mechanisms with public authorities, and stimulating civic engagement in social dialogue. 

The expected results of this program are: 

  • Increasing the level of knowledge and capacity of local CSOs regarding European best practices and international cooperation relevant to the EU integration process. 
  • Strengthening the role of CSOs in political dialogue through their active and informed involvement in consultation and experience-sharing processes.
  • Strengthening cooperation mechanisms between CSOs and local public authorities at local and national level. 
  • Leveraging the expertise and networks of European partners to develop CSO capacities and create sustainable partnerships. 

1. Objectives of the call for proposals 

The call aims to provide financial support to civil society organizations for organizing study visits with the purpose of exchanging experiences and adopting good practices regarding cooperation between communities in the Republic of Moldova and European communities. The initiative aims to strengthen civil society participation in political

dialogue and develop multi-participatory cooperation mechanisms between CSOs and local public authorities in Moldova and their European partners, with the support of ALDA. 

The proposals will facilitate and promote CSO–LPA partnerships and the adoption of European best practices in the area of participatory public consultations. 

Through grants, ALDA aims to support initiatives that promote cooperation between civil society and authorities, increase capacities and opportunities for involvement, advocacy, and participation in public consultations with decision-makers. The call encourages initiatives that will facilitate and boost the creation of alliances and twinning with colleagues from other European countries. 

CSOs in the Republic of Moldova will implement cooperation projects aimed at promoting the exchange of good practices on structured political dialogue, consultation mechanisms, local democracy, civic engagement, and other relevant topics. Through a “twinning” approach, these knowledge exchanges and collaboration initiatives will contribute to strengthening the framework for participatory consultation at the local level. 

The call is aligned with the country program for European integration and aims to strengthen the ability of social actors to establish effective partnerships with local public authorities by adopting good practices from organizations in Europe. By connecting with communities in Europe, including countries that have undergone EU integration processes, CSOs in the Republic of Moldova will spread common models of cooperation in communities. 

As part of this effort, interested organizations will propose the direction and theme of the study visit, based on existing or planned external partnerships, and will select local CSOs with similar profiles or interests in the proposed theme, thus forming regional clusters that are more empowered for social dialogue and communities involved in good governance. 

2. Eligible activities and priorities of the call 

Below are examples of activities eligible for funding for guidance purposes. The list is neither exhaustive nor cumulative; other types of activities and innovative initiatives that align with the objectives and priorities of this call for proposals may also be considered:

  • Study visits to partner organizations abroad to exchange experiences and learn about best practices; 
  • Establishing partnerships and creating cooperation networks with relevant organizations in Moldova and EU countries; 
  • Facilitation of joint cooperation initiatives, seeking to leverage their expertise, networks, and connections at the local level for more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes; 
  • Mutual learning workshops for the exchange of good practices on strengthening social dialogue, networking, public consultation mechanisms in decision-making, cooperation with local public authorities, advocacy, including dedicated exchanges on the involvement of citizens, youth groups, and underrepresented communities; 
  • Encouraging the creation of partnerships with local and foreign public authorities; 
  • Facilitating consultations with external partners on the creation of consultative mechanisms; 
  • Support for CSOs to participate in public consultations, decision-making, and the implementation of civic initiatives in collaboration with decision-makers. 
  • Proposals should reflect substantial involvement in the associative sector, and participants are encouraged to design activities that include organizations active in rural areas, where access to exchange programs and national and international networks is limited. 

3. The following types of activities are not eligible for funding: 

  • Activities that focus primarily on individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, conferences, or congresses; 
  • Activities that relate exclusively or primarily to individual scholarships for studies or training courses; 
  • Activities that support political parties or candidates during elections; 
  • Retroactive funding for projects that are already underway or have been completed;
  • Projects that offer exclusive benefits to individuals or small groups of individuals will not be eligible for funding. 
  • Projects that are harmful to the environment will not receive funding; 
  • The purchase of equipment is only permitted if it is directly related to the implementation of the project. 

4. Methods of awarding grants 

Organizations selected for financial support in the form of grants will sign a grant agreement with the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). This funding will enable them to cover the costs of their project activities. 

The total budget for this call is €80,000, and the funding for each proposal is a maximum of €10,000. 

The implementation period for the projects is February–November 2026. 

As the selected organizations will be exempt from VAT for the costs incurred under this grant, the proposed budget must contain the planned costs without VAT. 

5. Application and selection process 

Call launch: December 15, 2025 

Online information session: January 5, 2026, 3:00 p.m., Chisinau time (link to participate) 

Deadline for questions*: January 9, 2026 

Deadline for submitting proposals: January 11, 2025; 11:59 p.m. Chisinau time Proposal evaluation: January 12-23, 2026 

Grant implementation period: February-November 2026

*Questions regarding the Call for Proposals may be sent to the following email address until January 9, 2026: aldamoldova@alda-europe.eu 

The complete application file for the competition consists of: 

  • Project proposal – Annex 1 
  • Project budget proposal – Annex 2 
  • Confirmation of the organization’s registration (Extract from the State Register of Legal Entities). 
  • A presentation of the organization’s profile and experience relevant to the current call (PPT, PDF, Canva format). 
  • Two recommendations from partners, organizations, or donors with whom the organization has collaborated (name and email address or letters of recommendation). 

The application file shall be sent to aldamoldova@alda-europe.eu . 

Files shall be submitted in Romanian, English, or Russian. The complete file must be submitted in the forms provided and must contain all the requested information, respecting the character limit. Applications must be legible and accessible, therefore we recommend that you submit, together with the signed/scanned/PDF version of Annex 1 – Project Proposal and Annex 2 – Project Budget Proposal, the editable version of the files in MS Word and Excel format. Failure to meet the deadline for submitting the complete application file in the required format will result in exclusion from the evaluation process. 

6. Eligibility and admissibility criteria for organizations participating in the competition: 

All applications will undergo an administrative check to determine whether the required information has been provided. Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria described below: 

  • The organization has non-profit legal status and is registered in the Republic of Moldova. 
  • The application file is complete.
  • The organization has not received another grant under the INSPIRĂ Moldova project. 

7. Evaluation criteria 

After verifying eligibility, the ALDA Evaluation Committee will evaluate the accepted applications according to the criteria listed below: 

Evaluation criteria and scoring: 

1. Organizational capacity and experience (Years of activity; team size and structure; experience in creating partnerships at national and international level). Maximum 20 points 

2. The organization’s potential for establishing partnerships (Civic participation, experience in involving stakeholders, including local authorities, experience in awareness-raising activities, etc.). Maximum 20 points 

3. Relevance of the project proposal (Alignment with the objective of the Call for Proposals; estimated number of participants/target groups; involvement of stakeholders, including local authorities; multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnership development, interactive and practical mutual learning activities). Maximum 20 points 

4. Financial component (cost-effectiveness ratio). Maximum 20 points 5. Performance and sustainability (Sustainability of the proposed activities; production and dissemination of the results of study visits, practical workshops, observation reports, and participant feedback; dialogue between stakeholders, strengthening of long-term partnerships; integration of a gender perspective). Maximum 20 points 

Total score: 100 points 

*The following aspects will be considered an advantage in the evaluation of project proposals: The organization is a member of civic platforms and alliances and has proven experience in creating and facilitating partnerships with local, district, or central public authorities, as well as in developing inter-community partnerships and partnerships with NGOs from other countries, while also benefiting from active partnerships with civil society organizations and municipalities in the country and abroad. 

8. General information

INSPIRĂ Moldova is a project funded by the European Union, running from 2024 to 2027, which aims to contribute to the creation of a favorable environment for civil society in Moldova by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively engage in political discussions at all levels. Building on the momentum generated by the EU accession process, the project facilitates political dialogue on the enabling environment for civil society and relevant plans and programs arising from the accession negotiations. Recognizing the importance of prioritizing democracy consolidation in the EU’s new methodology on the first fundamental accession criteria, the initiative will strengthen CSO capacities to act as catalysts for democracy at the national and local levels, as well as in the digital sphere. 

The project will promote inclusive and participatory processes to improve public participation, in particular by promoting the involvement of underrepresented groups and women in the Republic of Moldova. By empowering civil society in the Republic of Moldova through technical and financial support, the project aims to strengthen its influence on national policies and accelerate the country’s integration into the EU. This involves the involvement of civil society organizations in policy-making processes at the national, local, and digital levels. The project encourages dialogue and collaboration with public authorities to ensure that civil society becomes a key player in promoting democracy in the Republic of Moldova. 

9. Note 

This Call for Proposals is made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the INSPIRĂ Moldova project, funded by the European Union. The content of the Call for Proposals belongs to ALDA and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. 

The project is implemented by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), the Center for Policy and Reform (CPR Moldova), the National Assistance Center for NGOs in Moldova (CONTACT), People in Need (PIN), and Democracy Reporting International (DRI).

Call for Proposal

Apel de propuneri

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As part of the EU-funded FIC-FIGHTERS project, ALDA reaffirmed its commitment to engaging citizens in discussions on phosphogypsum (PG) stacks at the local level. The project’s main goal is to promote a circular and systemic approach to regenerating PG stacks across Europe.

Spotlight on Barreiro

The PG stack in Barreiro (Portugal), located on the south bank of the Tagus River, is one of the project’s six case studies. Once one of Portugal’s major industrial hubs, Barreiro accumulated large quantities of phosphogypsum — a hazardous byproduct of phosphoric acid production — between 1950 and 1989.

Stored in open-air lagoons and piles across the municipality, these deposits have remained without proper remediation for decades, leaving behind pollution, environmental risk, and untapped economic potential.

After years of insufficient communication and uncertainty for nearby residents, FIC-FIGHTERS successfully brought together local communities, scientists, and policymakers to openly discuss the issue of the “white mountains” — the phosphogypsum stacks that have concerned generations.

Workshop Highlights: “Voices for Change”

On 11 November 2025, in collaboration with the Municipality of Barreiro and At Clave, ALDA organised the second Citizen Engagement Workshop: “Voices for Change: Exploring Solutions for the PG Stack in Barreiro.”

The workshop gathered 15 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, age groups, and genders, creating a rich space for discussion about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the PG stack.

Key Concerns and Expectations Raised by Citizens

Citizens expressed several key concerns, notably the limited access to information regarding the phosphogypsum environmental liability and persistent doubts about whether the PG stack issue will ever be effectively resolved or the area fully restored. Many also voiced worries about the pollution affecting the river, air, and soil, as well as the associated health impacts, particularly respiratory conditions and psychological distress.

On the other hand, they expressed a strong desire to participate, advocate and contribute actively to the city’s development, with a shared objective of seeing the PG stack area restored and returned to the community. Looking toward the future, they envision improved environmental conditions and a significant reduction in pollution, ideally through the transformation of the PG stack into a green, accessible, and recreational public space.

Way forward

The workshop had an empowering effect, giving participants the tools and confidence to become more active in community matters. Citizens expressed a clear willingness to be involved in future decision-making processes and to contribute to local transformation.

ALDA remains committed to supporting the FIC-FIGHTERS project by promoting local democracy and participatory processes. In 2026, a new round of citizen engagement workshops will take place across Europe and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on workshop outcomes and upcoming activities through the FIC-FIGHTERS website and social media channels!

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The first part of the project has just been successfully concluded. ALDA is now seeking participants for the next activities.

In Strasbourg, from 19 to 21 November 2025, ALDA organised a three-day video production workshop as part of the ‘Youth Social Act’ Erasmus+ project.

The workshop

Hosted by La Maison des Associations in Strasbourg and led by independent video artist and freelance journalist Quentin Domayrou, the training aimed to teach young participants the basics of documentary filmmaking as a tool for spreading the values they hold dear.

The result? Four young participants made a documentary on ethical and sustainable food consumption. The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of taking the time to research and buy local and fresh produce, both for our health and for the health of the planet, despite the fast pace of the world we live in.

To do this, they interviewed both the local residents of Strasbourg who buy products at the street market and COLECOSOL Grand Est, the Strasbourg-based association that works to promote fair trade, responsible consumption and the solidarity economy in the Grand Est region. 

The documentary will be available in 2026 on ALDA’s YouTube channel. 

Search for participants

The video production workshop was one of the activities of the Erasmus+ project ‘Youth Social Act’, designed to promote alternative forms of civic participation by young people in democratic life. 

To this end, ALDA, which is implementing the project, is looking for young participants (aged 15 to 25) and mentors (aged 25+) to take part in future activities organised in Strasbourg, the free study visit to Greece and the final event in Cyprus. 

To find out more about the project and to participate, visit this link or contact matilde@alda-europe.eu.

[FR]

À Strasbourg, du 19 au 21 novembre 2025, ALDA a organisé un atelier de réalisation vidéo de trois jours dans le cadre du projet Erasmus+ « Youth Social Act ».

L’atelier

Accueillie par La Maison des Associations de Strasbourg et animée par le vidéoaste et journaliste indépendant Quentin Domayrou, la formation avait pour objectif d’enseigner aux jeunes participants les bases de la réalisation de documentaires comme outil de diffusion des valeurs qui leur tiennent à cœur.

Le résultat ? Quatre jeunes participants ont réalisé un documentaire sur la consommation alimentaire éthique et durable. L’objectif était de sensibiliser à l’importance de consacrer du temps à la recherche et à l’achat de produits locaux et frais, tant pour notre santé que pour celle de la planète, malgré le rythme effréné du monde dans lequel nous vivons.

Pour ce faire, ils se sont impliqués en interviewant à la fois la population locale de Strasbourg qui achète des produits au marché et COLECOSOL Grand Est, l’association strasbourgeoise qui œuvre pour la promotion du commerce équitable, de la consommation responsable et de l’économie solidaire dans la région Grand Est. 

Le documentaire sera disponible en 2026 sur la chaîne youtube de l’ALDA . 

Recherche de participants

L’atelier de réalisation vidéo était l’une des activités du projet Erasmus+ « Youth Social Act », né pour promouvoir des formes alternatives de participation civique des jeunes à la vie démocratique. 

À cette fin, l’ALDA, qui met en œuvre le projet, recherche des jeunes participants (âgés de 15 à 25 ans) et des mentors (+25 ans) qui prendront part aux futures activités organisées à Strasbourg, à la visite d’étude gratuite en Grèce et à l’événement final à Chypre. 
Pour en savoir plus sur le projet et pour participer, consultez ce lien ou contactez matilde@alda-europe.eu.

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A meeting between GENESIS experts and the public took place. Friday’s Consortium Meeting brought the partners together to present their latest results. On Saturday, the experts met with the public, and through joint discussion they explored solutions related to climate change, digitalization, and water governance.

The GENESIS project brought together its partners across the Canary Islands and opened a space for dialogue with the public. Meeting face-to-face helps facilitate discussions on topics closely connected to GENESIS, such as climate change, digitalization, and water governance.

The Citizen Forum took place on the island of La Palma, in the town of Los Llanos de Aridane, from Friday, 28 November, to Saturday, 29 November 2025. The event gathered around 60 participants, including experts and members of the public, who explored solutions for water management across Macaronesia.

The meeting began on Friday morning with a Consortium Meeting, where partners presented the progress achieved so far within the GENESIS project and shared new approaches and solutions. The first half of the day was led by Iván Hernández (AIM), followed by a coffee break with light refreshments before the presentations continued. A joint lunch at three o’clock formally concluded the Consortium Meeting. In the afternoon, partners worked together to rehearse and prepare for the public event scheduled for Saturday.

Saturday’s Citizen Forum opened at nine in the morning with participant registration and coffee. The forum was introduced by Gara Sentís and Alba Perera (Lawarita S.Coop.Can.), followed by presentations from Alejandro García (IGME-CSIC) on “Cómo predecir el futuro del agua en La Palma y Macaronesia” and from Iván Hernández (AIM) on “Soluciones resilientes en acción: demostradores para el futuro del agua en La Palma.” Afterwards, the organisation briefly introduced the structure of the working groups for the afternoon sessions, followed by a short break.

The afternoon focused on collaboration and collective problem-solving: improving water availability and resilience to drought, strengthening water infrastructure, integrating digital technologies to reduce losses across the water cycle, and ensuring public involvement through reliable information and transparent decision-making. The collaborative workshop concluded with a plenary session where the groups shared their main ideas and recommendations. Among the key points highlighted was the need for strong cooperation between institutions and citizens when addressing water-related challenges.

To close the event, participants were invited to fill in a questionnaire and share additional ideas on how the GENESIS project could further contribute to improving water management in the region.

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In 2025, ALDA achieved significant progress in implementing the INSPIRED Moldova project, funded by the European Union, contributing to strengthening the role of civil society in promoting civic education, democratic processes, and youth participation.

One of the most important achievements of the year was the completion of the projects implemented by the first eight sub-granted organisations, each bringing valuable contributions to stimulating civic engagement at both local and national levels. These initiatives provided young people with practical learning opportunities, encouraged informed participation in electoral processes, and promoted a strong democratic culture, reaching—through both online and offline activities—an impact of over 800,000 people across the country.

The activities of the partner organisations generated a true civic movement among young people nationwide. CSO PERSPECTIVA, CSO DO IT, and CSO STUDEM worked directly with young people who were about to vote for the first time, explaining what electoral integrity means, the principles of democracy, and essential media literacy skills for informed participation. Through interactive dialogues and practical sessions, young people learned how to identify potential attempts at electoral fraud and understand the importance of a transparent democratic process. Inspired by these experiences, many of them launched their own online campaigns dedicated to elections, civic responsibility, and combating disinformation, thus contributing to a wave of active engagement during the 2025 elections.

At the university level, the CSO Moldovan Students’ Alliance energised campuses with mock elections and surveys designed to clarify the needs and challenges faced by young people in the electoral process. Their work resulted in a civic engagement methodology so relevant that it was later adopted by the National Youth Agency for analyzing youth electoral participation.

Creative interaction with democratic themes was brought to the forefront by CSO ADER, which combined election simulations with social theatre and public debates. Young people documented their experiences in videos and testimonials, later shared within their communities and through local media.

Through trainings dedicated to civic engagement, CSO DEZVOLTARE PRIN IMPLICARE successfully transformed participants into multipliers of democratic information. They launched local campaigns and produced online content encouraging civic involvement in their communities.

Working with information and digital media was further strengthened by CSO MilleniuM, which taught young people how social media algorithms actually work and how to avoid disinformation traps. The result: educational videos and youth-led discussions, especially during election periods.

Meanwhile, CSO LEX XXI brought a cultural perspective to this collective effort, creating impactful short films and articles focusing on voting, engagement, and identity.

Through activities such as election simulations, public debates, workshops, hackathons, and online and offline campaigns, the projects encouraged responsible and active youth participation in democratic life. They contributed to strengthening local decision-making processes and increasing awareness of democratic rights and responsibilities.

In 2025, youth voter turnout recorded a remarkable increase at the national level. According to data from electoral authorities, the turnout rate among young people aged 18 to 29 increased by approximately 18% compared to the previous election. This positive development reflects the growing interest of young people in democratic processes, as well as the direct or indirect impact of the activities carried out under the INSPIRED Moldova project.

Funded by the European Union, the INSPIRED Moldova project is implemented by a distinguished consortium, including the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), ALDA, the National Center for Assistance and Information of NGOs in Moldova CONTACT, the Center for Policy and Reform (CPR Moldova), Democracy Reporting International (DRI), and People in Need (PIN). As these activities unfold, INSPIRED Moldova continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of shaping the country’s democratic future.

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Project BOOST (Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society) has defined the year for ALDA Balkans, advancing its flagship mission across the region, by supporting 67 selected projects at both regional and national levels. The programme is building a strong network of civil society organisations (CSOs) working across three key sectors: youth and entrepreneurship, rural development and environment & cultural heritage and community development.

Through the regional sub-granting scheme of Project #BOOST, six organisations from six Western Balkan countries received support, each partnering with two or three cross-border civil society organisations in their projects.

From 25–27 March 2025, ALDA hosted the first Regional Capacity-Building Training in Belgrade, Serbia. The three-day event gathered the selected CSOs and their partners from across the Western Balkans, offering valuable networking opportunities and driving forward regional cooperation.

A highlight of the training was the panel discussion “BOOSTing Integration: Civil Society as a Driver of EU Accession”. Distinguished speakers included Natasa Vuckovic, President of ALDA and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation Belgrade; H.E. Pierre Cochard, Ambassador of France to Serbia; and Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans Regional Office. They underlined the crucial role of civil society in strengthening democratic governance and supporting EU accession.

In October 2025, ALDA Balkans announced 61 nationally selected projects across six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Ten CSOs from each of five countries, and eleven from Albania, received support to implement initiatives linked to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, rural development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage.

Following the announcement, ALDA Balkans and its partners: LDA Subotica, LDA Montenegro (Nikšić), LDA Kosovo, LDA Mostar, Urban Research Institute Albania, Pulse France and Leader France – launched six National BOOST Training sessions in each of the countries during October and November 2025. These sessions provided hands-on guidance for project implementation, alongside transversal training modules on gender inclusion, civic participation, cultural heritage, rural development, environment & youth entrepreneurship.

Each national training was formally opened by representatives of the French embassies in the respective countries, together with officials from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which supports the BOOST project implemented by ALDA.

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The Shared Horizons Project – Component 2, coordinated by ALDA and supported by Expertise France, has marked a landmark year of cultural cooperation and youth engagement across the Western Balkans. Through a series of events, workshops and competitions, the initiative has used historic bridges as powerful symbols of reconciliation, dialogue and shared heritage.

The project was officially launched in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 18 February 2025, with a three-day event bringing together regional experts, municipal representatives and the French Embassy. A panel discussion titled “Shared Cultural Heritage, Reconciliation and Regional Development” featured distinguished speakers including H.E. Ms. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France in Montenegro; Ms. Nađa Ljiljanić, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica; Mr. Paul-Alexis Berthezene, Project Manager from Expertise France; Mr. Maurizio Camin, Vice President of ALDA; and Mr. Dejan Ubovic from the Museum of the 90s. Moderated by Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, the panel delved into the role of cultural heritage as a tool for fostering unity within a historically divided region.

The event continued with a dedicated session presenting regional experts in cultural heritage and storytelling. The experts discussed the importance of digital storytelling, youth engagement and innovative approaches to heritage conservation, while also developing plans for future activities under Component 2.

From 2–5 June 2025, the initiative continued in Peja, Kosovo, where multidisciplinary teams of young researchers gathered for workshops, field visits and dialogue sessions. Participants explored cultural landmarks in Prizren, attended networking events, and joined a panel on “Youth, Culture, and Reconciliation”. Practical workshops in photography, storytelling and cultural tourism equipped young people with tools to transform their interests into civic and professional engagement.

Throughout June and July 2025, photography and storytelling workshops were held across all six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. These sessions encouraged youth to explore bridges as cultural symbols, combining city walks, photo sessions and digital storytelling labs. Experts guided participants in developing creative skills while fostering empathy and intercultural dialogue.

The project culminated with the announcement of winners of the “Bridges that Connect” storytelling competition, which selected eighteen young authors aged 15–29 from across the region. Their stories will be transformed into Augmented Reality (AR) installations projected onto six iconic bridges: Gorica Bridge (Albania), Stari Most (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Stone Bridge (Kosovo and North Macedonia), Adži-paša’s Bridge (Montenegro) and White Bridge (Serbia). These immersive exhibitions will travel across the region, turning heritage sites into open-air platforms for dialogue and imagination.

By merging creativity, digital innovation and shared cultural heritage, the Shared Horizons Project has demonstrated that bridges are more than physical structures – they are enduring symbols of connection, reconciliation and a shared future for the Western Balkans.

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November is the month of the Mediterranean, and the best city to reflect the Euro-Mediterranean is the one where an important engagement was taken, Barcelona.

To celebrate the 30 years from the launch of the Barcelona process, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership launched to foster dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Southern Mediterranean countries. Its main goals were to create a common area of peace, stability, and shared prosperity through three main pillars: political dialogue, economic cooperation (including a free-trade area), and human and cultural exchange. This process set the basis for the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean, the intergovernmental organisation bringing together 43 countries of the region, as well as the Anna Lindh Foundation, focusing on intercultural dialogue.

In this frame, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the European Institute for the Mediterranean (IEMed), MedCities as well as the city, metropolitan area and province of Barcelona and the Catalan region have co-organised two parallel events: the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society Conference and the Conference of Mediterranean cities. By bringing together civil society actors and local authorities from the region, the goal was to share inputs on the imminent implementation of the recently adopted Pact for the Mediterranean by the European Union (DG MENA) and reflect on the past 30 years of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Many points were raised, but the representatives of CSOs at the Conference mostly asked for further means to combat polarisation in the region, greater trust-building between CSOs and institutions as well as the possibility to closely follow the implementation of the Pact for a positive impact on our communities.

As ALDA, through the representation of Giulia Sostero – Coordinator of the ASWAT (Africa, SouthWest Asia and Turkey) Department, we could actively contribute to both events by bringing the voice of our members, some of which were also present: above all, Diputació de Barcelona as co-organiser. Through the working group on People to People and with a discussant intervention in the panel “First responders – The frontline position of Local Authorities in regional challenges”, Giulia could underline how more joint spaces are needed for Local Authorities and Civil Society actors to work together. Sharing similar motivation to be involved in the implementation of the Pact, trust between these actors needs to be reinforced in order to react jointly to the region’s current crises. Co-creation and participation can no longer be considered a plus, but became a real need in view of effective policy-making. Moreover, we underlined the importance of a human-rights based approach to migration, and the mainstreaming of youth active participation. 

You can find here the livestream of Giulia’s intervention.

What’s next? Both conferences will publish reports and the takeaways will be included in the Pact’s Action Plan, now under development and expected to be published in early 2026. Keep following our channels as well as UfM and IEMed for more information. As ALDA, covering also the role of co-Heads of the French network of the Anna Lindh Foundation, we will keep making sure that the voices and perspectives of our members are heard and taken into account.

READ THE DECLARATION AND THE CALL TO ACTION

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On December 2, 3 and 4, ALDA successfully held its annual Membership Days, a three-day online event dedicated to strengthening dialogue within the network, sharing updates, and exploring opportunities for collaboration. This year’s edition was highly participated, with members from across Europe and beyond joining the discussions and actively contributing to the exchange.

Over the course of three afternoons, participants engaged with ALDA’s team, guest speakers, and fellow members through thematic sessions designed to inform, inspire, and reinforce the value of belonging to the ALDA community.

Day 1 – Comeback Day: looking back and moving forward

The opening session on 2 December featured a warm welcome from Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, who introduced the main achievements of 2025 and reflected on the organisation’s ongoing commitment to local democracy, community engagement and citizen participation.

Members were invited to share feedback, ideas and expectations for the year ahead, creating a constructive space for dialogue and collective reflection. The session highlighted once again the crucial role of ALDA’s network in shaping strategic priorities and strengthening the impact of its actions.

Day 2 – Benefits of being an ALDA Member: regranting scheme in focus

On 3 December, the spotlight turned to the Regranting Scheme, one of the key benefits available to ALDA members. Several beneficiaries took the floor to present their initiatives and share their experience:

  • Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
  • Associazione Luciano Lama
  • Studio Progetto
  • KASA PT

Their contributions illustrated how the scheme supports grassroots action, fosters cross-border cooperation and amplifies local impact. Participants expressed strong interest in future calls and in the opportunity to learn from one another’s project approaches.

Day 3 – Local realities and the European Global Gateway

The final session on 4 December explored the role of local actors within the European Global Gateway, offering a broader political and strategic perspective.
Three distinguished speakers joined the discussion:

  • Jaimie Just, Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser, CONCORD
  • Boris Tonhauser, Director, PLATFORMA
  • Octavi de la Varga Mas, Strategic International Projects Advisor, Diputació de Barcelona

Their interventions shed light on global dynamics, EU priorities and the vital contribution of local authorities and civil society organisations to international cooperation frameworks. The session sparked a rich exchange among participants, highlighting the importance of multi-level collaboration.

A strengthened community moving into 2026

This year’s Membership Days once again demonstrated the value of ALDA’s vibrant and diverse network. The active participation, quality of contributions and openness to dialogue all contributed to making the event a meaningful moment of connection and shared learning.

ALDA warmly thanks all members and speakers for their engagement and looks forward to continuing this journey together throughout 2026, supporting local democracy, empowering communities and building effective partnerships across Europe and beyond.

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26 November 2025 – Kraków, Poland

Kraków has become one of the most significant centres for Belarusian exiles in Poland — a place where cultural identity, democratic engagement, and community resilience intersect. Building on earlier consultations held in Wrocław and Vilnius, ALDA — the European Association for Local Democracy — together with Prastora Krakow and the College of Eastern Europe (KEW), and with support from the German Marshall Fund, convened a dedicated dialogue on 26 November to deepen cooperation between Belarusian civic actors and local authorities. The meeting also served to advance the development of the emerging Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Belarus in Exile initiative.

As part of ALDA’s broader needs-assessment process, the Kraków meeting enabled exiled Belarusians to articulate their priorities and challenges while shaping the direction of the future LDA. This consultation reaffirmed what previous meetings had already indicated: that Belarusian civil society in exile is vibrant, motivated, and strongly committed to the preservation of Belarusian culture and its democratic engagement, yet faces significant structural challenges, including:

  • Integration barriers, fuelled at times by misinformation, discrimination, and insufficient knowledge of available municipal programmes. 
  • Lack of dedicated community spaces for cultural, educational, and civic activities; 
  • Administrative and legal hurdles, including complex residence procedures, banking restrictions, and limited access to legal assistance; 

Strengthening cooperation between exiled Belarusian communities and local institutions is essential to fostering inclusive governance and democratic resilience

Despite these challenges, participants emphasised strong cooperation with other migrant communities — particularly Ukrainian and Georgian — and expressed a strong desire to engage more actively in Kraków’s cultural and civic life.

When discussing the integration of migrant communities in Poland, invited migration and integration experts emphasised the need for clearer communication about available services, stronger anti-discrimination measures, and greater engagement from the “welcoming community” to ensure that integration is genuinely reciprocal.

In this context, it is worth highlighting the Open Kraków Programme, through which the city aims to foster long-term inclusion by improving access to services, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and creating spaces for community participation. Planned measures include enhanced staff training on administrative procedures and the creation of new dedicated spaces for social and cultural activities.

Additionally, as presented by Artur Buszek, a representative of the Mayor of Kraków, the city’s participatory tools — such as the citizens’ budget, citizens’ panels, and local civic initiatives — offer important opportunities for Belarusian residents to influence local decision-making and contribute meaningfully to public life.

Moving forward, the meeting confirmed both the necessity and strong local demand for the continuation of the LDA Belarus in Exile initiative. While its establishment will require time and continued coordination, the foundation is clear: the LDA should serve as a bridge between exiled Belarusian communities and local institutions, promoting inclusive governance, civic empowerment, and cross-border democratic engagement.

ALDA will continue facilitating these dialogues and working closely with Belarusian civic networks and local partners as the LDA Belarus in Exile takes shape — strengthening democratic resilience and fostering community-driven cooperation across borders.

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During the 10th edition of the European Migration Forum (EMF), held on 27–28 November 2025, ALDA is proud to announce that Mohammed Mustafa, Migration Hub & Flagship Coordinator, has been elected as an EU-level representative to the EMF Bureau.

This election marks an important milestone for both Mohammed and ALDA. It is a recognition of his ongoing dedication to promoting inclusive policies, participatory approaches and locally grounded solutions in the field of migration and integration. At the same time, it reinforces ALDA’s longstanding commitment to strengthening civil society’s voice at EU level.

A Stronger Role for Local Democracy in European Migration Dialogue

Through his work coordinating ALDA’s Migration Hub and Flagship, Mohammed collaborates with a broad network of stakeholders: local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant-led initiatives and community-based practitioners. His presence within the EMF Bureau will allow ALDA to deepen engagement with these diverse actors and bring their experiences into the discussions shaping European migration, asylum and integration policies.

The EMF Bureau plays an essential role in guiding and supporting the preparation of the Forum, ensuring that its priorities, themes and outcomes reflect the realities and needs of people and communities across Europe.

Moderating a Key Discussion on Civic Participation

As part of the Forum programme, Mohammed also moderated the session “The Floor is Yours: Topic 5”, dedicated to strengthening meaningful civic participation.
The discussion focused on two key transitions essential for a more democratic and inclusive future:

  • Moving from tokenism to active engagement, where people affected by policies have genuine influence;
  • Moving from consultation to co-creation, particularly in the work of civil society organisations.

This reflects ALDA’s core mission: promoting democracy not only as a concept, but as a daily practice built with people, communities and local actors.

A Shared Achievement for the ALDA Network

Mohammed’s election is not only a personal success; it is an achievement shared by the entire ALDA community. The support of ALDA’s members, colleagues and partners has been fundamental in shaping the Migration Hub and creating a space where collaboration, participation and innovation thrive.

ALDA looks forward to contributing even more actively to the Forum’s work through Mohammed’s new role, and to advancing migration policies that are more human, more inclusive and more rooted in local realities.

Learn More

To discover the objectives and activities of ALDA’s Migration Hub & Flagship, visit our dedicated page and explore how we support locally driven, community-based approaches to migration and inclusion across Europe.

The European Migration Forum is co-organised by the European Commission (DG HOME) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

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Post-Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 Forum Takes Place in Lviv: “Capitalisation and the Way Forward: Decentralisation and Local Governance at the Centre of Ukraine’s Reconstruction”

We must ensure that all the good ideas of URC2025 do not remain merely empty conversations — this sentiment resonated throughout the plenary sessions of the Post-Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 Forum, “Capitalisation and the Way Forward: Decentralisation and Local Governance at the Centre of Ukraine’s Reconstruction.”

It emerged as a guiding motto for the entire event, co-organised by ALDA and the Central European Initiative (CEI), with the support of U-LEAD with Europe and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, reflecting a shared commitment to turning dialogue into concrete action for Ukraine’s recovery.

The two-day event, held on 26–27 November in Lviv (Ukraine), combined several formats. High-level plenary sessions, governance laboratories, and a flexible networking platform created a truly dynamic space for cooperation.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome, participants at the Lviv Forum sought practical solutions to ensure Ukraine’s reconstruction is led by, and carried out in the interests of, local communities. This was also confirmed by Oleksii Riabikin, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

“Every platform, including this one under the aegis of ALDA, envisages the signing of memoranda and new partnerships. This process is long-term and ongoing. It is important for our communities and regions to deepen cooperation with European municipalities and regions as much as possible. European integration also happens through such partnerships, through communication, and through the exchange of experience and knowledge. This is how we better understand how a modern, civilised Europe functions” – emphasised Deputy Minister Riabikin.

Oleksii Riabikin was among the speakers at the opening plenary, which took place inside a historical venue — the Lviv City Hall. The session gathered:

Yurii Mushka, Deputy Secretary General, Central European Initiative; Thibaut Guignard, Member of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Ukraine, Member of the ALDA Governing Board, Mayor of Ploeuc I’Hermitage & President of LEADER France; Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of URAROR and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council; Andriy Moskalenko, First Deputy Mayor of Lviv; Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, ALDA Governing Board Member & Representative of the Association of Ukrainian Cities; Asier Santillán Luzuriaga, Head of Section – European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society, EU Delegation to Ukraine; Kessler Ryszard, Deputy Mayor of Wrocław (Poland); Mykhailina Skoryk-Shkarivska, Head of the Institute for Sustainable Community Development.

Across the remaining plenary sessions over the two-day Forum, many other distinguished speakers and experts joined the discussions, including: Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR; Natalia Hokina, Expert at the Association of Ukrainian Cities, responsible for international cooperation; Ljubica Kosheliuk, U-LEAD with Europe; Davide La Cecilia, Italian Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, URC2025 Coordinator; Tarschys Ingre Amelie, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Rapporteur on Ukraine’s Reconstruction; Christian Debève, Councillor of the Region Grand Est, President of the International Relations Commission, First Vice President of the Assembly of European Regions (ARE), Member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. As well as dozens of other prominent European guests and representatives of Ukrainian local communities.

Some joined in person, others online — but what mattered most was that Lviv united them all.

Lviv as a hub for European initiatives

Hosting the Forum in the cultural capital of the Halychyna region was intended to strengthen direct cooperation between Ukrainian communities, European local authorities and to bring distinguished European guests closer to the representatives of Ukraine’s local democracies.

Lviv today is undoubtedly a major humanitarian and administrative hub. Andriy Moskalenko, First Deputy Mayor of Lviv, shared that the city currently hosts 1,050,000 residents, including 200,000 internally displaced people who fled the war.

“There are no borders between our cities today — we stand united as one strong Ukraine, defending not only Ukrainian values, but global and European values: the values of democracy,” — said Moskalenko.

Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and moderator of the opening session, invited the audience to observe a minute of silence in memory of those killed as a result of russian aggression, now a mandatory part of public events in Ukraine.

Reconstruction cannot  wait

The war featured in every speech. Yurii Mushka, Deputy Secretary General of CEI, reminded participants that reconstruction efforts must not be postponed:

“This is already the eleventh year of Russian aggression, not four. Decentralisation accelerates and increases the effectiveness of reconstruction measures because more powers are held at the local level — meaning local self-government can respond more efficiently.”

Not for Ukraine, but with Ukraine

Speakers repeatedly stressed that the frontline is not just Ukraine’s problem, it is a matter of European security. What matters most is cooperation, listening to the concrete needs of communities, and working alongside them.

Maurizio Camin, Representative of the Trentino Council for the Balkans and ALDA Vice President, underlined the importance of local democratic initiatives:

“It would be very appropriate to develop cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian municipalities. It would also be extremely valuable to further expand our Local Democracy Agencies, which contribute greatly to this work. They are not only our antennas helping Europe understand what is happening, but also key actors of local development.”

Ukrainian regional representatives share this view. Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of URAROR, stressed:

“I would insist that ALDA’s network in Ukraine must expand. Strengthening local self-government and decentralisation is, in my view, where true European democracy begins.”

European partners consistently emphasised: they do not work for Ukraine, but with Ukraine.

According to Antonella Valmorbida, effective cooperation rests on three pillars. Partnerships – establishing cooperation agreements between Ukrainian and international municipalities and communities. Joint projects – supporting Ukrainian communities in applying for and implementing grant-funded initiatives. People-to-people relations – fostering genuine long-term connections between individuals.

Looking ahead – road to URC2026

“Do you hear that sound? Right now, new partnerships and initiatives for the next URC are being prepared,” — joked Deputy Minister Oleksii Riabikin as he opened his speech. Anticipation of next year’s event — and the desire to make the most of the previous one — was a shared theme among speakers and participants.

“Before the next conference in July in Rome, it is vital to develop strategies for Ukraine’s future. Many ALDA representatives are here today, they support Ukraine and genuinely stand with it. This is our common path and our shared partnership,” — noted Antonella Valmorbida.

Beyond speeches and presentations, the Forum programme included two full days of group work.

Participants reviewed the effectiveness of URC2025 in Rome, identified its main outcomes, highlighted operational mechanisms already in place, and developed key questions for URC2026.

The result: a set of practical guidelines and priority issues for the next conference cycle.

This means the upcoming URC will be even more impactful, both for Ukraine and for a free Europe.

Lviv Forum – Day 1
Lviv Forum – Day 2

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AT A GLANCE

The project YCAN (Youth Climate Action Network) addresses the fact that climate change requires urgent action, as it remains a global crisis with particularly severe consequences for vulnerable communities.

Young people worldwide have emerged as passionate advocates for climate action, demonstrating their commitment through activism and awareness efforts. Yet, despite their enthusiasm and drive, they often face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, knowledge, and networks essential for creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.

The project aims to empower youth in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering collaboration, providing education, and implementing community-driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Through mobility programs, training sessions, and collaborative activities, the project will help youth organizations build their capacity to address in their local context. It will also provide opportunities for international knowledge sharing, where organizations can learn from each other and adopt new ideas.

For young people, the project aims to create a community where they can learn, collaborate, and develop solutions for climate resilience. It will foster participation, facilitate collaborative channels, and provide opportunities to engage in international mobility initiatives.

OBJECTIVES

  • Empower youth in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering collaboration, providing education, and implementing community-driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change
  • Help youth organizations build their capacity to address in their local context
  • Provide opportunities for international knowledge sharing, where organizations can learn from each other and adopt new ideas. create a community where they can learn, collaborate, and develop solutions for climate resilience
  • Foster participation, facilitate collaborative channels, and provide opportunities to engage in international mobility initiatives.

Associates:

  • Jovenes y desarrollo
  • Ecolotrip
  • YES FORUM EWIV – youth and european social work forum
  • Don bosco tech africa

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On 18–19 November 2025, ALDA organised a two-day workshop in Rome within the framework of the AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholder for Migrants Integration and Labour – project.

AMIL aims to advance the sustainable inclusion of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in the labour market by expanding and reinforcing the MEIC (Migrants Economic Integration Cluster) model. It promotes coordinated action among local socio-economic actors. As a result, migrant people benefit from increased employability and improved socio-economic integration.

The workshop also contributed to the development of the AMIL Community of Interest (CoI) — a European network coordinated by ALDA that brings together local authorities, NGOs, employers, training providers and migrant-led organisations. The CoI promotes shared learning, strengthens cooperation, and supports the scaling of MEIC practices across Europe.

Following opening presentations from ALDA and CIES – Center for Information and Development Education, including an introduction to the MEIC methodology by Marjan Schalchian, participants engaged in five thematic sessions. Lapo Vannini (CIES Onlus) led an experiential session on language learning and the recognition of skills, emphasising the importance of trust-building and expressive pedagogy. Raisa Labaran (Brescia Municipality) explored welfare and healthcare access through practical exercises and a case study, shedding light on administrative barriers.

In the session on hostile attitude and discrimination, Samar Zughool (Povod Institute) involved participants in activities addressing interpersonal, structural, institutional and indirect discrimination.

Day two continued with Nick van der Steenhoven (Boat Refugee Foundation), who guided participants through the development of advocacy strategies. Pilar Ripollés (Asociación Mundus) followed presenting a successful practice involving textile-sector social enterprises that empower migrant women.

The workshop reinforced the MEIC model’s value and strengthened collaboration within the CoI network, enabling more effective and inclusive approaches to labour market integration across Europe.

✨ Don’t miss upcoming activities and opportunities to engage!
Join the AMIL Community of Interest !

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Within the STAR project, from 12 to 14th of November Youth workers from all across Europe recently came together hosted by Comune di Reggio Emilia  for a 3-day local training dedicated to exploring street art as a tool for social inclusion with young people. Blending hands-on activities with spray cans, dialogue with artists, working groups, and visits to local initiatives and street art intervention, the participants had the opportunity to discover how creativity can support meaningful engagement with young people.

Among the group, the delegation involved by ALDA was composed of two youth workers coming from the Zhytomyr city council and department of culture, representing the House of Ukrainian Culture and Borys Lyatoshynskyi Music School, several music schools, and other local cultural projects. Their experience illustrated how art and community engagement are fundamental during these hard times and also an extraordinary tool to involve internally displaced Ukrainians and youth. 

Feedback on the STAR 2.0 Online course: Strengthening Tools and Approaches

A dedicated moment of the programme focused on feedback and reflection, giving participants the space to discuss the online training materials, share challenges from their local realities, and propose improvements. Many highlighted the value of practical examples and the need for adaptable activities that fit diverse cultural and social contexts.

Learning From Artists and Local Creative Spaces in Reggio Emilia

One of the most inspiring moments was a conversation with Andrea Scazza, Chemis and Psiko Planet who despite coming from different backgrounds shared their experiences engaging communities and youth through street art workshops and interventions. 

Their perspectives shed a light on how artistic expression can activate public spaces, build trust, and invite young people to take ownership of their environment.

The training also included on-field examples through visits to several creative and educational landmarks. At Ex Officine Reggiane participants saw how abandoned industrial spaces can be transformed through cultural engagement. Re Mida showcased how recycled materials can spark creativity and environmental awareness, while Casa Gioia demonstrated the role of art in supporting inclusion. Lastly, the mural painted in Casa Manfredi, an historical landmark for Reggio Emilia’s resistance against fascism, was also a great example on how street art can bring back memories and make sure that these stories are not forgotten but passed on to younger generations!

From Inspiration to Action

Shared experiences, including a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano production site, added cultural depth and strengthened connections among participants. 

The training closed with a forward-looking reflection, where youth workers began shaping their own pilot workshops with young people. They discussed goals, methodologies, and the importance of fostering safe, inclusive spaces where creativity can thrive. Many left with energy, motivation and concrete ideas for using street art to amplify youth voices and make sure no one is left behind! 

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As ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – and MAD – Mekanda Adalet Derneği, with the support of the Mercator Foundation, prepare the new edition of THE:PLACE, we take a moment to look back at the achievements of the programme’s first cycle and celebrate the work of the community organisations that shaped it.

Over the past year, 18 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), paired into nine Turkish–European partnerships, implemented meaningful initiatives that connected local priorities across borders. Their work reflects the core mission of THE:PLACE: empowering CSOs and Local Authorities (LAs) to play a central role in local development through capacity-building, peer learning, and collaborative project design.

A Programme Built on Partnership

Following a rigorous pre-selection and matchmaking phase, each CSO found a partner whose expertise and community needs aligned with their own. Together, these pairs co-designed projects rooted in the realities of their respective territories—whether in Turkey or in EU Member States.

Supported by their Local Authorities, each partnership spent a full year implementing activities, strengthening organisational capacities, and visiting each other to exchange methods, test tools, and co-organise events. This hands-on approach enabled teams to explore shared challenges and devise context-sensitive solutions.

Themes That Moved Communities

Despite working in varied social, economic, and political settings, the nine partnerships converged on themes that are increasingly critical across Europe and its neighbourhood:

  • Responsible production and the impact of fast fashion
  • Cultural accessibility and inclusive urban spaces
  • Strengthening migrant and refugee communities
  • Youth participation and local civic engagement
  • Sustainable community development
  • Social cohesion and shared local challenges

Their initiatives demonstrate how local actors—when enabled to collaborate—can identify overlapping issues and design innovative responses.

Cross-Roads, Exchanges, and a Celebratory Conclusion

Midway through the programme, a cross-roads event brought together both cohorts of THE:PLACE, creating space for the two editions to learn from one another. New connections emerged, and participants built a broader network of peers committed to locally driven development.

The programme concluded in Kosovo, where partners gathered to reflect on their achievements, discuss lessons learned, and celebrate the values that have guided their journey: cooperation, community ownership, and local democracy.

Discover Their Stories

To share these experiences more widely, MAD collaborated with Postane Productions to create a series of animated videos featuring each partnership’s journey, challenges, and achievements.

Watch the stories on MAD’s Instagram page: the collection is available HERE, with the first video starting HERE.

These videos not only highlight the power of collaborative local action, but also give visibility to the voices and ideas of the organisations that made this first edition of THE:PLACE truly impactful.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned: the second edition of THE:PLACE will be launched in the first half of 2026.
With new CSOs, new partnerships, and fresh opportunities for cross-border collaboration, the next cycle promises to build on the strong foundation laid by this first generation of changemakers.

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From 4 to 6 November 2025, ALDA took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona, the world’s leading event dedicated to urban innovation and the transformation of cities through technology, sustainability, and inclusion.
Guided by the inspiring manifesto of the Century of Cities, the 2025 edition of the Expo celebrated the growing potential of cities to become living ecosystems of innovation, participation, and cooperation. The event brought together thousands of urban leaders, international pioneers, researchers, passionate innovators, and civil society actors, united by a shared vision: to craft our urban legacy and to make cities more connected, sustainable, and human-centered. Representing ALDA at the event were Rebecca Marconi (Project Manager) and Eleonora Ambrosi (Project Developer).

Smart & Green Cities for All: presenting the MICAD Horizon Europe Project

During the event Smart & Green Cities for All: The MICAD Vision, ALDA participated in the presentation of the Horizon Europe project MICAD – Metropolitan Inclusivity in Climate and Digital Transitions, of which it is a proud consortium partner. The MICAD consortium brings together experts in urban planning, green and digital transitions, participatory processes, and living lab methodologies, including metropolitan authorities, universities, research institutes, and innovation networks.
The session aimed to introduce MICAD to a group of potential stakeholders by offering an overview of the project’s goals, methodologies, and phases, with a particular focus on its capacity to support inclusive metropolitan planning for climate and digital transitions. It was an excellent opportunity also to gather insights and recommendations, and explore new potential collaborations to further refine and strengthen the project.
During the session, Rebecca Marconi presented the project’s exploitable results, together with the strategy for scaling their impact and defining clear exploitation pathways. As the strategic partner responsible for ensuring the sustainability and replicability of MICAD’s outcomes, ALDA plays a key role in guiding how results can be adopted by policymakers. This includes dedicated advocacy actions planned across the five metropolitan areas involved in the project (Metropolitan City of Milan, Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, GZM Metropolis, Municipality of Tirana, and Chisinau City Hall).

Strengthening Partnerships and Expanding ALDA’s Urban Innovation Network

Throughout the Congress, ALDA engaged in networking activities with city representatives, innovation networks, members of the ALDA community or partners in many joint actions, like DIBA and ICLEI, and new potential partners by exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the fields of urban governance, participation, and democratic resilience.

The Expo was a catalyst for this urban historic transformation and represented a valuable occasion to showcase ALDA’s commitment to supporting local and metropolitan authorities in making transitions that are not only smart, but also inclusive, democratic, and community-driven. As cities continue to lead the way towards a sustainable future, ALDA stands ready to accompany them in meeting global challenges, fostering participation, strengthening local democracy, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the Century of Cities.