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In a world where democracy, freedom, and human rights are constantly under scrutiny, organisations like ALDA play a crucial role in promoting democratic values. Mayor Ms. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz of Gdańsk (ALDA Member), who also chairs the CoR Working Group for Ukraine, recently emphasised the significance of such organisations during the 12th CORLEAP Annual Meeting held in Batumi, Georgia, on September 7, 2023.

Les propos du maire Dulkiewicz ont souligné l'importance des partenaires non gouvernementaux, des organisations et des associations qui orientent leurs efforts démocratiques vers les pays du Partenariat oriental (PEA). Parmi ces champions de la démocratie, l'ALDA se distingue, notamment par son concept innovant d'Agences de la démocratie locale (ADL), qu'elle met en œuvre dans les pays du Partenariat oriental.

One LDAs’ exemplary success story, according to Mrs. Aleksandra, is that of LDA Mariupol. Despite Russia’s seizure of this city, consistent international support has enabled it to continue functioning, thanks to the hospitality of other cities in Ukraine. 

Cette remarquable résilience témoigne de l'engagement inébranlable d'organisations telles que l'ALDA à promouvoir la démocratie et la bonne gouvernance dans des environnements difficiles

ALDA’s dedication to supporting Ukraine and its people has been steadfast since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. In July 2023, the ALDA team convened in Brussels to meet with a delegation from the Ukrainian Parliament, supported by the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR). This meeting presented a valuable opportunity to introduce ALDA’s flagship initiative in Ukraine to Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, ministry representatives, and national associations of cities. Read more about this event here.

L'engagement de l'ALDA est aligné sur les valeurs fondamentales sur lesquelles l'Union européenne a été fondée, notamment la dignité humaine, la liberté, la démocratie et le respect des droits de l'homme. Dans la lutte que mène actuellement l'Ukraine pour récupérer sa terre, sa liberté et sa démocratie, l'ALDA se présente comme un phare de soutien, veillant à ce que ces valeurs partagées restent au premier plan.

Dans un monde où la démocratie est continuellement mise à l'épreuve, le rôle de l'ALDA dans le renforcement de la démocratie au niveau local est un témoignage de l'esprit durable de coopération et de solidarité. La reconnaissance par le maire Aleksandra Dulkiewicz de la contribution de l'ALDA souligne le rôle inestimable de l'organisation dans la promotion de la démocratie, de la participation des citoyens et du retour à une Ukraine libre et pacifique.

Alors que nous réfléchissons à ces efforts à l'approche de la Journée de l'Europe, il est essentiel de reconnaître et de célébrer ceux qui défendent inlassablement les valeurs qui sous-tendent notre humanité commune. 

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Chez ALDA, nous sommes profondément affligés par les récentes inondations catastrophiques qui ont frappé la Libye. Nous sommes de tout cœur avec le peuple libyen qui traverse cette période difficile et nous tenons à exprimer nos sincères condoléances aux personnes touchées par cette catastrophe naturelle.

En temps de crise, il est essentiel que nous nous rassemblions en tant que communauté mondiale pour nous soutenir mutuellement

In addition to the tragic flood in Libya, we are also mindful of the earthquake that recently shook Morocco. We’ve previously shared information on how you can extend your assistance and support to those impacted by this earthquake, and we continue to encourage everyone to contribute to these relief efforts.

Qu’il s’agisse de la Libye, du Maroc ou de toute autre région confrontée à des catastrophes naturelles, la compassion et la générosité des individus et des organisations font une différence significative pour aider les communautés à reconstruire et à se rétablir.

If you wish to contribute to relief efforts in Libya or Morocco or stay updated on ways to help, stay updated on our website or social channels, where we provide information on various initiatives and organisations working to provide aid to those in need. 

ALDA reste déterminée à fournir un soutien et des ressources en ces temps difficiles, et nous nous tenons aux côtés des communautés touchées alors qu’elles travaillent à leur rétablissement et à leur résilience. Ensemble, nous pouvons avoir un impact positif et aider ces régions à se reconstruire plus fortes que jamais.

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The WYDE Civic Engagement project (Women and Youth in Democracy initiative Civic Engagement) is generously funded by the European Union, with the primary aim of enhancing the emancipation, empowerment, and inclusion of young individuals at all levels of democratic participation: national, regional, and global. The project warmly welcomes participation from all African countries, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

The First Phase of the call for proposals, spearheaded by ALDA and in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), Elbarlament, and People In Need (PIN), commenced on April 3, 2023, and concluded on August 15, 2023. In this initial phase, we received a remarkable 780 applications from 38 different countries. After a preliminary assessment of administrative eligibility criteria, over 466 projects have been pre-selected and are presently undergoing thorough evaluation.The evaluation process adheres to a comprehensive criteria grid, which takes into account the proposal’s relevance concerning the objectives and priorities of the call, its alignment with the specific needs and constraints of the target country(ies) or region(s), the criteria for selecting final beneficiaries and target groups, the value-added elements of the proposal, as well as the coherence of proposed activities with respect to the budget and the proposed timeline, while also emphasising the integration of principles rooted in human rights.

La publication des résultats de cette première évaluation est prévue pour la dernière semaine de septembre

The top 80 projects will proceed to the next stage, involving a double evaluation in collaboration with our partners. Ultimately, the finest projects will be selected for support and financing within the project’s framework. In total, 12 projects will be granted in this first phase of the call for proposals, distributed as 6 projects for Lot 1, 4 projects for Lot 2, and 2 projects for Lot 3, with a total budget allocation of €200,000.

However, the opportunity to apply is far from over. The second phase of the call for proposals is currently open and will run until mid-April 2024 . To date, we have received over a hundred applications, with more than 20 projects meeting the administrative eligibility criteria. For those interested in learning more, we will be hosting an information session on 18 October at 12:00 PM CET in English and at 2:00 PM CET in French. Please find the registration links and meeting details below.

• 18 October at 12am CET time in English. 

           Lien d'inscription et réunion ici .

• 18 October at 2pm CET Time in French: 

           Lien d'inscription et réunion ici .

Nous attendons avec impatience de recevoir vos candidatures !

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during the spring of 2020, the Cultural Creative Sector (CCS) has been one of the hardest-hit industries. The increasing significance of entrepreneurship within the arts and culture sector is intricately linked to the rise of creative industries. In a society that does not promote cultural expression, young artists grapple with a dearth of opportunities in the job market, exacerbated by insufficient investments in their specific field. Emerging artists also function as entrepreneurs, et lacking essential skills in certain critical areas, they may face difficulties in establishing their own enterprises or pursuits and sustaining themselves. ALDA recognizes that nurturing independence in young individuals within the cultural and artistic sphere not only unlocks their potential but also aligns perfectly with its mission to empower youth by giving them the tools to shape their own future through creativity and self-determination.

The Erasmus+ project “Create Up” has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector

Les Erasmus+ project, Create Up has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector while simultaneously furnishing effective strategies for enhancing relevant, high-caliber skills and competencies. 

Within this context, a comprehensive and in-depth research effort was undertaken to comprehend the specific competencies that individuals require to achieve success in their respective fields. 

Les research hypothesis posited is as follows: “Aspiring artistic entrepreneurs encounter significant challenges in establishing themselves within their chosen artistic domain. The overarching thesis that the project seeks to substantiate and subsequently elaborate upon is as follows: The enhancement of essential competencies plays a pivotal role in increasing the likelihood of individuals becoming successful entrepreneurs and converting their creative abilities into sustainable careers”.

The project initiates its analysis by focusing on the EntreComp (european ENTREpreneurship COMPetence framework), which has been introduced by the Commission européenne. EntreComp offers a thorough representation of knowledge, abilities, and mindsets needed for individuals to exhibit entrepreneurship and generate economic, cultural, or social value for others. Within this analytical framework, Create Up’s primary aim is to identify the key competencies that hold the utmost importance and are particularly pertinent to the specific target group of creative adults.

The primary research within the Create Up project aims to uncover:

• The requirements and demands of creative adults.
• The educational programs they have previously undergone.
• The challenges they encountered during their educational background.

Les results of this study can be seen in the two important tools that were used: questionnaire survey and focus group interviews.

1. Les survey of creative adult entrepreneurs involved 122 young artists/entrepreneurs with different but similar backgrounds across six countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey. Regarding competencies based on the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, participants were asked to assess their strengths.
2. In the next phase of the primary research, 76 participants, primarily creative adults, were interviewed by project partners. These entrepreneurs were questioned about their careers, how they initiated their own businesses, and their level of success. The interviews primarily focused on entrepreneurial skills, encompassing their experience with EntreComp competencies and the significance of adopting a comprehensive strategy for building a progressive career. Respondents unanimously believed that creativity is innate and adequately nurtured in academies. Most respondents perceived a lack of understanding in financial, economic, and legal matters. Project management skills and communication skills were also identified as valuable for planning and organizing work effectively.

Les results from this analysis lead the Create Up project to demonstrate the thesis that creative adults are struggling with becoming entrepreneurs, and in this scenario six competences were isolated within the EntreComp framework and selected as the most wanted in the entrepreneurial skills framework: spotting opportunities, financial literacy, mobilizing resources, coping with ambiguity and risk, vision, working with others.

As we join the global commemoration of Democracy Day, we find ourselves in thoughtful reflection upon the enduring values and principles that underpin the democratic systems we hold dear. Democracy, with its rich history and ongoing evolution, stands as a cornerstone of societies worldwide, transcending mere governance to become a testament to the power of collective voices, equality, and civic participation.

This year, in collaboration with our esteemed partners at Brulocalis, we proudly present a quiz that delves deep into the essence of democracy. Brulocalis, a non-profit organisation created and managed by local authorities in the Brussels-Capital Region, has been a steadfast advocate for democracy, tirelessly working to support and promote its ideals.

In our shared commitment to fostering democratic principles, we’ve crafted a quiz that not only tests your knowledge but also encourages a profound exploration of the democratic values that bind us all.

Take the quiz by clicking here!

Accessing the Answers: We understand that the quest for knowledge doesn’t end with the questions. To provide you with the answers, we will share them through our social media channels Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) et par Instagram. Additionally, if you wish to receive the answers directly to your inbox, simply leave your email address at the end of the quiz, and we’ll ensure you get the inside scoop.

As you embark on this enlightening journey, you’ll encounter ten thought-provoking questions, each designed to challenge your understanding of democracy. Beyond the quiz, we will provide comprehensive explanations for each question, shedding light on the historical context and contemporary relevance of the topics explored.

Join us in celebrating Democracy Day by embracing the spirit of inquiry and the principles that underpin open, inclusive, and democratic societies. As you explore this quiz, we encourage you to share your insights, thoughts, and quiz scores with your network, contributing to a meaningful discourse on democracy that extends beyond this article.

Happy International Day of Democracy 2023!

In her 2023 Debate on the State of the Union 2023 (#SOTEU), the President of the European Commission, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen outlined a compelling vision for Europe’s future, emphasising the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the European Union. As we eagerly approach the upcoming elections, the message resonates deeply with millions of first-time voters who are preparing to cast their ballots.

Le point de vue des jeunes

Parmi ceux qui se préparent à voter, on compte des millions de jeunes Européens nés au lendemain de la crise financière de 2008. Alors qu'ils se rendent aux urnes, ils réfléchissent aux questions urgentes qui leur tiennent le plus à cœur : les conflits aux frontières de l'Europe, l'impact dévastateur du changement climatique, les implications de l'intelligence artificielle et leurs perspectives en matière de logement et d'emploi.

The European Union, as President von der Leyen highlighted, has always been a beacon of hope and progress, built on the idea that nations, democracies, and people can unite to create a better future. This same vision of a brighter future is shared by the youth of today, who are determined to confront the uncertainties of the world. They believe, as their predecessors did after World War II, that Europe must once again answer the call of history.

Pour concrétiser cette vision, la présidente Von der Leyen a souligné l'importance de gagner la confiance des Européens et de répondre à leurs aspirations et à leurs préoccupations. Au cours des 300 jours à venir, l'UE s'engagera dans un ambitieux processus de transformation, dans lequel le Parlement européen jouera un rôle central.

Le changement climatique

The European Green Deal, at the heart of this transformation, stands as a testament to Europe’s commitment to environmental sustainability. President von der Leyen recognised the critical role of industry in the European Green Deal. ALDA aligns with this vision by supporting local initiatives that promote green and sustainable practices, ensuring a just transition for all. ALDA’s Environment & Climate (E&C) Themartic Hub has been actively engaged in supporting the Green Deal’s objectives, facilitating local democracy and citizen participation in green initiatives.

Autonomisation des femmes et promotion de l'égalité entre les hommes et les femmes

Un autre aspect crucial des progrès de l'UE souligné par la Présidente Von der Leyen est son travail novateur sur l'égalité des sexes, mentionnant la directive sur les femmes dans les conseils d'administration et l'adhésion historique de l'UE à la Convention d'Istanbul. Le Hub thématique de l'ALDA sur le genre, l'inclusion et les droits de l'homme pour les droits des femmes s'aligne sur l'engagement de l'UE à garantir un salaire égal pour un travail égal et à lutter contre la violence à l'égard des femmes.

Le soutien du Parlement aux propositions visant à lutter contre la violence à l'égard des femmes, y compris le principe selon lequel "non veut dire non", reflète la volonté de promouvoir une véritable égalité.

Lors de l'État de l'Union 2023, la présidente Von der Leyen a souligné la force d'une Europe audacieuse et unie

Throughout the speech, President von der Leyen also emphasized the power of a bold and united Europe . Despite facing challenges such as a global pandemic and conflicts at Europe’s doorstep, the EU has made remarkable strides. Key achievements include the historic Next Generation EU investment and reform package, efforts to strengthen the health union, and initiatives to enhance European independence in critical sectors.

President von der Leyen also shared a poignant story that underlines the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. A young Ukrainian mother’s journey to find refuge in Europe, escaping the advancing Russian tanks, encapsulates the human tolerance of this conflict. Her tears di lei at the border checkpoint, as she explained to her child that they were finally “home” in Europe, underline the profound trust within the European community.

As we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, it is essential to recognize the unwavering commitment of the European Union. The EU has provided refuge to four million Ukrainians, ensuring access to housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The proposal to extend temporary protection to Ukrainians in the EU reflects our dedication to providing a safe place.

ALDA continues its commitment to Ukraine and its people. With the Flagship Initiative in Ukraine , the Association aims to open seven new Local Democracy Agencies in the country, in addition to the already existing ones in Mariupol and Dnipro, as instruments of peace and cohesion, in order to help Ukrainians to rebuild the country and ensure a just and peaceful future for all. 

Grâce à l'engagement de l'ALDA en faveur de la bonne gouvernance, de la participation des citoyens et de la durabilité, nous sommes prêts à soutenir leurs initiatives et à travailler aux côtés des autorités locales pour créer un changement positif.

Europe’s diversity, represented by its multitude of languages, arts, and cuisines, is a source of pride and strength. Together, as a united and forward-thinking continent, we can address the challenges of today and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

Vous pouvez lire le discours de la présidente Von der Leyen ici . 

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From 6 to 9 September, 2023, E-Voice project partners and beneficiaries met in Šibenik (Croatia) for the second Transnational Partners Meeting, during which the work undertaken so far by the partners was explored. The project, under the “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)” programme, is carried out by a partnership of 7 countries – Italy (Gazzo), Romania (Mioveni), Croatia (Sibenik), Bulgaria (Union Of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities – UBBSLA), Spain (Fondo Andaluz de Municipios para la Solidariadad Internacional- FAMSI), Belgium (Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management- ACR+) and France (ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy). During the three days, the representatives of 6 countries gathered together to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youngsters’ mental health through some interesting lectures and interactive workshops. The meeting aimed not only to define the next steps for the project but also provided an opportunity to deepen partners’ understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and education of young people.

The meeting began with an insightful lecture by Professor Marko Kovačić, an expert in Youth Studies at Edward Bernays University of Applied Sciences, who pointed out that youth is now living during a “cascade of crisis“: several entangled crisis are currently challenging new generations’ mental health, which were unfolded during stimulating group activities.

Afterwards, partners had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Šibenik and discover more on its history, culture and development with the help of a tour guide who explained that Šibenik is a “City for Youth”: inspired by the European Charter on Local Youth Work, the Association of Cities in Croatia together with the Croatian Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes publishes yearly a call inviting cities to apply for a ‘City for Youth’ certificate. To obtain this recognition, a city has to match criteria based on the analysis of existing models in Europe: there are a total of 81 criteria, divided into 8 thematic areas concerning youth participation, demography, youth employment, mobility, health and sport, youth work and culture, education and information. In order to be a ‘City for Youth’, youth policies must be successfully implemented  in at least the 50% of the thematic areas. A great example of a city that cares about its youth! 

La réunion de trois jours a permis au consortium du projet de s'inspirer des politiques et initiatives innovantes en faveur de la jeunesse

The last day partners had the chance to touch first hand the results of a fruitful best practice implemented by the city of Šibenik during the pandemic: the Trokut Incubator of Šibenik. It is a coworking and office space that supports freelancers, digital nomads, developers, startups, and other entrepreneurs. Its primary goal is to provide education, reskilling, and, more specifically, to strengthen the young entrepreneurial and IT community. An awesome best practice to support youth’s business ideas.

Au cours des trois jours de réunion, les partenaires ont échangé des méthodes et des bonnes pratiques pour soutenir les jeunes dans la période post-pandémique et ont appris ce que Šibenik met en œuvre à cet égard. La prochaine phase du projet aura lieu à Séville (Espagne) en novembre : restez à l'écoute pour de plus amples informations !

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Approximately 25 participants from civil society and local authorities in the Republic of Moldova benefited from a study visit to Iasi, Romania, in the EU4Accountability project framework, where they exchanged experiences and best practices in the field of voluntary sector work, community development and social accountability.  

About 25 participants learned about the organisation of social enterprises in Romania, the legal framework and cooperation with local authorities, and their social and economic impact. In this context, programmes in the field of social services, inclusion and integration of vulnerable groups in the labour market, lobbying, advocacy and support for NGO development were presented.

The visit to the Refugee Centre, organised and supported by Bethany Social Services Foundation, allowed for an exchange of impressions and best practices between participants who have been on the front line of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Participants learned about the integration services, psychological support and translation provided by volunteers at the centre, as well as the tailoring of support to the needs of beneficiaries. 

Les participants ont eu l'occasion d'apprendre des contributions pertinentes dans le domaine du travail bénévole, du développement communautaire et de la responsabilité sociale 

The visit to Iasi County Council  provided insights into public funding mechanisms for the non-governmental sector, legislative aspects, and cross-border project best practices. Representatives of the Iasi Municipality spoke about the importance of developing partnerships at local community level and presented examples of municipal programmes to support youth and cultural projects. The participatory budgeting process is managed by the Local Office for Participatory Democracy, which implements projects and works through the Iasi Neighbourhood Centres. 

A good example of social enterprise development is the food hub Roade și Merinde, which provides a platform for farmers and small producers to test and market quality local products. The Foodhub’s mission is to bring local food and craft products to new consumers and to promote the culture of consuming traditional and ecologically grown products.

The study visit concluded with a visit to the Dream Art Center Iasi, a social enterprise offering creative spaces, painting workshops, music lessons, and instruments for children. Approximately 10% of the center’s students come from vulnerable families and receive free services and support from volunteer mentors.

L'activité est menée dans le cadre du projet EU4Accountability, qui vise à renforcer la capacité des organisations de la société civile en Moldavie à mieux jouer leur rôle en tant qu'acteurs de la gouvernance et à accroître la responsabilité sociale de l'administration publique locale et centrale en Moldavie. 

EU4Accountability is funded by the European Union in the Republic of Moldova and implemented by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, European Partnership for Democracy and People in Need Moldova.

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