Forum of Local Governments of the European Union and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States: fostering local authorities and democracy dialogue 

On 9 and 10 November 2023, the Forum of Local Governments of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States took place at the Auditorium of the Industrial School of Barcelona (Spain), with the aim to strengthen the political dialogue between the EU and Latin America.

In the framework of EU-CELAC Summit of Heads of State and Government (Brussels, July 17 & 18, 2023), the initiative was organised by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) and the Barcelona Provincial Council, with the support of the Secretary of State for International Cooperation of the Government of Spain, the Council of Municipalities and Regions of Europe (CMRE), Mercociudades and other local governments networks.

Throughout the event, several speakers and elected and technical representatives of local governments, national and international local authorities, as well as academic and foundation members from both parties met and discussed the framework of regional relationship and cooperation.

Mr. Marco Boaria, Director of Programs and Corporate Strategy at ALDA – the Association for Local Democracy – and CEO of ALDA+, took part in this high-level event, fostering the need to enhance the role of civil society and local authorities in the bi-regional dialogue.

We firmly believe in the active role of local governments and democracy in the renewed EU-CELAC strategy

Together with our members and partners from Barcelona (Spain), we cooperate to improve the connection between both regions and share the common values of democracy and local development.

The event ended with the adaptation of the Final Declaration which emphasised the importance of territories and communities involvement in the New Agenda for Relations between the EU and Latin America.  

Furthermore, parties specifically acknowledged “the role of local government associations from the two regions in coordinating and creating alliances in the localisation of the new agenda in order to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean”.

We firmly believe in the active role of local governments and democracy in the renewed EU-CELAC strategy, which is now under the radar of ALDA for its possible contribution and future involvement in the region.

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