Street interviews, local perspectives, and pressing global issues take centre stage in the new season of ALDA’s podcast, Shades of Democracy.
Housing as a right is more than a political slogan – it is a call for action to address one of the most pressing social and democratic challenges facing Europe today.
In the latest episode of ALDA’s podcast Shades of Democracy, titled “Housing is a Right: Democracy Begins at Home”, Maite Arrondo, member of ALDA’s Advisory Board, joins host Manal Snidi for a compelling conversation on why the housing crisis is not just an economic issue, but a democratic one.
Drawing on her intervention during the 2025 Civil Society Week, Maite sheds light on the reality many citizens – especially young people – are facing: the rising cost of living, unaffordable rents, lack of housing security, and the weakening of the social fabric that connects communities.
“We must rebalance the financial and rights dimensions of housing,” Maite states in the episode. Her message is clear: when housing is treated primarily as a commodity, rather than a human right, citizens lose their ability to fully participate in public life.
The conversation touches on key concerns raised during street interviews conducted in Brussels by ALDA’s Communication Team, where students and young professionals were asked:
👉 What does housing as a right mean to you?
👉 Do you feel that your city provides fair and accessible housing?
👉 What would you change if you had the power?
Their answers revealed a shared frustration across Europe’s urban centres – from Brussels to Milan, from Frankfurt to Paris – over rising rents, insecure tenancy conditions, and the sense that EU and national policies are not doing enough to ensure housing for all.
“Democracy begins at home – and without fair housing, people are excluded from their own communities.”
From advocacy to policy: ALDA’s position
In her role as speaker at the Civil Society Week, Maite presented a series of policy recommendations, many of which are echoed in this podcast episode. Among them:
The need for public funding to support housing initiatives;
Greater transparency in real estate markets and financial actors;
Support for cooperative models and local governments as key actors in housing access;
Implementation of “Housing First” policies for vulnerable groups;
Collection of reliable data on housing needs and accessibility.
These points reflect ALDA’s broader advocacy agenda: housing must be approached through the lens of human rights, and local authorities and civil society must be empowered to lead this change.
In the face of ongoing debates around the European Affordable Housing Plan, ALDA urges decision-makers to prioritise social cohesion, territorial realities, and community-led models that put people, not profit, at the centre.
From podcast to platform for change
This episode of Shades of Democracy is not just a conversation – it’s a platform for reflection and mobilisation. It speaks to public officials, civil society actors, and everyday citizens concerned about the erosion of rights in their communities.
Through authentic voices, expert insights, and a clear call to action, ALDA continues to amplify the link between local democracy and the most tangible aspects of daily life – starting with where we live.
This summer, ALDA successfully concluded its CERV Town Twinning training campaign, supporting municipalities across Europe and beyond in their journey to design and implement impactful projects.
Throughout July 2025, three dedicated online sessions were held in English, French and Italian, gathering a total of 259 participants. The trainings provided practical guidance and concrete tools to develop projects under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, and specifically within the Town Twinning strand. The multilingual approach ensured broader accessibility, with 141 participants in the English session, 31 in the French one, and 87 in the Italian session, reinforcing one of the core objectives of Town Twinning: promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among citizens.
The campaign reached an impressive 259 participants in total, with 141 people attending the English session, 31 joining the French one, and 87 taking part in the Italian training. This wide participation underlined both the accessibility of the initiative and the growing interest in the CERV Town Twinning programme across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
Town Twinning is more than a funding opportunity – it is a tool to nurture a shared European identity grounded in diversity.
The initiative was further strengthened by the active contribution of the CERV National Contact Points from Germany, France and Italy, who provided valuable support to participants. Their insights not only clarified technical aspects of the programme but also encouraged organisations to approach project design with confidence and creativity. The Municipality of Birgu (Malta) shared its first-hand experience in implementing a Town Twinning project, while Denys Tkachov played a crucial role in extending the opportunity to Ukrainian municipalities, ensuring their inclusion in the European dialogue even in challenging times.
The remarkable turnout reflects the growing interest in the Town Twinning programme as a way to foster European citizenship. The engagement of nearly 260 attendees demonstrates the commitment of local authorities, civil society organisations and community representatives to initiatives that strengthen democracy at the local level.
Looking ahead, ALDA will continue to support its members and partners in engaging with the CERV programme and other EU opportunities. Strengthening European identity through projects that highlight the richness of diversity remains at the heart of ALDA’s mission, as we work together to build bridges across borders and create spaces where dialogue and participation thrive.
📌 For more information on the CERV programme and Town Twinning opportunities, visit theEuropean Commission’s official page and stay tuned to ALDA’s channels.
In recent months, ALDA Italia APS has been engaged in two proximity and community-support projects in the city of Vicenza (Italy) for the people who attend the People’s Clinic of the Caracol Olol Jackson Association. Caracol manages a clinic for people in socio-economic and health disadvantage, including destitute foreign citizens, citizens without residence, and individuals living in conditions of labour fragility and social marginalisation in the city of Vicenza.
The first project, RESPIRO – Networks of Empowerment and Health for the Promotion of Inclusion and Operational Responsibility, is carried out in partnership with the Caracol Olol Jackson Association and the Equality Social Cooperative. The initiative is funded by the Welfare Generativo call of the Cariverona Foundation, which has allocated a budget of about €120,000 to the project.
RESPIRO will focus on strengthening the service offered by Caracol through structural interventions and training for volunteer medical staff. In addition, a series of educational and informational workshops will be launched for people at risk of poverty and/or severe material deprivation, addressing important issues such as psychological well-being and personal health. ALDA Italia is responsible for ensuring active community involvement, organising thematic workshops on gender issues and job seeking, and providing administrative and monitoring support for project activities and impacts. Furthermore, ALDA Italia is conducting a needs assessment of the clinic’s users to better adapt project activities to the real needs of the community.
The project launch meeting is scheduled for 10 September 2025, open to all interested parties, associations, cooperatives, and local organisations that provide support and assistance to people in situations of poverty and destitution.
The second project, entitled “Care and Solidarity – Grassroots Perspectives,” is funded by the Waldensian Church’sEight per Thousand scheme and aims to promote the Community Clinic through social media, alongside a campaign to recruit new volunteers. Another objective of these initiatives is to raise awareness of the Clinic’s activities not only among potential beneficiaries, but among the wider public as well—encouraging new volunteer doctors to join in order to expand services and reduce the waiting lists that have long affected access to care at Caracol.
To this end, ALDA Italia, the project partner together with Caracol, will organise three information events in the Vicenza neighbourhoods of San Lazzaro, San Giuseppe, and Ferrovieri on 16 and 17 September. These events — open to all residents and especially to those without access to the National Health Service (SSN) — will present the project, as well as the activities of the Caracol Association and the Clinic. They will also offer further information on the doctors’ work and on how to become a volunteer.
The Media4EU projectimplemented by Eurothink in partnership with ALDA and BIRC – Balkan Institute for Media and Democracy, is dedicated to the improvement of media and journalism standards in the Republic of North Macedonia. The initiative connects communities across North Macedonia with the European integration process through innovative media partnerships and grassroots outreach, while strengthening the role of local media in this transformative process.
Recently the Media4EU initiative has successfully launched six diverse projects across North Macedonia, each tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of the different regions. The projects cover a wide variety of topics, all while ensuring that communication related to the EU integration processes are locally relevant and nationally coherent. Each project brings together civil society organisations with local media partners to strengthen journalism standards while improving public understanding of EU integration processes.
1- Building Bridges Through Youth and Art
In the Polog region, the Organised Youth Association – OYA has launched their project “Through youth, art and journalism to the EU road“. Working in partnership with Ora24.tv, this nine-month project focuses on raising public awareness of EU integration through the combination of economic development perspectives, gender equality advocacy, and youth opportunity promotion.
One of the main objectives is encouraging women, youth, and artists to actively engage with and creatively represent the EU negotiation process. Through non-formal education such as youth media training hubs, public art initiatives, and comprehensive online awareness campaigns, the project creates multiple pathways for civic engagement. Additionally, the project’s specific focus on multimedia content creation, including articles, videos, and public art, reflects a sophisticated understanding of how different audiences engage with information.
2- Strengthening Regional Media Capacity
In the Southwest region, CSD IMPACT Ohrid working closely with Play Radio Struga, have developed “EU values through local media“. This project addresses a critical gap in media capacity for covering complex EU integration processes. The initiative recognises that effective journalism about European integration requires specialised knowledge and skills that many local media outlets currently lack.
Through workshops focused on media coverage of the European integration process, the project provides journalists and media professionals with the tools they need to report accurately and engagingly on EU-related developments. The development of action plans and strategies for media coverage ensures that these improvements are sustainable and systematically implemented.
3- Fostering Inclusive Dialogue and Cooperation
The Institute for Democracy and Development Pulse of Democracy in collaboration with Radio Jehona FM Kumanovo launched their project “Building bridges: Advancing the dialogue for the European future of Macedonia” which emphasises the critical importance of networking and cooperation among different stakeholders in the EU integration process. The project specifically targets chapters 10 and 23 of the EU negotiation framework, addressing fundamental rule of law and information society issues that affect press freedom.
Furthermore, the project includes information meetings, two-day capacity building workshops, strategy development, monitoring matrices, radio shows with central and local government guests, publication of ten analytical papers, informational materials, and a Europe Day debate. This systematic approach builds networks between civil society, media, and government while providing concrete information products while the project’s innovative use of podcasts, internet portals, and radio announcements ensures that information reaches citizens through multiple channels.
4- Environmental Leadership and Civic Engagement
The Association of Citizens Media Plus in collaboration with Radio Kanal 77 and the Macedonian Media Services through their project “Citizens and the media are ‘greening’ Chapter 27” address environmental and climate change issues within the context of EU integration.
By improving media visibility of civil society organisation activities in this area, the project ensures that citizens understand not only what changes are coming but also how civil society is working to address environmental challenges. The initiative aims to provide platforms for networking among institutions, civil organisations, and citizens creates opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and shared learning, recognising that effective environmental policy implementation requires coordination and cooperation across multiple sectors of society.
5- Promoting Agricultural Development and Rural Engagement
Across the Southeast region, the Association for Civil Society and Media Literacy “Medija Infonet” in partnership with Radio StrumicaNet, has developed “Connect the Southeast for a European Future” a project that focuses specifically on the impact of EU agricultural policies on regional development, with particular emphasis on the IPARD program.
The project’s focus on agricultural modernisation and rural development addresses one of the most significant opportunities that EU integration offers to North Macedonia. By organising educational workshops for farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, the initiative ensures that those who will be most directly affected by EU agricultural policies understand both the opportunities and requirements involved. Furthermore, through the use of social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, the project aims to reach younger audiences who may be considering careers in agriculture or rural development.
6- Empowering Youth Voice in Media
Youth Alliance Krusevo in collaboration with Broadcasting Company 21-M and the Association for Freedom of Speech and Professional Reporting BRIANION Demir Hisar, aim to strengthen young people’s capacity for active participation in North Macedonia’s EU integration process through the project “Youth voice for EU in the media”. The initiative’s focuses on building young peoples’ media literacy and analytical skills to ensure meaningful participation in democratic processes requires and critical and engagement with information.
By encouraging active participation and civic engagement through media partnerships, the project creates pathways for young people to move from passive consumers of information to active participants in public discourse. The project’s emphasis on digital and social media for engagement and education recognises that young people are often early adopters of new communication technologies and can serve as bridges between different generations and communities in discussions about EU integration.
Overall, each project, while addressing specific regional needs and focus areas, contributes to a broader informed public discourse about and meaningful civic engagement with European integration. By supporting projects that address challenges through multiple lenses and methodologies, the Media4EU initiative ensures that citizens across North Macedonia have opportunities to engage with European integration in ways that are personally meaningful and locally relevant. The partnerships between civil society organisations and media outlets are an opportunity for capacity building across both sectors simultaneously, as these projects create conditions for ongoing and sustainable dialogue about EU integration that will continue long after the formal project periods end.
Through the Media4EU initiative, ALDA continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting democratic development and European integration at the grassroots level. These projects represent not just individual efforts to improve public understanding of EU integration, but collective contributions to building a more informed, engaged, and democratically participatory society.
Period:
01/02/2025 - 31/01/2028
Countries involved:
Belgium Egypt France Greece Italy Jordan Morocco Palestine Spain Tunisia
New Re-Ge aims to foster a resilient, low-carbon society in the MENA region by inspiring young people to adopt climate-friendly lifestyles, mobilising them to take action, and showcasing their role as agents of change in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the ‘Sustainable Green Europe’ initiative.
OBJECTIVES
The project’s objectives are to:
Address the needs of both non-formal and formal education by improving competencies, fostering new skills, and enhancing critical thinking and awareness of regeneration from local, regional, and global perspectives.
Create a Virtual Youth Academy that harnesses the transformative power of education, empowering youth organisations and young people to become active agents of a sustainable, resilient, and healthy future.
На Міжнародній конференції з питань відновлення України 2025 року (URC2025) у Римі відбулося важливе досягнення в міжнародній муніципальній співпраці: запуск Європейського хабу партнерства. Цей Хаб, розроблений для зміцнення зв’язків між місцевою владою в Україні та Європі, — практична відповідь на Berlin Call to Action (Берлінський заклик до дії), який пропонує довгострокову структуровану підтримку для стійкості, відбудови та євроінтеграції України.
Що таке Берлінський заклик до дії?
Берлінський заклик до дії було ухвалено на Конференції з питань відновлення України 2024 року в Берліні з чіткою метою: сформувати міжнародні партнерства для кожного муніципалітету України як стратегічні елементи відновлення країни. Зважаючи на ключову роль місцевої влади у просуванні відбудови, у Заклику європейські уряди та муніципалітети спонукали підтримувати українських колег шляхом обміну досвідом, розбудови спроможності та практичної співпраці.
У ньому наголошувалося що майбутнє України залежить не лише від реформ на централізованому рівні, але й від сильних, спроможних місцевих громад, здатних керувати послугами, відбудовувати інфраструктуру й відновлювати довіру населення. Берлінський заклик і створив основу для практичних рішень, таких як Європейський хаб партнерства, який офіційно запустили рік по тому в Римі.
Європейський хаб партнерства
Європейський хаб партнерства продовжує імпульс, заданий Берлінським закликом, і слугує платформою для формування та підтримки місцевих партнерств. Очолюваний Радою європейських муніципалітетів та регіонів (CEMR) та за підтримки програми U-LEAD з Європою, Асоціації міст України (АМУ) та широкої коаліції партнерів, Хаб працює за допомогою всіх донорів U-LEAD: ЄС, Німеччини, Данії, Франції, Польщі та Словенії.
Хаб забезпечує:
Налагодження партнерських зв’язків між українськими та європейськими муніципалітетами
Наставництво, навчання та підтримку з розробкою проєктів
Фонд проєктів для підтримки місцевих ініціатив та документування інвестицій у реконструкцію
Мережування й обмін знаннями, зокрема координацію з муніципальними асоціаціями України
Разом ми підтримуємо Україну в боротьбі проти російської агресії та допомагаємо громадам виживати та розвиватися.
Участь ALDA
Як незмінний прихильник місцевої демократії та децентралізованої співпраці ALDA вважає за честь брати участь у Європейському хабі партнерства. Завдяки мережі з понад 300 членів і присутності в Україні через численні агенції місцевої демократії, ALDA має величезних досвід і великий потенціал до формування партнерств, просування громадської участі та підтримки інклюзивного врядування.
Приєднуючись до Хабу, ALDA підтверджує своє прагнення:
Поєднувати українські та європейські муніципалітети
Підтримувати місцевих суб’єктів інструментами, ресурсами та висновками з досвіду ЄС
Спільно розробляти проєкти відновлення, що ґрунтуються на потребах громад і участі громадян
ALDA сприймає налагодження партнерств не просто як формальні угоди — для нас ідеться про підсилення потенціалу громад і надання їм конкретної підтримки. Ці партнерства спонукають людей до руху, залучають ресурси та створюють імпульс для руху до спільного бачення: демократичної, стійкої та сильної України у спільному європейському майбутньому. Співпраця перетворюється на каталізатор дій, де солідарність проявляється у практичних проєктах і довгостроковому місцевому розвитку. Нижче наведено два свіжі приклади, що ілюструють, як зобов’язання ALDA працюють на практиці в містах та громадах України, і прагнуть до подальшого розвитку в рамках Хабу партнерства.
Ось приклади впливу муніципальних партнерств на місцеві громади:
Tips4UA: підтримка молоді та соціально-економічного розвитку
Як частина Комітету регіонів та ініціативи U-Lead з Європою, ініціатива Tips4UA — конкретний приклад підтримки ALDA місцевих заходів з відновлення в Україні через мережу агенцій місцевої демократії (LDA). Проєкт, реалізований у тісній співпраці з ЛДА Вінниччини, має на меті сприяти взаємному навчанню, інституційному діалогу та довгостроковій співпраці, посилюючи здатність місцевих суб’єктів в Україні розбудовувати демократичну стійкість і сприяти європейській інтеграції.
В результаті цієї ініціативи в червні 2025 року було започатковане нове партнерство між муніципалітетами Хмільник (Україна) і Мульєт-дал-Бальєс (Іспанія). Зокрема в рамках програми стажування TIPS4UA під керівництвом Європейського комітету регіонів у співпраці з ULEAD з Європою і Diputació de Barcelona очільник Хмільника Микола Юрчишин підписав Лист про наміри для сприяння міжнародній співпраці та спільним муніципальним проєктам. У рамках цієї ініціативи делегація з Хмільника провела зустрічі з 17 каталонськими муніципалітетами й поділилася практиками щодо урбаністичної регенерації, залучення молоді, кліматично нейтральних рішень, громадського здоров’я, культурної спадщини та емоційного добробуту.
Таким чином завдяки поєднанню місцевого навчання, обміну досвідом і стратегічній підтримці ALDA забезпечила передачу знань і найкращих практик між європейськими та українськими органами місцевої влади. Проєкт охоплює партнерів та зацікавлені сторони з усієї Європи, зокрема з Іспанії та Мальти, що дозволяє українським колегам досліджувати інноваційні підходи до економічного відродження, водночас будуючи довгострокові партнерські відносини з європейськими колегами.
Беручи участь у цій ініціативі й залучивши свою мережу, ALDA відіграла ключову роль у поєднанні місцевих суб’єктів, сприяючи децентралізованій співпраці й просуваючи стратегії відновлення, керовані громадою — що демонструє, як Європейський хаб партнерства може принести значущі результати на місцевому рівні.
Нова діяльність італійських місцевих і регіональних органів влади в Україні
Багаторічний досвід ALDA у децентралізованій співпраці та її активна присутність в Україні знову виявилися корисними у налагодженні змістовних міжнародних партнерств. Підтримуючи місцевий та регіональний вимір Конференції з питань відновлення України в Римі, ALDA у липні 2025 року мала можливість підтримати ANCI —Національну асоціацію італійських муніципалітетів — у залученні італійських міст, а також попрацювати з Конференцією регіонів Італії.
Одне партнерство було укладене між містом Барі, яке належить до ALDA, і чотирма українськими містами, зокрема очільник Барі Віто Леччезе підписав угоду з мером Миколаєва Олександром Сенкевичем. Це партнерство підкреслює критичну роль місцевої влади у відновленні Україні та її європейському курсі, пропонуючи конкретну структуру співпраці у таких сферах як демократичне врядування, стійксть та участь громадян. На підписанні був присутній Давіде Ла Чечіліа, спеціальний посланник Італії з питань відбудови та зміцнення стійкості України, що підкреслило, як Італія підтримує майбутнє України як політично, так і інституційно.
Ще одним потужним прикладом місцевої солідарності стало місто Турин, яке оголосило про свою постійну співпрацю з Харковом. Під час панелі високого рівня, організованої спільно з ALDA під час Конференції з питань відновлення України 2025 року, мер Стефано Ло Руссо розповів про конкретний внесок міста у відновлення громадських послуг, зокрема про партнерство з GTT – Gruppo Torinese Trasporti S.p.A. — для підтримки відновлення місцевої транспортної інфраструктури. Ця співпраця показує, як міста можуть швидко й ефективно реагувати на конкретні потреби громад на місцях, пропонуючи не лише символічні жести, а й операційну підтримку, що ґрунтується на ціннісній близькості та взаємній довірі.
Зліва: Підписання угоди між Віто Леккезе, мером м. Барі, та Олександром Сенкевичем, мером м. Миколаїв. | Справа: Підписання угоди між Регіоном Фріулі-Венеція-Джулія та Одеською обласною військовою адміністрацією.
Нарешті, регіон Фріулі-Венеція-Джулія та Одеська обласна військова адміністрація підписали офіційну угоду про співпрацю з особливою увагою до сфер культури, цивільного захисту та розбудови потенціалу — ключових для посилення стійкості та зміцнення демократичних інституцій. Угода, яку підписали губернатор Массіміліано Федріґа та голова Одеської обласної військової адміністрації Олег Кіпер, стала черговим етапом у децентралізованій співпраці, якому з гордістю сприяла ALDA в рамках своєї місії розширювати можливості місцевої влади та об’єднувати громади навіть через кордони.
Ці партнерства показують, як домовленості переростають у конкретні дії та стають рушійною силою практичних рішень, надаючи громадам нові можливості, сприяючи співпраці й підтримуючи відновлення на основі демократичної стійкості та ухвалення рішень на місцевому рівні. Це яскраві приклади того, як працюють ALDA і Європейський хаб партнерства — перетворюючи політичну солідарність на практичні місцеві заходи.
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 (URC2025) in Rome, a major milestone was achieved for international municipal cooperation: the launch of the European Partnership Hub. Designed to strengthen ties between Ukrainian and European local authorities, the Hub is a concrete response to the Berlin Call to Action, offering long-term, structured support for Ukraine’s resilience, reconstruction, and EU integration.
What is the Berlin Call to Action?
The Berlin Call to Action was issued at URC2024 in Berlin and set out a clear objective: to establish international partnerships for every Ukrainian municipality as a strategic pillar of the country’s recovery. Recognising the essential role of local authorities in driving reconstruction, the Call urged European governments and municipalities to support Ukrainian counterparts through peer exchange, capacity building, and concrete cooperation. It highlighted that Ukraine’s future lies not only in top-down reform, but also in strong, empowered local communities, capable of managing services, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring public trust. The Berlin Call laid the foundation for practical solutions like the European Partnership Hub, which was formally launched one year later in Rome.
The European Partnership Hub
The European Partnership Hub builds on the momentum of the Berlin Call by acting as a matchmaking and support platform for local partnerships. Led by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and supported by U-LEAD with Europe, the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC), and a broad coalition of partners, the Hub is backed by all U-LEAD donors: the European Union, Germany, Denmark, France, Poland, and Slovenia.
The Hub provides:
A Projects Fund to support local initiatives and documentation for reconstruction investment
Partnership matchmaking between Ukrainian and EU municipalities
Mentoring, training, and project development guidance
Networking and knowledge exchange, including coordination with Ukrainian municipal associations
Collectively, we are supporting Ukraine in its fight against the russian aggression and helping communities to survive and to develop.
ALDA’ engagement
As a long-time advocate for local democracy and decentralised cooperation, ALDA is proud to be part of the European Partnership Hub. With a network of over 300 members and a presence in Ukraine through multiple Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), ALDA brings a wealth of experience and a wide network in building partnerships, promoting civic engagement, and supporting inclusive governance.
By joining the Hub, ALDA reinforces its commitment to:
Connecting Ukrainian and European municipalities
Supporting local actors with tools, resources, and EU know-how
Co-developing recovery projects rooted in community needs and citizen participation
For ALDA, creating partnerships is not just about formal agreements—it’s about igniting energy within communities and helping them with concrete support These partnerships move people,mobilise resources, and generate momentum towards a shared vision: a democratic, resilient and strong Ukraine in a common European future. The partnerships become catalysts for action, where solidarity translates into tangible projects and long-term local development.
Below are a few examples showing the positive impact of partnerships on local communities:
Tips4UA: supporting youth and social and economic development
Being part of the Committee of the Regions and U-Lead for Europe initiative,Tips4UA initiative is a concrete example of how ALDA supports local recovery efforts on the ground in Ukraine through its network of Local Democracy Agencies. Implemented in close cooperation with LDA Vinnytsia, the project aimed to foster peer learning, institutional dialogue, and long-term cooperation — empowering local actors in Ukraine to build democratic resilience and advance European integration.
Among the outputs of this initiative, in June 2025 a new partnership was established between the Municipalities of Khmilnyk (Ukraine) and Mollet del Vallès (Spain). Indeed, thanks to the TIPS4UA internship programme, led by the European Committee of the Regions, in cooperation with U-LEAD with Europe and the Diputació de Barcelona, the Mayor of Khmilnyk, Mykola Yurchyshyn signed a Letter of Intent to foster international cooperation and joint municipal projects. In this framework, the Khmilnyk delegation met with 17 Catalan municipalities, exchanging practices on urban regeneration, youth engagement, climate-neutral solutions, public health, cultural heritage & mental wellbeing.
Thus, through a combination of local training, peer-to-peer exchanges, and strategic guidance, ALDA facilitated the transfer of knowledge and best practices between European and Ukrainian local authorities. The project involves partners and stakeholders from across Europe, i.e. Spain and Malta, enabling the Ukrainian counterparts to explore innovative approaches to economic revitalisation, while building long-term partnerships with their European peers.
By taking part into this initiative and leveraging its broad network, ALDA played a key role in connecting local actors, fostering decentralised cooperation, and promoting community-based recovery strategies —showcasing how the European Partnership Hub translates into meaningful, localised impact.
New engagement of Italian local and regional authorities in Ukraine
ALDA’s long-standing expertise in decentralised cooperation and its active presence in Ukraine have once again proven useful in forging meaningful international partnerships. By supporting the local and regional dimension of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, ALDA in July 2025, had the chance to support ANCI – the National Association of Italian Municipalities in engaging Italian cities as well as the Conference of the Italian Regions.
One of them was signed between the City of Bari, member of ALDA and 4 Ukrainian cities. For one of them, the Mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese signed with Oleksandr Senkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv. This partnership reinforces the vital role of local authorities in Ukraine’s recovery and European trajectory, offering a concrete framework for collaboration in areas such as democratic governance, resilience, and citizen participation. The signing was attended by Davide La Cecilia, Special Envoy of the Italian Government for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, underlining Italy’s political and institutional backing for Ukraine’s future.
Another powerful example of local solidarity came from the City of Turin, which announced its ongoing cooperation with the City of Kharkiv. Presented during a high-level panel co-organised by ALDA during the URC 2025, Mayor Stefano Lo Russo shared the city’s concrete contribution to the recovery of public services, including a partnership with GTT – Gruppo Torinese Trasporti S.p.A., to support the restoration of local transport infrastructure. This collaboration illustrates how cities can respond quickly and meaningfully to specific community needs on the ground, offering not just symbolic gestures, but operational support rooted in proximity and mutual trust.
Left: Agreement’s signature between Vito Leccese, Mayor of Comune di Bari and Oleksandr Senkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv. | Right: Agreement’s signature between the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Odesa Regional Military Administration.
Finally, the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Odesa Regional Military Administration signed an official cooperation agreement focused on culture, civil protection, and capacity building — key areas for strengthening resilience and reinforcing democratic institutions. The agreement, signed by Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Oleh Kiper, Head of the Odesa Administration, was another milestone in decentralised cooperation, proudly facilitated by ALDA as part of its mission to empower local authorities and connect communities across borders.
These partnerships show how they become concrete acts and driving force behind concrete solutions, empowering communities, enabling collaboration, and anchoring recovery efforts in democratic resilience and local ownership. They are clear examples of how ALDA and the European Partnership Hub become operational — transforming political solidarity into practical local action.
ALDA is proud to take part once again in the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025, the EU’s key annual event for regional and local development. As part of this year’s programme, we are co-hosting an interactive and forward-looking session:
🧩 Digital Education for Rural Resilience: Tools, Stories, and Strategies from Across Europe 📅 Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 🕚 11:30 – 13:00 CET 📍 Jacques Delors Building, Atrium 5 – Rue Belliard 101, 1040 Brussels 🔗 Register and learn more
Inspired by the Our Digital Village project, the session will spotlight community-based strategies to make digital education more inclusive and effective in rural areas. Through co-creation exercises and policy exchanges, participants will discover hands-on tools and inspiring case studies from across Europe.
This session offers a chance to explore innovative rural strategies, connect with experts and peers, and take part in shaping Europe’s digital future—starting from the local level.
Save your spot and register HERE before September 30th … Let’s ensure no one is left behind in the digital age!
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Follow ALDA’s participation in #EURegionsWeek across our channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our Newsletter — and stay tuned for more updates on the road to October!
Important: Unlike previous years, on-site registration will not be possible due to security measures. Please make sure to register in advance.
Period:
01/06/2024 - 01/06/2026
Countries involved:
Belgium Croatia European Union Finland France Germany Italy North Macedonia Poland Portugal Romania Serbia Spain Western Balkans
The FIC-Fighters project (Fair, Inclusive, Circular, and Healthy cities: Valorisation of phosphogypsum wastes into commercial products through sustainable and circular processes) is a 48-month initiative funded by the European Commission, that started on 1 June 2024. It is mainlyfocused on valorising phosphogypsum (PG) which is a hazardous industrial by‑product, through circular economy solutions. Its mission is to transform urban waste into sustainable raw materials, while engaging communities across six European pilot locations, including Veles (North Macedonia), Venice (Italy), Barreiro (Portugal), Kutina (Croatia), Prahovo (Serbia), and Turnu Măgurele (Romania) to foster inclusive, healthy, and resilient cities.
OBJECTIVES
It is dedicated to addressing the environmental and societal challenges posed by phosphogypsum (PG), a hazardous by-product of the phosphate fertiliser industry, by turning it into valuable resources through circular economy models. Bringing together 26 partners from diverse sectors and disciplines, FIC-Fighters aims to establish a systemic and replicable approach to regenerating PG waste across Europe. The project operates across six pilot sites (Veles (North Macedonia), Venice (Italy), Barreiro (Portugal), Kutina (Croatia), Prahovo (Serbia), and Turnu Măgurele (Romania)) ; and targets five key sectors – batteries, packaging, construction, detergents, and fertilisers – where PG-derived materials can be reintegrated as sustainable inputs. Through a combination of mobile demonstration units, stakeholder co-creation processes, and advanced digital modelling tools, FIC-Fighters will produce new applications for PG waste and deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits. The project also intends to influence policy and regulatory frameworks by providing data-driven recommendations and real-world impact assessments. A core objective is to contribute to the goals of the EU Green Deal and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), by promoting urban resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring waste is seen as a resource.
In addition to that, FIC-Fighters prioritises inclusivity and equity by integrating gender analysis and social considerations into its methodologies. This ensures that circular solutions developed throughout the project not only address environmental goals but also promote fair participation and opportunities across all communities. The launch of the European Exploitation Portal (PEPE) will then support the long-term dissemination and scalability of outcomes, fostering a strong European Community of Practice on PG valorisation and sustainable resource management.
This article is in Ukrainian 🇺🇦, for the English 🇬🇧version click here.
На конференції з відновлення України, що відбулася в Римі 10–11 липня 2025 року, мер Маріуполя (Україна) Вадим Бойченко представив інноваційну модель соціального та доступного житла. Цей проект, заснований на ініціативі «Mariupol Reborn», є відповіддю на одне з найнагальніших завдань післявоєнної України: забезпечення гідним та стабільним житлом мільйонів внутрішньо переміщених осіб (ВПО), які постраждали від повномасштабного вторгнення Росії. Модель вже впроваджується в Білій Церкві, де комплекс із десяти будівель незабаром забезпечить житлом приблизно 1500 переміщених українців. Кожна одиниця буде повністю обладнана інтер’єром, меблями та побутовою технікою — готова до проживання, а не просто до заселення.
Ця модель вирізняється тим, що базується на співпраці та найкращих практиках. Розроблений спільно мерією, Big City Lab, PUPA та Civitta, проект черпає натхнення з успішного європейського досвіду, зокрема у Франції, Польщі, Нідерландах та Австрії, адаптованого до конкретних соціальних та економічних умов України.
Житлове рішення базується на чотирьох принципах:
Доступність, з щомісячною орендною платою, що не перевищує 30% середнього доходу (приблизно 5000 грн), та коригується відповідно до індивідуальних потреб та доступних субсидій;
Людиноцентричний дизайн, що передбачає енергоефективне будівництво, інтеграцію відновлюваних джерел енергії та спільні простори для зміцнення соціальних зв’язків;
Прозорий розподіл, що використовує бальну систему, яка надає пріоритет вразливим групам, таким як ветерани та багатодітні сім’ї;
Масштабованість, з архітектурною концепцією, розробленою для відтворення в інших містах України.
Ця амбітна ініціатива отримала підтримку широкої мережі національних та міжнародних учасників. Міністерство розвитку громад та територій України, місцеві органи влади та низка глобальних партнерів, включаючи Раду Європи, Європейський інвестиційний банк, УВКБ ООН та керівників міст Гданська (Польща) та інших європейських міст, підтримали цей проект.
Підтримка ініціативи з боку ALDA
У цьому контексті ALDA посилила свою прихильність, уклавши офіційне партнерство з міською радою Маріуполя. На другий день конференції обидві сторони підписали Меморандум про взаєморозуміння, в якому визначили чіткі рамки довгострокового співробітництва, спрямованого на вирішення однієї з найважливіших проблем для внутрішньо переміщених осіб (ВПО) з Маріуполя: доступ до доступного соціального житла.
Угода визначає конкретні напрямки співпраці, включаючи спільну реалізацію житлових проектів, мобілізацію європейського досвіду та створення механізмів участі, що забезпечують активну залученість ВПО до формування житлових рішень, які відповідають їхнім потребам. Вона також підкреслює важливість залучення донорів, інвесторів та джерел державного фінансування і спирається на найкращі міжнародні практики у сфері забезпечення житлом після кризи. Окрім цегли та бетону, Меморандум про взаєморозуміння закладає основу для ініціатив, що підтримують зайнятість, інтеграцію в громаду та, зрештою, добровільне повернення переміщених осіб.
Як зазначила Антонелла Вальморбіда, генеральний секретар ALDA
«Соціальне житло – це не просто дах над головою, це інструмент забезпечення стабільності та економічного зростання в регіонах. ALDA, яка об’єднує понад 300 муніципалітетів з усієї Європи, добре розуміє, що забезпечення гідних умов життя є ключовим фактором сталого розвитку громад і країни в цілому. Для України, яка переживає хвилю вимушеного переміщення, створення фонду якісного соціального житла дає людям можливість залишитися в країні, почуватися в безпеці та будувати майбутнє. Водночас це створює умови для повернення тих, хто був змушений виїхати за кордон. ALDA підтримує цю ініціативу і готова поділитися європейським досвідом у сфері розвитку соціального житла».
В рамках свого постійного зобов’язання щодо України ALDA сприяла проведенню важливої зустрічі між Roma Capitale, представленою Андреа Тобіа Зеві, радником з питань державних активів та житлової політики, та делегацією Маріуполя на чолі з заступником мера Сергієм Орловим та Ольгою Пікулою, головою відділу міжнародних відносин та комунікацій Mariupol Reborn. Зустріч стала цінною нагодою для діалогу про моделі соціального житла та найкращі практики інтеграції внутрішньо переміщених осіб (ВПО).
Ця стратегічна співпраця набуває ще більшої актуальності у світлі останніх подій: Кабінет Міністрів України схвалив дворічну пілотну програму, спрямовану на розширення муніципального соціального житла та підтримку пільгових іпотечних кредитів, зокрема для ВПО з Маріуполя.
Однак для мера Бойченка ця концепція виходить за межі будівництва. Проект спрямований на відновлення почуття дому, приналежності та надії. Він прагне створити умови для повернення переміщених українців та відновлення не тільки міст, а й громад. У цьому світлі ініціатива з будівництва житла стає більше, ніж просто політикою: вона є символом відновлення, громадянської сили та рішучості формувати майбутнє, засноване на гідності та турботі.
Зобов’язання ALDA щодо підтримки України йде рука в руку з активною участю її ширшої мережі. 14 жовтня 2025 року, під час Європейського тижня регіонів та міст у Брюсселі, член правління ALDA, Diputació de Barcelona, організує сесію з питань житла у партнерстві з муніципалітетами Барселони, Рима, Сабаделя та Загреба. Цей семінар стане платформою для місцевих органів влади, де вони зможуть обмінятися досвідом, обговорити спільні виклики та підтвердити важливість доступного житла як довгострокового пріоритету європейської політики.
ALDA виступає посередником між українськими муніципалітетами та європейським інституційним простором, забезпечуючи, щоб голос місцевих громад був почутий. Ми сподіваємося продовжити цей діалог під час консультацій на високому рівні в Європейському економічному та соціальному комітеті, де також будуть присутні українські партнери.
This article is in English 🇬🇧, for the Ukrainian 🇺🇦 version click here.
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome on 10–11 July 2025, Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol (Ukraine) unveiled an innovative model for social and affordable housing. Rooted in the Mariupol Reborn initiative, the project responds to one of the most urgent challenges of post-war Ukraine: ensuring decent, stable housing for millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by russia’s full-scale invasion. The model is already being piloted in Bila Tserkva, where a complex of ten buildings will soon provide homes for approximately 1,500 displaced Ukrainians. Each unit will be fully equipped with interiors, furniture, and appliances—ready to be lived in, not just occupied.
What makes this model stand out is its foundation in collaboration and best practices. Developed jointly by the Mayor’s Office, Big City Lab, PUPA, and Civitta, the project draws inspiration from successful European experiences—particularly in France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Austria—tailored to Ukraine’s specific social and economic context.
The housing solution is built on four pillars:
Affordability, with monthly rents capped at 30% of average income (approx. 5,000 UAH), and adjusted according to individual needs and available subsidies;
Human-centred design, offering energy-efficient construction, renewable energy integration, and communal spaces to foster social bonds;
Transparent allocation, using a points-based system that prioritises vulnerable groups such as veterans and large families;
Scalability, with an architectural concept designed for replication across other Ukrainian cities.
This ambitious initiative has gained the support of a wide network of national and international actors. The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, local authorities, and a number of global partners—including the Council of Europe, the European Investment Bank, UNHCR, and city leaders from Gdańsk (Poland) and other European cities—have all endorsed the project.
ALDA’s Support to the Initiative
In this context, ALDA has strengthened its commitment by entering into a formal partnership with the Mariupol City Council. On the second day of the conference, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting a clear framework for long-term collaboration aimed at addressing one of the most critical challenges for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Mariupol: access to affordable social housing.
The agreement outlines specific areas of cooperation, including the joint implementation of housing projects, mobilisation of European expertise, and the creation of participatory mechanisms that ensure IDPs are actively involved in shaping housing solutions that respond to their needs. It also emphasises the importance of engaging donors, investors, and public funding sources, and draws on international best practices in post-crisis housing provision. Beyond bricks and mortar, the MoU lays the groundwork for initiatives supporting employment, community integration, and ultimately, the voluntary return of displaced persons.
As noted by Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA:
“Social housing is not just a roof over one’s head – it is a tool for ensuring stability and economic growth in the regions. ALDA, which unites over 300 municipalities from across Europe, understands well that providing decent living conditions is key to the sustainable development of communities and the country as a whole. For Ukraine, which is experiencing a wave of forced displacement, creating a stock of quality social housing offers people the opportunity to remain in the country, feel safe, and build a future. At the same time, it creates the conditions for the return of those who were forced to go abroad. ALDA supports this initiative and is ready to share European experience in developing social housing.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to Ukraine, ALDA facilitated a key meeting between Roma Capitale, represented by Andrea Tobia Zevi, Councillor for Public Assets and Housing Policies, and the delegation of Mariupol, led by Deputy Mayor Sergiy Orlov and Olga Pikula, Head of International Relations and Communications for Mariupol Reborn. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue on social housing models and best practices for the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
This strategic cooperation gains even more relevance in light of recent developments: the Ukrainian Cabinet has endorsed a two-year pilot programme aimed at expanding municipal social housing and supporting preferential mortgages—particularly for IDPs from Mariupol.
For Mayor Boichenko, however, the vision goes beyond buildings. The project is about restoring a sense of home, belonging, and hope. It aspires to create the conditions for displaced Ukrainians to return and rebuild—not only cities, but communities. In this light, the housing initiative becomes more than just a policy: it is a symbol of recovery, civic strength, and the determination to shape a future grounded in dignity and care.
ALDA’s commitment to supporting Ukraine goes hand in hand with the active engagement of its wider network. On 14 October 2025, during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, ALDA Governing Board member, the Diputació de Barcelona, will organise a session on housing, in partnership with the municipalities of Barcelona, Rome, Sabadell, and Zagreb. This workshop will provide a platform for local authorities to share experiences, tackle common challenges, and reaffirm the importance of affordable housing as a long-term European policy priority.
This initiative is part of the broader effort promoted by ALDA and its members to support Ukrainian communities. The collaboration with the Municipality of Mariupol on social and affordable housing is closely linked to the European Social fairness policy and the Affordable houses programmes.
ALDA acts as a connector between Ukrainian municipalities and the European institutional space, ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard. We look forward to continuing this dialogue at the high-level consultation at theEuropean Economic and Social Committee , where Ukrainian partners will also be present.
Period:
31/12/2024 - 31/12/2026
Countries involved:
Cyprus European Union France Greece Italy Portugal
The project aims to promote alternative forms of active social and civic youth participation in democratic life, at local level, by supporting youth initiatives co-designed, co-created and implemented by young people for young people on six main priorities: 1) Youth Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusion. 2) Involvement in Decision-Making Processes. 3)Youth Social inclusion and Integration. 4) Sustainable Green Societies and Youth. 5)Healthy Youth lifestyles. 6) Cultural and Creative Youth Diverse Expressions.
OBJECTIVES
● To provide opportunities for training, learning and education, as well as networking with peers and exchanging ideas and views on the issues during the transnational training
● To successfully set-up and operate local Youth Ambassadors Programmes for young people and youth workers/volunteers to co-create and co-organize youth initiatives based on the 6 project priorities.
● To provide specific practical non-formal educational and learning opportunities and tools to young people and youth workers,for effective social and civic participation, contributing to acquisition of knowledge,soft skills and competences, as well as life and social skills, in a more holistic approach.
● To share and transfer good practices, expertise, know-how and knowledge on social and civic youth participation, provide theoretical, practical and online opportunities to youth workers and volunteers on how to engage and attract young people on core issues related to civic and social participation at the local level.
The event, titled “The CoE and the Modalities of Civil Society Involvement“, held with the patronage of the Municipality of Thiene, aimed to strengthen civil society participation in Council of Europe processes, enhance dialogue on civic space, and explore effective tools for democratic engagement.
The morning opened with welcome remarks from Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, followed by institutional greetings from Marina Maino, Councillor of Thiene Municipality.
Andrea Rilievo, President of Cooperativa Studio Progetto
Nicola Marolla, Director for Institutional and Population Services of Thiene Municipality
Moderated by Elisabetta Uroni, Head of the Communication Department of ALDA, the discussion highlighted common trends such as legal restrictions on NGOs, institutional disengagement, and the polarisation of public discourse — yet also emphasised the power of transnational cooperation and local commitment.
The second part of the event focused on practical tools and frameworks. Lotta Valtonen, Policy Advisor at the Council of Europe, presented key instruments available to civil society and elaborated on the Reykjavik Declaration, a recent reaffirmation of the Council’s democratic mission. This was followed by collaborative working groups, both online and offline, where participants discussed strategies to reinforce civic participation and build bridges with institutions in their own local contexts.
The BRIDGE workshop reaffirmed the urgent need to empower grassroots organisations, ensure institutional openness, and foster democratic resilience — especially in light of shrinking civic spaces in both emerging and established democracies.
The event marked an important step in the BRIDGE project’s mission to connect civil society with European standards of governance, providing not only a platform for exchange but also practical tools for long-term engagement.
Vicenza, like many other Italian cities, faces significant challenges related to the inclusion of fragile individuals and those in a state of extreme vulnerability. Demographic data show an increase in the elderly population and families in need of support services.
Just consider that 1.45 billion euros of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) are specifically allocated for the development and strengthening of services for children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable groups. At the municipal and provincial levels, there are already initiatives and policies aimed at protecting disadvantaged populations, but it is necessary to enhance and better integrate the existing services. This project supports the basic medical and socio-health services offered by the Caracol Association in the city of Vicenza, with the goal of assisting and accompanying the most vulnerable members of the community on a path toward awareness and care.
The headquarters of the Caracol Association, where the project activities will take place, is located at a crossroads that separates three neighborhoods in the city considered particularly disadvantaged, and where the proportion of the population in need of support is higher than in nearby districts.
OBJECTIVES
The project aims to strengthen and expand the proximity services offered by Caracol Association by improving the accessibility and quality of socio-medical assistance for people in need. It also seeks to inform and actively engage the community, reinforcing the collaborative network of various local actors to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of these services.
The project aims to enhance and further develop the socio-health services provided by Caracol Association in collaboration with ALDA Italia APS and Equality Social Cooperative, with the goal of offering tangible support to individuals facing severe economic hardship and material deprivation.
Through an integrated approach that is sensitive to the cultural and social specificities of each individual, the project aims to provide qualified and personalised support, promoting the well-being and social inclusion of all beneficiaries and improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable members of the community.
The TeLD Hub event within the framework of the Up2You Erasmus+ Project
Global aspirations for sustainable development require local action, and this vital message resonated strongly at the “Global Calls, Local Acts” event held in Paris, France on the 16th of July. Hosted by the ALDATeLD Hub within the framework of the Erasmus+ Up2You project’s multiplier event, this occasion brought together a mix of cities representatives, academics, CSOs and grassroots activists to underscore the critical role of local communities in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The day began with a morning session, where members of the TeLD Hub engaged in a strategic dialogue. This meeting provided a platform to map out future action plans and collaborations. Discussions focused on fostering inclusive innovation and building a robust network to drive local development through citizens and community engagement. The emphasis was clear: to move beyond isolated projects and create a more integrated, synergistic approach to community-led change. Delving deeper into the hub’s priorities and core themes, the session underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that good practices are widely shared and scaled, preventing innovation from benefiting only a select few. The session laid the groundwork for the definition of a shared perspectives for the TeLD Hub and inaugurated the next events that will feature ALDA members interested in the Hub’s issues and initiatives and willing to contribute by providing specific knowledge and expertise.
The afternoon session, introduced by Rita Biconne, Head of Implementation Unit, open to the public focused on multi-stakeholders experiences and approaches applied for planning and realising local strategies for territorial development. It was opened by Marcos Diaz Ramirez, Economist at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, who presented the OECD Programme on A Territorial Approach to the SDGs . According to the OECD study, the cities in OECD countries are making progress on most SDGs, but results vary significantly across goals and most cities are not on track in the achievement of all the SDGs by 2030. Dr. Diaz Ramirez emphasised that the success of these global goals hinges directly on the engagement of local and regional governments, and that measuring the distance and progress towards the SDGs at the city, regional, and national levels is crucial for formulating foresight policies and evaluating the impact of SDGs’ localisation.
This set the stage for Lorenzo Ianiro, ALDA Project Manager, who presented the “Living Communities Lab” methodology in detail. This multi-stakeholder framework, which has been tested in five pilot areas as part of the Up2You project, offers a practical blueprint for co-designing local strategies for territorial development.
The afternoon session also presented a roundtable discussion, moderated by ALDA’s project manager Rebecca Marconi. The panel featured a diverse range of voices: Pierre Musseau from La Coop des Communs, Daniela Ciaffi of Politecnico di Torino, Giulia Marra from Labsus, Lucie Romac representing YouthID, Elisa Betti from ARCO, Virginie Roquette from Cités Unies France and Marcos Diaz Ramirez from OECD. Their collective insights reinforced the central premise of the conference, namely that local communities are the foundation of sustainable development. The discussion explored various strategies for inclusive, community-led growth, touching upon the vital role of young people, the potential of creating the right conditions and infrastructure to enhance collaborative processes, and the role of the social and solidarity economy, collaborative pacts and decentralised cooperation as concrete opportunities to contribute to the SDGs’ localisation processes
The “Global Calls, Local Acts” event served as a powerful reminder that while the SDGs represent global aspirations, their true impact materialises through robust, bottom-up implementation and they can drive effective local policies for global sustainable change. The clear structure of the event, which transitioned from the TeLD Hub’s internal strategic planning to widespread public engagement, proved highly effective in collecting insightful input and complementary perspectives.
It not only facilitated in-depth discussions on future collaborations for the TeLD Hub but also disseminated crucial knowledge and fostered a wider dialogue among a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
The success of the event highlights a growing international consensus that achieving global sustainability requires stronger local actors. The TeLD Hub can play a strategic role in this by empowering local authorities, formalising collaborative networks and encouraging research and impact evaluation to help localise the SDGs.
On May 19th ALDA Balkans and Cooperatives Europe launched the #MondayTalks webinar series, “Beyond Business as Usual: How to Cooperatively Advance a Local Democratic Economy”. The 3-episode webinar series brought together speakers and participants from all over Europe, and explored how cooperative entrepreneurship can empower sustainable, democratic, and inclusive people-led economies across the Western Balkans. This action is part of Cooperatives Europe’s commitment to strengthening the European cooperative movement and its contribution to the UN SDGs under its global programme #coops4dev🌍. The series aimed to promote the added value of the cooperative model, detached from the contextual development patch of the Western Balkans emphasising voluntary collective action for common socio-economic goals, and the creation of a democratic ecosystem with long-term impact on society. The sessions also acted as a participatory platform for audience members to contribute and interact with the speakers.
How to cooperatively advance a local democratic economy Partnership for the Balkans
The first webinar, held on the 19th of May, featured Vivian Woodell, Vice-President of The Midcounties Co-operative and Board Member of Cooperatives Europe. As former Executive Director of the Social Economy Consortium he shared his experience and knowledge of cooperative identity in post-communist societies: “Cooperatives are not just about ownership, it is about being able to participate in the business. After the end of communism, there were attempts by some governments, who thought that cooperatives were just another kind of state ownership, to demutualise them and turn them into private enterprises.” Woodell emphasised participation over ownership as the defining characteristic of authentic cooperative enterprises and elaborated on the challenges cooperatives in the region face due to their association with state-controlled collectives of the past.
Participants also had the chance to hear from Zoran Kordić, CEO and Co-Founder of Zelena Energetska Zadruga (Green Energy Cooperative) in Croatia. Kordić shared his journey towards receiving grants and support together with a fresh perspective on the region’s potential. His energy cooperative, is an example of the innovative spirit emerging across the Balkans. “In Croatia there is a new wave of cooperatives that are entering the banking and housing sectors, as well as social cooperatives. I would say, we need to remove these levels from the past and try to establish new labels”, Kordić explained, highlighting the need to rebrand cooperatives for a new generation.
The Balkan Perspective: Community-led economy
The second webinar on the 26th of May delved deeper into the regional context. Guests such as Alis Mustafa, Project Manager at Partners Albania for Change and Development, emphasised the importance of awareness-raising and advocacy for the social economy sector in Albania, and shared compelling observations about the demographic shift driving cooperative development: “We are observing the potential of a second wave for cooperatives in the Western Balkans where the youth and women are more receptive to this alternative model of doing business.”
Throughout the discussions it was noted that generational change represents a fundamental shift in how cooperative models are perceived and implemented. Unlike previous attempts that were often imposed from authorities, this new wave emerges from grassroots initiatives driven by young entrepreneurs and women who see cooperatives as vehicles for social and economic transformation.
Sasho Angelovski, Acting Regional Director at We Effect, provided crucial insight into the policy dimensions of cooperative development. His emphasis on systemic change resonated throughout the discussion: “To support cooperatives, we have to be engaged in policy and advocacy because we have to target decision makers in order to improve the legal institutions and create enabling environments in the Western Balkan for the development of cooperatives.”
From Ideas to Local Impact
The final webinar on the 23rd of June featured case studies on the practical application of cooperative principles. Ana Džokić, Cooperator and Co-Founder of STEALTH unlimited and Management Board Member of MOBA Housing SCE (European Cooperative Society), shared her experience addressing Serbia’s housing crisis through cooperative solutions: “We are developing alternatives to the real estate market in Serbia. When searching for legal forms that best matched our ideas, we came across cooperatives. Since the financial crisis of 2008 there has been a growing wave of new housing cooperatives spreading across Europe. These cooperatives are answering the housing crisis today.” Through her work she showed how cooperatives can address contemporary challenges while building on established European models. The housing crisis, a pressing issue across the Western Balkans, finds innovative solutions through cooperative approaches that prioritise community needs over profit maximization.
Victoria Ayvazyan, International Rural Development Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Office for Europe and Central Asia (FAO REU), brought a regional perspective to the discussion, emphasising the role of cooperatives in bridging urban-rural divides and why they are key to intervene where public policies cannot: “At FAO we are always concerned about urban and rural divide problems such as underdeveloped infrastructure, poor connectivity and lack of services and education opportunities. In this sense, cooperatives are even more instrumental, ensuring the availability of many of these missing goods and services. This is the classical theory of cooperative emergence to fill the gap that states could not fill or were not profitable enough for businesses to invest in.”
The series concluded with Anna Loscalzo, Project Manager and Co-Founder of Tatabox Officine Studio, whose work with young people demonstrated the transformative potential of cooperative models for community building: “At Tatabox coop we help young people and university students feel part of a community. We have been working for 9 years, serving a very large community of approximately 16,000 people. We are trying to give them the chance to become members of the coop. This will completely change our governance and our approach to projects, because when you create a cooperative you create it to last.”
Overall, the #MondayTalks series reintroduced the cooperative model through a positive narrative that emphasises democratic values, community engagement, and sustainable development. The diverse participation from Local Democratic Agencies, ALDA members and Cooperatives Europe members created an opportunity for dialogue, sharing experiences and ideas. The webinars revealed that cooperatives in the Western Balkans are not attempting to recreate past models but are innovating new forms of economic democracy suited to contemporary challenges. From energy cooperatives addressing climate change to housing cooperatives tackling affordability crises, from youth cooperatives building community to rural cooperatives bridging development gaps, participants had the chance to hear about a variety of comprehensive responses to the region’s most pressing needs.
Period:
01/05/2024 - 30/04/2026
Countries involved:
Austria Belgium Bulgaria European Union France Germany Italy
The project “Citizen Foresight EU” aims to promote citizen engagement and participation in envisioning the future of Europe.
The project relies on a range of methods and tools, such as foresight research, workshops, and co-creation labs, to facilitate informed and inclusive citizen-driven debates.
The target groups of the project are diverse and inclusive, including citizens, policymakers, civil society organisations, and local leaders. The project aims to empower these stakeholders to actively participate in democratic processes and have their preferences effectively represented in decision-making.
The expected results of the project include increased awareness and engagement of citizens in envisioning the future of Europe, enhanced understanding of innovative future search methods, and the establishment of a platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange. The project also aims to contribute to the promotion of gender equality and non-discrimination mainstreaming.
The project will deliver several outputs and outcomes, including reports on foresight methods, a future scenarios toolkit, a summary report on the project’s outcomes, and policy recommendations for local and European decision-makers.
OBJECTIVES
Overall, the project “Citizen Foresight EU” seeks to empower citizens, promote democratic participation, and contribute to shaping the future of Europe through inclusive and informed citizen-driven debates.
Caracol Association, through its social clinic (ophthalmology, pediatrics, gynecology, dentistry, and psychological clinic), aims to improve the quality of healthcare and legal support services for people living in socio-economic hardship and without access to institutional healthcare in the Vicenza area. In other words, it seeks to complement local healthcare services and enhance the quality of life for marginalised individuals.
The project will be carried out in the three Vicenza neighbourhoods of interest: San Lazzaro, San Giuseppe and Ferrovieri, which are the ones where more migrants or disadvantaged people live. ALDA Italia APS is in charge of a communication campaign on socialmedia to disseminate news about Caracol’s services, and of organising three events in these three neighbourhoods.
OBJECTIVES
The project aims at improving the clinic and at spreading information amongst possible beneficiaries about Caracol’s health services. Morevoer, the project seeks to involve new doctors to become volunteers and in general to educate the population about the right to health.
