ALDA’S PROPOSALS ON “2013 EUROPEAN YEAR OF CITIZENS" AT THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE. (Brussels, 26-27 January 2012)

“The European Year of Citizens, suggested by the Evropske komisije  for the 2013, today focused on rights, mostly on right to move and work in the Union, should have a wider perspective, and promote European citizenship and identity, including social and cultural aspects”. This is the main proposal of ALDA  about the EYC 2013, expressed during the public hearing promoted by the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels.

The European Economic and Social Committee is drawing up an opinion on the proposal of the European Commission and would like to give every European citizen, NGO, enterprise, trade union etc. an opportunity to contribute to its opinion, which will be sent to the European Parliament, Commission and Council once it has been adopted. A first NGOs meeting was held in Brussels in EESC on the 27th of January and ALDA was represented by Mr. Marco Boaria.
Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Director, attended to the public hearing that was held the day before.
“We are interested in an Alliance which main aims should be promoting the participation of a wide spectrum of civil society organisations working to promote European citizenship and implement the European Year of Citizens 2013. ALDA supports the idea of organizing quickly “decentralized” groups of support at the national level”, stated Mrs. Valmorbida.
ALDA think that the activities of the “year” should be done even more on new members States, future member countries (those of the Enlargement process), and the countries of the ENPI Interregional Programme, since they are the direct beneficiaries of the effects as neighbors of Europe.
ALDA proposes that the programme of the 2013 European Year of Citizens works mainly with small and local events and not only focusing on high level discussions, engaging civil society and local authorities and promoting an open debate on the future of participation mechanisms to strengthen European identity and The European Project.
ALDA proposes also to reach political objectives in terms of citizens’ participation (and mechanisms for facilitating this) with legislative initiatives, best practices at the community level, etc. with the EYAC 2013. The group, in preparing the Year, should set these high objectives, planning the Year in this direction, considering the upcoming European Parliament Elections in 2014.

Za dodatne informacije posjetite EESC website


LE PROPOSTE DI ALDA SUL “2013 ANNO EUROPEO DEI CITTADINI” ALL’AUDIZIONE PUBBLICA DEL COMITATO EUROPEO ECONOMICO E SOCIALE (Bruxelles, 26-27 gennaio 2012)

“L’Anno europeo dei cittadini, suggerito dalla Commissione europea per il 2013, che oggi si focalizza sui diritti, per lo più sul diritto a circolare e lavorare nell’Unione, dovrebbe avere una prospettiva più ampia, e promuovere la cittadinanza e l’identità europea, compresi gli aspetti sociali e culturali “. Questa è la proposta principale di ALDA sull’EYC 2013, espressa durante l’audizione pubblica promossa dal Comitato economico e sociale europeo, a Bruxelles.
Il Comitato sta elaborando un parere sulla proposta della Commissione europea e vuole dare ad ogni cittadino europeo, alle ONG, alle imprese, ai sindacato, ecc l’opportunità di contribuire al suo parere, che sarà inviato al Parlamento, alla Commissione e al Consiglio europeo, una volta adottato. Una prima riunione delle ONG si è tenuta a Bruxelles nella sede del Comitato il 27 gennaio e ALDA era rappresentata da Marco Boaria. Il Direttore di ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, ha partecipato all’audizione pubblica che si è tenuta il giorno prima.
“Siamo interessati a un’alleanza i cui obiettivi principali dovrebbero essere la promozione della partecipazione di un ampio spettro di organizzazioni della società civile che lavorano per promuovere la cittadinanza europea e per attuare l’Anno europeo dei cittadini nel 2013. ALDA sostiene l’idea di organizzare rapidamente gruppi di sostegno decentrati a livello nazionale “, ha dichiarato Antonella Valmorbida.
ALDA pensa che le attività dell’anno dovrebbero essere svolte maggiormente nei nuovi Stati membri, nei futuri Stati membri (quelli del processo di allargamento), e nei paesi del programma interregionale ENPI, dal momento che sono i beneficiari diretti degli effetti come vicini dell’Europa.
ALDA propone che il programma dell’Anno europeo dei cittadini 2013 lavori principalmente con piccoli e locali eventi e non solo concentrandosi su discussioni di alto livello, coinvolgendo la società civile e le autorità locali e promuovendo un dibattito aperto sul futuro dei meccanismi di partecipazione, per rafforzare l’identità europea e Il progetto europeo.
ALDA propone anche di raggiungere obiettivi politici in termini di partecipazione dei cittadini (e di meccanismi per facilitarla) con iniziative legislative, buone pratiche a livello di comunità, ecc con la EYC 2013. Il gruppo, nella preparazione dell’anno, dovrebbe fissare questi alti obiettivi, orientando l’evento in questa direzione, considerando anche le prossime elezioni del Parlamento europeo nel 2014.
Per ulteriori informazioni visitate il sito Internet dell’EESC


La proposition d’ALDA sur “2013: l’année européenne des citoyens” à l’audition publique du Comité économique et social européen. (Bruxelles, 26 et 27 janvier 2012)

“ L’année européenne des citoyens, suggérée par la Commission Européenne pour 2013, qui se focalise actuellement sur les droits, et principalement sur le droit de circuler et de travailler dans l’Union doit avoir une dimension plus large et promouvoir l’identité et la citoyenneté européenne, y compris les aspects sociaux et culturels.” Voici la principale proposition de ALDA concernant cette année européenne 2013 exprimée pendant l’audition publique organisée par le Comité économique et social européen à Bruxelles.
Le Comité économique et social européen est en train d’écrire une opinion sur la proposition de la Commission Européenne et souhaiterait donner à chaque citoyen européen, entreprise, syndicats, etc une opportunité de contribuer à cette opinion; laquelle devra être envoyée au Parlement Européen, à la Comission et au Conseil une fois adoptée.
Une première réunion d’ONG a eu lieu à Bruxelles, au Comité économique et social européen le 27 janvier. ALDA était représentée par Mr Marco Boaria. Mme Antonella Valmorbida, Directeur d’ALDA, était présente à l’audition publique la veille.
” Nous sommes intéressés par une alliance qui aurait pour principal but de promouvoir la participation d’un large spectre d’organisations de la société civile travaillant à la promotion de la citoyenneté européenne et à la mise en oeuvre de l’année européenne des citoyens 2013. ALDA soutient l’idée d’organiser rapidement des groupes décentralisés de support au niveau national”, a déclaré Mme Valmorbida.
ALDA pense que les activités de l'”année” devraient être organisées bien au-delà des nouveaux Etats membres mais également dans les pays futurs membres (qui sont en processus d’élargissement) ainsi que les pays du programme interrégional ENPI puisqu’ils sont les bénéficiaires directs des effets en tant que voisins de l’Europe.
ALDA propose que le programme de l’année européenne 2013 sur les citoyens travaille principalement avec des petits évenements locaux et ne focalise pas seulement sur des discussions de haut niveau, et ce afin de faciliter l’engagement de la société civile et des autorités locales et de promouvoir un débat ouvert sur le futur des mécanismes de participation visant à renforcer l’identité européenne et le projet Européen.
ALDA propose également d’atteindre, grâce à l’année européenne 2013 des citoyens, des objectifs politiques en termes de participation citoyenne (et des mécanismes pour les faciliter) avec des initiatives législatives, bonnes pratiques au niveau communautaire, etc. Le groupe, qui prépare l’année, devrait fixer des objectifs hauts en planifiant l’année dans cette direction et en prenant en considération les élections du parlement européen en 2014.

Pour plus d’information, veuillez visiter le site du Comité économique et social européen.


ПРЕДЛОЖЕНИЯ АССОЦИАЦИИ ALDA ПО ТЕМЕ «2013 – ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЙ ГОД ГРАЖДАН» НА ПУБЛИЧНОМ ЗАСЕДАНИИ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО И СОЦИАЛЬНОГО КОМИТЕТА. (Брюссель, 26-27 января 2012)

«Европейский год граждан, предлагаемый Европейской комиссией на 2013 год, сфокусированный сегодня на правах, в основном, на праве перемещаться и работать в Союзе, должен иметь более широкую перспективу и содействовать европейскому гражданству и идентичности, включая социальные и культурные аспекты». Таково главное предложение Ассоциации ALDA по данной теме, выраженное во время публичного заседания Европейского экономического и социального комитета (EESC) в Брюсселе.
Европейский экономический и социальный комитет вырабатывает мнение по предложению Европейской комиссии и желает дать каждому гражданину Европы, неправительственной организации, предприятию, профсоюзу и т.п. возможность сделать свой вклад в выработку данного мнения, которое будет отправлено в Европейский парламент, Комиссию и Совет, как только оно будет принято. Первое совещание неправительственных организаций состоялось в Брюсселе во время заседания Европейского экономического и социального комитета 27 января, Ассоциацию ALDA представлял г-н Марко Боариа (Marco Boaria).
Г-жа Антонелла Вальморбида (Antonella Valmorbida), Директор Ассоциации ALDA, посетила публичное заседание, которое состоялось днем раньше.
«Мы заинтересованы в Союзе, чьи основные цели должны составлять содействие участию организаций гражданского общества широкого спектра, работающих по продвижению европейского гражданства и осуществлению европейского года граждан в 2013 году. Ассоциация ALDA поддерживает идею быстрой организации «децентрализованных» групп поддержки на национальном уровне», – заявила г-жа Вальморбида.
Ассоциация ALDA полагает, что мероприятия «года» должны быть и подавно выполнены в новых государствах-членах, будущих государствах-членах (участвующих в процессе расширения), а также в странах межрегиональной программы ENPI, поскольку они являются прямыми получателями выгод, будучи соседями по Европе.
Ассоциация ALDA предлагает, чтобы программа «2013 – Европейский год граждан» работала, главным образом, с небольшими и местными мероприятиями и не сосредотачивалась только на дискуссиях высокого уровня, привлекая гражданское общество и органы местного самоуправления и содействуя открытым дебатам о будущем механизмов участия по усилению европейской идентичности и европейского проекта.
Ассоциация ALDA также предлагает достичь политических целей в контексте гражданского участия (и механизмов для облегчения этого) с законодательными инициативами, передовыми практическими методами на уровне сообщества и т.д. при осуществлении программы «2013 – Европейский год граждан». Группа, при подготовке к этой программе, должна установить высокие цели, планируя данную программу в этом направлении и принимая во внимание предстоящие в 2014 году выборы в Европейский парламент.
За дополнительной информацией обращайтесь на  веб-сайт EESC.

“The European Year of Citizens, suggested by the Evropske komisije  for the 2013, today focused on rights, mostly on right to move and work in the Union, should have a wider perspective, and promote European citizenship and identity, including social and cultural aspects”. This is the main proposal of ALDA  about the EYC 2013, expressed during the public hearing promoted by the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels.

The European Economic and Social Committee is drawing up an opinion on the proposal of the European Commission and would like to give every European citizen, NGO, enterprise, trade union etc. an opportunity to contribute to its opinion, which will be sent to the European Parliament, Commission and Council once it has been adopted. A first NGOs meeting was held in Brussels in EESC on the 27th of January and ALDA was represented by Mr. Marco Boaria.
Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Director, attended to the public hearing that was held the day before.
“We are interested in an Alliance which main aims should be promoting the participation of a wide spectrum of civil society organisations working to promote European citizenship and implement the European Year of Citizens 2013. ALDA supports the idea of organizing quickly “decentralized” groups of support at the national level”, stated Mrs. Valmorbida.
ALDA think that the activities of the “year” should be done even more on new members States, future member countries (those of the Enlargement process), and the countries of the ENPI Interregional Programme, since they are the direct beneficiaries of the effects as neighbors of Europe.
ALDA proposes that the programme of the 2013 European Year of Citizens works mainly with small and local events and not only focusing on high level discussions, engaging civil society and local authorities and promoting an open debate on the future of participation mechanisms to strengthen European identity and The European Project.
ALDA proposes also to reach political objectives in terms of citizens’ participation (and mechanisms for facilitating this) with legislative initiatives, best practices at the community level, etc. with the EYAC 2013. The group, in preparing the Year, should set these high objectives, planning the Year in this direction, considering the upcoming European Parliament Elections in 2014.

Za dodatne informacije posjetite EESC website


LE PROPOSTE DI ALDA SUL “2013 ANNO EUROPEO DEI CITTADINI” ALL’AUDIZIONE PUBBLICA DEL COMITATO EUROPEO ECONOMICO E SOCIALE (Bruxelles, 26-27 gennaio 2012)

“L’Anno europeo dei cittadini, suggerito dalla Commissione europea per il 2013, che oggi si focalizza sui diritti, per lo più sul diritto a circolare e lavorare nell’Unione, dovrebbe avere una prospettiva più ampia, e promuovere la cittadinanza e l’identità europea, compresi gli aspetti sociali e culturali “. Questa è la proposta principale di ALDA sull’EYC 2013, espressa durante l’audizione pubblica promossa dal Comitato economico e sociale europeo, a Bruxelles.
Il Comitato sta elaborando un parere sulla proposta della Commissione europea e vuole dare ad ogni cittadino europeo, alle ONG, alle imprese, ai sindacato, ecc l’opportunità di contribuire al suo parere, che sarà inviato al Parlamento, alla Commissione e al Consiglio europeo, una volta adottato. Una prima riunione delle ONG si è tenuta a Bruxelles nella sede del Comitato il 27 gennaio e ALDA era rappresentata da Marco Boaria. Il Direttore di ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, ha partecipato all’audizione pubblica che si è tenuta il giorno prima.
“Siamo interessati a un’alleanza i cui obiettivi principali dovrebbero essere la promozione della partecipazione di un ampio spettro di organizzazioni della società civile che lavorano per promuovere la cittadinanza europea e per attuare l’Anno europeo dei cittadini nel 2013. ALDA sostiene l’idea di organizzare rapidamente gruppi di sostegno decentrati a livello nazionale “, ha dichiarato Antonella Valmorbida.
ALDA pensa che le attività dell’anno dovrebbero essere svolte maggiormente nei nuovi Stati membri, nei futuri Stati membri (quelli del processo di allargamento), e nei paesi del programma interregionale ENPI, dal momento che sono i beneficiari diretti degli effetti come vicini dell’Europa.
ALDA propone che il programma dell’Anno europeo dei cittadini 2013 lavori principalmente con piccoli e locali eventi e non solo concentrandosi su discussioni di alto livello, coinvolgendo la società civile e le autorità locali e promuovendo un dibattito aperto sul futuro dei meccanismi di partecipazione, per rafforzare l’identità europea e Il progetto europeo.
ALDA propone anche di raggiungere obiettivi politici in termini di partecipazione dei cittadini (e di meccanismi per facilitarla) con iniziative legislative, buone pratiche a livello di comunità, ecc con la EYC 2013. Il gruppo, nella preparazione dell’anno, dovrebbe fissare questi alti obiettivi, orientando l’evento in questa direzione, considerando anche le prossime elezioni del Parlamento europeo nel 2014.
Per ulteriori informazioni visitate il sito Internet dell’EESC


La proposition d’ALDA sur “2013: l’année européenne des citoyens” à l’audition publique du Comité économique et social européen. (Bruxelles, 26 et 27 janvier 2012)

“ L’année européenne des citoyens, suggérée par la Commission Européenne pour 2013, qui se focalise actuellement sur les droits, et principalement sur le droit de circuler et de travailler dans l’Union doit avoir une dimension plus large et promouvoir l’identité et la citoyenneté européenne, y compris les aspects sociaux et culturels.” Voici la principale proposition de ALDA concernant cette année européenne 2013 exprimée pendant l’audition publique organisée par le Comité économique et social européen à Bruxelles.
Le Comité économique et social européen est en train d’écrire une opinion sur la proposition de la Commission Européenne et souhaiterait donner à chaque citoyen européen, entreprise, syndicats, etc une opportunité de contribuer à cette opinion; laquelle devra être envoyée au Parlement Européen, à la Comission et au Conseil une fois adoptée.
Une première réunion d’ONG a eu lieu à Bruxelles, au Comité économique et social européen le 27 janvier. ALDA était représentée par Mr Marco Boaria. Mme Antonella Valmorbida, Directeur d’ALDA, était présente à l’audition publique la veille.
” Nous sommes intéressés par une alliance qui aurait pour principal but de promouvoir la participation d’un large spectre d’organisations de la société civile travaillant à la promotion de la citoyenneté européenne et à la mise en oeuvre de l’année européenne des citoyens 2013. ALDA soutient l’idée d’organiser rapidement des groupes décentralisés de support au niveau national”, a déclaré Mme Valmorbida.
ALDA pense que les activités de l'”année” devraient être organisées bien au-delà des nouveaux Etats membres mais également dans les pays futurs membres (qui sont en processus d’élargissement) ainsi que les pays du programme interrégional ENPI puisqu’ils sont les bénéficiaires directs des effets en tant que voisins de l’Europe.
ALDA propose que le programme de l’année européenne 2013 sur les citoyens travaille principalement avec des petits évenements locaux et ne focalise pas seulement sur des discussions de haut niveau, et ce afin de faciliter l’engagement de la société civile et des autorités locales et de promouvoir un débat ouvert sur le futur des mécanismes de participation visant à renforcer l’identité européenne et le projet Européen.
ALDA propose également d’atteindre, grâce à l’année européenne 2013 des citoyens, des objectifs politiques en termes de participation citoyenne (et des mécanismes pour les faciliter) avec des initiatives législatives, bonnes pratiques au niveau communautaire, etc. Le groupe, qui prépare l’année, devrait fixer des objectifs hauts en planifiant l’année dans cette direction et en prenant en considération les élections du parlement européen en 2014.

Pour plus d’information, veuillez visiter le site du Comité économique et social européen.


ПРЕДЛОЖЕНИЯ АССОЦИАЦИИ ALDA ПО ТЕМЕ «2013 – ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЙ ГОД ГРАЖДАН» НА ПУБЛИЧНОМ ЗАСЕДАНИИ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО И СОЦИАЛЬНОГО КОМИТЕТА. (Брюссель, 26-27 января 2012)

«Европейский год граждан, предлагаемый Европейской комиссией на 2013 год, сфокусированный сегодня на правах, в основном, на праве перемещаться и работать в Союзе, должен иметь более широкую перспективу и содействовать европейскому гражданству и идентичности, включая социальные и культурные аспекты». Таково главное предложение Ассоциации ALDA по данной теме, выраженное во время публичного заседания Европейского экономического и социального комитета (EESC) в Брюсселе.
Европейский экономический и социальный комитет вырабатывает мнение по предложению Европейской комиссии и желает дать каждому гражданину Европы, неправительственной организации, предприятию, профсоюзу и т.п. возможность сделать свой вклад в выработку данного мнения, которое будет отправлено в Европейский парламент, Комиссию и Совет, как только оно будет принято. Первое совещание неправительственных организаций состоялось в Брюсселе во время заседания Европейского экономического и социального комитета 27 января, Ассоциацию ALDA представлял г-н Марко Боариа (Marco Boaria).
Г-жа Антонелла Вальморбида (Antonella Valmorbida), Директор Ассоциации ALDA, посетила публичное заседание, которое состоялось днем раньше.
«Мы заинтересованы в Союзе, чьи основные цели должны составлять содействие участию организаций гражданского общества широкого спектра, работающих по продвижению европейского гражданства и осуществлению европейского года граждан в 2013 году. Ассоциация ALDA поддерживает идею быстрой организации «децентрализованных» групп поддержки на национальном уровне», – заявила г-жа Вальморбида.
Ассоциация ALDA полагает, что мероприятия «года» должны быть и подавно выполнены в новых государствах-членах, будущих государствах-членах (участвующих в процессе расширения), а также в странах межрегиональной программы ENPI, поскольку они являются прямыми получателями выгод, будучи соседями по Европе.
Ассоциация ALDA предлагает, чтобы программа «2013 – Европейский год граждан» работала, главным образом, с небольшими и местными мероприятиями и не сосредотачивалась только на дискуссиях высокого уровня, привлекая гражданское общество и органы местного самоуправления и содействуя открытым дебатам о будущем механизмов участия по усилению европейской идентичности и европейского проекта.
Ассоциация ALDA также предлагает достичь политических целей в контексте гражданского участия (и механизмов для облегчения этого) с законодательными инициативами, передовыми практическими методами на уровне сообщества и т.д. при осуществлении программы «2013 – Европейский год граждан». Группа, при подготовке к этой программе, должна установить высокие цели, планируя данную программу в этом направлении и принимая во внимание предстоящие в 2014 году выборы в Европейский парламент.
За дополнительной информацией обращайтесь на  веб-сайт EESC.

po admin

THE IPA BIH PROJECT "CIVIL SOCIETY IN ACTION FOR DIALOGUE AND PARTNERSHIP" ON “PEACE NEWS”

“Peace News”, the electronic newsletter of the Bosnian Organisation “Mreža Za Izgradnju Mira”, “Peace building network” of which LDA  Mostar is member, in the issue of January 2012 published an article about the IPA Project “Civil Society in action for dialogue and partnership”.
The project is implemented by ALDA, lead partner,  while the partners are the Local Democracy Agencies Mostar, Zavidovici (BiH), Osijek (HR), Subotica (SRB), as well as the Forum of Tuzla Citizens, Centre for Local Development Breza, DON Prijedor and Novenade Bihac.

The project is designed to help strengthen the democratic role of NGOs in enhancing the citizen participation in local policy/decision making through promoting co-operation agreements and NGO issue based networking measures within the two years of project implementation: to help improve organizational and management capacities of NGO-s engaged in promoting democratic governance at local level; develop local awareness raising actions promoting democratic potential of CSOs and their role in good local governance; support the networking actions of issue based NGOs at local and regional level in Bosnia and Herzegovina; improve the awareness of policy and decision makers on European standards of good local governance and citizen participation; foster issue based cooperation of CSOs and local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with their counterparts in other IPA countries and EU member states.

“Peace News”, the electronic newsletter of the Bosnian Organisation “Mreža Za Izgradnju Mira”, “Peace building network” of which LDA  Mostar is member, in the issue of January 2012 published an article about the IPA Project “Civil Society in action for dialogue and partnership”.
The project is implemented by ALDA, lead partner,  while the partners are the Local Democracy Agencies Mostar, Zavidovici (BiH), Osijek (HR), Subotica (SRB), as well as the Forum of Tuzla Citizens, Centre for Local Development Breza, DON Prijedor and Novenade Bihac.

The project is designed to help strengthen the democratic role of NGOs in enhancing the citizen participation in local policy/decision making through promoting co-operation agreements and NGO issue based networking measures within the two years of project implementation: to help improve organizational and management capacities of NGO-s engaged in promoting democratic governance at local level; develop local awareness raising actions promoting democratic potential of CSOs and their role in good local governance; support the networking actions of issue based NGOs at local and regional level in Bosnia and Herzegovina; improve the awareness of policy and decision makers on European standards of good local governance and citizen participation; foster issue based cooperation of CSOs and local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with their counterparts in other IPA countries and EU member states.

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REMEMBRANCE FOR A PEACEFUL FUTURE

On January 27th, 1945, 67 years ago, the German concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by the Russian Army, giving name to the International Holocaust Memorial Day on that date every year.
A new Europe has been built on the ruins of war and hatred, with the conviction that something like the Shoah should never be allowed to happen again.

Against such a back-ground Local Democracy Agencies were established in the wake of the conflict leading to the break-up of the former Yugoslavia with the objective of helping to build a society founded on democratic principles, rule of law and respect for human and minority rights. Engaging various ethnic groups in this endeavour and at times mediating between them has reconfirmed to the Local Democracy Agencies and their umbrella organisation the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA) that the past plays an important role in shaping a future based on tolerance and reconciliation.

Together with its partners, ALDA works daily for intercultural understanding and active participation of citizens in its programme on Active Remembrance. The President of ALDA, Per Vinther, stresses that ”we are constantly reminded that it is necessary to bring people to remember their past and learn from mistakes their ancestors have made! This also has a direct bearing on the appreciation of the benefits of living in a democratic society”

The Association of Local Democracy Agencies, ALDA, is heavily engaged in promoting active citizenship within the EU Programme “Europe for Citizens” and in that vein had embarked on the recently concluded PEACE project – Peaceful Education for Active Citizenship in Europe, which concluded on an engagement by the partners of the network to work jointly on the historical conscience of youth in their countries and in Europe as a prerequisite for the survival of our peaceful and democratic societies.

On January 27th, 1945, 67 years ago, the German concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by the Russian Army, giving name to the International Holocaust Memorial Day on that date every year.
A new Europe has been built on the ruins of war and hatred, with the conviction that something like the Shoah should never be allowed to happen again.

Against such a back-ground Local Democracy Agencies were established in the wake of the conflict leading to the break-up of the former Yugoslavia with the objective of helping to build a society founded on democratic principles, rule of law and respect for human and minority rights. Engaging various ethnic groups in this endeavour and at times mediating between them has reconfirmed to the Local Democracy Agencies and their umbrella organisation the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA) that the past plays an important role in shaping a future based on tolerance and reconciliation.

Together with its partners, ALDA works daily for intercultural understanding and active participation of citizens in its programme on Active Remembrance. The President of ALDA, Per Vinther, stresses that ”we are constantly reminded that it is necessary to bring people to remember their past and learn from mistakes their ancestors have made! This also has a direct bearing on the appreciation of the benefits of living in a democratic society”

The Association of Local Democracy Agencies, ALDA, is heavily engaged in promoting active citizenship within the EU Programme “Europe for Citizens” and in that vein had embarked on the recently concluded PEACE project – Peaceful Education for Active Citizenship in Europe, which concluded on an engagement by the partners of the network to work jointly on the historical conscience of youth in their countries and in Europe as a prerequisite for the survival of our peaceful and democratic societies.

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FRANCE-BALKANS NETWORK: DECISIVE STEERING COMMITTE HELD IN BRUSSELS (24 January 2012)

The France-Balkans network held its annual steering committee in Brussels, in the Committee of the Regions on 24 January 2012. The French partners had the opportunity to discuss the recent decision by the Auvergne Regional Council to transfer the leadership to the Pays Vichy Auvergne.

The multilateral decentralised cooperation France-Balkans programme aims at promoting the development of good governance at regional and local level and improving capacities of local authorities to allow them to function and to provide good services to their citizens. This project proposes to achieve this objective by creating a network of French local authorities involved in the Balkan and Balkan stakeholders in order to work on a common plan which would open the programme to other partners in Europe.
The partners reiterated the political dimension to the network aiming at strengthening and stabilizing the democratic process in the Balkan region; supporting the European integration process of candidate and potential candidate countries; opening the French territories to cooperation with other local and regional authorities in Balkan countries.
At the meeting, the partners had an exchange of view with a representative of the French Embassy and two representatives of the Directorate General of Enlargement with whom they discussed about the contribution by French but also European local authorities to the EU enlargement process. In this perspective, the partners gave a new spin to the programme by enhancing the importance of territorial approach to development as a contribution to European integration of the Balkans. They also confirmed their interest to the multi-actor multi-sector approach, which aims at gathering expertise and contributions from political, social and economic stakeholders interested in investing in the Balkans and therefore opening new opportunities for cooperation and investment at European level.
They also finalised the action plan for 2012 which consists of three events in 2012 on topics such as tourism and open air activities, water management, new technologies and human rights.
Finally, the partners renewed their commitment to the networking activities and decided to open the network to more French but also other European partners such as Italy, Austria but also Turkey.
The partners renewed their commitment to the networking activities and decided to open the network to more French but also other European partners.

The France-Balkans network held its annual steering committee in Brussels, in the Committee of the Regions on 24 January 2012. The French partners had the opportunity to discuss the recent decision by the Auvergne Regional Council to transfer the leadership to the Pays Vichy Auvergne.

The multilateral decentralised cooperation France-Balkans programme aims at promoting the development of good governance at regional and local level and improving capacities of local authorities to allow them to function and to provide good services to their citizens. This project proposes to achieve this objective by creating a network of French local authorities involved in the Balkan and Balkan stakeholders in order to work on a common plan which would open the programme to other partners in Europe.
The partners reiterated the political dimension to the network aiming at strengthening and stabilizing the democratic process in the Balkan region; supporting the European integration process of candidate and potential candidate countries; opening the French territories to cooperation with other local and regional authorities in Balkan countries.
At the meeting, the partners had an exchange of view with a representative of the French Embassy and two representatives of the Directorate General of Enlargement with whom they discussed about the contribution by French but also European local authorities to the EU enlargement process. In this perspective, the partners gave a new spin to the programme by enhancing the importance of territorial approach to development as a contribution to European integration of the Balkans. They also confirmed their interest to the multi-actor multi-sector approach, which aims at gathering expertise and contributions from political, social and economic stakeholders interested in investing in the Balkans and therefore opening new opportunities for cooperation and investment at European level.
They also finalised the action plan for 2012 which consists of three events in 2012 on topics such as tourism and open air activities, water management, new technologies and human rights.
Finally, the partners renewed their commitment to the networking activities and decided to open the network to more French but also other European partners such as Italy, Austria but also Turkey.
The partners renewed their commitment to the networking activities and decided to open the network to more French but also other European partners.

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POSITIVE THE RESULTS OF THE REFERENDUM IN CROATIA

The positive results of the referendum in Croatia were expected. 66% of the voters supported the process of integration to the European Union that  should take place in July 2013. Croatia will be the 28th member of the European Union.
For ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, and for the three Local Democracy Agencies in Croatia (Osijek, Sisak and Verteneglio/Brtonigla) it is a real achievement and success, after 15 years of working actively towards that objective.

Since the launch of the EUs Stabilisation and Association Process, ALDA and the LDAs has worked to promote in Croatia the standards of the European Union in terms of democracy and development of local authorities and civil society.
“The work of the Local Democracy Agencies in Croatia, which have been so precious to the Croatian communities since 1993 in promoting human rights and democracy, will need to be transformed into valuable experienced support for local authorities and NGOs. The LDAs will then be full partners of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies for its future activities in the rest of the Western Balkans where there are still eight Local Democracy Agencies active. We believe that Croatia will be an active member of the European Union and a force for stabilizing and developing its neighbours in South Eastern Europe”, says the President of ALDA, Mr. Per Vinther.

The positive results of the referendum in Croatia were expected. 66% of the voters supported the process of integration to the European Union that  should take place in July 2013. Croatia will be the 28th member of the European Union.
For ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, and for the three Local Democracy Agencies in Croatia (Osijek, Sisak and Verteneglio/Brtonigla) it is a real achievement and success, after 15 years of working actively towards that objective.

Since the launch of the EUs Stabilisation and Association Process, ALDA and the LDAs has worked to promote in Croatia the standards of the European Union in terms of democracy and development of local authorities and civil society.
“The work of the Local Democracy Agencies in Croatia, which have been so precious to the Croatian communities since 1993 in promoting human rights and democracy, will need to be transformed into valuable experienced support for local authorities and NGOs. The LDAs will then be full partners of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies for its future activities in the rest of the Western Balkans where there are still eight Local Democracy Agencies active. We believe that Croatia will be an active member of the European Union and a force for stabilizing and developing its neighbours in South Eastern Europe”, says the President of ALDA, Mr. Per Vinther.

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ALDA president Mr. Per Vinther statement : positive the results of the referendum in Croatia

Projekat positive results of the referendum in Croatia were expected.
66% of the voters supported the process of integration to the European Union that should take place in July 2013. Croatia will be the 28th member of the European Union.
For ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, and for the three Agencija lokalne demokratije in Croatia (Osijek, Sisak and Verteneglio/Brtonigla) it is a real achievement and success, after 15 years of working actively towards that objective.

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Projekat positive results of the referendum in Croatia were expected.
66% of the voters supported the process of integration to the European Union that should take place in July 2013. Croatia will be the 28th member of the European Union.
For ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, and for the three Agencija lokalne demokratije in Croatia (Osijek, Sisak and Verteneglio/Brtonigla) it is a real achievement and success, after 15 years of working actively towards that objective.

Pročitajte cijelu izjavu

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LDAs MOSTAR AND CSS, NIS, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT OF A PROJECT ON GENDER EQUALITY OF WHICH ARE PARTNERS

LDAs Mostar and Central and Southern Serbia – Niš signed a partnership agreement with the Association of Fenomena from Kraljevo (Serbia) for the implementation of project “Promotion of the European Charter for equality between women and men at the local level”, during the first project meeting that took place on 11-12 January 2012.
The Project, funded by the European Commission under the IPA Civil Society Facility: Partnership Actions-Empowerment of Women, will be implemented during the 2012.

The Association Fenomenon, as the leading organization in the project, will implement the activities in cooperation with other organizations: Centre for Local Democracy LDA from Nis, Serbia; ANIMA – Center for Women and Peace Education from Kotor, Montenegro, Association of Citizens for Local Democracy Agency Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden.
The overall project objective is to contribute to the development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The specific objective is to create conditions for development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality, development of local action plans to implement the European Charter for equality in cities and municipalities participating in the project.

LDAs Mostar and Central and Southern Serbia – Niš signed a partnership agreement with the Association of Fenomena from Kraljevo (Serbia) for the implementation of project “Promotion of the European Charter for equality between women and men at the local level”, during the first project meeting that took place on 11-12 January 2012.
The Project, funded by the European Commission under the IPA Civil Society Facility: Partnership Actions-Empowerment of Women, will be implemented during the 2012.

The Association Fenomenon, as the leading organization in the project, will implement the activities in cooperation with other organizations: Centre for Local Democracy LDA from Nis, Serbia; ANIMA – Center for Women and Peace Education from Kotor, Montenegro, Association of Citizens for Local Democracy Agency Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden.
The overall project objective is to contribute to the development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The specific objective is to create conditions for development of policies, measures and budgeting to improve gender equality, development of local action plans to implement the European Charter for equality in cities and municipalities participating in the project.

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CIVIL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EU!

LDA Osijek together with 13 associations from Osijek-Baranja County on the 18th January has organized a press conference on occasion of EU referendum in Croatia.
On the referendum on Croatian accession to the EU, the co-ordination of civil society association of the County has expressed a common attitude.

It was stressed that the EU support was a key element for achieving change in society, and to be joining the European Union continues to work on democratization and raise standards.
They find that Croatia was ready to join the union and the accession will bring many benefits, especially to youth, through the promotion of mobility in education and work. Local Democracy Agency in Osijek was one of the associations that signed the statement.

LDA Osijek together with 13 associations from Osijek-Baranja County on the 18th January has organized a press conference on occasion of EU referendum in Croatia.
On the referendum on Croatian accession to the EU, the co-ordination of civil society association of the County has expressed a common attitude.

It was stressed that the EU support was a key element for achieving change in society, and to be joining the European Union continues to work on democratization and raise standards.
They find that Croatia was ready to join the union and the accession will bring many benefits, especially to youth, through the promotion of mobility in education and work. Local Democracy Agency in Osijek was one of the associations that signed the statement.

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Joint ALDA and LDAs statement on the referendum in Croatia

We understand and experience the process of the European integration as a process of affirmation of positive social values, civic freedoms and rule of law. The European perspective has opened to Croatian society an opportunity for creating new policies introducing higher standards in many fields of social and economic life. By involving citizens, local and regional authorities our organisation and network members in Southeast Europe have for a long time supported and advocated European values and standards.

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We understand and experience the process of the European integration as a process of affirmation of positive social values, civic freedoms and rule of law. The European perspective has opened to Croatian society an opportunity for creating new policies introducing higher standards in many fields of social and economic life. By involving citizens, local and regional authorities our organisation and network members in Southeast Europe have for a long time supported and advocated European values and standards.

Pročitajte cijelu izjavu

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JOINT ALDA AND LDAs STATEMENT ON THE REFERENDUM IN CROATIA

ALDA and the Croatian LDAs, in the context of the EU referendum, encourage all the  citizens in Croatia to take an active role and vote, thus bringing Croatia closer to the European Union than ever before.
The Local Democracy Agencies in Osijek, Sisak and Brtonigla, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies with its seat in Strasbourg, France and the  other LDAs in the Western Balkans, give a public statement.

“We understand – is written in the statement- and experience the process of the European integration as a process of affirmation of positive social values, civic freedoms and rule of law. The European perspective has opened to Croatian society an opportunity  for creating  new policies  introducing higher standards in many fields of social and economic life.  By involving citizens, local and regional authorities our organisation and network members in Southeast Europe have  for a long time supported and advocated  European values and standards.
Long standing experience of our organisations in Croatian local communities has taught us that in the last years support by EU institutions has been the key element for accomplishing the  social and economic reforms and equitable change.
Being fully  aware of many challenges that Croatia is facing in this moment of the accession to EU, we consider that this is a step  in support to both  continuing and to the future process of democratic stability, strengthening of institutions, balanced regional development, fair social policy and economic development.
We consider that it is important to develop a participatory democratic culture and active citizenship and we strongly support citizens’ participation in decision making. With this in view  we encourage all the  citizens in Croatia to take an active role and vote, thus bringing Croatia closer to the European Union than ever before”.
ALDA, the Croatian Local Democracy Agencies Osijek, Sisak, Brtoniglia, and the Local Democracy Agencies Prijedor, Zavidovici, Mostar, Niksic, Subotica, Nis, Peja, Shkodra have signed the statement.

ALDA and the Croatian LDAs, in the context of the EU referendum, encourage all the  citizens in Croatia to take an active role and vote, thus bringing Croatia closer to the European Union than ever before.
The Local Democracy Agencies in Osijek, Sisak and Brtonigla, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies with its seat in Strasbourg, France and the  other LDAs in the Western Balkans, give a public statement.

“We understand – is written in the statement- and experience the process of the European integration as a process of affirmation of positive social values, civic freedoms and rule of law. The European perspective has opened to Croatian society an opportunity  for creating  new policies  introducing higher standards in many fields of social and economic life.  By involving citizens, local and regional authorities our organisation and network members in Southeast Europe have  for a long time supported and advocated  European values and standards.
Long standing experience of our organisations in Croatian local communities has taught us that in the last years support by EU institutions has been the key element for accomplishing the  social and economic reforms and equitable change.
Being fully  aware of many challenges that Croatia is facing in this moment of the accession to EU, we consider that this is a step  in support to both  continuing and to the future process of democratic stability, strengthening of institutions, balanced regional development, fair social policy and economic development.
We consider that it is important to develop a participatory democratic culture and active citizenship and we strongly support citizens’ participation in decision making. With this in view  we encourage all the  citizens in Croatia to take an active role and vote, thus bringing Croatia closer to the European Union than ever before”.
ALDA, the Croatian Local Democracy Agencies Osijek, Sisak, Brtoniglia, and the Local Democracy Agencies Prijedor, Zavidovici, Mostar, Niksic, Subotica, Nis, Peja, Shkodra have signed the statement.

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