“VOLUNTEERS FOR DEMOCRACY” ALDA’S CALL TO PEOPLE INTERESTED TO PROMOTE VOLUNTEERING AND DEMOCRACY
To create a group of engaged people promoting human rights, democracy and citizens’ participation in Europe and offer another service to the members of ALDA, ALDA and the LDAs in their activities in promoting these values.
Those are the main objectives of a new ALDA project, presented at the General Assembly of the Association, that consist in the inclusion of “Volunteers for Democracy” in all the project proposal developed by ALDA.
ALDA was engaged in the European Year for Volunteering, promoted the project MODE (Volunteers for Democracy) and strongly believes in the values of volunteering.
ALDA and the LDAs are implementing a very large number of projects and are membership oriented and project oriented organisations.
There is a large number of potential volunteers that are disposed to be engaged in these activities.
ALDA and the LDAs could offer the possibility to Volunteers for Democracy to be involved in lots of activities.
The proposed methodology foresee that all the members of ALDA and LDAs collect names and capacities of possible volunteers, the creation of a unique data basis and the indication in all the projects of ALDA and the LDAs of onetwo places for activitiesworkshop and debate of the participation of the ALDA Volunteers for Democracy (reimbursement of costs, insurances, etc).
This project could be implemented in the future, also with a possible animation of the Volunteers for Democracy.
To create a group of engaged people promoting human rights, democracy and citizens’ participation in Europe and offer another service to the members of ALDA, ALDA and the LDAs in their activities in promoting these values.
Those are the main objectives of a new ALDA project, presented at the General Assembly of the Association, that consist in the inclusion of “Volunteers for Democracy” in all the project proposal developed by ALDA.
ALDA was engaged in the European Year for Volunteering, promoted the project MODE (Volunteers for Democracy) and strongly believes in the values of volunteering.
ALDA and the LDAs are implementing a very large number of projects and are membership oriented and project oriented organisations.
There is a large number of potential volunteers that are disposed to be engaged in these activities.
ALDA and the LDAs could offer the possibility to Volunteers for Democracy to be involved in lots of activities.
The proposed methodology foresee that all the members of ALDA and LDAs collect names and capacities of possible volunteers, the creation of a unique data basis and the indication in all the projects of ALDA and the LDAs of onetwo places for activitiesworkshop and debate of the participation of the ALDA Volunteers for Democracy (reimbursement of costs, insurances, etc).
This project could be implemented in the future, also with a possible animation of the Volunteers for Democracy.
PRINCE “CIVIL TRUST BUILDING” PROJECT: MID-TERM EVALUATION MEETING - VIENNA 24/25 JUNE
PRINCE project “Civil Trust Building” partners, Western Balkan contact points representatives and the internees who participated in preparation of the National Citizen Consultations held in EU project countries had a joint mid-term evaluation meeting in Vienna, 24/25 June. The meeting was hosted by the World of NGO-s/Austria and organized by the lead applicant – European House – Hungary.
ALDA – acting as the contact point coordinator has been involved in selection of internees, preparing news and updates on EU integration from seven countries included.
During this meeting specific attention was given to possibilities for further involvement of the internees in the project follow-up activities and to preparations for the highlight of the project: BUS TOUR – ENLARGEMENT LABYRINTH which will take place between 8-15 September 2012.
It is designed as a series of awareness raising actions in main city squares of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana and Udine of EU enlargement, including the setting up of EU enlargement labyrinth, distribution of Balkan countries’ profiles, country specific illustrations of natural beauties, traditional recipies, quiz games, questionnaires on EU enlargement..
Excellent interaction, optimistic views and creativity prevailed among the participants willing to promote their countries during the tour.
LDA-s acting as Western Balkan contact points are: Sladjan Ilic, Kerim Medjedovic, Sasha Marinkov, Liridona Ponosheci, Klotilda Tavani, Angel Cabarkapa, Sreten Koceski who will participate in the forthcoming tour.
PRINCE project “Civil Trust Building” partners, Western Balkan contact points representatives and the internees who participated in preparation of the National Citizen Consultations held in EU project countries had a joint mid-term evaluation meeting in Vienna, 24/25 June. The meeting was hosted by the World of NGO-s/Austria and organized by the lead applicant – European House – Hungary.
ALDA – acting as the contact point coordinator has been involved in selection of internees, preparing news and updates on EU integration from seven countries included.
During this meeting specific attention was given to possibilities for further involvement of the internees in the project follow-up activities and to preparations for the highlight of the project: BUS TOUR – ENLARGEMENT LABYRINTH which will take place between 8-15 September 2012.
It is designed as a series of awareness raising actions in main city squares of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana and Udine of EU enlargement, including the setting up of EU enlargement labyrinth, distribution of Balkan countries’ profiles, country specific illustrations of natural beauties, traditional recipies, quiz games, questionnaires on EU enlargement..
Excellent interaction, optimistic views and creativity prevailed among the participants willing to promote their countries during the tour.
LDA-s acting as Western Balkan contact points are: Sladjan Ilic, Kerim Medjedovic, Sasha Marinkov, Liridona Ponosheci, Klotilda Tavani, Angel Cabarkapa, Sreten Koceski who will participate in the forthcoming tour.
AWARD CEREMONY FOR THE CONTEST “BECOME EUROPEAN CTIZENS” EDITION 2012. VERONA (I) 26 JUNE 2012
The 26th of June 2012 the award ceremony for the contest “Become European Ctizens” Edition 2012, will take place at the Province of Verona’s Headquarter (Italy).
The contest is an initiative by the European Federalist Movement, in collaboration with public and private institutions, addressed to all the student of Vicenza‘s high schools asking for a paper or a graphic script about different topics related with European issues.
This year, the winners are: Pamela Rossetto and Federico Meggiolaro, from High School “Pigafetta” in Vicenza.
They will participate to the Summer School in Neumarkt – Austria – from 30 July – 4 August. It will be a European training course for young people, organised by European Federalist Movement, where professionals, teachers and journalists will share their knowledge about past and the future of Europe and young people will have the opportunity for discussions and debate.
ALDA cooperated and will attend to the programme of the summer school with the participation of ALDA Director, Mrs Valmorbida, with a lecture on Europe and the World after the end of bipolar balance.
The 26th of June 2012 the award ceremony for the contest “Become European Ctizens” Edition 2012, will take place at the Province of Verona’s Headquarter (Italy).
The contest is an initiative by the European Federalist Movement, in collaboration with public and private institutions, addressed to all the student of Vicenza‘s high schools asking for a paper or a graphic script about different topics related with European issues.
This year, the winners are: Pamela Rossetto and Federico Meggiolaro, from High School “Pigafetta” in Vicenza.
They will participate to the Summer School in Neumarkt – Austria – from 30 July – 4 August. It will be a European training course for young people, organised by European Federalist Movement, where professionals, teachers and journalists will share their knowledge about past and the future of Europe and young people will have the opportunity for discussions and debate.
ALDA cooperated and will attend to the programme of the summer school with the participation of ALDA Director, Mrs Valmorbida, with a lecture on Europe and the World after the end of bipolar balance.
THE CITY OF VENICE JOINED THE NETWORK OF INTERCULTURAL CITIES OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE
On the 20th of June 2012 the City of Venice has officially made is entrance to the Network of Intercultural Cities of Council of Europe with a public ceremony at the Venice City Hall.
Intercultural Cities is a Joint action of the Council of Europe and of the European Commission that began as a pilot programme – a laboratory for developing the concept and practice of intercultural integration.
Nowadays the core aims of this project is to find the best practices, at a local level, to provide cross-cultural cooperation as a priority; to strengthening the importance of the role of different cultural background as key role to the new successful cities and to widespread the participation process to all the communities, existing and living the city.
The Intercultural city aims at basing its policies and identity on the explicit acknowledgement that diversity can be a resource and not necessarily a problem. To achieve this, the city puts in place a strategy to adapt its governance system and its policies in all relevant fields to the needs of a diverse population. Intercultural city strategies need to facilitate positive intercultural encounters and exchanges but should not ignore or fail to address intercultural conflict. Conflict is to be welcomed as inevitable. Handled well, it can lead to mutual learning and growth for all participants, including city authorities.
Consultation and participation of citizens and communities in the development, implementation and evaluation of the intercultural city strategy is not only important and a value in itself, it is essential for achievement. A genuinely intercultural city can only be achieved through the active participation of all the major institutions, groups and communities in the city.
To the launch event participated Mrs. Irena Head of Cultural Policy, Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue Division, Directorate of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage, the Head Officer of CoE office , Mr. Alberto D’Alessandro and Mr. Ruggiero Mennea, ALDA Governing Board Member and Representative of Apulia Region to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to a round table involving Italian cities involved in the Intercultural Cities network leaded by Reggio Emilia, ALDA member.
Then the event proceeded with an official ceremony welcoming Venice as new cities in the Intercultural cities network.
On the 20th of June 2012 the City of Venice has officially made is entrance to the Network of Intercultural Cities of Council of Europe with a public ceremony at the Venice City Hall.
Intercultural Cities is a Joint action of the Council of Europe and of the European Commission that began as a pilot programme – a laboratory for developing the concept and practice of intercultural integration.
Nowadays the core aims of this project is to find the best practices, at a local level, to provide cross-cultural cooperation as a priority; to strengthening the importance of the role of different cultural background as key role to the new successful cities and to widespread the participation process to all the communities, existing and living the city.
The Intercultural city aims at basing its policies and identity on the explicit acknowledgement that diversity can be a resource and not necessarily a problem. To achieve this, the city puts in place a strategy to adapt its governance system and its policies in all relevant fields to the needs of a diverse population. Intercultural city strategies need to facilitate positive intercultural encounters and exchanges but should not ignore or fail to address intercultural conflict. Conflict is to be welcomed as inevitable. Handled well, it can lead to mutual learning and growth for all participants, including city authorities.
Consultation and participation of citizens and communities in the development, implementation and evaluation of the intercultural city strategy is not only important and a value in itself, it is essential for achievement. A genuinely intercultural city can only be achieved through the active participation of all the major institutions, groups and communities in the city.
To the launch event participated Mrs. Irena Head of Cultural Policy, Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue Division, Directorate of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage, the Head Officer of CoE office , Mr. Alberto D’Alessandro and Mr. Ruggiero Mennea, ALDA Governing Board Member and Representative of Apulia Region to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to a round table involving Italian cities involved in the Intercultural Cities network leaded by Reggio Emilia, ALDA member.
Then the event proceeded with an official ceremony welcoming Venice as new cities in the Intercultural cities network.
NEWSLETTER ON THE “REMEBERING FOR THE FUTURE” NETWORKING MEETING
Almost 100 people active in the field of memory and remembrance gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 26 and 27 of 2012 for the second networking meeting “Remember for the future” promoted by the European Commission. The main contents of the debate have been collected in a newsletter.
The aim of the meeting was to further debate what a European memory and European perspective on remembrance could consist of and whether it is something to strive for as well as discussing efforts to make a meaning of the past and translating it into the present.
The participants came from20 different countries with a wide variety of backgrounds ranging from those with very practical experience in their work on memorial sites, to representatives from academia and research institutions as well as members of teachers associations.
The conference was part of a process of networking events on European memory and remembrance initiated by the European Commission in the framework of the Europe for Citizens programme.
Almost 100 people active in the field of memory and remembrance gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 26 and 27 of 2012 for the second networking meeting “Remember for the future” promoted by the European Commission. The main contents of the debate have been collected in a newsletter.
The aim of the meeting was to further debate what a European memory and European perspective on remembrance could consist of and whether it is something to strive for as well as discussing efforts to make a meaning of the past and translating it into the present.
The participants came from20 different countries with a wide variety of backgrounds ranging from those with very practical experience in their work on memorial sites, to representatives from academia and research institutions as well as members of teachers associations.
The conference was part of a process of networking events on European memory and remembrance initiated by the European Commission in the framework of the Europe for Citizens programme.
ALLIANCE WTD IN THE EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT DAYS 2012.BRUSSELS 16-17 October 2012
ALDA Alliance WTD, Working Together for Development, has been selected by the European Commission to be included in the next European Development Days programme. EDD 2012 will take place at the Tour & Taxis venue in Brussels, Belgium (16-17 October 2012).
ALDA will organize acreative laboratory conceived as a learning café session aiming at brainstorming and proposing recommendations integrating the contributions of experts and practitioners on the advantages of creating real synergies between LAs and CSOs in development cooperation.In order to achieve its main objective, the WTD Working Together for Development learning café is structured in a dynamic and creative way, which allows not only experts but also practitioners to have a real contribution to the formulations of recommendations. The learning café method allows having informal discussions on themes that are usually threaded in a very formal way. In this manner, WTD learning café wants to formulate recommendations responding to 6 key themes identified as the main features characterizing the joint involvement of LAs and CSOs in development cooperation processes.
For more information please contact Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of WTD, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
ALDA Alliance WTD, Working Together for Development, has been selected by the European Commission to be included in the next European Development Days programme. EDD 2012 will take place at the Tour & Taxis venue in Brussels, Belgium (16-17 October 2012).
ALDA will organize acreative laboratory conceived as a learning café session aiming at brainstorming and proposing recommendations integrating the contributions of experts and practitioners on the advantages of creating real synergies between LAs and CSOs in development cooperation.In order to achieve its main objective, the WTD Working Together for Development learning café is structured in a dynamic and creative way, which allows not only experts but also practitioners to have a real contribution to the formulations of recommendations. The learning café method allows having informal discussions on themes that are usually threaded in a very formal way. In this manner, WTD learning café wants to formulate recommendations responding to 6 key themes identified as the main features characterizing the joint involvement of LAs and CSOs in development cooperation processes.
For more information please contact Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of WTD, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
“CITIZENS PARTICIPATION AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT PARTICIPATIVE INITIATIVES”. AN ALDA GRUNDTVIG COURSE
ALDA will hold 2 Sessions of 5 days intensive training course on the themes of “Citizens participation and funding opportunities to support participative initiatives”, that will take place in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Europe”, 14-18 January 2013 and 11 – 15 March 2013.
Eligible applicants are citizens of EU 27 Countries, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia.
The course aims at deepen knowledge about the concept of active citizenship and participation in the European context, encouraging participants to take part to the social and political life of their communities with a stronger commitment and more efficient means.
The course foresees to give, as well as theoretical contents, practical notions on the funding opportunities available to support community sector. The participants are expected during the activities to learn how to develop a successful project in the framework of the different actions of the Europe for Citizens Programme and other funding sources related to citizens initiatives.
The course is open to a variety of participants among which professionals and volunteers involved in organisations/institutions management, trainers, careers officer, managers of schools/organisations offering adult education, non-teaching administrative staff, members of students/teachers councils in adult education, inspectors, teachers ect.
The initiative is recognised by the European Union as a Grundtvig in Service Training Course. The participants are therefore warmly invited to apply for a Grundtvig grant, which would enable them to cover their travel, accommodation and course fees expenses.
Soon more information in the homepage of www.alda-europe.eu.
ALDA will hold 2 Sessions of 5 days intensive training course on the themes of “Citizens participation and funding opportunities to support participative initiatives”, that will take place in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Europe”, 14-18 January 2013 and 11 – 15 March 2013.
Eligible applicants are citizens of EU 27 Countries, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia.
The course aims at deepen knowledge about the concept of active citizenship and participation in the European context, encouraging participants to take part to the social and political life of their communities with a stronger commitment and more efficient means.
The course foresees to give, as well as theoretical contents, practical notions on the funding opportunities available to support community sector. The participants are expected during the activities to learn how to develop a successful project in the framework of the different actions of the Europe for Citizens Programme and other funding sources related to citizens initiatives.
The course is open to a variety of participants among which professionals and volunteers involved in organisations/institutions management, trainers, careers officer, managers of schools/organisations offering adult education, non-teaching administrative staff, members of students/teachers councils in adult education, inspectors, teachers ect.
The initiative is recognised by the European Union as a Grundtvig in Service Training Course. The participants are therefore warmly invited to apply for a Grundtvig grant, which would enable them to cover their travel, accommodation and course fees expenses.
Soon more information in the homepage of www.alda-europe.eu.
ALDA AT THE TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN BAKU (AZERBAIJAN). 18-22 JUNE 2012
Supported by the British Council and in cooperation with its Azerbaijan member, the Economic Research Center from Baku, ALDA took part in the Training of Trainers for Local Authorities and Civil Society in Baku (Azerbaijan) from the 18th to the 22n of June 2012. Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, was the main trainer.
The programme is developing the capacities of LAs and CSOs representatives engaged in a programme that aims to strength NGO/municipal cooperation. The five days training was based on shared experiences from the ALDA network and European best practices of Citizens’ participation. A particular attention was given to the opportunities offered by the Code of Good Practices on Citizens’ participation of the Conference of the INGOs of the Council of Europe. The participants were engaged in active exercises to improve their skills as trainers, too.
The programme is included, for ALDA, in the general activities to strengthen local democracy and governance and citizens’ participation in Southern Caucasus. Since 2010, ALDA is promoting initiatives to develop a possible Local Democracy Agency programme in Azerbaijan.
Supported by the British Council and in cooperation with its Azerbaijan member, the Economic Research Center from Baku, ALDA took part in the Training of Trainers for Local Authorities and Civil Society in Baku (Azerbaijan) from the 18th to the 22n of June 2012. Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, was the main trainer.
The programme is developing the capacities of LAs and CSOs representatives engaged in a programme that aims to strength NGO/municipal cooperation. The five days training was based on shared experiences from the ALDA network and European best practices of Citizens’ participation. A particular attention was given to the opportunities offered by the Code of Good Practices on Citizens’ participation of the Conference of the INGOs of the Council of Europe. The participants were engaged in active exercises to improve their skills as trainers, too.
The programme is included, for ALDA, in the general activities to strengthen local democracy and governance and citizens’ participation in Southern Caucasus. Since 2010, ALDA is promoting initiatives to develop a possible Local Democracy Agency programme in Azerbaijan.
“STRANI – VARI”, SUMMER CENTER FOR CHILDREN, IN ZAVIDOVIĆI AGAIN. PROJECT IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY AGENCY
“Strani – Vari”, summer recreational centers for children from 1st to 5th grade of elementary school, will be held traditionaly in the elementary schools of Zavidovići again this summer. The implementation of this project is enabled by Italian organisations through the ADL Zavidovici, and Ceker Association.
This year “Strani – Vari” will be held in the period from July 23rd to August 3rd 2012 in two city elementary schools, and also the schools in Brezik, Hajderovići, Gostović and Kovači. The activities with children will be organised as games and workshops. The participation of children in the summer recreational centers is free of charge.
The project will be held by educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy an Turkey. Specialy educated animators will take part in the activities again this year. The children in the summer school will be lead by pedagogues, professors and teachers.
The summer recreational center “Strani – Vari” has the aim to educate children to have better relation with themselves and the environment, to develop their social skills and have fun during the summer.
“Strani – Vari”, summer recreational centers for children from 1st to 5th grade of elementary school, will be held traditionaly in the elementary schools of Zavidovići again this summer. The implementation of this project is enabled by Italian organisations through the ADL Zavidovici, and Ceker Association.
This year “Strani – Vari” will be held in the period from July 23rd to August 3rd 2012 in two city elementary schools, and also the schools in Brezik, Hajderovići, Gostović and Kovači. The activities with children will be organised as games and workshops. The participation of children in the summer recreational centers is free of charge.
The project will be held by educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy an Turkey. Specialy educated animators will take part in the activities again this year. The children in the summer school will be lead by pedagogues, professors and teachers.
The summer recreational center “Strani – Vari” has the aim to educate children to have better relation with themselves and the environment, to develop their social skills and have fun during the summer.
THE FRANCE-BALKANS NETWORK WILL PROMOTE REPORTING JOURNALISM WITH THE ITINERARY TOUR "ON ALBERT LONDRES' FOOTSTEPS" (Balkan Countries, August 2012)
The itinerary tour “On Albert Londres’ footsteps” will take place in August 2012 in several Balkan countries. This events is dedicated to promote reporting journalism among dispriviledged youth from France and Balkan countries. On 13 June, the France Balkans Network gathered in Saint-Denis, France, to discuss this forthcoming activity of the network.
This project is organised within the multilateral decentralised cooperation programme for good governance in South-East Europe supported by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The lead partners are the County Pays Vichy Auvergne and ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies. The main objective of this project is to revive Albert Londres’ (1884-1932) experience, born in Vichy, father of modern journalism and reporting, during his numerous investigation trips in the Balkans at the beginning of the 20th century. His story is aimed at stimulating the taste of adventure, curiosity and openness to other cultures among young people with talent for reporting but who do not have the opportunity to travel much and put their knowledge in reporting.
By enabling local authorities, civil society organisations and territories from France and the Balkans to meet and exchange on joint projects, this programme supports the values of peace and intercultural dialogue, as well as promotes European integration of all the countries from South East Europe.
Other partners which are involved in this adventure are the Regional Council of Auvergne, the Regional Council of Lower-Normandy, Maison de l’Europe in Caen, the General Council of the Hautes Alpes, CRET Hautes Alpes, the city of Dijon, the City of Saint-Denis and their counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Romania as well as the Local Democracy Agencies in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, the French and Macedonian ALDA offices as well as two Italian partners.
Regional and national journalists and several associations (France Television, the National Association for the promotion and defence of press youth initiative, the Association of European Journalists) are also partners in the operation, which receives funding communities, the MAE, Foundations and probably Europe.
Then forty young French and Balkan bloggers, young and amateur journalists aged between 18 and 30, were selected to travel in the Balkans for two weeks and report about the current political, social, economic and environmental situation in the Balkans via different means of reporting (old and new technologies) and reflect upon the overall situation in Europe.
In preparation to this meeting, ALDA organized a meeting on 6 June with the Local Democracy Agencies involved in the project.
The itinerary tour “On Albert Londres’ footsteps” will take place in August 2012 in several Balkan countries. This events is dedicated to promote reporting journalism among dispriviledged youth from France and Balkan countries. On 13 June, the France Balkans Network gathered in Saint-Denis, France, to discuss this forthcoming activity of the network.
This project is organised within the multilateral decentralised cooperation programme for good governance in South-East Europe supported by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The lead partners are the County Pays Vichy Auvergne and ALDA, the Association of Local Democracy Agencies. The main objective of this project is to revive Albert Londres’ (1884-1932) experience, born in Vichy, father of modern journalism and reporting, during his numerous investigation trips in the Balkans at the beginning of the 20th century. His story is aimed at stimulating the taste of adventure, curiosity and openness to other cultures among young people with talent for reporting but who do not have the opportunity to travel much and put their knowledge in reporting.
By enabling local authorities, civil society organisations and territories from France and the Balkans to meet and exchange on joint projects, this programme supports the values of peace and intercultural dialogue, as well as promotes European integration of all the countries from South East Europe.
Other partners which are involved in this adventure are the Regional Council of Auvergne, the Regional Council of Lower-Normandy, Maison de l’Europe in Caen, the General Council of the Hautes Alpes, CRET Hautes Alpes, the city of Dijon, the City of Saint-Denis and their counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Romania as well as the Local Democracy Agencies in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, the French and Macedonian ALDA offices as well as two Italian partners.
Regional and national journalists and several associations (France Television, the National Association for the promotion and defence of press youth initiative, the Association of European Journalists) are also partners in the operation, which receives funding communities, the MAE, Foundations and probably Europe.
Then forty young French and Balkan bloggers, young and amateur journalists aged between 18 and 30, were selected to travel in the Balkans for two weeks and report about the current political, social, economic and environmental situation in the Balkans via different means of reporting (old and new technologies) and reflect upon the overall situation in Europe.
In preparation to this meeting, ALDA organized a meeting on 6 June with the Local Democracy Agencies involved in the project.