Women participation in politics in the spotlight in Skopje – MY EU international conference

The international conference “Women participation in Politics” took place in Skopje from the 8th to the 11th of December.

This 3-day forum was in the framework of “My EUROPE” project, where ALDA is partner, and  is the third event after the one held in Brescia in February 2013 and the second held in Strasbourg last June, and organised by ALDA. My EU is a project supported by the programme “Europe for Citiziens”.

The Coalition of youth organizations SEGA, lead by Zoran Ilieski in cooperation with the Women Organization of the Municipality of Sveti Nikole were the local organizers of the event. ALDA’s contribution was key to the success of the event: the communication officer of the association Irene Zanetti participated, and the intervention by Asa Albinsson from BalticFem was remarkable, because she brought to the participants the 30-year-experience of the Swedish association in gender equality. BalticFem is not partner of the project, but an active partner of ALDA’s network.

The final speech of the event was delivered by Liliana Popovska, Chair of the Committee of Equal Opportunities of Macedonia. She closed the meeting with the notable statement: “When we discuss how to improve women participation to the political life, we should speak of evolution, not of revolution”.

See the pictures of the event on Facebook

See the TV coverage of the event on ALFA TV i na 24 VESTI (in Macedonian)

Pročitajte project MY EU

Read more about the Swedish association BalticFem


Participation des femmes en politique au centre du début à Skopje – Conférence internationale MY EU

La conférence internationale « La participation des femmes en politique » a eu lieu à Skopje du 8 au 11 décembre.

Ce forum de 3 jours a été organisé dans le cadre du projet « My Europe », dans lequel ALDA est partenaire, et constitue le 3ème événement après celui à Brescia en Février 2013 et celui à Strasbourg en Juin dernier, organisé par ALDA. My EU est un projet soutenu par le programme « Europe pour le Citoyens » de l’UE.

La coalition d’organisations de jeunes SEGA, dirigée par Zoran Ilieski en coopération avec el’Association des femmes de la Municipalité de Sveti Nikole étaient les organisateurs locaux de cet événement. La contribution d’ALDA a permis à l’événement d’être un véritable succès : la chargé de communication de l’Association, Irene Zanetti, ainsi que Asa Albinsson de BalticFem ont participé à l’événement. La contribution de cette dernière sur l’expérience de plus de 30 ans de l’Association suédoise pour l’égalité entre sexes, a été remarquable. BalticFem n’est pas un partenaire au projet mais un partenaire actif au sein du réseau d’ALDA.

Le discours final a été effectué par Liliana Popovska, Président du Comité pour l’égalité des chances dans le pays. Elle a clôturé la réunion avec les propos suivants : « Lorsque nous discutons sur les moyens pour améliorer la participation des femmes dans la vie politique, nous devrions parler d’évolution et non pas de révolution ».

Voir les photos de l’événement sur la page Facebook

Reportage télévisée sur l’événement sur ALFA TV et 24VESTI

Plus d’informations sur le projet MY EU

Plus d’informations sur l’Association suédoise BalticFem


La partecipazione delle donne in politica al centro dell’attenzione a Skopje – Conferenza internazionale di MY EU

Skopje, Macedonia

La conferenza internazionale “La partecipazione delle donne in politica” si è tenuta a Skopje dall’8 all’11 Dicembre 2013.

L’appuntamento di tre giorni si è svolto all’interno del progetto “My Europe”, di cui ALDA è partner, ed è il terzo evento dopo quello tenutosi a Brescia nel mese di febbraio 2013 e il secondo a Strasburgo lo scorso giugno, e organizzato da ALDA. My Europe è un progetto sostenuto dal programma “Europa per i Cittadini”.

La Coalizione delle Organizzazioni Giovanili SEGA, guidata da Zoran Ilieski, in collaborazione con l’Organizzazione delle Donne del Comune di Sveti Nikole ha organizzato l’evento. Il contributo di ALDA è stato cruciale per il successo dell’incontro: la responsabile della comunicazione dell’associazione Irene Zanetti ha partecipato, e l’intervento di Asa Albinsson di BalticFem è stato particolarmente utile, portando ai partecipanti i 30 anni di esperienza dell’associazione svedese in tema di uguaglianza di genere. BalticFem non è partner del progetto, ma è un partner attivo della rete di ALDA.

Il discorso finale della manifestazione è stato fatto da Liliana Popovska, Presidente del Comitato per le Pari Opportunità della Macedonia, la quale ha chiuso l’incontro con la seguente affermazione: “Quando discutiamo di come migliorare la partecipazione delle donne nella vita politica, dovremmo parlare di evoluzione, non di rivoluzione”.

Guardate le foto dell’evento dalla nostra pagina Facebook

Guardate i servizi giornalistici su ALFA TV e su 24 VESTI (in macedone)

Per maggiori informazioni sul progetto MY EU visitate il sito web

Per maggiori informazioni sull’Associazione svedese BalticFem visitate il sito web


Участие женщин в политике в центре внимания в Скопье – Международная конференция MY EU

Скопье, Македония

Международная конференция “Участие женщин в политике” прошла в Скопье с 8 по 11 декабря 2013 года.

Трехдневное мероприятие прошло в  рамках проекта “My Europe”, партнером которого является ALDA, это третье мероприятие после того, которое прошло в Брешие в феврале 2013 года и второго в Страсбурге в июне прошлого года и организованного ALDA. My Europe это проект, поддерживаемый программой “Европа для граждан”.

Мероприятие организовала Коалиция молодежных организаций SEGA, руководимая Зораном Илиески при сотрудничестве с организацией женщин муниципалитета Свети Николе. Вклад ALDA для успеха встречи был решающим: в мероприятии приняла участие ответственная ассоциации за информационные вопросы Ирене Дзанетти. Особенно полезным было выступление Аза Альбинссон из БалтикФем, которая поделилась  с участниками тридцатилетним опытом шведской ассоциации по вопросам равенства полов. БалтикФем не является партнером проекта, но является активным партнером сети ALDA.

Заключительная речь на мероприятии была сказана Лилианой Поповска, Президентом комитета равных возможностей Македонии, которая закончила встречу следующими словами: “Когда мы рассуждаем о том как улучшить участие женщин в политической жизни, мы должны говорить об эволюции, а не революции”.

Смотрите фотографии мероприятия на нашей странице Фейсбук
Смотрите журналистские репортажи по ALFA TV и по 24 VESTI (на македонском языке)
Для дополнительной информации по проекту  MY EU посетите веб-сайт
Для дополнительной информации о шведской Ассоциации Балтик Фем посетите веб-сайт


Učešće žena u politici u centru pažnje u Skoplju – MOJA EU međunarodna konferencija

Skoplje , Makedonija

Međunarodna konferencija “Učešće žena u politici” održana je u Skoplju od 8. do 11. decembra.

Ovaj trodnevni forum je održan u okviru “Moja Evropa” projekta, u kojem je ALDA partner, i treći je događaj posle onog održanog u Brescia u februaru 2013 i drugog održanog u Strazburu prošlog juna, a organizovana je od strane ALDA. Moja EU je projekat podržan od strane programa “Evropa za građane”.

Koalicija omladinskih organizacija SEGA , koju predvodi Zoran Ilieski u saradnji sa organizacijom žena opštine Sveti Nikole su bili lokalni organizatori događaja. ALDA-in doprinos je bio ključan za uspeh događaja: učestvovala je Irene Zanetti saradnik za komunikacije asocijacije, a intervencija Asa Albinssona iz BalticFem je bila izuzetna , jer je približila učesnicima 30 godina iskustva švedske asocijacije u rodoj jednakosti. BalticFem nije partner u projektu, ali je aktivan partner u ALDA mreži.

Konačni govor na manifestaciji je održala Liliana Popovska, predsedavajuća Odbora jednakih mogućnosti Makedonije. Zatvorila je sastanak sa primetnom izjavom: ” Kada smo razgovarali o tome kako da se poboljša učešće žena u političkom životu, trebalo bi govoriti o evoluciji, ne revoluciji”.

Pogledajte slike događaja na Facebook-u
Pogledajte TV pokrivenost događaja na Alfa TV i 24 Vesti (na makedonskom)

Pročitajte više o projektu MojaEU

Pročitajte više o švedskom udruženja BalticFem

The international conference “Women participation in Politics” took place in Skopje from the 8th to the 11th of December.

This 3-day forum was in the framework of “My EUROPE” project, where ALDA is partner, and  is the third event after the one held in Brescia in February 2013 and the second held in Strasbourg last June, and organised by ALDA. My EU is a project supported by the programme “Europe for Citiziens”.

The Coalition of youth organizations SEGA, lead by Zoran Ilieski in cooperation with the Women Organization of the Municipality of Sveti Nikole were the local organizers of the event. ALDA’s contribution was key to the success of the event: the communication officer of the association Irene Zanetti participated, and the intervention by Asa Albinsson from BalticFem was remarkable, because she brought to the participants the 30-year-experience of the Swedish association in gender equality. BalticFem is not partner of the project, but an active partner of ALDA’s network.

The final speech of the event was delivered by Liliana Popovska, Chair of the Committee of Equal Opportunities of Macedonia. She closed the meeting with the notable statement: “When we discuss how to improve women participation to the political life, we should speak of evolution, not of revolution”.

See the pictures of the event on Facebook

See the TV coverage of the event on ALFA TV i na 24 VESTI (in Macedonian)

Pročitajte project MY EU

Read more about the Swedish association BalticFem


Participation des femmes en politique au centre du début à Skopje – Conférence internationale MY EU

La conférence internationale « La participation des femmes en politique » a eu lieu à Skopje du 8 au 11 décembre.

Ce forum de 3 jours a été organisé dans le cadre du projet « My Europe », dans lequel ALDA est partenaire, et constitue le 3ème événement après celui à Brescia en Février 2013 et celui à Strasbourg en Juin dernier, organisé par ALDA. My EU est un projet soutenu par le programme « Europe pour le Citoyens » de l’UE.

La coalition d’organisations de jeunes SEGA, dirigée par Zoran Ilieski en coopération avec el’Association des femmes de la Municipalité de Sveti Nikole étaient les organisateurs locaux de cet événement. La contribution d’ALDA a permis à l’événement d’être un véritable succès : la chargé de communication de l’Association, Irene Zanetti, ainsi que Asa Albinsson de BalticFem ont participé à l’événement. La contribution de cette dernière sur l’expérience de plus de 30 ans de l’Association suédoise pour l’égalité entre sexes, a été remarquable. BalticFem n’est pas un partenaire au projet mais un partenaire actif au sein du réseau d’ALDA.

Le discours final a été effectué par Liliana Popovska, Président du Comité pour l’égalité des chances dans le pays. Elle a clôturé la réunion avec les propos suivants : « Lorsque nous discutons sur les moyens pour améliorer la participation des femmes dans la vie politique, nous devrions parler d’évolution et non pas de révolution ».

Voir les photos de l’événement sur la page Facebook

Reportage télévisée sur l’événement sur ALFA TV et 24VESTI

Plus d’informations sur le projet MY EU

Plus d’informations sur l’Association suédoise BalticFem


La partecipazione delle donne in politica al centro dell’attenzione a Skopje – Conferenza internazionale di MY EU

Skopje, Macedonia

La conferenza internazionale “La partecipazione delle donne in politica” si è tenuta a Skopje dall’8 all’11 Dicembre 2013.

L’appuntamento di tre giorni si è svolto all’interno del progetto “My Europe”, di cui ALDA è partner, ed è il terzo evento dopo quello tenutosi a Brescia nel mese di febbraio 2013 e il secondo a Strasburgo lo scorso giugno, e organizzato da ALDA. My Europe è un progetto sostenuto dal programma “Europa per i Cittadini”.

La Coalizione delle Organizzazioni Giovanili SEGA, guidata da Zoran Ilieski, in collaborazione con l’Organizzazione delle Donne del Comune di Sveti Nikole ha organizzato l’evento. Il contributo di ALDA è stato cruciale per il successo dell’incontro: la responsabile della comunicazione dell’associazione Irene Zanetti ha partecipato, e l’intervento di Asa Albinsson di BalticFem è stato particolarmente utile, portando ai partecipanti i 30 anni di esperienza dell’associazione svedese in tema di uguaglianza di genere. BalticFem non è partner del progetto, ma è un partner attivo della rete di ALDA.

Il discorso finale della manifestazione è stato fatto da Liliana Popovska, Presidente del Comitato per le Pari Opportunità della Macedonia, la quale ha chiuso l’incontro con la seguente affermazione: “Quando discutiamo di come migliorare la partecipazione delle donne nella vita politica, dovremmo parlare di evoluzione, non di rivoluzione”.

Guardate le foto dell’evento dalla nostra pagina Facebook

Guardate i servizi giornalistici su ALFA TV e su 24 VESTI (in macedone)

Per maggiori informazioni sul progetto MY EU visitate il sito web

Per maggiori informazioni sull’Associazione svedese BalticFem visitate il sito web


Участие женщин в политике в центре внимания в Скопье – Международная конференция MY EU

Скопье, Македония

Международная конференция “Участие женщин в политике” прошла в Скопье с 8 по 11 декабря 2013 года.

Трехдневное мероприятие прошло в  рамках проекта “My Europe”, партнером которого является ALDA, это третье мероприятие после того, которое прошло в Брешие в феврале 2013 года и второго в Страсбурге в июне прошлого года и организованного ALDA. My Europe это проект, поддерживаемый программой “Европа для граждан”.

Мероприятие организовала Коалиция молодежных организаций SEGA, руководимая Зораном Илиески при сотрудничестве с организацией женщин муниципалитета Свети Николе. Вклад ALDA для успеха встречи был решающим: в мероприятии приняла участие ответственная ассоциации за информационные вопросы Ирене Дзанетти. Особенно полезным было выступление Аза Альбинссон из БалтикФем, которая поделилась  с участниками тридцатилетним опытом шведской ассоциации по вопросам равенства полов. БалтикФем не является партнером проекта, но является активным партнером сети ALDA.

Заключительная речь на мероприятии была сказана Лилианой Поповска, Президентом комитета равных возможностей Македонии, которая закончила встречу следующими словами: “Когда мы рассуждаем о том как улучшить участие женщин в политической жизни, мы должны говорить об эволюции, а не революции”.

Смотрите фотографии мероприятия на нашей странице Фейсбук
Смотрите журналистские репортажи по ALFA TV и по 24 VESTI (на македонском языке)
Для дополнительной информации по проекту  MY EU посетите веб-сайт
Для дополнительной информации о шведской Ассоциации Балтик Фем посетите веб-сайт


Učešće žena u politici u centru pažnje u Skoplju – MOJA EU međunarodna konferencija

Skoplje , Makedonija

Međunarodna konferencija “Učešće žena u politici” održana je u Skoplju od 8. do 11. decembra.

Ovaj trodnevni forum je održan u okviru “Moja Evropa” projekta, u kojem je ALDA partner, i treći je događaj posle onog održanog u Brescia u februaru 2013 i drugog održanog u Strazburu prošlog juna, a organizovana je od strane ALDA. Moja EU je projekat podržan od strane programa “Evropa za građane”.

Koalicija omladinskih organizacija SEGA , koju predvodi Zoran Ilieski u saradnji sa organizacijom žena opštine Sveti Nikole su bili lokalni organizatori događaja. ALDA-in doprinos je bio ključan za uspeh događaja: učestvovala je Irene Zanetti saradnik za komunikacije asocijacije, a intervencija Asa Albinssona iz BalticFem je bila izuzetna , jer je približila učesnicima 30 godina iskustva švedske asocijacije u rodoj jednakosti. BalticFem nije partner u projektu, ali je aktivan partner u ALDA mreži.

Konačni govor na manifestaciji je održala Liliana Popovska, predsedavajuća Odbora jednakih mogućnosti Makedonije. Zatvorila je sastanak sa primetnom izjavom: ” Kada smo razgovarali o tome kako da se poboljša učešće žena u političkom životu, trebalo bi govoriti o evoluciji, ne revoluciji”.

Pogledajte slike događaja na Facebook-u
Pogledajte TV pokrivenost događaja na Alfa TV i 24 Vesti (na makedonskom)

Pročitajte više o projektu MojaEU

Pročitajte više o švedskom udruženja BalticFem


Statement of Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on arrest by Azerbaijan authorities of Anar Mammadli

Arrest of Anar Mammadli shows disregard of Azerbaijan authorities for independent election monitoring and civil liberties. Civil Society Forum calls on Azerbaijan authorities to release him immediately. Anar Mammadli is a former Working Group 1 Co-ordinator of Civil Society Forum
The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum protests strongly about the three months’ detention order imposed on Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democratic Studies Center (EMDS) in Azerbaijan, and his subsequent imprisonment on 16 December 2013. The investigation being carried out against Anar Mammadli does not warrant his detention as he has until now answered every summons to appear as a witness in the case, and the fact that he has had his passport taken away means that he is unable to leave Azerbaijan. Prior to October 2013, Anar Mammadli was Working Group 1 co-ordinator of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (working group for democracy, human rights, good governance, and stability).

Anar Mammadli is a highly respected civil rights activist, and the reports produced by his election monitoring organisation are considered to be highly credible both in Azerbaijan and abroad. We consider that the criminal investigation being conducted against him which derives from grants EMDS received from abroad to conduct its election monitoring activities is another example of the victimisation of civil rights activists by the Azerbaijan authorities.
We urge the authorities to immediately free Anar Mammadli, and to drop all charges against him. The authorities must understand that every additional political prisoner in Azerbaijan undermines the country’s image abroad and its position in the Council of Europe and in the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe as well as its relations with the European Union.

The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum  urge the European Commission, the EU delegation in Baku, and the European Parliament to condemn his arrest in the strongest terms, and to support the Civil Society Forum in pressing the Azerbaijan authorities for his immediate release.

ALDA is actively involved in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, and coordinator of the Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform.

Arrest of Anar Mammadli shows disregard of Azerbaijan authorities for independent election monitoring and civil liberties. Civil Society Forum calls on Azerbaijan authorities to release him immediately. Anar Mammadli is a former Working Group 1 Co-ordinator of Civil Society Forum
The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum protests strongly about the three months’ detention order imposed on Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democratic Studies Center (EMDS) in Azerbaijan, and his subsequent imprisonment on 16 December 2013. The investigation being carried out against Anar Mammadli does not warrant his detention as he has until now answered every summons to appear as a witness in the case, and the fact that he has had his passport taken away means that he is unable to leave Azerbaijan. Prior to October 2013, Anar Mammadli was Working Group 1 co-ordinator of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (working group for democracy, human rights, good governance, and stability).

Anar Mammadli is a highly respected civil rights activist, and the reports produced by his election monitoring organisation are considered to be highly credible both in Azerbaijan and abroad. We consider that the criminal investigation being conducted against him which derives from grants EMDS received from abroad to conduct its election monitoring activities is another example of the victimisation of civil rights activists by the Azerbaijan authorities.
We urge the authorities to immediately free Anar Mammadli, and to drop all charges against him. The authorities must understand that every additional political prisoner in Azerbaijan undermines the country’s image abroad and its position in the Council of Europe and in the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe as well as its relations with the European Union.

The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum  urge the European Commission, the EU delegation in Baku, and the European Parliament to condemn his arrest in the strongest terms, and to support the Civil Society Forum in pressing the Azerbaijan authorities for his immediate release.

ALDA is actively involved in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, and coordinator of the Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform.


The turning point in Ukraine: a challenge for the future. Understand and engage

On 21 December ALDA, together with Orizzonti Comuni, Centro Pastorale Ucraini Greco-Cattolici, and Ufficio Migrantes is organizing an event on “The turning point in Ukraine: a challenge for the future. Understand and engage”. The event will take place in Vicenza, Palazzo delle Opere Sociali, Piazza D’Uomo 2, at 4 p.m.

The event aims to share experiences, understand the new challenges and involve all European Citizens in this moment.

Our Director, Antonella Valmorbida will participate at the event with a speech on the reasons for which Ukraine did not sign the Association Agreement with the European Union and the proposal of the Customs Union with Russia.

The Ukrainian Community living in Vicenza will also participate at the event, who will submit a document to support Ukrainian citizens against the final decision of the Ukrainian government.

To participate at the event, please send an a-mail to Andrea Rossa at: andrea.rossa@aldaintranet.org

On 21 December ALDA, together with Orizzonti Comuni, Centro Pastorale Ucraini Greco-Cattolici, and Ufficio Migrantes is organizing an event on “The turning point in Ukraine: a challenge for the future. Understand and engage”. The event will take place in Vicenza, Palazzo delle Opere Sociali, Piazza D’Uomo 2, at 4 p.m.

The event aims to share experiences, understand the new challenges and involve all European Citizens in this moment.

Our Director, Antonella Valmorbida will participate at the event with a speech on the reasons for which Ukraine did not sign the Association Agreement with the European Union and the proposal of the Customs Union with Russia.

The Ukrainian Community living in Vicenza will also participate at the event, who will submit a document to support Ukrainian citizens against the final decision of the Ukrainian government.

To participate at the event, please send an a-mail to Andrea Rossa at: andrea.rossa@aldaintranet.org


From declaration to action: Every year is a European Year of Citizens

WE ALL MOVE ON FOR 2014: YEAR OF THE IMPLEMENTATION!

Today, the President of the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens, M. Jean Marc Roirant, handed over the whole recommendations elaborated by the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens 2013. The 80 recommendations have been received by the European Commissioner, Mrs. Viviane Reading. “We want to pass from declarations and recommendations to action”, confirmed Mr. Roirant.
ALDA is present in Vilnius with the President, Oriano Otocan, and the Director, Antonella Valmorbida.

Pročitajte recommendations elaborated by the European Alliance (.pdf)

The final event of the EYAC 2013 is taking place in Vilnius with the presence of 250 civil society groups from all over Europe, representing 62 Networks NGOs in Europe and more than 15 National Platforms. The recommendations focuses on a more inclusive and social Europe.

The European Year of Citizens will continue in 2014 since at the moment the European Institutions did not identify any priority for 2014. The Alliance for EYAC 2013 had its plenary meeting in Vilnius and decided to continue for the implementation and monitoring of the document issued in 2013 including a close support to the European Parliamentary elections.

ALDA has been a key actor of the Alliance for the EYAC 2013 as Working Group 1 coordinator and Initiator of the Italian Alliance.

WE ALL MOVE ON FOR 2014: YEAR OF THE IMPLEMENTATION!

Today, the President of the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens, M. Jean Marc Roirant, handed over the whole recommendations elaborated by the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens 2013. The 80 recommendations have been received by the European Commissioner, Mrs. Viviane Reading. “We want to pass from declarations and recommendations to action”, confirmed Mr. Roirant.
ALDA is present in Vilnius with the President, Oriano Otocan, and the Director, Antonella Valmorbida.

Pročitajte recommendations elaborated by the European Alliance (.pdf)

The final event of the EYAC 2013 is taking place in Vilnius with the presence of 250 civil society groups from all over Europe, representing 62 Networks NGOs in Europe and more than 15 National Platforms. The recommendations focuses on a more inclusive and social Europe.

The European Year of Citizens will continue in 2014 since at the moment the European Institutions did not identify any priority for 2014. The Alliance for EYAC 2013 had its plenary meeting in Vilnius and decided to continue for the implementation and monitoring of the document issued in 2013 including a close support to the European Parliamentary elections.

ALDA has been a key actor of the Alliance for the EYAC 2013 as Working Group 1 coordinator and Initiator of the Italian Alliance.


Press Release from the 6th Session of the Inter-Community Consultative Body (ICCB) Mostar

Inter – Community Consultative Body (ICCB), hereby calls upon the authorities, political parties and the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily the Office of High Representative (OHR), to finally undertake steps, in order to end further agony of the City of Mostar.

Members of the ICCB, founded in 2011, with the aim of establishing a dialogue and partnership cooperation between the City Authorities and Civil Society, including representatives of the City Authorities and more than 20 NGOs, believe that leaders of political parties must immediately achieve necessary compromise and enable local elections in the City of Mostar. It means fast constituting of authority and effective functioning of the city institutions, which will reflect election will of all citizens of Mostar.

In the absence of any progress on solving numerous problems of the Mostar citizens, with the fact that Mostar is the only city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where last year no local elections were held, the ICCB believes that the final alert went on, which is a call for the things to be finally changed. The situation where the City Council was dissolved and the Mayor is solely executing authority in Mostar is unsustainable. It brought to a very delicate political situation and the only losers are the citizens because politicians will not suffer any consequences, regardless of whether they have fulfilled their obligations and given pre-election promises or they spent energy only on personal and political party’s interests, without any willingness to make necessary compromises as the only way out of the current situation.

The ICCB also calls on the International Community to, in case of absence of prompt response by political parties, which “concreted” their attitudes and do not show will to change the same, not wanting to risk possible loss of the votes on the next local elections, use their authority and to make additional pressure to the political parties and to undertake everything aimed at overcoming the current situation. First of all it means creating the conditions for holding local elections as soon as possible, fast constituting of the City Council and election of Mayor, and functioning of the city authorities in full capacity. This will mean the end of current blockades and political turmoil, which are in the interest of some individuals or “political elites”, which completely forgot the interests of Mostar citizens.

LDA Mostar is one of 20 NGOs member ICCB together with the representatives of Local authorities. LDA Mostar was one of 4 NGOs which have drowned up this statement, made on 10 of December, the day of human rights.

Inter – Community Consultative Body (ICCB), hereby calls upon the authorities, political parties and the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily the Office of High Representative (OHR), to finally undertake steps, in order to end further agony of the City of Mostar.

Members of the ICCB, founded in 2011, with the aim of establishing a dialogue and partnership cooperation between the City Authorities and Civil Society, including representatives of the City Authorities and more than 20 NGOs, believe that leaders of political parties must immediately achieve necessary compromise and enable local elections in the City of Mostar. It means fast constituting of authority and effective functioning of the city institutions, which will reflect election will of all citizens of Mostar.

In the absence of any progress on solving numerous problems of the Mostar citizens, with the fact that Mostar is the only city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where last year no local elections were held, the ICCB believes that the final alert went on, which is a call for the things to be finally changed. The situation where the City Council was dissolved and the Mayor is solely executing authority in Mostar is unsustainable. It brought to a very delicate political situation and the only losers are the citizens because politicians will not suffer any consequences, regardless of whether they have fulfilled their obligations and given pre-election promises or they spent energy only on personal and political party’s interests, without any willingness to make necessary compromises as the only way out of the current situation.

The ICCB also calls on the International Community to, in case of absence of prompt response by political parties, which “concreted” their attitudes and do not show will to change the same, not wanting to risk possible loss of the votes on the next local elections, use their authority and to make additional pressure to the political parties and to undertake everything aimed at overcoming the current situation. First of all it means creating the conditions for holding local elections as soon as possible, fast constituting of the City Council and election of Mayor, and functioning of the city authorities in full capacity. This will mean the end of current blockades and political turmoil, which are in the interest of some individuals or “political elites”, which completely forgot the interests of Mostar citizens.

LDA Mostar is one of 20 NGOs member ICCB together with the representatives of Local authorities. LDA Mostar was one of 4 NGOs which have drowned up this statement, made on 10 of December, the day of human rights.


Portfelj projekata ALDA 2012-2013

Portfelj projekata ALDA 2012-2013

Objavljivanje

Portfelj projekata ALDA 2012-2013

Objavljivanje

What is EYCA 2013 doing? – Once/Now/Then/After…

Do you know what is active citizenship? Do you know what the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens – gathering and representing European and national organisations – is doing during the whole year to promote active citizenship?
To know more about the Alliance and what all the organisations supporting it are doing, check this out: two infographics and the making-of video to explain you what is the European Year of Citizens Alliance and what are we doing everyday to promote active citizenship as a core element of the European democracy in the frame of the European Year of Citizens 2013.
See the video and the infographics, and share them through your social channels.

Do you know what is active citizenship? Do you know what the Alliance of the European Year of Citizens – gathering and representing European and national organisations – is doing during the whole year to promote active citizenship?
To know more about the Alliance and what all the organisations supporting it are doing, check this out: two infographics and the making-of video to explain you what is the European Year of Citizens Alliance and what are we doing everyday to promote active citizenship as a core element of the European democracy in the frame of the European Year of Citizens 2013.
See the video and the infographics, and share them through your social channels.


The First Reflections after Vilnius Summit-Young Leaders Forum, Brussels, Dec 2-4

“The European Parliament relies only on its values, morals and attitudes; it doesn’t count on blackmailing and pressures”, – these were the starting words of Young Leaders Forum held in the premises of the European Parliament in which Esmarida Poghosyan from “Local Democracy Agency” foundation Armenia took participation and is sharing with her impressions.

In total the participants’ number was 24; 18 young people were representing 6 Eastern Partnership countries (the Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova) and 6 of them were from the EU members states.

The principle aim of the forum was the discussion on the latest developments in Vilnius Summit Nov 28-29, where the EU initialed Association Agreement with Georgia and Moldova and included the ideas of establishing Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas. The Association Agreement aims to deepen EU political and economic integration with EaP countries on the basis of common values, promoting and preserving peace and stability, enhancing justice, freedom and security. Mr. Jacek Saryusz- Wolski (Co-Vice President of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly), Mr. Miguel Martinez (Vice President of European Parliament), Mr. Stefan Fule (Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood) and Mr. Martin Schulz (President of the European Parliament) were the invited guest speakers of the forum.

There were hot discussions touching upon the present situation in each EaP country. Right after the guests’ speech the participants were allowed to asked questions, the answers to which they were striving for. Most of the speakers stated that the summit was half failure, taking the case of Armenia and the Ukraine, and half success on the other hand; Moldova and Georgia initialed the Association Agreement. The Georgian case is really tough and problematic; the government should take certain steps to reform the election system, give end to selective justice, as the later doesn’t fulfill the criterion of the EU requirements. Dispute atmosphere ruled in the parliament concerning Mr. Arbusov and Mr. Barosso meeting, as most of them had strong belief that Mr. Arbusov is simply playing with the EU; the Ukraine denied signing the Association Agreement, the government is waiting to be bribed either by the EU or the Russian side. The EU is not bribing anyone and the Association Agreement will not be reopened for them never again. Armenia is more or less in one boat with the Ukraine sharing the same destiny in the term of the Russians pressures. However, the cases are different taking into consideration geographical settlements and security issues. Armenia fell into Putin’s charms, Mr. Sargsyan did was a big mistake giving way to the Russians’ pressures and threats. Armenia depends on Russia to guarantee its security and its large Diaspora in Russia makes Armenia to have close economic relations with Russia. There are other recent developments that may shed light on Russia’s behavior towards Armenia. President Putin made his first visit to Baku in many years, which resulted in the contract for the supply of Russia military to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile Russia has a military base in Armenia, Gyumri. Thus Russia is arming Armenia’s enemy while at the same time pressuring it to join the Customs Union. Azerbaijan’s dream is over; they don’t have any intention to sign the Association Agreement. In the run up of the forum one of the most important and painful question on the future of these countries was the issue of mobility and migration to the EU member states. Georgia, the Ukraine and Moldova negotiated visa liberalization with the EU, Armenia and Azerbaijan have focused on visa facilitation.

The last guest speaker of the forum was Mr. Schulz, the president of the European Parliament, who stated about the certain strategy changes dealing with Russia. Russia understands only hard language and sometimes the EU’s soft power is interpreted as weakness. However, financial or economic pressures and blackmailing aren’t part of the EU strategy as they are deeply convinced in their democratic values. Russia was the invisible guest in Vilnius summit and didn’t convert its working style with their neighborhood for many centuries and the EU wasn’t surprised at all.

To conclude: The EU borders aren’t closed for Armenia and the Ukraine; building confidence and sense of responsibility among the EU states and EaP countries remains still on the table.

“The European Parliament relies only on its values, morals and attitudes; it doesn’t count on blackmailing and pressures”, – these were the starting words of Young Leaders Forum held in the premises of the European Parliament in which Esmarida Poghosyan from “Local Democracy Agency” foundation Armenia took participation and is sharing with her impressions.

In total the participants’ number was 24; 18 young people were representing 6 Eastern Partnership countries (the Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova) and 6 of them were from the EU members states.

The principle aim of the forum was the discussion on the latest developments in Vilnius Summit Nov 28-29, where the EU initialed Association Agreement with Georgia and Moldova and included the ideas of establishing Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas. The Association Agreement aims to deepen EU political and economic integration with EaP countries on the basis of common values, promoting and preserving peace and stability, enhancing justice, freedom and security. Mr. Jacek Saryusz- Wolski (Co-Vice President of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly), Mr. Miguel Martinez (Vice President of European Parliament), Mr. Stefan Fule (Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood) and Mr. Martin Schulz (President of the European Parliament) were the invited guest speakers of the forum.

There were hot discussions touching upon the present situation in each EaP country. Right after the guests’ speech the participants were allowed to asked questions, the answers to which they were striving for. Most of the speakers stated that the summit was half failure, taking the case of Armenia and the Ukraine, and half success on the other hand; Moldova and Georgia initialed the Association Agreement. The Georgian case is really tough and problematic; the government should take certain steps to reform the election system, give end to selective justice, as the later doesn’t fulfill the criterion of the EU requirements. Dispute atmosphere ruled in the parliament concerning Mr. Arbusov and Mr. Barosso meeting, as most of them had strong belief that Mr. Arbusov is simply playing with the EU; the Ukraine denied signing the Association Agreement, the government is waiting to be bribed either by the EU or the Russian side. The EU is not bribing anyone and the Association Agreement will not be reopened for them never again. Armenia is more or less in one boat with the Ukraine sharing the same destiny in the term of the Russians pressures. However, the cases are different taking into consideration geographical settlements and security issues. Armenia fell into Putin’s charms, Mr. Sargsyan did was a big mistake giving way to the Russians’ pressures and threats. Armenia depends on Russia to guarantee its security and its large Diaspora in Russia makes Armenia to have close economic relations with Russia. There are other recent developments that may shed light on Russia’s behavior towards Armenia. President Putin made his first visit to Baku in many years, which resulted in the contract for the supply of Russia military to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile Russia has a military base in Armenia, Gyumri. Thus Russia is arming Armenia’s enemy while at the same time pressuring it to join the Customs Union. Azerbaijan’s dream is over; they don’t have any intention to sign the Association Agreement. In the run up of the forum one of the most important and painful question on the future of these countries was the issue of mobility and migration to the EU member states. Georgia, the Ukraine and Moldova negotiated visa liberalization with the EU, Armenia and Azerbaijan have focused on visa facilitation.

The last guest speaker of the forum was Mr. Schulz, the president of the European Parliament, who stated about the certain strategy changes dealing with Russia. Russia understands only hard language and sometimes the EU’s soft power is interpreted as weakness. However, financial or economic pressures and blackmailing aren’t part of the EU strategy as they are deeply convinced in their democratic values. Russia was the invisible guest in Vilnius summit and didn’t convert its working style with their neighborhood for many centuries and the EU wasn’t surprised at all.

To conclude: The EU borders aren’t closed for Armenia and the Ukraine; building confidence and sense of responsibility among the EU states and EaP countries remains still on the table.


World Week against Human Trafficking - CIRa

From 2 to 9 December 2013 the World Week against Human Trafficking takes place in Macedonia, organized by CIRa (Center for Institutional Development) together with their partner: NGOs and state institutions that are part of the National Commission to Combat Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration in the Republic of Macedonia. They all decided to take action to support children under the motto “Cut the Strings of Labor Exploitation and Trafficking of Children in Macedonia”.

Child trafficking and labor exploitation is a phenomenon that takes place before our eyes every day. The event is organized for create a Fund to support children who are forced to beg, as well as to support local CSOs’s in providing basic needs of food and clothing of these children and activities which help children to get out of this situation.

If you would like to donate you can choose one of these two possibilities:

1. You can donate by credit/debit card on the first Macedonian internet portal for secure online donations www.donate.mk which is operated by CIRa. (Note: There is a possibility for donation in a range between 100 mkd (1.62 EUR) and 30.000mkd (487.8 EUR). With selection of the amount of the donation and pressing OK, you will be transferred to the national portal for safe donations CaSys International (www.cpay.com.mk), where you can select two options for donation (to donate without registration or to register first (in order your name to be visible on our listings afterwards)). Please press button for English language)

2. You can donate 100 MKD per call by calling the number 143-404 from the Macedonian mobile operators T-Mobile, ONE and VIP.

We hope that you join the efforts and support the fight against trafficking of children with your donation.

From 2 to 9 December 2013 the World Week against Human Trafficking takes place in Macedonia, organized by CIRa (Center for Institutional Development) together with their partner: NGOs and state institutions that are part of the National Commission to Combat Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration in the Republic of Macedonia. They all decided to take action to support children under the motto “Cut the Strings of Labor Exploitation and Trafficking of Children in Macedonia”.

Child trafficking and labor exploitation is a phenomenon that takes place before our eyes every day. The event is organized for create a Fund to support children who are forced to beg, as well as to support local CSOs’s in providing basic needs of food and clothing of these children and activities which help children to get out of this situation.

If you would like to donate you can choose one of these two possibilities:

1. You can donate by credit/debit card on the first Macedonian internet portal for secure online donations www.donate.mk which is operated by CIRa. (Note: There is a possibility for donation in a range between 100 mkd (1.62 EUR) and 30.000mkd (487.8 EUR). With selection of the amount of the donation and pressing OK, you will be transferred to the national portal for safe donations CaSys International (www.cpay.com.mk), where you can select two options for donation (to donate without registration or to register first (in order your name to be visible on our listings afterwards)). Please press button for English language)

2. You can donate 100 MKD per call by calling the number 143-404 from the Macedonian mobile operators T-Mobile, ONE and VIP.

We hope that you join the efforts and support the fight against trafficking of children with your donation.


Citizen participation in decision-making process at local level. “Participation is ownership!” – Levon Barseghyan- President of Council of “Asparez” Journalists’ club – partner LDA Armenia

On 5th of December 2013 the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (France) and “Local Democracy Agency” foundation (Armenia) organized a joint workshop on “Citizens Participation in decision-making process at the local level”.

Before starting the workshop Director of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies Antonella Valmorbida and director of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation director Lusine Aleksadryan met the mayor of Gyumri city, Mr. Samvel Balasanyan. The mayor welcomed the idea of having a workshop and added that the possibility of joint cooperation projects between LDA Armenia and municipality will increase in future.

The workshop intended to raise citizens’ participation in decision-making processes and visibility of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation activities and mission in Armenia.

The workshop was attended by civil society and local authorities’ representatives, civil servants of the region, Italian honorary consul, Counterpart Armenia.

The head of the department of Programs and Analysis of Gyumri municipality Hayk Sultanyan greeted the guests and underlined the importance of citizens participation in decision-making process as one of the indicators for promoting local democracy and good governance.

There were interesting and productive presentations on behalf of EAP CSF Armenian National Platform representative, Chairman of Communities Finance Officers Vahan Movsisyan about the law on Additions in the Law on Local Self-government on Citizen Participation in Local Self-government that is already in force in Armenia, Director of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies Antonella Valmorbida on the “Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the decision-making process” adopted by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, and President of Council of “Asparez” Journalists’ club Levon Barseghyan made an assessment on the citizens participation in Gyumri pointing out some progress in this area.

The participants discussed the possibilities of how much the law additions will be applied by the Local authorities pointing out that citizen’s participation culture and the ways of raising awareness of the citizens’ on the laws and additions should be modulated on behalf of the communities, shared with their concerns about the difficulties of citizens’ participation in the decision-making processes at local and international level, suggested to translate the Code of Good Practice into Armenian as well in order more civil society representatives can have access to it and made useful recommendations for the activities initiatives of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation in future.

On 5th of December 2013 the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (France) and “Local Democracy Agency” foundation (Armenia) organized a joint workshop on “Citizens Participation in decision-making process at the local level”.

Before starting the workshop Director of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies Antonella Valmorbida and director of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation director Lusine Aleksadryan met the mayor of Gyumri city, Mr. Samvel Balasanyan. The mayor welcomed the idea of having a workshop and added that the possibility of joint cooperation projects between LDA Armenia and municipality will increase in future.

The workshop intended to raise citizens’ participation in decision-making processes and visibility of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation activities and mission in Armenia.

The workshop was attended by civil society and local authorities’ representatives, civil servants of the region, Italian honorary consul, Counterpart Armenia.

The head of the department of Programs and Analysis of Gyumri municipality Hayk Sultanyan greeted the guests and underlined the importance of citizens participation in decision-making process as one of the indicators for promoting local democracy and good governance.

There were interesting and productive presentations on behalf of EAP CSF Armenian National Platform representative, Chairman of Communities Finance Officers Vahan Movsisyan about the law on Additions in the Law on Local Self-government on Citizen Participation in Local Self-government that is already in force in Armenia, Director of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies Antonella Valmorbida on the “Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the decision-making process” adopted by the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, and President of Council of “Asparez” Journalists’ club Levon Barseghyan made an assessment on the citizens participation in Gyumri pointing out some progress in this area.

The participants discussed the possibilities of how much the law additions will be applied by the Local authorities pointing out that citizen’s participation culture and the ways of raising awareness of the citizens’ on the laws and additions should be modulated on behalf of the communities, shared with their concerns about the difficulties of citizens’ participation in the decision-making processes at local and international level, suggested to translate the Code of Good Practice into Armenian as well in order more civil society representatives can have access to it and made useful recommendations for the activities initiatives of “Local Democracy Agency” foundation in future.