Project BOOST (Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society) has defined the year for ALDA Balkans, advancing its flagship mission across the region, by supporting 67 selected projects at both regional and national levels. The programme is building a strong network of civil society organisations (CSOs) working across three key sectors: youth and entrepreneurship, rural development and environment & cultural heritage and community development.
Through the regional sub-granting scheme of Project #BOOST, six organisations from six Western Balkan countries received support, each partnering with two or three cross-border civil society organisations in their projects.
From 25–27 March 2025, ALDA hosted the first Regional Capacity-Building Training in Belgrade, Serbia. The three-day event gathered the selected CSOs and their partners from across the Western Balkans, offering valuable networking opportunities and driving forward regional cooperation.
A highlight of the training was the panel discussion “BOOSTing Integration: Civil Society as a Driver of EU Accession”. Distinguished speakers included Natasa Vuckovic, President of ALDA and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation Belgrade; H.E. Pierre Cochard, Ambassador of France to Serbia; and Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans Regional Office. They underlined the crucial role of civil society in strengthening democratic governance and supporting EU accession.
In October 2025, ALDA Balkans announced61 nationally selected projects across six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Ten CSOs from each of five countries, and eleven from Albania, received support to implement initiatives linked to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, rural development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage.
Following the announcement, ALDA Balkans and its partners: LDA Subotica, LDA Montenegro (Nikšić), LDA Kosovo, LDA Mostar, Urban Research Institute Albania, Pulse France and Leader France – launched six National BOOST Training sessions in each of the countries during October and November 2025. These sessions provided hands-on guidance for project implementation, alongside transversal training modules on gender inclusion, civic participation, cultural heritage, rural development, environment & youth entrepreneurship.
Each national training was formally opened by representatives of the French embassies in the respective countries, together with officials from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which supports the BOOST project implemented by ALDA.
The Shared Horizons Project – Component 2, coordinated by ALDA and supported by Expertise France, has marked a landmark year of cultural cooperation and youth engagement across the Western Balkans. Through a series of events, workshops and competitions, the initiative has used historic bridges as powerful symbols of reconciliation, dialogue and shared heritage.
The project was officially launched in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 18 February 2025, with a three-day event bringing together regional experts, municipal representatives and the French Embassy. A panel discussion titled “Shared Cultural Heritage, Reconciliation and Regional Development” featured distinguished speakers including H.E. Ms. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France in Montenegro; Ms.Nađa Ljiljanić, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica; Mr. Paul-Alexis Berthezene, Project Manager from Expertise France; Mr. Maurizio Camin, Vice President ofALDA; and Mr. Dejan Ubovic from the Museum of the 90s. Moderated by Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, the panel delved into the role of cultural heritage as a tool for fostering unity within a historically divided region.
The event continued with a dedicated session presenting regional experts in cultural heritage and storytelling. The experts discussed the importance of digital storytelling, youth engagement and innovative approaches to heritage conservation, while also developing plans for future activities under Component 2.
From 2–5 June 2025, the initiative continued in Peja, Kosovo, where multidisciplinary teams of young researchers gathered for workshops, field visits and dialogue sessions. Participants explored cultural landmarks in Prizren, attended networking events, and joined a panel on “Youth, Culture, and Reconciliation”. Practical workshops in photography, storytelling and cultural tourism equipped young people with tools to transform their interests into civic and professional engagement.
Throughout June and July 2025, photography and storytelling workshops were held across all six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. These sessions encouraged youth to explore bridges as cultural symbols, combining city walks, photo sessions and digital storytelling labs. Experts guided participants in developing creative skills while fostering empathy and intercultural dialogue.
The project culminated with the announcement of winners of the “Bridges that Connect” storytelling competition, which selected eighteen young authors aged 15–29 from across the region. Their stories will be transformed into Augmented Reality (AR) installations projected onto six iconic bridges: Gorica Bridge (Albania), Stari Most (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Stone Bridge (Kosovo and North Macedonia), Adži-paša’s Bridge (Montenegro) and White Bridge (Serbia). These immersive exhibitions will travel across the region, turning heritage sites into open-air platforms for dialogue and imagination.
By merging creativity, digital innovation and shared cultural heritage, the Shared Horizons Project has demonstrated that bridges are more than physical structures – they are enduring symbols of connection, reconciliation and a shared future for the Western Balkans.
November is the month of the Mediterranean, and the best city to reflect the Euro-Mediterranean is the one where an important engagement was taken, Barcelona.
To celebrate the 30 years from the launch of the Barcelona process, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership launched to foster dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Southern Mediterranean countries. Its main goals were to create a common area of peace, stability, and shared prosperity through three main pillars: political dialogue, economic cooperation (including a free-trade area), and human and cultural exchange. This process set the basis for the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean, the intergovernmental organisation bringing together 43 countries of the region, as well as the Anna Lindh Foundation, focusing on intercultural dialogue.
In this frame, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the European Institute for the Mediterranean (IEMed), MedCities as well as the city, metropolitan area and province of Barcelona and the Catalan region have co-organised two parallel events: the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society Conference and the Conference of Mediterranean cities. By bringing together civil society actors and local authorities from the region, the goal was to share inputs on the imminent implementation of the recently adopted Pact for the Mediterranean by the European Union (DG MENA) and reflect on the past 30 years of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Many points were raised, but the representatives of CSOs at the Conference mostly asked for further means to combat polarisation in the region, greater trust-building between CSOs and institutions as well as the possibility to closely follow the implementation of the Pact for a positive impact on our communities.
As ALDA, through the representation of Giulia Sostero – Coordinator of the ASWAT (Africa, SouthWest Asia and Turkey) Department, we could actively contribute to both events by bringing the voice of our members, some of which were also present: above all, Diputació de Barcelona as co-organiser. Through the working group on People to People and with a discussant intervention in the panel “First responders – The frontline position of Local Authorities in regional challenges”, Giulia could underline how more joint spaces are needed for Local Authorities and Civil Society actors to work together. Sharing similar motivation to be involved in the implementation of the Pact, trust between these actors needs to be reinforced in order to react jointly to the region’s current crises. Co-creation and participation can no longer be considered a plus, but became a real need in view of effective policy-making. Moreover, we underlined the importance of a human-rights based approach to migration, and the mainstreaming of youth active participation.
What’s next? Both conferences will publish reports and the takeaways will be included in the Pact’s Action Plan, now under development and expected to be published in early 2026. Keep following our channels as well as UfM and IEMed for more information. As ALDA, covering also the role of co-Heads of the French network of the Anna Lindh Foundation, we will keep making sure that the voices and perspectives of our members are heard and taken into account.
On December 2, 3 and 4, ALDA successfully held its annual Membership Days, a three-day online event dedicated to strengthening dialogue within the network, sharing updates, and exploring opportunities for collaboration. This year’s edition was highly participated, with members from across Europe and beyond joining the discussions and actively contributing to the exchange.
Over the course of three afternoons, participants engaged with ALDA’s team, guest speakers, and fellow members through thematic sessions designed to inform, inspire, and reinforce the value of belonging to the ALDA community.
Day 1 – Comeback Day: looking back and moving forward
The opening session on 2 December featured a warm welcome from Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, who introduced the main achievements of 2025 and reflected on the organisation’s ongoing commitment to local democracy, community engagement and citizen participation.
Members were invited to share feedback, ideas and expectations for the year ahead, creating a constructive space for dialogue and collective reflection. The session highlighted once again the crucial role of ALDA’s network in shaping strategic priorities and strengthening the impact of its actions.
Day 2 – Benefits of being an ALDA Member: regranting scheme in focus
On 3 December, the spotlight turned to the Regranting Scheme, one of the key benefits available to ALDA members. Several beneficiaries took the floor to present their initiatives and share their experience:
Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
Associazione Luciano Lama
Studio Progetto
KASA PT
Their contributions illustrated how the scheme supports grassroots action, fosters cross-border cooperation and amplifies local impact. Participants expressed strong interest in future calls and in the opportunity to learn from one another’s project approaches.
Day 3 – Local realities and the European Global Gateway
The final session on 4 December explored the role of local actors within the European Global Gateway, offering a broader political and strategic perspective. Three distinguished speakers joined the discussion:
Jaimie Just, Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser, CONCORD
Boris Tonhauser, Director, PLATFORMA
Octavi de la Varga Mas, Strategic International Projects Advisor, Diputació de Barcelona
Their interventions shed light on global dynamics, EU priorities and the vital contribution of local authorities and civil society organisations to international cooperation frameworks. The session sparked a rich exchange among participants, highlighting the importance of multi-level collaboration.
A strengthened community moving into 2026
This year’s Membership Days once again demonstrated the value of ALDA’s vibrant and diverse network. The active participation, quality of contributions and openness to dialogue all contributed to making the event a meaningful moment of connection and shared learning.
ALDA warmly thanks all members and speakers for their engagement and looks forward to continuing this journey together throughout 2026, supporting local democracy, empowering communities and building effective partnerships across Europe and beyond.
Kraków has become one of the most significant centres for Belarusian exiles in Poland — a place where cultural identity, democratic engagement, and community resilience intersect. Building on earlier consultations held in Wrocław and Vilnius, ALDA — the European Association for Local Democracy — together with Prastora Krakow and the College of Eastern Europe (KEW), and with support from the German Marshall Fund, convened a dedicated dialogue on 26 November to deepen cooperation between Belarusian civic actors and local authorities. The meeting also served to advance the development of the emerging Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Belarus in Exile initiative.
As part of ALDA’s broader needs-assessment process, the Kraków meeting enabled exiled Belarusians to articulate their priorities and challenges while shaping the direction of the future LDA. This consultation reaffirmed what previous meetings had already indicated: that Belarusian civil society in exile is vibrant, motivated, and strongly committed to the preservation of Belarusian culture and its democratic engagement, yet faces significant structural challenges, including:
Integration barriers, fuelled at times by misinformation, discrimination, and insufficient knowledge of available municipal programmes.
Lack of dedicated community spaces for cultural, educational, and civic activities;
Administrative and legal hurdles, including complex residence procedures, banking restrictions, and limited access to legal assistance;
Strengthening cooperation between exiled Belarusian communities and local institutions is essential to fostering inclusive governance and democratic resilience
Despite these challenges, participants emphasised strong cooperation with other migrant communities — particularly Ukrainian and Georgian — and expressed a strong desire to engage more actively in Kraków’s cultural and civic life.
When discussing the integration of migrant communities in Poland, invited migration and integration experts emphasised the need for clearer communication about available services, stronger anti-discrimination measures, and greater engagement from the “welcoming community” to ensure that integration is genuinely reciprocal.
In this context, it is worth highlighting the Open Kraków Programme, through which the city aims to foster long-term inclusion by improving access to services, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and creating spaces for community participation. Planned measures include enhanced staff training on administrative procedures and the creation of new dedicated spaces for social and cultural activities.
Additionally, as presented by Artur Buszek, a representative of the Mayor of Kraków, the city’s participatory tools — such as the citizens’ budget, citizens’ panels, and local civic initiatives — offer important opportunities for Belarusian residents to influence local decision-making and contribute meaningfully to public life.
Moving forward, the meeting confirmed both the necessity and strong local demand for the continuation of the LDA Belarus in Exile initiative. While its establishment will require time and continued coordination, the foundation is clear: the LDA should serve as a bridge between exiled Belarusian communities and local institutions, promoting inclusive governance, civic empowerment, and cross-border democratic engagement.
ALDA will continue facilitating these dialogues and working closely with Belarusian civic networks and local partners as the LDA Belarus in Exile takes shape — strengthening democratic resilience and fostering community-driven cooperation across borders.
During the 10th edition of the European Migration Forum (EMF), held on 27–28 November 2025, ALDA is proud to announce that Mohammed Mustafa, Migration Hub & Flagship Coordinator, has been elected as an EU-level representative to the EMF Bureau.
This election marks an important milestone for both Mohammed and ALDA. It is a recognition of his ongoing dedication to promoting inclusive policies, participatory approaches and locally grounded solutions in the field of migration and integration. At the same time, it reinforces ALDA’s longstanding commitment to strengthening civil society’s voice at EU level.
A Stronger Role for Local Democracy in European Migration Dialogue
Through his work coordinating ALDA’s Migration Hub and Flagship, Mohammed collaborates with a broad network of stakeholders: local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant-led initiatives and community-based practitioners. His presence within the EMF Bureau will allow ALDA to deepen engagement with these diverse actors and bring their experiences into the discussions shaping European migration, asylum and integration policies.
The EMF Bureau plays an essential role in guiding and supporting the preparation of the Forum, ensuring that its priorities, themes and outcomes reflect the realities and needs of people and communities across Europe.
Moderating a Key Discussion on Civic Participation
As part of the Forum programme, Mohammed also moderated the session “The Floor is Yours: Topic 5”, dedicated to strengthening meaningful civic participation. The discussion focused on two key transitions essential for a more democratic and inclusive future:
Moving from tokenism to active engagement, where people affected by policies have genuine influence;
Moving from consultation to co-creation, particularly in the work of civil society organisations.
This reflects ALDA’s core mission: promoting democracy not only as a concept, but as a daily practice built with people, communities and local actors.
A Shared Achievement for the ALDA Network
Mohammed’s election is not only a personal success; it is an achievement shared by the entire ALDA community. The support of ALDA’s members, colleagues and partners has been fundamental in shaping the Migration Hub and creating a space where collaboration, participation and innovation thrive.
ALDA looks forward to contributing even more actively to the Forum’s work through Mohammed’s new role, and to advancing migration policies that are more human, more inclusive and more rooted in local realities.
Learn More
To discover the objectives and activities of ALDA’s Migration Hub & Flagship, visit our dedicated page and explore how we support locally driven, community-based approaches to migration and inclusion across Europe.
Post-Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 Forum Takes Place in Lviv: “Capitalisation and the Way Forward: Decentralisation and Local Governance at the Centre of Ukraine’s Reconstruction”
We must ensure that all the good ideas of URC2025 do not remain merely empty conversations — this sentiment resonated throughout the plenary sessions of the Post-Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 Forum, “Capitalisation and the Way Forward: Decentralisation and Local Governance at the Centre of Ukraine’s Reconstruction.”
The two-day event, held on 26–27 November in Lviv (Ukraine), combined several formats. High-level plenary sessions, governance laboratories, and a flexible networking platform created a truly dynamic space for cooperation.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome, participants at the Lviv Forum sought practical solutions to ensure Ukraine’s reconstruction is led by, and carried out in the interests of, local communities. This was also confirmed by Oleksii Riabikin, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
“Every platform, including this one under the aegis of ALDA, envisages the signing of memoranda and new partnerships. This process is long-term and ongoing. It is important for our communities and regions to deepen cooperation with European municipalities and regions as much as possible. European integration also happens through such partnerships, through communication, and through the exchange of experience and knowledge. This is how we better understand how a modern, civilised Europe functions” – emphasised Deputy Minister Riabikin.
Oleksii Riabikin was among the speakers at the opening plenary, which took place inside a historical venue — the Lviv City Hall. The session gathered:
Yurii Mushka, Deputy Secretary General, Central European Initiative; Thibaut Guignard, Member of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Ukraine, Member of the ALDA Governing Board, Mayor of Ploeuc I’Hermitage & President of LEADER France; Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of URAROR and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council; Andriy Moskalenko, First Deputy Mayor of Lviv; Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, ALDA Governing Board Member & Representative of the Association of Ukrainian Cities; Asier Santillán Luzuriaga, Head of Section – European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society, EU Delegation to Ukraine; Kessler Ryszard, Deputy Mayor of Wrocław (Poland); Mykhailina Skoryk-Shkarivska, Head of the Institute for Sustainable Community Development.
Across the remaining plenary sessions over the two-day Forum, many other distinguished speakers and experts joined the discussions, including: Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of CEMR; Natalia Hokina, Expert at the Association of Ukrainian Cities, responsible for international cooperation; Ljubica Kosheliuk, U-LEAD with Europe; Davide La Cecilia, Italian Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, URC2025 Coordinator; Tarschys Ingre Amelie, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Rapporteur on Ukraine’s Reconstruction; Christian Debève, Councillor of the Region Grand Est, President of the International Relations Commission, First Vice President of the Assembly of European Regions (ARE), Member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. As well as dozens of other prominent European guests and representatives of Ukrainian local communities.
Some joined in person, others online — but what mattered most was that Lviv united them all.
Lviv as a hub for European initiatives
Hosting the Forum in the cultural capital of the Halychyna region was intended to strengthen direct cooperation between Ukrainian communities, European local authorities and to bring distinguished European guests closer to the representatives of Ukraine’s local democracies.
Lviv today is undoubtedly a major humanitarian and administrative hub. Andriy Moskalenko, First Deputy Mayor of Lviv, shared that the city currently hosts 1,050,000 residents, including 200,000 internally displaced people who fled the war.
“There are no borders between our cities today — we stand united as one strong Ukraine, defending not only Ukrainian values, but global and European values: the values of democracy,” — said Moskalenko.
Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and moderator of the opening session, invited the audience to observe a minute of silence in memory of those killed as a result of russian aggression, now a mandatory part of public events in Ukraine.
Reconstruction cannot wait
The war featured in every speech. Yurii Mushka, Deputy Secretary General of CEI, reminded participants that reconstruction efforts must not be postponed:
“This is already the eleventh year of Russian aggression, not four. Decentralisation accelerates and increases the effectiveness of reconstruction measures because more powers are held at the local level — meaning local self-government can respond more efficiently.”
Not for Ukraine, but with Ukraine
Speakers repeatedly stressed that the frontline is not just Ukraine’s problem, it is a matter of European security. What matters most is cooperation, listening to the concrete needs of communities, and working alongside them.
Maurizio Camin, Representative of the Trentino Council for the Balkans and ALDA Vice President, underlined the importance of local democratic initiatives:
“It would be very appropriate to develop cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian municipalities. It would also be extremely valuable to further expand our Local Democracy Agencies, which contribute greatly to this work. They are not only our antennas helping Europe understand what is happening, but also key actors of local development.”
Ukrainian regional representatives share this view. Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of URAROR, stressed:
“I would insist that ALDA’s network in Ukraine must expand. Strengthening local self-government and decentralisation is, in my view, where true European democracy begins.”
European partners consistently emphasised: they do not work for Ukraine, but with Ukraine.
According to Antonella Valmorbida, effective cooperation rests on three pillars. Partnerships – establishing cooperation agreements between Ukrainian and international municipalities and communities. Joint projects – supporting Ukrainian communities in applying for and implementing grant-funded initiatives. People-to-people relations – fostering genuine long-term connections between individuals.
Looking ahead – road to URC2026
“Do you hear that sound? Right now, new partnerships and initiatives for the next URC are being prepared,” — joked Deputy Minister Oleksii Riabikin as he opened his speech. Anticipation of next year’s event — and the desire to make the most of the previous one — was a shared theme among speakers and participants.
“Before the next conference in July in Rome, it is vital to develop strategies for Ukraine’s future. Many ALDA representatives are here today, they support Ukraine and genuinely stand with it. This is our common path and our shared partnership,” — noted Antonella Valmorbida.
Beyond speeches and presentations, the Forum programme included two full days of group work.
Participants reviewed the effectiveness of URC2025 in Rome, identified its main outcomes, highlighted operational mechanisms already in place, and developed key questions for URC2026.
The result: a set of practical guidelines and priority issues for the next conference cycle.
This means the upcoming URC will be even more impactful, both for Ukraine and for a free Europe.
Lviv Forum – Day 1
Lviv Forum – Day 2
Period:
01/10/2025 - 31/10/2028
Countries involved:
Belgium Ethiopia France Germany Kenya Spain TOGO Uganda
The project YCAN (Youth Climate Action Network) addresses the fact that climate changerequires urgent action, as it remains a global crisis with particularly severe consequences for vulnerable communities.
Young people worldwide have emerged as passionate advocates for climate action, demonstrating their commitment through activism and awareness efforts. Yet, despite their enthusiasm and drive, they often face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, knowledge, and networks essential for creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.
The project aims to empower youth in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering collaboration, providing education, and implementing community-driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Through mobility programs, training sessions, and collaborative activities, the project will help youth organizations build their capacity to address in their local context. It will also provide opportunities for international knowledge sharing, where organizations can learn from each other and adopt new ideas.
For young people, the project aims to create a community where they can learn, collaborate, and develop solutions for climate resilience. It will foster participation, facilitate collaborative channels, and provide opportunities to engage in international mobility initiatives.
OBJECTIVES
Empower youth in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering collaboration, providing education, and implementing community-driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change
Help youth organizations build their capacity to address in their local context
Provide opportunities for international knowledge sharing, where organizations can learn from each other and adopt new ideas. create a community where they can learn, collaborate, and develop solutions for climate resilience
Foster participation, facilitate collaborative channels, and provide opportunities to engage in international mobility initiatives.
Associates:
Jovenes y desarrollo
Ecolotrip
YES FORUM EWIV – youth and european social work forum
On 18–19 November 2025, ALDA organised a two-day workshop in Rome within the framework of the AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholder for Migrants Integration and Labour – project.
AMIL aims to advance the sustainable inclusion of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in the labour market by expanding and reinforcing the MEIC (Migrants Economic Integration Cluster) model. It promotes coordinated action among local socio-economic actors. As a result, migrant people benefit from increased employability and improved socio-economic integration.
The workshop also contributed to the development of the AMIL Community of Interest (CoI) — a European network coordinated by ALDA that brings together local authorities, NGOs, employers, training providers and migrant-led organisations. The CoI promotes shared learning, strengthens cooperation, and supports the scaling of MEIC practices across Europe.
Following opening presentations from ALDA and CIES – Center for Information and Development Education, including an introduction to the MEIC methodology by Marjan Schalchian, participants engaged in five thematic sessions. Lapo Vannini (CIES Onlus) led an experiential session on language learning and the recognition of skills, emphasising the importance of trust-building and expressive pedagogy. Raisa Labaran (Brescia Municipality) explored welfare and healthcare access through practical exercises and a case study, shedding light on administrative barriers.
In the session on hostile attitude and discrimination, Samar Zughool (Povod Institute) involved participants in activities addressing interpersonal, structural, institutional and indirect discrimination.
Day two continued with Nick van der Steenhoven (Boat Refugee Foundation), who guided participants through the development of advocacy strategies. Pilar Ripollés (Asociación Mundus) followed presenting a successful practice involving textile-sector social enterprises that empower migrant women.
The workshop reinforced the MEIC model’s value and strengthened collaboration within the CoI network, enabling more effective and inclusive approaches to labour market integration across Europe.
Within the STAR project, from 12 to 14th of November Youth workers from all across Europe recently came together hosted by Comune di Reggio Emilia for a 3-day local training dedicated to exploring street art as a tool for social inclusion with young people. Blending hands-on activities with spray cans, dialogue with artists, working groups, and visits to local initiatives and street art intervention, the participants had the opportunity to discover how creativity can support meaningful engagement with young people.
Among the group, the delegation involved by ALDA was composed of two youth workers coming from the Zhytomyr city council and department of culture, representing the House of Ukrainian Culture and Borys Lyatoshynskyi Music School, several music schools, and other local cultural projects. Their experience illustrated how art and community engagement are fundamental during these hard times and also an extraordinary tool to involve internally displaced Ukrainians and youth.
Feedback on the STAR 2.0 Online course: Strengthening Tools and Approaches
A dedicated moment of the programme focused on feedback and reflection, giving participants the space to discuss the online training materials, share challenges from their local realities, and propose improvements. Many highlighted the value of practical examples and the need for adaptable activities that fit diverse cultural and social contexts.
Learning From Artists and Local Creative Spaces in Reggio Emilia
One of the most inspiring moments was a conversation with Andrea Scazza, Chemis and Psiko Planet who despite coming from different backgrounds shared their experiences engaging communities and youth through street art workshops and interventions.
Their perspectives shed a light on how artistic expression can activate public spaces, build trust, and invite young people to take ownership of their environment.
The training also included on-field examples through visits to several creative and educational landmarks. At Ex Officine Reggiane participants saw how abandoned industrial spaces can be transformed through cultural engagement. Re Mida showcased how recycled materials can spark creativity and environmental awareness, while Casa Gioia demonstrated the role of art in supporting inclusion. Lastly, the mural painted in Casa Manfredi, an historical landmark for Reggio Emilia’s resistance against fascism, was also a great example on how street art can bring back memories and make sure that these stories are not forgotten but passed on to younger generations!
From Inspiration to Action
Shared experiences, including a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano production site, added cultural depth and strengthened connections among participants.
The training closed with a forward-looking reflection, where youth workers began shaping their own pilot workshops with young people. They discussed goals, methodologies, and the importance of fostering safe, inclusive spaces where creativity can thrive. Many left with energy, motivation and concrete ideas for using street art to amplify youth voices and make sure no one is left behind!
As ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – and MAD – Mekanda Adalet Derneği, with the support of the Mercator Foundation, prepare the new edition of THE:PLACE, we take a moment to look back at the achievements of the programme’s first cycle and celebrate the work of the community organisations that shaped it.
Over the past year, 18 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), paired into nine Turkish–European partnerships, implemented meaningful initiatives that connected local priorities across borders. Their work reflects the core mission of THE:PLACE: empowering CSOs and Local Authorities (LAs) to play a central role in local development through capacity-building, peer learning, and collaborative project design.
A Programme Built on Partnership
Following a rigorous pre-selection and matchmaking phase, each CSO found a partner whose expertise and community needs aligned with their own. Together, these pairs co-designed projects rooted in the realities of their respective territories—whether in Turkey or in EU Member States.
Supported by their Local Authorities, each partnership spent a full year implementing activities, strengthening organisational capacities, and visiting each other to exchange methods, test tools, and co-organise events. This hands-on approach enabled teams to explore shared challenges and devise context-sensitive solutions.
Themes That Moved Communities
Despite working in varied social, economic, and political settings, the nine partnerships converged on themes that are increasingly critical across Europe and its neighbourhood:
Responsible production and the impact of fast fashion
Cultural accessibility and inclusive urban spaces
Strengthening migrant and refugee communities
Youth participation and local civic engagement
Sustainable community development
Social cohesion and shared local challenges
Their initiatives demonstrate how local actors—when enabled to collaborate—can identify overlapping issues and design innovative responses.
Cross-Roads, Exchanges, and a Celebratory Conclusion
Midway through the programme, a cross-roads event brought together both cohorts of THE:PLACE, creating space for the two editions to learn from one another. New connections emerged, and participants built a broader network of peers committed to locally driven development.
The programme concluded in Kosovo, where partners gathered to reflect on their achievements, discuss lessons learned, and celebrate the values that have guided their journey: cooperation, community ownership, and local democracy.
Discover Their Stories
To share these experiences more widely, MAD collaborated with Postane Productions to create a series of animated videos featuring each partnership’s journey, challenges, and achievements.
Watch the stories on MAD’s Instagram page: the collection is available HERE, with the first video starting HERE.
These videos not only highlight the power of collaborative local action, but also give visibility to the voices and ideas of the organisations that made this first edition of THE:PLACE truly impactful.
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned: the second edition of THE:PLACE will be launched in the first half of 2026. With new CSOs, new partnerships, and fresh opportunities for cross-border collaboration, the next cycle promises to build on the strong foundation laid by this first generation of changemakers.
From 4 to 6 November 2025, ALDA took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona, the world’s leading event dedicated to urban innovation and the transformation of cities through technology, sustainability, and inclusion. Guided by the inspiring manifesto of the Century of Cities, the 2025 edition of the Expo celebrated the growing potential of cities to become living ecosystems of innovation, participation, and cooperation. The event brought together thousands of urban leaders, international pioneers, researchers, passionate innovators, and civil society actors, united by a shared vision: to craft our urban legacy and to make cities more connected, sustainable, and human-centered. Representing ALDA at the event were Rebecca Marconi (Project Manager) and Eleonora Ambrosi (Project Developer).
Smart & Green Cities for All: presenting the MICAD Horizon Europe Project
During the event Smart & Green Cities for All: The MICAD Vision,ALDA participated in the presentation of the Horizon Europe project MICAD – Metropolitan Inclusivity in Climate and Digital Transitions, of which it is a proud consortium partner. The MICAD consortium brings together experts in urban planning, green and digital transitions, participatory processes, and living lab methodologies, including metropolitan authorities, universities, research institutes, and innovation networks. The session aimed to introduce MICAD to a group of potential stakeholders by offering an overview of the project’s goals, methodologies, and phases, with a particular focus on its capacity to support inclusive metropolitan planning for climate and digital transitions. It was an excellent opportunity also to gather insights and recommendations, and explore new potential collaborations to further refine and strengthen the project. During the session, Rebecca Marconi presented the project’s exploitable results, together with the strategy for scaling their impact and defining clear exploitation pathways. As the strategic partner responsible for ensuring the sustainability and replicability of MICAD’s outcomes, ALDA plays a key role in guiding how results can be adopted by policymakers. This includes dedicated advocacy actions planned across the five metropolitan areas involved in the project (Metropolitan City of Milan, Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, GZM Metropolis, Municipality of Tirana, and Chisinau City Hall).
Strengthening Partnerships and Expanding ALDA’s Urban Innovation Network
Throughout the Congress, ALDA engaged in networking activities with city representatives, innovation networks, members of the ALDA community or partners in many joint actions, like DIBA and ICLEI, and new potential partners by exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the fields of urban governance, participation, and democratic resilience.
The Expo was a catalyst for this urban historic transformation and represented a valuable occasion to showcase ALDA’s commitment to supporting local and metropolitan authorities in making transitions that are not only smart, but also inclusive, democratic, and community-driven. As cities continue to lead the way towards a sustainable future, ALDA stands ready to accompany them in meeting global challenges, fostering participation, strengthening local democracy, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the Century of Cities.
During the first week of November 2025, ALDA actively participated in the FIDEPA Meeting held in Dakar, Senegal, reinforcing its commitment to supporting decentralisation, citizen participation, and good local governance across the African continent. The ALDA delegation was composed of Abdelaziz Bouslah, Africa Project Officer; Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA; and Faty Babou, Africa Project Assistant, who all played central roles in the event’s activities.
Active Contribution Through Moderation and Training
Throughout the meeting, ALDA’s representatives were deeply involved in guiding discussions and sharing expertise.
Abdelaziz Bouslah and Faty Babou contributed to the moderation of several thematic workshops, ensuring dynamic discussions among local authorities, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Antonella Valmorbida, leveraging her longstanding leadership in local democracy and participatory governance, delivered impactful training sessions focused on strengthening local institutions, participatory mechanisms, and multilevel cooperation.
These sessions provided participants with practical tools and approaches to foster inclusive governance and empower communities to actively engage in decision-making processes.
Strategic Meetings for Future Collaboration
The FIDEPA Meeting also presented a valuable opportunity for ALDA to meet and engage with key stakeholders in the region. The delegation held constructive exchanges with:
Bachir Kanouté, Secretary General of OIDP Africa, discussing potential synergies between ALDA and OIDP in promoting participatory democracy on the continent.
The Mayor of Khombol and the Mayor of Sandaria (Senegal), who both expressed strong interest in collaborating with ALDA to strengthen local governance capacities and co-develop initiatives aimed at enhancing citizen participation in their municipalities.
These encounters opened the door to promising cooperation opportunities and reinforced ALDA’s strategic presence in Senegal and the wider West African region.
A Step Forward for Local Democracy in Africa
ALDA’s participation in the FIDEPA Meeting highlighted its growing engagement and commitment to supporting local authorities and civil society in Africa. By contributing expertise, facilitating dialogue, and establishing new partnerships, ALDA continues to play a key role in advancing inclusive, participatory, and sustainable local governance across the continent.
On 20 and 21 November, the Governing Board and Coordination Board of ALDA gathered in Barcelona (Spain) for a two-day retreat dedicated to reflection, shared learning, and strategic foresight. Hosted by the Diputació de Barcelona, a long-standing member of ALDA, the meeting offered a precious opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and collectively assess ALDA’s path in a rapidly changing democratic landscape.
The meeting officially opened with remarks delivered by Octavi de la Varga Mas, speaking on behalf of Antoni Montseny, Director of International Relations at Diputació de Barcelona. His words set an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Reflecting on ALDA’s mission, he remarked:
It is a great honour to welcome you to Barcelona. ALDA has always stood for strengthening local democracy, citizen participation, and inclusive governance. These values are more relevant than ever. We are not here simply to observe today’s challenges — we are here to shape solutions together.
He also highlighted the priorities shared by the Diputació de Barcelona, underscoring three critical themes: resilience and climate action, combating misinformation, and enhancing inclusive participation. These, he noted, are essential pillars for strengthening democracy at local level.
Diputació, he emphasised, “is proud to support ALDA in this mission,” reaffirming their belief that through cooperation, digital transformation, and the fight for equity, ALDA can continue to grow not only as a European leader but as “a global reference for democratic innovation.”
Following these opening remarks, the Governing Board turned to an intensive agenda focused on ALDA’s strategic developments:
Updates on the Thematic and Geographic Hubs
The current situation of the Local Democracy Agencies and further opportunities to strengthen the network
The implementation of recommendations from the first-year assessment
An overview of ALDA’s work in the Western Balkans
Board members also examined a proposal for a new organigram aligned with the organisation’s evolving structure and strategy, as well as updates on the 2025 budget and preliminary planning for 2026.
The morning concluded with a conversation on preparations for the General Assembly 2026, envisioned as the “ALDA Festival 2026”.
Governing Board & Coordination Board meeting
After lunch, the Coordination Board joined the Governing Board, creating a rare moment for governance leaders and senior staff to think together.
The first joint session invited participants to reflect openly on a fundamental question: Is ALDA’s project still valid today?
Rather than doubt, the dialogue revealed a renewed sense of urgency and relevance. Participants acknowledged the global democratic pressures they witness in their daily work — from rising nationalism to declining trust in institutions — while reaffirming the vital role ALDA plays in strengthening local democracy.
The afternoon continued with a meaningful workshop on personal motivation, exploring what drives individuals to join ALDA, what keeps them committed, and which challenges they face. The conversation surfaced powerful insights on purpose, administrative overload, and the deep sense of belonging that connects ALDA’s community.
The day ended with a guided tour of Palau Güell and by and a walking dinner, generously offered by the Diputació de Barcelona, a perfect setting to continue conversations informally.
The second day began with Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General, reading a message from María Eugènia Gay, vice president of Diputació de Barcelona and member of the Governing Board. Her contribution opened the floor for a rich discussion on ALDA’s evolving identity as a global actor.
Participants debated two provocative statements that framed the session:
“Going global dilutes our mission”
“Global presence makes us stronger”
This dialogue touched on ALDA’s identity, its global reach, and the opportunities and risks of expanding its geographical presence. Participants also explored local and global threats to democracy, sharing insights from their respective regions and contexts.
The retreat closed with a collective wrap-up in which each participant shared one key takeaway — a thought, a commitment, or a question — that they would carry forward as ALDA prepares for the year ahead.
The Barcelona retreat was one of a kind: more than a strategic meeting, it created the space for reconnection, honesty, and renewed purpose. Across two days, participants reaffirmed that ALDA’s project remains not only valid but vital. The discussions blended strategic alignment with human connection, reminding everyone that ALDA’s strength lies in its people and in its values.
As ALDA moves forward, the reflections and priorities shaped in Barcelona will guide the next steps — ensuring the organisation continues to empower communities, defend local democracy, and act as a bridge between citizens and institutions across Europe and beyond.
ALDA Italia APS prende parte a diversi progetti nella provincia di Vicenza, promuovendo la partecipazione e la cittadinanza attiva nel territorio locale. Tra i progetti attivi nell’Alto vicentino figura ASPIRA!Aspirazioni, Sinergie, Partecipazione, Rete e Alleanze con i NEET, che ha avuto inizio a fine settembre 2025. Si tratta di un progetto finanziato da Fondazione Cariverona che vede ALDA Italia APS come capofila, e che coinvolge e porta alla collaborazione diversi partner. I partner operativi del progetto sono NEXTQ APS, ENGIM, Samarcanda ONLUS e Villa Serena, oltre a diversi partner sostenitori, sia provenienti dal mondo no-profit e della pubblica amministrazione (il Comune di Thiene, l’Unione Montana Pasubio Piccole Dolomiti, GAGA Vicenza, Fondazione Lions Schio e Thiene, il Centro Italiano Femminile della Provincia di Vicenza, il CPI Schio-Thiene, l’Ufficio di Ambito per l’Inclusione Sociale ATS Ven_04) che dal mondo profit (Niuko SRL, For Action SRL, Istituto Poster).
Il progetto individua come protagonisti giovani NEET (acronimo di Not in Education, Employment or Training): un termine utilizzato per riferirsi a quei giovani che non sono impegnati in un percorso di educazione o formazione professionale e non hanno un impiego. In particolare le attività si rivolgono ai giovani di età compresa tra i 18 e i 30 anni.
Diverse indagini statistiche mettono alla luce il fatto che il nostro paese è tra i primi in Europa per il numero di NEET. Se gran parte di questi giovani si sente scoraggiato, una piccola parte si è dichiarata interessata a migliorare la propria condizione, chi tornando nel mondo del lavoro, chi entrando a farne parte per la prima volta. Inoltre, molti ragazzi intervistati hanno espresso il forte bisogno di percorsi formativi più mirati, che possano facilitare l’inserimento nel mondo professionale. A partire da queste certezze si sviluppa quindi ASPIRA!, che riconosce il diritto di questi ragazzi ad aspirare ad un futuro migliore, e che intende quindi aiutarli in questo percorso.
Il principale obiettivo dell’iniziativa è quindi coinvolgere attivamente questi ragazzi, coltivando speranza e opportunità ma soprattutto fornendo strumenti concreti per costruire il loro futuro: è stato infatti previsto un accompagnamento psicologico, lavorativo e sociale per tutti i due anni di sviluppo del progetto, supportando i giovani NEET nell’inserimento sociale e lavorativo.
ASPIRA! inoltre porta avanti la volontà di costruire una vera e propria rete di supporto attraverso la collaborazione di realtà profit, no-profit e pubblica amministrazione locale, affinché le buone pratiche generate dalle attività progettuali possano avere un seguito anche oltre il termine del progetto.
Il progetto si articola in tre azioni specifiche: l’orientamento professionale, l’integrazione sociale e il supporto psicologico.
La fase iniziale si concentra sul coinvolgimento e sull’empowerment dei NEET, per poi iniziare un percorso di orientamento e accompagnamento costruito ad hoc. Contemporaneamente, i giovani NEET avranno la possibilità di intraprendere un ciclo di coaching e mentoring di gruppo, per aiutarli ad identificare le proprie inclinazioni professionali, migliorare le proprie competenze e apprendere come muoversi al meglio nella ricerca di un lavoro.
Verrà inoltre attivato uno sportello, dove personale volontario offrirà consulenze personalizzate, e un servizio di supporto psicologico.
Successivamente saranno attivati diversi laboratori e workshop, coordinati dai ALDA Italia APS. L’obiettivo di questi laboratori è offrire ai NEET la possibilità di sviluppare competenze sociali trasversali e soft skills, che saranno poi utili in futuro nella ricerca di lavoro.
La seconda fase del progetto invece si concentrerà sulla condivisione delle buone pratiche emerse durante le attività, attraverso l’organizzazione di alcuni tavoli di lavoro con i partner coinvolti. L’obiettivo è la realizzazione di un toolkit, che raccoglierà metodologie e approcci efficaci per creare una rete di supporto stabile e duratura.
Al termine di entrambe le fasi è previsto un evento di restituzione al territorio, che si terrà presso Villa Fabris a Thiene, per poter condividere i risultati raggiunti e dare visibilità al progetto, in un’ottica di coinvolgimento di tutta la comunità locale. A questo proposito, ALDA Italia APS gestirà anche una campagna di comunicazione, sia per individuare i NEET interessati, sia per informare il territorio delle attività in corso.
In sintesi ASPIRA! mira ad offrire opportunità concrete ai giovani NEET, creando una rete di supporto attraverso azioni pilota basate sulla collaborazione e sinergia tra partner no-profit, profit e della pubblica amministrazione.
On November 10-11, 2025, Viorica Tudos, director of ALDA Moldova, joined representatives of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) from Moldova on a study visit to Brussels, Belgium, organised as part of the project “Civil Society for European Integration.” The visit aimed to deepen dialogue with EU institutions and strengthen CSO understanding of the EU accession process.
At the Moldovan Mission to the EU, participants met with Ms. Angelica Munteanu, Minister-Counsellor, and Ms. Zinaida Negară, Sector Coordinator. Discussions focused on the Mission’s role in supporting Moldova’s European agenda, as well as the objectives of the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, with an emphasis on reforms and the contribution of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of EU funds.
The visit to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) included a meeting with Mr. Séamus Boland, President of the EESC, followed by a session with Ms. Janine Borg, Head of the Unit for National Economic and Social Councils. Key topics included the mandate of the EESC, the potential establishment of an Economic and Social Council in Moldova, and the essential role of civil society in the EU integration process.
At the European Parliament, delegates met Ms. Janina Sitaru, Head of Cabinet to Vice-President Victor Negrescu, discussing EU support for civil society and funding opportunities available through EU programmes.
Participation in the EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform
A highlight of the visit was participation in the16th meeting of the EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform, also attended by MEP Siegfried Mureșan and Platform Co-Chairs Cristian Pîrvulescu and Liliana Palihovici. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration containing reform recommendations addressed to the Moldovan authorities and EU institutions, aimed at accelerating Moldova’s European integration.
Strengthening Civil Society’s Contribution to European Integration
Throughout the visit, Moldovan CSOs brought local perspectives to high-level discussions and promoted constructive dialogue between authorities, EU institutions and civil society. The two-day programme offered valuable opportunities for learning, exchange, and advocacy—reinforcing the commitment of Moldovan civil society to promoting European values, transparency, and good governance.
This study visit was organised within the project “Civil Society for European Integration”, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and ALDA Moldova was the beneficiary of the project during the period 2023-2025, when it was tasked with monitoring the public budget at the central and local levels in order to highlight the importance of transparency in decision-making and the efficiency of state budget spending in Moldova.
Held on 7 November 2025 in Brussels (Belgium), the Inclusive Digital Europe Conference brought together policymakers, educators, innovators, and civil society representatives to discuss how to build an inclusive and human-centred digital transformation across Europe.
Organised in the framework of the Our Digital Village project, co-funded by Erasmus+, the event focused on strengthening digital education and innovation in rural and small communities.
Bridging education, innovation, and inclusion
Opening remarks were followed by a keynote session featuring MEP Brando Benifei, Co-Rapporteur of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, and Csaba Borboly, Member of the Committee of the Regions and Rapporteur on the European Skills Agenda. Their contributions set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring how digital transformation can serve as a tool for empowerment, equity, and local development.
A key highlight of the conference was the panel “What’s Next for Digital Skills in Rural Europe?”, featuring:
Milena Nahapetyan, Council of Europe
Anja Fortuna, European Rural Parliament
Leonie Bultynck, European Commission (DG EAC)
Denys Tkachov, University of Limoges
Speakers reflected on the need to ensure equal digital opportunities for all, especially in remote areas, by investing in education, skills, and local capacity.
These sessions promoted lively exchanges on the role of civic tech, community-driven education, and inclusive digital policy-making.
A collaborative path forward
The afternoon focused on ALDA members and partners, sharing how digitalisation is shaping local governance, inclusion, and participation.
Highlights included examples from:
Marmara Municipalities Union (Türkiye) – using open data, smart city tools, and training programmes to strengthen local democracy.
University of Alicante (Spain) – exploring how social robotics can support digital skills and wellbeing for elderly people.
CSC Danilo Dolci (Italy) – empowering schools and communities through digital competence training and local networks.
A brief expert exchange with ALL DIGITAL and the University of Limoges raised two key ideas:
Europe must shift from constantly inventing new projects to scaling up what already works.
Artificial Intelligence can enhance inclusion and transparency — but only if trust, accessibility, and ethics remain at the centre.
The day closed with a short members’ strategy discussion on the Digital & Innovation Hub’s 2026 priorities, focusing on AI literacy, local digital governance, and member-to-member collaboration.
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Rome will host a new moment of dialogue and training for the city’s network of social practitioners. The workshop “Applying the Skills4YOUth tools to support the guidance of unaccompanied minors (MSNA) and young migrant and refugee people,” organized by UNICEF, will take place at MaTeMù, Via Vittorio Amedeo II 14.
The initiative is part of the actions of the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Italy (UNICEF ECARO) aimed at strengthening reception, inclusion, and skills development for unaccompanied foreign minors (MSNA) as well as migrants and refugees. The goal is to provide social practitioners with concrete tools to guide and support educational and professional pathways, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and integration.
Throughout the morning, participants will have the chance to engage in a plenary discussion on challenges and good practices in employment guidance and to explore UNICEF’s Skills4YOUth model and tools.
A practical session will follow, featuring examples of guidance materials and activities, group workshops, and a final debrief.
Program at a glance:
09:15 – 09:30 Participant registration
09:30 – 11:00 Plenary: analysis of challenges and presentation of Skills4YOUth tools
11:00 – 11:15 Coffee break
11:15 – 13:00 Practical workshops and feedback session
13:00 – 13:15 Conclusions
The event—targeted at social workers, educators, and social service professionals—is coordinated by CIES Onlus and CGIL Roma e Lazio in collaboration with UNICEF, and is carried out within the activities of the European project AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour.
Beyond being a training opportunity, the workshop is a valuable occasion for meeting and networking for the entire social services network of Roma Capitale, reaffirming the city’s commitment to welcoming young migrants and refugees and supporting their skills development.
To participate, please send an email to amilcoordination@cies.it.
