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The 20th edition of the Europe autour de l’Europe Film Festival concluded in Paris yesterday evening, marking the end of a 15-day celebration of European cinema, dialogue, and cultural diplomacy. The closing ceremony, held on 29 April 2025 at Cinéma Les Parnassiens, brought together filmmakers, partners, and cultural stakeholders from across the continent to honour the diversity and vitality of European creativity.

ALDA proudly took part in the event as a partner of the Mouvement Européen Paris, reaffirming its commitment to fostering European integration through cultural dialogue and civic engagement.

Representing ALDA at the closing event were Francesco Zarzana, President of the Italian cultural association Progettarte and member of ALDA’s Governing Board, and Manal Snidi, Communication Officer at ALDA. Their presence underlined ALDA’s growing role in supporting cultural initiatives that bridge citizens and institutions through artistic expression and critical reflection.

“Cinema is a powerful tool to promote democracy, diversity, and shared European heritage,” stated Francesco Zarzana. “By supporting events like this, ALDA contributes to keeping civic values alive across borders.”

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the E-motion Prize, jointly presented by the Mouvement Européen Paris and ALDA. The prize – named to evoke Europe, movement, and cinema – was created to honour the documentary that best reflects European values such as democracy, human rights, and freedom.

This year, the prize for Best Documentary was awarded to Nonkonform by Arne Körner, in recognition of both its artistic quality and the enduring civic commitment of its protagonist, Dietrich Kuhlbrodt. A lifelong human rights advocate active at the local level, Kuhlbrodt’s story resonates strongly with the democratic principles at the heart of ALDA’s mission.

The closing night also featured a screening of Fairytale by Alexander Sokurov, a dreamlike and provocative reflection on authoritarianism, history, and memory – echoing the festival’s 2025 theme, Europe and Memory.

Throughout its two-week run, the festival offered a wide-ranging programme of European films, debates, and workshops across iconic venues in Paris, engaging the public in conversations on identity, history, and the future of Europe.

As a partner of the Mouvement Européen Paris, ALDA continues to strengthen its presence in France and across Europe through strategic collaborations that unite civil society, institutions, and the arts. In recent years, ALDA has placed increasing emphasis on culture as a key component within its core themes, recognising the vital role of artistic expression in promoting active citizenship and democratic resilience. Initiatives such as this festival fall perfectly within this scope.

The event also served as a valuable platform for networking, intercultural exchange, and future cooperation among European associations.

For more information on the festival and its programme, visit the EVROPA FILM AKT website.

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On February 18th and 19th, SPUR (Social PostCovid19 Urban Revitalisation) project  consortium met in Vodnjan-Dignano, Croatia, to review the outcomes of the co-design processes implemented by partners for their action plans aiming at making cities more resilient and inclusive and to explore innovative crowdfunding models thanks to the trainings provided by Mr. Zoran Rajn and Ms. Sabina Valić.

The first day started with a warm welcome from the Mayor, Mr. Edi Pastrovicchio, who highlighted the importance of projects like SPUR that systematically promote exchanges and discussions between public authorities and citizens, ensuring that cities become concretely more resilient and inclusive for everyone.

SPUR project supports cities in becoming resilient and inclusive for everyone

During the first year of the project, the SPUR project supported the pilot cities (Vodnjan-Dignano (HR), Etterbeek (BE), Città Metropolitana di Milano (IT), Agrigento (IT), Vila do Conde (PT), Harghita County (RO)) in organising focus groups and citizen consultations. These activities aimed at identifying the most urgent challenges, which subsequently served as the foundation for collaboratively designed action plans to address these issues.

“SPUR is a local-based way to put democracy into action”

The rest of the morning was dedicated to exploring the city of Vodnjan-Dignano focusing on its rich history, culture and community initiatives that are revitalising the town. The EcoMuseum and the Didactic Farm are successful initiatives designed to address social challenges such as isolation and social reintegration of marginalised individuals while simultaneously equipping individuals with skills and delivering benefits to the wider community.

In the afternoon, SPUR partners presented the results of the action plans that had been co-developed and co-designed with local citizens, addressing needs identified in previous months, such as impoverished relations, social isolation, social anxiety, which we covered more in depth in our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram. Pilot areas’ main challenge was making initial contact with citizens which was overcome in different ways.

Initiatives such as community gardens, musical events, animated readings, church choirs, and sessions with psychologists were introduced as targeted responses to improve socialisation and to alleviate the isolation experienced by marginalised groups, including the elderly, young people, and migrants.

Pilot areas’ main challenge was making initial contact with citizens

The second day focused on exploring new ways to fund their action plans: the training specifically covered crowdfunding as well as opportunities within the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. The session was led by Mr. Zoran Rajn, Founder and President of the Centre for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development (CEDIOR) and Executive Director of the International Crowdfunding Centre (ICFC), alongside Ms. Sabina Valić, Project Manager and President of the Association Informo.

Mr. Rajn’s training covered all aspects of developing a crowdfunding campaign, emphasising the importance of choosing the best model of crowdfunding and the time required to plan, implement and deliver the campaign. Additionally, Mr. Rajn provided some tips and best practices regarding what the presentation of a crowdfunding campaign should have to be successful: a catchy title and slogan, an effective storytelling accompanied by coherent visual materials fostering empathy and listing the rewards for funding the campaign.

Ms. Valić focused on the objectives and characteristics of the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, showcasing the benefit of hosting a young adult as a source for innovation.

Millions of crowdfunding campaigns are launched every year but only a few get funded

To conclude the two-day meeting, the town of Dignano presented its urban and social revitalisation strategy through the “ASTRA” project, an initiative aimed at reimagining the old school by giving it a renewed, sustainable purpose for community benefit.

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From 14 to 16 April 2025, partners of the SCEPA project came together at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, for an intensive three-day meeting dedicated to strengthening cooperation and advancing the fight against energy poverty.

The gathering combined field visits, workshops, and public exchanges, highlighting a shared ambition: building a just energy transition that leaves no one behind.

Empowering Residents: Insights from the Public Symposium

On 15 April, over 70 participants — including municipalities, civil society organisations, and researchers — joined a public symposium hosted by HAN University. The event fostered lively exchanges on resident engagement in energy poverty strategies.

HAN University presented findings from its research on approaches to energy poverty across Northwest Europe, emphasising the crucial role of residents’ perspectives in crafting effective policies.
Speakers Riane Kuzee-Hoogeveen and Jo Bothmer provided inspiring examples of how residents’ experiences can shape more equitable solutions.

Interactive workshops allowed participants to share methodologies and best practices, enriching the collective knowledge on combating energy poverty from the ground up.

Field Visit: Experiencing Energy Transition First-Hand

On Monday 14 April, participants visited the Huis van Compassie, a community centre that supports vulnerable residents with energy coaching initiatives.
A local energy coach guided the group through a home that had recently undergone an energy transition, offering practical insights into the real-life impact of energy-saving measures.

The visit ended with a warm communal meal at the Foodhub, reinforcing the importance of community support networks in addressing energy poverty beyond technical interventions.

Strengthening Collaboration: Partner Updates and Forward Planning

The meeting also included project-specific sessions, with partners reviewing progress on deliverables, exchanging feedback on pilot activities, and discussing the next steps.

Key highlights included:

  • Updates on ChatLocal, the AI-driven platform under development to support local energy poverty initiatives;
  • The new onboarding journey for the SCEPA Community of Interest, aiming to engage more municipalities, civil society actors, and local leaders across Europe;
  • An agreement to enhance the visibility of pilots and share best practices more effectively among partners.

Special attention was given to improving monitoring and evaluation tools, ensuring that future results capture not only technical outcomes but also the social and well-being impacts of energy interventions.

Save the Date: Midterm Event in Paris

The partners are now looking ahead to the Midterm Event, scheduled for 25 September 2025 in Paris.
This milestone event will bring together the SCEPA community and external stakeholders to share progress, explore synergies, and further develop strategies for mitigating energy poverty at the local level.

Stay tuned for more updates — and get ready to join us in shaping a fairer energy future for all!

JOIN NOW THE COMMUNITY OF INTEREST & LEARN MORE ABOUT ITS BENEFITS

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AT A GLANCE

The BRIDGE to the CoE — Building Resilience and Independence for Democratic Governance and Engagement with the Council of Europe — is a European initiative led by ALDA to combat democratic backsliding by strengthening civil society participation. Focused on both Southern and Eastern Europe, the project enhances citizens’ engagement, fosters dialogue, and builds capacities to ensure democratic resilience. It leverages ALDA’s extensive experience and partnership with the Council of Europe to bridge civil society and democratic institutions, fostering trust, participation, and active governance.

OBJECTIVES

  • Increase awareness about the role and standards of the Council of Europe in promoting democratic governance and enhancing civil society representation.
  • Foster dialogue on the evolution of civic space and the challenges to democratic resilience in Southern and Eastern Europe.
  • Enhance civil society capacity to participate in Council of Europe processes and engagement opportunities.
  • Build connections between civil society, public authorities, and institutions to promote citizens’ active participation in governance.

CHALLENGES

Across Europe, democratic governance is facing significant challenges marked by declining civic engagement, the rise of populist movements, increased political polarisation, and a weakening of the rule of law. In Eastern Europe, countries like Moldova and Ukraine are striving to strengthen their democratic institutions amid political tensions, societal divisions, and, in Ukraine’s case, the devastation of war. Civil society in these countries plays a pivotal role, yet it is under pressure from restrictive legal environments, political harassment, and media scrutiny.

Meanwhile, in Southern Europe, long-established democracies such as Italy are experiencing a shrinking civic space, where NGOs, particularly those advocating for human rights and migration issues, face bureaucratic barriers, public delegitimisation, and limited opportunities for engagement with institutions.

These trends reflect a broader pattern of democratic backsliding across the continent. Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need to reinforce civil society’s role in democratic governance, enhance citizen participation, and promote the Council of Europe’s standards for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The project “BRIDGE to the CoE” addresses these pressing challenges by fostering awareness, promoting dialogue, and building the capacities of civil society to engage more effectively in democratic processes.

ACTIVITIES

The BRIDGE to the CoE project will implement a series of targeted activities to strengthen democratic resilience and civil society engagement, including:

  • Project management to ensure efficient coordination, quality control, and monitoring throughout the nine months of implementation.
  • Hybrid workshop in Vicenza (Italy) focused on raising awareness about the Council of Europe’s role in promoting democratic governance and empowering civil society to engage through various modalities.
  • Conference in Chisinau (Moldova) bringing together representatives from Moldova and Ukraine to foster dialogue on the evolution of civic space, human rights protection, and civil society participation in decision-making.
  • Communication and dissemination strategy, including:
    • A dedicated ALDA Talk (webinar) on democracy and civil society’s role.
    • A podcast highlighting ALDA’s longstanding collaboration with the Council of Europe.
    • Participation and visibility during ALDA’s General Assembly in Rome (July 2025).
    • A final online event to share results and promote future collaboration.

These activities aim to build bridges between citizens, civil society organisations, and European institutions, strengthening democratic governance in both Eastern and Southern Europe.

RELATED NEWS

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Dakar, Senegal — April 15 to 17, 2025

ALDA, in partnership with the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy in Africa (OIDP Africa), hosted a regional networking and reflection workshop in Dakar (Senegal) focused on youth democratic participation. The initiative is part of the WYDE Civic Engagement project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to promote civic engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Hub for Civic Engagement

Bringing together 19 representatives from organisations across over 12 African countries, the event took place at Hôtel L’Adresse in Dakar. It brought together key stakeholders in local democracy—mayors, local development agency representatives, and NGO leaders—for panels, workshops, and networking sessions.

Key Moments from the Programme

The opening ceremony featured speeches from Antonella Valmorbida (ALDA Secretary General), Octavi de la Varga Mas, Diamé Signaté (Director of the Local Development Agency in Senegal), and Bachir Kanouté (Secretary General of OIDP Africa). It was followed by a formal signing of cooperation agreements, strengthening partnerships between ALDA and local Senegalese authorities.

Highlights included:

  • A multi-stakeholder meeting between ALDA, Senegalese mayors, local development agencies, and OIDP Africa to explore practical collaboration.
  • A joint workshop on democratic resilience in fragile contexts, including a contest organised by OIDP.
  • The “ideas marketplace”, a dynamic space for exchange among sub-grantees of the project.
  • A roundtable with experienced NGOs, followed by a graduation ceremony attended by the EU Delegation and selected external guests.

A Landmark Event with the Kofi Annan Foundation

On April 17, a special session was held in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Foundation, reinforcing the importance of intergenerational dialogue and historical memory in building democracy.

This high-level event featured several distinguished guests:

This special session facilitated a rich exchange on today’s democratic challenges in Africa, the transmission of civic values, and the importance of ethical leadership among the youth.

A Forward-Looking Initiative

This event not only highlighted local initiatives in support of democratic participation but also laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation between civil society and public institutions across the region. It marks a key milestone in ALDA’s ongoing commitment to empowering young leaders and strengthening democratic institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Transparency of the institutions is required by the Treaties of the EU (article 15 TFEU), while the right of access to documents from the institutions is stated in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (article 42).

This begs the question, how do the Permanent Representations of Member States to the EU hold up in this regard?

In 2023, Civil Society Europe carried out a comprehensive assessment on the level of transparency of all Permanent Representations to the EU, using publicly available information from their websites as the information source.

Their updated analysis looks to identify if any improvements have been made since then, or if transparency has worsened across the Permanent Representations. 

The Permanent Representations of Member States to the European Union act as an official link between national governments and EU institutions, playing an important role in shaping EU policies. It can therefore be expected that they showcase a high level of transparency. This includes giving civil society organisations and other concerned parties the opportunity to engage with Ambassadors and civil servants. Access to information is a  necessary condition for participation in public policy-making and maintaining an “open, transparent, and regular dialogue with representative associations and  civil society” (article 11  TEU). Another important aspect is keeping a public record of these exchanges to allow for public awareness of the different entities aiming to influence EU policy-making, and whether balance between different interests is ensured. 

The results show a notable difference in the level of transparency displayed by the Permanent Representations. A handful make all relevant information publicly available, while others barely reveal their organisational structure and which groups Ambassadors are meeting. This difference is similar to what we found in CSE 2023 analysis. While we welcome several Permanent Representations bettering their transparency efforts and some even achieving full transparency, improvements must be made across the board to ensure transparency is consistent.

READ THE FULL ANALYSIS HERE TO FIIND OUT MORE

You can find the spreadsheet ranking here, and the spreadsheet comparing 2023 to 2024/2025 here. 

*The analysis only takes into account the information made publicly available. It does not take into account elements such as the availability to respond to inquiries, accept meetings with stakeholders etc…

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Street interviews, local perspectives, and pressing global issues take centre stage in the new season of ALDA’s podcast, Shades of Democracy.

The ALDA podcast Shades of Democracy returns for its fourth season, with a renewed format that brings listeners closer to the voices shaping democracy across Europe and beyond. With short, spontaneous interviews conducted at events, in communities, and on the streets, the podcast captures authentic experiences and reflections on the meaning and challenges of democratic life today.

Launched in 2022, Shades of Democracy has become ALDA’s main audio platform, offering insights into the many ways democracy is lived and interpreted by citizens, civil society actors, and institutions. In this season, the podcast embraces a more agile and responsive structure, recording interviews directly on the ground throughout the year.

This season of the ALDA podcast Shades of Democracy invites listeners to reflect on different visions, practices, and concerns linked to democracy in today’s world

From youth participation and digital transformation to local governance and environmental awareness, the fourth season presents a diverse range of voices and stories from across ALDA’s network. Interviewees include active citizens, local representatives, and civil society partners who reflect on their work, their communities, and their vision for the future.

The new format also allows the podcast to engage directly with ongoing events and discussions, contributing to ALDA’s broader work in areas such as participatory governance, social inclusion, and civic engagement.

Episodes are hosted by Manal Snidi, part of ALDA’s Communication team, who guides each conversation with curiosity and openness, creating space for real and relatable exchanges.

“This podcast gives a space to hear democracy in action—through the voices of those building it every day,” shares Manal.

Each episode is available in English, designed to be both accessible and thought-provoking. As with previous seasons, Shades of Democracy continues to align with ALDA’s efforts across the European Union, the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and the Southern Neighbourhood.

💡 What would you like to hear in the next season? ALDA encourages its community to contribute suggestions on topics and challenges they want to hear more about—helping shape the direction of future episodes and keeping the podcast open, participatory, and community-driven.

By highlighting personal stories and grassroots perspectives, the ALDA podcast Shades of Democracy continues to strengthen the link between democratic values and everyday realities.

🎧 Listen to the new season on ALDA’s website: Shades of Democracy – Season 4

Spotify: Season 4 Episode 1 “Shades of Democracy” by ALDA

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The journey along the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG) continues: on Sunday, 11 May, the second guided hike of 2025 will take place — a unique opportunity to explore historic landmarks set in the breathtaking landscapes of the Asiago Plateau.

The AVGG trail stretches over 200 km, linking the four iconic Ossuaries of the First World War in the Province of Vicenza: Pasubio, Cimone, Asiago, and Grappa. Promoted and communicated by ALDA+, the project aims to raise awareness and appreciation of this extraordinary route, making it increasingly accessible to a wide public.

The Route

This medium/easy-level hike will be led by the experienced guides of the Guide Altopiano Association.
The starting point is at 9:00 AM from the Military Memorial of Asiago, and the itinerary includes:

  • the Open-Air Ecomuseum of the Great War,
  • the Cemetery of the Sassari Brigade,
  • the evocative Scalambron Mine (Sacred Zone),
  • and finally, the summit of Monte Zebio, offering unforgettable panoramic views.

How to Register

Participation is free of charge but registration is mandatory by Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Fill in the form at: https://forms.gle/jAGeaACGxc2Thdc57

Or contact: luisa@alda-europe.eu

An opportunity to walk through history, nature, and memory, in one of the most stunning settings of the Vicentine mountains.

Don’t miss it!

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Starting 16 May 2025 – Registration open until 5 May

Please note: the course will be held entirely in Italian

Are you looking to gain strategic skills in European project design focused on environmental and territorial development? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join the Online Course on European Project Design for Environment and Territory, ideal for those eager to contribute to sustainable development in their communities.

The course is part of the H.I.L.L. – Habitat In Living Landscape project, supported by the Habitat Call by Fondazione Cariverona, led by the Municipality of Monte di Malo, in partnership with ALDA Italia APS, Biosphaera, Veneto Speleological Federation, and the Malo Speleology Group.

Details of the Course

The course will be led by Prof. Elena Pisani, Associate Professor at the Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF) at the University of Padua (Italy).

Course schedule:

  • 16 May
  • 23 May
  • 30 May
  • 6 June
  • 13 June

Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Format: Online (access link will be sent after registration)

The course is free of charge and offers professional training credits (CFP) recognised by the Order of Agronomists and Foresters of the Province of Vicenza and the National CONAF Council.

Mandatory registration by 5 May 2025: https://forms.gle/xJGhyyK6dXfqtQot9

Info: luisa@alda-europe.eu

A valuable chance to upgrade your knowledge, grow your professional network, and contribute to the sustainable development of your territory!

DOCUMENTS

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As part of the Upskilling for Operators of Social and Labour Services training, CGIL Roma e Lazio, a partner of AMIL, provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges and strategies for the socio-labour integration of people from third countries.

The AMIL Project Context and the MEIC Approach

This initiative is part of the AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour project, which aims to promote the sustainable integration of third-country nationals into the labour market. The project expands and strengthens the MEIC (Migrants Economic Integration Cluster) methodology, an innovative approach based on multi-stakeholder cooperation. This methodology allows migrants to actively participate in the integration process through tailored training and guidance programs, facilitating a more effective and lasting inclusion in both the labour market and the social fabric.

Prof. Francesco Carchedi focused on three essential aspects to better understand and address the challenges faced by migrants in the labour market:

  • Definition of innovative approaches and best practices
  • Placement of foreign nationals in the national and regional (Lazio) labour market
  • Intervention strategies for the most vulnerable groups

Innovative approaches and best practices: a crucial definition

The session emphasised the importance of clearly defining what is meant by “innovative approaches” and “best practices.” Innovation should not be an end in itself but must be contextualized and tailored to the real needs of the territory and the people involved. A best practice is truly effective only if it meets emerging needs and adopts an intersectional, human rights-based approach, ensuring sustainable and replicable solutions across different contexts.

The situation of foreign nationals in the labour market

The analysis highlighted that third-country nationals often have access only to specific segments of the labour market, typically characterized by precarious, unstable, and informal working conditions. In both the national and regional (Lazio) contexts, migrants are frequently employed in labour-intensive sectors with limited contractual guarantees, often at risk of exploitation by illegal and criminal organisations.

Labour market demand and supply dynamics, as well as interactions with public and private services, play a crucial role in shaping their employment and integration pathways.

Intervention strategies for vulnerable groups

A key discussion point was how to effectively intervene in support of the most vulnerable groups, who often rely on the third sector, trade unions, and informal support networks.

Three fundamental indicators were identified:

  • Territorial Context – Understanding the structural characteristics of intervention areas and analyzing the presence and needs of migrant communities.
  • Labour Market Placement – Assessing the socio-economic and demographic conditions of migrant workers, their access to employment, and identifying illegal labour market entry mechanisms.
  • Priority Needs – Identifying urgent needs that shape the socio-economic conditions of migrants. Often, these needs are multiple and interconnected, requiring prioritization of the most critical issue—the one that influences all others.

This approach enables targeted and sustainable interventions. Generally, the most disadvantaged migrants are those who have arrived within the past five years. Therefore, establishing a realistic priority scale for interventions is essential, applying an intersectional perspective guided by the principle:

Assess the need → Provide an appropriate response → Monitor changes → Adjust the response → Verify human rights fulfillment

Migrants in vulnerable situations initially tend to use low-threshold services, gradually transitioning to more structured services related to employment and social inclusion.

A gradual path towards integration

Integration—and stable territorial settlement—is a process that begins with addressing informal and illegal employment, including exploitation, abuse, violence, and systematic violations of labour rights.

The ultimate goal is to move from severe labour exploitation to formal employment through progressive, structured interventions.

Thus, innovative interventions and best practices can only be considered as such when they effectively initiate this complex process, taking into account the specific territorial context (place of residence).

Conclusions

The intervention by CGIL Roma e Lazio reaffirmed that innovative approaches and best practices should not be seen as rigid frameworks, but as dynamic tools capable of adapting to the evolving needs of territories and people.

The Upskilling for Operators of Social and Labour Services training represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of social and labour service operators, fostering effective integration models based on in-depth contextual analysis and the development of concrete and sustainable inclusion pathways.

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On 13 and 14 June, ALDA will organise an activity at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as part of the European Youth Event (EYE 2025). A number of MEPs and participants of The Future We Want Project will take part in the simulation, entitled “Taking Action on Fast Fashion: Lobbying for our Future”.

The activity will be a simulation of a lobbying meeting with MEPs on the issue of fast fashion, where the young participants will have to embody lobby groups and advocate for their interests. Representing environmental associations, fast fashion companies or youth organisations, they will try to influence MEPs and convince them to accept or reject two proposals, taken from the petition created by the participants of The Future We Want project.

The Future We Want is an ended project run by eight organisations (including ALDA), that aims to engage young Europeans in sustainable development issues through advocacy and street actions.

The project has already won three European prizes: the Charlemagne Youth Prize, the European Youth Goals and the Global Education Youth Award (GENE).

Despite its official end in December 2024, the seeds planted by the project continue to grow. In March 2025, some of the young people involved in the project founded an association called The Future We Need, to continue their advocacy work on fast fashion. 

You can meet and talk to our young ambassadors at EYE 2025, in Strasbourg, on 13 and 14 June.

Within the framework of EYE, ALDA will also be present on 11 June, thanks to the City of Strasbourg and the European Parliament, with an information stand and various workshops on Place Kléber in Strasbourg.

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 On March 29, 2025, a group of citizens came together in Baiso, a small town nestled in Italy’s Apennines, to take part in a public dialogue on the future of Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Held within the framework of the CIRAN project—co-funded by the European Union—the event offered a space to reflect on how to reconcile environmental conservation with the growing economic and technological demand for CRM extraction.

The event took place at the Centro Funzionale in Baiso and was jointly organised by ALDA and Futour, with contributions from Regione Emilia-Romagna and Generator, both partners in the CIRAN project.

The day was structured into three main parts. It began with an introductory session, where participants were presented with an overview of the CIRAN project and the broader challenges associated with securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials.

This was followed by a role-playing activity based on the “What if…?” methodology. Participants explored two fictional but plausible future scenarios—“Insular Innovation” and “Steady State”—to examine the potential consequences of different policy decisions and ways of living.

The final stage was a plenary discussion. Citizens stepped out of their imagined roles and came together to co-develop policy recommendations and reflect on what a truly sustainable strategy for CRM might look like.

Throughout the dialogue, two core questions guided the exchange: What are the key factors that underpin a sustainable supply of CRM? And should extraction be permitted in protected areas—and if so, under what conditions?

Eleven citizens took part, engaging enthusiastically in group discussions and collective decision-making. Baiso was chosen as a case study because of its proximity to protected natural areas and its location in a region known for its rich natural heritage—making it a fitting context in which to address such complex issues.

The citizens who took part showed a clear understanding of the strategic importance of critical raw materials for Europe’s future. Many stressed the value of circular economy approaches, pointing to recycling, repairability, and product durability as essential strategies for reducing dependency on new extraction.

There was a shared sense that cultural change is needed—alongside improved public education—to combat overconsumption and the pressure of marketing-driven demand.

On the sensitive issue of extraction in protected areas, participants leaned towards a case-by-case assessment. They identified several conditions that would need to be in place, including the use of low-impact technologies, mandatory environmental restoration, and compensation for the communities directly affected.

Support was also voiced for greater European strategic autonomy, with calls for strong ethical standards in CRM extraction, both within the EU and in sourcing from beyond its borders.

The insights gathered in Baiso will contribute to a broader dataset, as similar citizen dialogues are being held in other CIRAN case study countries—Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, Ireland, and France. This comparative approach is designed to inform the development of inclusive governance models that reflect local concerns and aspirations, especially when it comes to CRM extraction in environmentally sensitive areas.

Stay informed about CIRAN’s public dialogues, research findings, and policy developments by following us online:
🌐 Project website
🔗 LinkedIn

Genesis

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AT A GLANCE

The general concept of GENESIS is testing and showcasing local and regional NbS and delivering a deep demonstrator in the Macaronesian biogeographical area with the long term objective to provide climate-proof critical water infrastructure replicable for other islands and vulnerable zones of the EU mainland. The methodology is designed to provide the full workflow for implementing and demonstrating in operational environments how to capture, storage and protect water in an effective-strategic way (from diverse sources including storm runoff, treated wastewater and irrigation return flows) to mitigate the impacts of extreme events (droughts, floods, wildfires) and how to create climate resilient areas/islands. The development and implementation of systemic naturebased solutions for improved water management in Macaronesia will drastically improve these islands’ resilience to climate change impacts by minimising stormwater runoff and soil erosion while enhancing infiltration and underground water storage.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the Horizon Project GENESIS is to demonstrate that innovative, naturebased intelligent solutions for enhancing the climate resilience of critical water infrastructure can lead to more reliable and consistent/predictable water management practice by effectively protecting groundwater, by drastically improve the efficiency of water use and reuse, thus sustain social and economic activities while mitigating the potentially severe effects of climate change on local communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/genesisnbs/

https://www.youtube.com/@genesisnbs

https://twitter.com/genesisnbs

https://www.instagram.com/genesisnbs

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ALDA officially launches the 2025 edition of its International School 2025, an ambitious, high-level training programme set to take place from 3 to 5 September 2025 at Villa Fabris in Thiene, Italy.

Building on the success of the 2024 Summer School, this year’s programme is designed as a learning experience that brings together local authorities, civil society leaders, academics, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond.

“Resilient Communities: Strengthening Local Democracy in times of change”

Participants will explore key themes including digital innovation, AI and participatory governance, institutional trust, and the geopolitical dimension of democracy—all within a dynamic, practice-oriented environment.

SUBSCRIPTIONS OPENED ON APRIL 18, 2025 AND WILL CLOSE ON MAY 31, 2025.

VISIT THE WEBSITE AND SIGN UP! LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE.

Do you have more questions? Join our first preparatory webinar on May 9, 2025, at 4.00 pm at this zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82493431250.

As the world faces rising pressures on democratic systems, ALDA reaffirms its longstanding mission of promoting participation, inclusion, and strong local governance. The International School aims to equip a new generation of changemakers with the tools and knowledge to tackle global challenges while strengthening democracy from the ground up

This year’s edition is made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the Veneto Region, which has allocated €40,000 through a unanimously approved regional amendment, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and civic education.

As underlined by Regional Councillor Chiara Luisetto, this investment “will bring prestige to Villa Fabris and to the entire Veneto region as democracy hubs,” while offering a unique space for dialogue and innovation in the field of local governance.

In addition, the ALDA International School 2025 benefits from the valuable support of the European Union and the CERV Programme. The initiative has been granted the Committee of the Regions of the European Union, the Province of Vicenza, the City of Thiene. These endorsements highlight the School’s strategic role in connecting local action and European cooperation, reinforcing a shared vision of resilience and democratic renewal.

The International School is co-designed with the guidance of a prestigious Scientific Committee composed of leading experts in democracy, governance, and digital transformation. Their contribution ensures a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach combining theoretical insight with practical application.

Held in the historic setting of Villa Fabris, the School aspires to become a European hub for training, exchange, and democratic innovation. With its 2025 edition, ALDA takes a bold step forward in reinforcing its commitment to resilient democracy—rooted in strong local leadership and empowered civic engagement.

TO GET MORE INFO, VISIT THE DEDICATED WEBSITE HERE

DOCUMENTS

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On April 1st, ALDA actively contributed to the World Forum on Local Economic Development, joining the session entitled “Citizen participation and co-governance in the design of policies and promotion of LED.” This event brought together local and international actors committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable territorial development through participatory governance and collaborative policymaking.

During the session, ALDA presented two key initiatives: the Living Communities Lab model, developed within the framework of the Up2You project, and the 3P4SSE project. The Living Communities Lab methodology was introduced as a participatory tool designed to promote local development through community-led and context-specific strategies, reinforcing the idea that citizens should play a central role in shaping the policies that impact their territories.

In parallel, the 3P4SSE project was showcased as a tangible example of a social and solidarity economy (SSE) approach, rooted in public-private partnerships and oriented towards a multi-stakeholder model of governance. This project illustrates how collaboration between civil society, public authorities, and private actors can foster inclusive and resilient local economies, while also enhancing democratic processes and multilevel governance.

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On April 11th, 2025, a new concrete step was made towards promoting the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG): tourism operators who have chosen to join the Business Network for the creation of the AVGG Product Club gathered at a notary office in Vicenza to officially sign the network agreement.

Among the signatories are hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour operators and tourist guides who strongly believe in the tourism and economic potential of the AVGG route: a 200 km-long itinerary that connects the four Ossuaries of the First World War in the province of Vicenza, combining natural beauty, historical remembrance, and local promotion.

This signature marks the result of a structured participatory process, coordinated by ALDA+, the lead partner of the project, and launched in February 2025 through a series of information meetings held in the offices of the Mountain Unions of Arsiero, Schio, and Asiago (Vicenza, Italy).

The next milestone will be the drafting and submission of the project to the second regional call for the creation and development of product clubs as business networks (DGR No. 1243 of 29 October 2024).

The Alta Via della Grande Guerra Product Club will offer integrated tourist packages designed for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers, with the goal of promoting a form of tourism that is sustainable, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Vicenza Prealps.

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA is proud to announce the launch of OUT4INGOV – New generation alpine OUT-migration Engagement FOR an INclusive GOVernance, a new Interreg Alpine Space project that addresses one of the region’s most pressing issues: the outmigration of young people from the Alps. The project officially kicked off in January 2025 and will run until August 2026.

With brain drain, depopulation, and the erosion of local social capital affecting many Alpine communities, OUT4INGOV steps in to co-create inclusive solutions with a triple-win vision: benefiting the sending regions, the receiving communities, and the young migrants themselves.

Led by the Autonomous Province of Trento, and with partners including ALDA, CIPRA, Franco Demarchi Foundation, RDAPM, and Vesoul Urban Community, the project spans Italy, Slovenia, France, and Austria. Together, these organisations aim to build resilient, participatory governance structures that foster circular migration and sustainable territorial cohesion.

Key objectives of OUT4INGOV

  • Develop shared governance frameworks tailored to youth mobility in the Alps
  • Empower young people—especially young migrants—to co-design local policies
  • Facilitate cross-border capacity building, enabling public authorities and communities to respond more effectively
  • Create an online Spillover Circulation Platform to share skills and stories across regions
  • Launch pilot actions in Trentino, Maribor, and Vesoul to test these new governance strategies in real settings

The project strongly aligns with ALDA’s mission of inclusive governance and local democracy, contributing to long-term partnerships and innovation in migration policy across Europe.

📢 Stay tuned as OUT4INGOV rolls out a series of workshops, podcasts, and local initiatives to reshape migration narratives in the Alpine space—transforming challenges into opportunities for community-led change.

🔗 Visit the official project website to learn more: OUT4INGOV on Interreg Alpine Space

DOCUMENTS

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On March 26, 2025, ALDA brought together around 15 participants for an engaging online workshop: “How to Engage with the EU”.
This event, organised within the SpeakUP project, provided youth workers and young people practical tools to understand and connect with the European Union and its institutions.

The Speak Up project aims to empower young people by fostering active citizenship. Through activities such as national debate clubs in Romania, Cyprus, and Hungary, as well as international workshops, the project seeks to promote social engagement among youth.

Understanding the EU & Finding Your Voice

The first part of the workshop focused on how the European Union works and how citizens (especially young people) can play an active role in shaping its decisions.
The session opened with a reflection on why youth participation in EU policy making matters, followed by a brief explanation of how laws are made at the EU level, and how the different institutions interact.

The presentation then moved on to explore the main decision-makers within the EU, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament, and offered insights into how citizens can engage with them. Participants were introduced to concrete tools, like public consultations, the European Citizens’ Initiative, and different programmes and platforms that support youth participation – from Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, to portals like DiscoverEU and SALTO Youth.

The session aimed to show that the EU is not something distant or unreachable, but that it offers various entry points for young people to get involved and make their voices heard.

Learning through real stories

The workshop continued with a conversation with İrem Apaydın, a Governing Board Member of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). During the interview, she shared her personal story, explaining what led her to join EYP and how the experience has shaped her journey.

İrem introduced participants to the work of the EYP, which creates spaces for young people to engage in political dialogue, simulate parliamentary debates, and develop key skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and negotiation. She also discussed the opportunities EYP offers in countries like Cyprus, Romania, and Hungary and concluded the session with an interactive Q&A.

Turning Ideas into Action: Advocating for Change

The final session of the workshop brought in the voices of three members of The Future We Want, a youth-led advocacy project focused on sustainability. Through their presentation, they shared what it means to engage with EU institutions from a youth perspective – not only by understanding how the system works, but by using that knowledge to advocate for issues that matter.

They spoke about how the project took part in advocacy actions and creative campaigns, and how they were able to communicate with policymakers and bring their ideas forward. The session included an interactive activity on how to craft and deliver an impactful elevator pitch – a short, persuasive speech to get a message across in under a minute.

Working in small groups, participants reflected on how to present a concrete idea to a policymaker or MEP and practiced building a clear and convincing message around it. The activity encouraged everyone to think critically about what they want to say, and how to say it effectively.

Empowering youth & fostering participation

The workshop highlighted the vital role of young people as active citizens.  Through engaging discussions and practical tools, participants were encouraged to take an active role in civic life,  from reaching out to decision-makers to joining local initiatives.

Thanks to the support of ALDA and the Speak Up project, the workshop served as a step forward in building confidence, knowledge, and motivation among youth to engage meaningfully at both local and European levels.