LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND NGO, TOGETHER, AGENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD COUNTRIES. THE LAUNCH OF A NEW EUROPEAN ALLIANCE TO FOSTER A SHARED AND BOTTOM-UP APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT. Brussels, 28 March 2012

The increased involvement of Local Authorities (LAs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in EU development policy generates the need for the establishment of a new alliance among them in order to capitalize and improve their experiences and methods of actions.
On 28th of March 2012, in the Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels, will be launch WTD – Working Together for Development with the International Conference ”Local authorities and civil society: a partnership for development”.

To participate please fill and submit the registration form clicking qui

During the last two decades, LAs gained a significant expertise in terms of conflict prevention, decentralization and confidence building in development, revealing themselves as real catalysts for change. In strong cooperation with CSOs, LAs confirmed decentralized cooperation methodology as one of the most relevant tools to promote a shared and bottom-up approach to development, inside and outside Europe.
ALDA, which has been one of the first European actors promoting this practice through the network of Local Democracy Agencies, is launching a new alliance between LAs and CSOs interested in having a voice heard in Europe as for policy making about development cooperation.

We will be pleased to involve your institution or organization in this new challenging European endeavor, thus the president of ALDA is honored to invite  you all in Brussels.

The Conference  will gather the main European stakeholders in the field of development and aims at debating on the opportunities LAs have to work together with CSOs to foster a bottom up approach to development and to plan a join strategy to make their efforts more efficient.
WTD, Working Together for Development, is a multi-annual development alliance granted within the framework of the European Commission NSA & LA Programme in the Objective III.
It has been conceived by ALDA in cooperation with 21 international partners and associates coming from 16 different countries from enlarged the wider Europe.
It involves both Associations of Local Authorities and NGO networks, and aims at improving their capacities to act as development agents inside and outside Europe, in partnership with EU and national institutions. WTD adopts a multi-stakeholder approach and focuses on creating strong partnerships between Local Authorities and NGOs. It has a special particular focus on Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

For more information please click qui  or contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org
www.wtd-alda.eu


LES AUTORITES LOCALES ET LA SOCIETE CIVILE, AGENTS DU DEVELOPPEMENT EN EUROPE ET DANS LES PAYS DU VOISINAGE. LE LANCEMENT D’UNE NOUVELLE ALLIANCE EUROPEENNE POUR ENCOURAGER UNE APPROCHE “BOTTOM-UP” ET PARTAGEE AU DEVELOPPEMENT. Bruxelles, 28 mars 2012

L’implication croissante des autorités locales et des organisations de la société civile dans la politique européenne au développement a guidé l’Association  des Agences de la Démocratie Locale à la constitution d’une nouvelle alliance de partenaires qui capitalisent et améliorent leurs expériences dans le domaine de la coopération au développement.
Pendant les deux dernières décennies, les autorités locales ont acquis une expérience significative en termes de prévention des conflits, de décentralisation et de construction de la confiance dans le processus de développement, se révélant elles-mêmes etre des catalyseurs du changement. En étroite coopération avec les organisations de la société civile, les autorités locales ont fait de la méthodologie de la coopération décentralisée l’un des instruments les plus pertinents pour promouvoir une approche “bottom-up” du développement à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Europe.
ALDA, qui est parmi les premiers acteurs européens promouvant cette pratique à travers le réseau des Agences de la Démocratie Locale, lance une nouvelle alliance de partenaires impliquant autorités locales et organisations de la société civile intéressées  à partager au niveau européen leur objectifs et positions sur la coopération au développement.
Nous serions ravis d’impliquer votre institution ou organisation dans ce nouvel effort stimulant. C’est pourquoi le Président d’ALDA a l’honneur de vous inviter à Bruxelles.
Le 28 mars 2012, au Comité des Régions à Bruxelles, se tiendra la conférence de lancement du projet WTD-Working Together for Development, intitulée “Collectivités territoriales et société civile : un partenariat pour le développement”.
La conférence réunira les principaux acteurs européens dans le domaine du développement. Elle vise à débattre sur les opportunités que les autorités locales ont de travailler avec les organisations de la société civile pour encourager une approche “bottum-up” du développement et pour définir une stratégie commune en vue de faire des efforts toujours plus efficaces.
Pour participer, veuillez remplir et soumettre le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant qui.
WTD est un projet multi-annuel majeur, de développement, subventionné dans le cadre de l’Objectif III du programme ANE-AL de la Commission Européenne. Ce projet a été conçu par l’ALDA en coopération avec 21 partenaires et associés internationaux, venant de 16 pays différents de l’Europe élargie. Pendant trois ans, l’action impliquera à la fois des associations de collectivités territoriales et des réseaux d’ONG, avec pour but d’améliorer leurs capacités d’action en tant qu’agents de développement à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Europe, et ce, en partenariat avec l’UE et les institutions nationales. Le projet a recours à une approche multi-acteurs et se concentre sur la création de partenariats forts entre les collectivités territoriales et les ONG et particulièrement en Europe de l’est et du sud-est.
Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter  ou contacter Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Chargé de projets à l’ALDA à cette adresse alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org
www.wtd-alda.eu
AUTORITA’ LOCALI E SOCIETA’ CIVILE, INSIEME, AGENTI DI SVILUPPO IN EUROPA E NEI PAESI DI VICINATO. IL LANCIO DI UNA NUOVA ALLEANZA EUROPEA PER PROMUOVERE UN APPROCCIO DAL BASSO E CONDIVISO ALLO SVILUPPO. Bruxelles, 28 marzo 2012

Il forte coinvolgimento degli Enti Locali e delle organizzazioni della società civile nella politica di sviluppo dell’UE ha generato la necessità della creazione di una nuova alleanza di cooperazione finalizzata alla capitalizzazione delle esperienze e al miglioramento della loro azione nel campo della cooperazione allo sviluppo.
Nel corso degli ultimi due decenni gli Enti locali hanno maturato una significativa esperienza in prevenzione dei conflitti, decentramento e rafforzamento della fiducia nel processo di sviluppo, rivelandosi dei veri e propri catalizzatori per il cambiamento. In stretta collaborazione con organizzazioni della società civile, gli Enti locali hanno reso la metodologia della cooperazione decentrata uno dei più rilevanti strumenti per promuovere un approccio dal basso allo sviluppo, all’interno ed all’esterno dell’Europa.
ALDA, che è stata uno dei primi attori europei a promuovere questa pratica attraverso la rete delle Agenzie della Democrazia Locale, sta lanciando una nuova alleanza di cooperazione tra Enti Locali e organizzazioni della società civile interessati ad avere voce in capitolo a livello europeo quando si parla di cooperazione allo sviluppo.

Il 28 marzo, presso la sede del Comitato delle Regioni a Bruxelles, sarà lanciato WTD – Working Together for Development – con la Conferenza internazionale su “ Autorità Locali e Società Civile: una collaborazione per lo sviluppo”.
Ci piacerebbe coinvolgere la vostra Istituzione in questa nuova sfida europea e il Presidente di ALDA, Per Vinther, è onorato di invitarvi  a Bruxelles.
La Conferenza  riunirà i principali attori europei in tema di sviluppo e mira a dibattere sulle opportunità che le Autorità Locali hanno di lavorare assieme alle Organizzazioni della società civile per promuovere un approccio dal basso allo sviluppo e di pianificare una strategia congiunta per rendere più efficaci i propri sforzi.
Per partecipare all’evento, siete pregati di compilare ed inviare il modulo che trovate cliccando qui.
WTD, Working Together for Development, è un’alleanza per lo sviluppo pluriennale nel quadro del programma della Commissione Europea NSA & LA, Obiettivo III.
E’ stata sviluppata da ALDA in collaborazione con 21 partner ed associati internazionali provenienti da 16 differenti paesi europei. Coinvolgerà sia Autorità Locali che reti di Ong con l’obiettivo di perfezionare le loro capacità di azione quali agenti di sviluppo in Europa e al di fuori dei confini europei, in collaborazione con Istituzioni nazionali ed internazionali.
WTD utilizza un approccio multi-stakeholder e focalizza sulla creazione di collaborazioni forti tra Autorità Locali e Ong con un’attenzione particolare all’Europa Orientale e Sud Orientale.
Per saperne di più cliccate qui o contattate Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager di ALDA, a: alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
www.wtd-alda.eu

The increased involvement of Local Authorities (LAs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in EU development policy generates the need for the establishment of a new alliance among them in order to capitalize and improve their experiences and methods of actions.
On 28th of March 2012, in the Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels, will be launch WTD – Working Together for Development with the International Conference ”Local authorities and civil society: a partnership for development”.

To participate please fill and submit the registration form clicking qui

During the last two decades, LAs gained a significant expertise in terms of conflict prevention, decentralization and confidence building in development, revealing themselves as real catalysts for change. In strong cooperation with CSOs, LAs confirmed decentralized cooperation methodology as one of the most relevant tools to promote a shared and bottom-up approach to development, inside and outside Europe.
ALDA, which has been one of the first European actors promoting this practice through the network of Local Democracy Agencies, is launching a new alliance between LAs and CSOs interested in having a voice heard in Europe as for policy making about development cooperation.

We will be pleased to involve your institution or organization in this new challenging European endeavor, thus the president of ALDA is honored to invite  you all in Brussels.

The Conference  will gather the main European stakeholders in the field of development and aims at debating on the opportunities LAs have to work together with CSOs to foster a bottom up approach to development and to plan a join strategy to make their efforts more efficient.
WTD, Working Together for Development, is a multi-annual development alliance granted within the framework of the European Commission NSA & LA Programme in the Objective III.
It has been conceived by ALDA in cooperation with 21 international partners and associates coming from 16 different countries from enlarged the wider Europe.
It involves both Associations of Local Authorities and NGO networks, and aims at improving their capacities to act as development agents inside and outside Europe, in partnership with EU and national institutions. WTD adopts a multi-stakeholder approach and focuses on creating strong partnerships between Local Authorities and NGOs. It has a special particular focus on Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

For more information please click qui  or contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org
www.wtd-alda.eu


LES AUTORITES LOCALES ET LA SOCIETE CIVILE, AGENTS DU DEVELOPPEMENT EN EUROPE ET DANS LES PAYS DU VOISINAGE. LE LANCEMENT D’UNE NOUVELLE ALLIANCE EUROPEENNE POUR ENCOURAGER UNE APPROCHE “BOTTOM-UP” ET PARTAGEE AU DEVELOPPEMENT. Bruxelles, 28 mars 2012

L’implication croissante des autorités locales et des organisations de la société civile dans la politique européenne au développement a guidé l’Association  des Agences de la Démocratie Locale à la constitution d’une nouvelle alliance de partenaires qui capitalisent et améliorent leurs expériences dans le domaine de la coopération au développement.
Pendant les deux dernières décennies, les autorités locales ont acquis une expérience significative en termes de prévention des conflits, de décentralisation et de construction de la confiance dans le processus de développement, se révélant elles-mêmes etre des catalyseurs du changement. En étroite coopération avec les organisations de la société civile, les autorités locales ont fait de la méthodologie de la coopération décentralisée l’un des instruments les plus pertinents pour promouvoir une approche “bottom-up” du développement à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Europe.
ALDA, qui est parmi les premiers acteurs européens promouvant cette pratique à travers le réseau des Agences de la Démocratie Locale, lance une nouvelle alliance de partenaires impliquant autorités locales et organisations de la société civile intéressées  à partager au niveau européen leur objectifs et positions sur la coopération au développement.
Nous serions ravis d’impliquer votre institution ou organisation dans ce nouvel effort stimulant. C’est pourquoi le Président d’ALDA a l’honneur de vous inviter à Bruxelles.
Le 28 mars 2012, au Comité des Régions à Bruxelles, se tiendra la conférence de lancement du projet WTD-Working Together for Development, intitulée “Collectivités territoriales et société civile : un partenariat pour le développement”.
La conférence réunira les principaux acteurs européens dans le domaine du développement. Elle vise à débattre sur les opportunités que les autorités locales ont de travailler avec les organisations de la société civile pour encourager une approche “bottum-up” du développement et pour définir une stratégie commune en vue de faire des efforts toujours plus efficaces.
Pour participer, veuillez remplir et soumettre le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant qui.
WTD est un projet multi-annuel majeur, de développement, subventionné dans le cadre de l’Objectif III du programme ANE-AL de la Commission Européenne. Ce projet a été conçu par l’ALDA en coopération avec 21 partenaires et associés internationaux, venant de 16 pays différents de l’Europe élargie. Pendant trois ans, l’action impliquera à la fois des associations de collectivités territoriales et des réseaux d’ONG, avec pour but d’améliorer leurs capacités d’action en tant qu’agents de développement à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Europe, et ce, en partenariat avec l’UE et les institutions nationales. Le projet a recours à une approche multi-acteurs et se concentre sur la création de partenariats forts entre les collectivités territoriales et les ONG et particulièrement en Europe de l’est et du sud-est.
Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter  ou contacter Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Chargé de projets à l’ALDA à cette adresse alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org
www.wtd-alda.eu
AUTORITA’ LOCALI E SOCIETA’ CIVILE, INSIEME, AGENTI DI SVILUPPO IN EUROPA E NEI PAESI DI VICINATO. IL LANCIO DI UNA NUOVA ALLEANZA EUROPEA PER PROMUOVERE UN APPROCCIO DAL BASSO E CONDIVISO ALLO SVILUPPO. Bruxelles, 28 marzo 2012

Il forte coinvolgimento degli Enti Locali e delle organizzazioni della società civile nella politica di sviluppo dell’UE ha generato la necessità della creazione di una nuova alleanza di cooperazione finalizzata alla capitalizzazione delle esperienze e al miglioramento della loro azione nel campo della cooperazione allo sviluppo.
Nel corso degli ultimi due decenni gli Enti locali hanno maturato una significativa esperienza in prevenzione dei conflitti, decentramento e rafforzamento della fiducia nel processo di sviluppo, rivelandosi dei veri e propri catalizzatori per il cambiamento. In stretta collaborazione con organizzazioni della società civile, gli Enti locali hanno reso la metodologia della cooperazione decentrata uno dei più rilevanti strumenti per promuovere un approccio dal basso allo sviluppo, all’interno ed all’esterno dell’Europa.
ALDA, che è stata uno dei primi attori europei a promuovere questa pratica attraverso la rete delle Agenzie della Democrazia Locale, sta lanciando una nuova alleanza di cooperazione tra Enti Locali e organizzazioni della società civile interessati ad avere voce in capitolo a livello europeo quando si parla di cooperazione allo sviluppo.

Il 28 marzo, presso la sede del Comitato delle Regioni a Bruxelles, sarà lanciato WTD – Working Together for Development – con la Conferenza internazionale su “ Autorità Locali e Società Civile: una collaborazione per lo sviluppo”.
Ci piacerebbe coinvolgere la vostra Istituzione in questa nuova sfida europea e il Presidente di ALDA, Per Vinther, è onorato di invitarvi  a Bruxelles.
La Conferenza  riunirà i principali attori europei in tema di sviluppo e mira a dibattere sulle opportunità che le Autorità Locali hanno di lavorare assieme alle Organizzazioni della società civile per promuovere un approccio dal basso allo sviluppo e di pianificare una strategia congiunta per rendere più efficaci i propri sforzi.
Per partecipare all’evento, siete pregati di compilare ed inviare il modulo che trovate cliccando qui.
WTD, Working Together for Development, è un’alleanza per lo sviluppo pluriennale nel quadro del programma della Commissione Europea NSA & LA, Obiettivo III.
E’ stata sviluppata da ALDA in collaborazione con 21 partner ed associati internazionali provenienti da 16 differenti paesi europei. Coinvolgerà sia Autorità Locali che reti di Ong con l’obiettivo di perfezionare le loro capacità di azione quali agenti di sviluppo in Europa e al di fuori dei confini europei, in collaborazione con Istituzioni nazionali ed internazionali.
WTD utilizza un approccio multi-stakeholder e focalizza sulla creazione di collaborazioni forti tra Autorità Locali e Ong con un’attenzione particolare all’Europa Orientale e Sud Orientale.
Per saperne di più cliccate qui o contattate Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager di ALDA, a: alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
www.wtd-alda.eu


KRUSEVO (MK) AND ST. JAMES (FR) INTERESTED TO COOPERATE IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM. Krusevo(MK), 22 to 24 February 2012

French delegation from the municipality of Saint-James, from the Lower Normandy Region was on three-day visit in Kruševo, Republic of Macedonia in order to establish an international cooperation between both municipalities.
During the brief visit, the local authorities of both municipalities have identified the possible areas of cooperation, concentrating on tourism as one of the main topics of cooperation.

In that manner, the French delegation led by David JUQUIN, counsellor in the municipality of Saint-James, thanked the Mayor of Kruševo, Vasilco DAMESKI, and invited the municipality to present Kruševo and its beauty on the Municipal Fair in Saint-James, next September.
Town twinning as a segment in the Decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia builds up contacts and friendship with communities from the two territories and promotes better understanding. The Programme for Decentralised cooperation is coordinated by the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA).

For further information please contact Ivana Dimitrovska ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org.

French delegation from the municipality of Saint-James, from the Lower Normandy Region was on three-day visit in Kruševo, Republic of Macedonia in order to establish an international cooperation between both municipalities.
During the brief visit, the local authorities of both municipalities have identified the possible areas of cooperation, concentrating on tourism as one of the main topics of cooperation.

In that manner, the French delegation led by David JUQUIN, counsellor in the municipality of Saint-James, thanked the Mayor of Kruševo, Vasilco DAMESKI, and invited the municipality to present Kruševo and its beauty on the Municipal Fair in Saint-James, next September.
Town twinning as a segment in the Decentralised cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia builds up contacts and friendship with communities from the two territories and promotes better understanding. The Programme for Decentralised cooperation is coordinated by the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA).

For further information please contact Ivana Dimitrovska ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org.


ZAVIDOVICI (BIH): DELEGATION FROM ALBA (I), PARTNER TOWN, VISITED THE LDA AND EVALUATED COMMON PROJECTS

In the period from 23 to 25th of February a Delegation composed by partners of LDA Zavidovici from Alba (Italy)  visited Zavidovici with intention to do the evaluation of the common projects that are implemented in Zavidovici.
The main attention was on the project „A safe place for victims of domestic violence: accompaniment to autonomy and development of local resources“, financed by Municplaity of Alba and Piemonte Region.

The project aims to develop initiatives to support victims of domestic violence and against the culture that produces and legitimizes violence itself, through the action of the local network active for over three and a half years and of the “Sigurno Mjesto”, a newly established association.
The main objectives are:
– Implement measures to prevent domestic violence and raise awareness about the gender relations with the young people of the territory;
– Provide services to accompany the victims of violence;
– Develop initiatives to support the economic independence of victims of violence;
– The strengthening and development of the local network against domestic violence involving inside the Association “Sigurno Mjesto” (“A safe place”, born from the projects supported by the Piemonte Region).
Besides this there have been discussed future activities where is involved territory of Alba as: exchange between kindergartens, summer camps for children “Strani Vari”, youth exchanges and others.
Delegation has been composed by: Nicola Conti (Consorzio Socio Assistenziale-Alba Langhe e Roero), Gianna Pasquero (Ser.T. Asl CN 2 – Alba Bra), Maria Perino (Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro” – Dipartimento di Ricerca Sociale), Cecilia Madau (Ufficio Pace Alba), Simona Sordo (LDA Zavidovici), Alice Riccardi (Associazione Strani Vari Alba), and Agostino Zanotti (president of LDA Zavidovici). Municipality of Alba is partner of LDA Zavidovici since its establishment in 1996.

In the period from 23 to 25th of February a Delegation composed by partners of LDA Zavidovici from Alba (Italy)  visited Zavidovici with intention to do the evaluation of the common projects that are implemented in Zavidovici.
The main attention was on the project „A safe place for victims of domestic violence: accompaniment to autonomy and development of local resources“, financed by Municplaity of Alba and Piemonte Region.

The project aims to develop initiatives to support victims of domestic violence and against the culture that produces and legitimizes violence itself, through the action of the local network active for over three and a half years and of the “Sigurno Mjesto”, a newly established association.
The main objectives are:
– Implement measures to prevent domestic violence and raise awareness about the gender relations with the young people of the territory;
– Provide services to accompany the victims of violence;
– Develop initiatives to support the economic independence of victims of violence;
– The strengthening and development of the local network against domestic violence involving inside the Association “Sigurno Mjesto” (“A safe place”, born from the projects supported by the Piemonte Region).
Besides this there have been discussed future activities where is involved territory of Alba as: exchange between kindergartens, summer camps for children “Strani Vari”, youth exchanges and others.
Delegation has been composed by: Nicola Conti (Consorzio Socio Assistenziale-Alba Langhe e Roero), Gianna Pasquero (Ser.T. Asl CN 2 – Alba Bra), Maria Perino (Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro” – Dipartimento di Ricerca Sociale), Cecilia Madau (Ufficio Pace Alba), Simona Sordo (LDA Zavidovici), Alice Riccardi (Associazione Strani Vari Alba), and Agostino Zanotti (president of LDA Zavidovici). Municipality of Alba is partner of LDA Zavidovici since its establishment in 1996.


MISSION OF FRENCH FARMERS IN MACEDONIA (27 February – 4 March 2012)

On the occasion of the conference Management of cooperatives in terms of market economy from 27 February to 4 March 2012, the delegation of French farmers will visit Macedonia.
This visit is an opportunity for Mr. Richard Demuynick, the president of the organisation AFDI (French farmers and International development), and Mme Odile Lebarbenchon, the administrator of the Agricultural Dairy Cooperative (CUMA), to present the French know-how in the agricultural field. After attending the Conference, organised from the Federation of Farmers from Republic of Macedonia (FFRM) and scheduled for February 28, the French delegation will have several meetings with the farmers’ cooperatives and working groups in Berovo and Kumanovo.

This activity represents the beginning of the second year in the agriculture development component in the framework of the project for Decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia, implemented by FFRM from Macedonia, and AFDI from Lower Normandy. This year the farmers will continue to work with the cooperatives, but one part of the cooperation will be devoted to improving hygiene and milk quality on Macedonian farms.

The Programme for decentralised cooperation between the Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia is coordinated by the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA). For further information please consult the Action plan 2011-2012 in freti e Macedonian, or contact Ivana Dimitrovska alda@aldaintranet.org.

On the occasion of the conference Management of cooperatives in terms of market economy from 27 February to 4 March 2012, the delegation of French farmers will visit Macedonia.
This visit is an opportunity for Mr. Richard Demuynick, the president of the organisation AFDI (French farmers and International development), and Mme Odile Lebarbenchon, the administrator of the Agricultural Dairy Cooperative (CUMA), to present the French know-how in the agricultural field. After attending the Conference, organised from the Federation of Farmers from Republic of Macedonia (FFRM) and scheduled for February 28, the French delegation will have several meetings with the farmers’ cooperatives and working groups in Berovo and Kumanovo.

This activity represents the beginning of the second year in the agriculture development component in the framework of the project for Decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia, implemented by FFRM from Macedonia, and AFDI from Lower Normandy. This year the farmers will continue to work with the cooperatives, but one part of the cooperation will be devoted to improving hygiene and milk quality on Macedonian farms.

The Programme for decentralised cooperation between the Region Lower Normandy and Republic of Macedonia is coordinated by the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA). For further information please consult the Action plan 2011-2012 in freti e Macedonian, or contact Ivana Dimitrovska alda@aldaintranet.org.


BINA ALLIANCE FOR MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT: A REPORT ON MUNICIPALITY INSTITUTION IN AZERBAIJAN

BINA, the NGO Alliance for Municipality Development with which ALDA has been cooperating for the past two years, has conducted the monitoring of the correspondence of municipality institution in Azerbaijan to the requirements of the European Charter on Local Self-Governments.
As a result, BINA presented a Monitoring report entitled “Assessment of conformity of organizational and operational aspects of municipalities in Azerbaijan with principles and requirements of European Charter”.

The following step is the expected visit in Azerbaijan of the monitoring group of the European Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
It is already 12 years since the municipalities started to operate for the first time in Azerbaijan and around 30 pieces of legislation have been enacted to regulate the operations of municipalities during this period. Along with the laws and other normative acts (presidential decrees, decisions of Cabinet of Ministers, etc.), the European Charter of Local Self-Government has become an integral part of the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic. This international document entered in force through the adoption of the law of 25th December, 2001 on the “approval of European Charter of Local Self-Government”, which entered into force from the 1st August 2002.
By joining the Charter in December 2001, Azerbaijan undertook various commitments regarding better self-governance in the country. Over the past period, a number of laws and other normative acts have been enacted establishing the legislative basis of forming and developing local self-governance in the country, three municipal elections held, as well as, some measures taken to establish and develop municipalities in practice.
This report is based on the monitoring which tried to determine the extent to which the legislative basis of local self-governance and municipalities already established in the country are in line with the principles and requirements of the Charter.
Upon developing this report, the monitoring group composed of the member organizations of the Alliance reviewed European Charter of Local Self-Government, explanatory “notes” of Council of Europe’s experts to the provisions of the Charter, relevant documents developed by various institutions of Council of Europe dealing with various aspects of local self-governance, recommendations and commentaries of European Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Minister’s Committee and other institutions aimed at resolving specific problems of local self-governance in both Azerbaijan and other countries, held the expertise of laws forming the legal-normative basis of municipalities’ operations in Azerbaijan, and studied existing various challenges associated with municipalities.
The future perspectives of local self-governance reforms depend on the initiatives and attempts of the government, municipal associations, civil society institutes and international organizations.
BINA, the NGO Alliance for Municipal Development, was established in May, 2009 by NGO operating in the field of better local self-governance in Azerbaijan. The Alliance, which is in the process  of becoming member of ALDA, primarily seeks to develop and implement sound strategies on better local self-governments (municipalities) and coordinate the efforts of and collaboration between national NGOs in order to strengthen the organizational and institutional capacity of municipalities. The Alliance’s mission is to support decentralization and democratic processes.
The activities of the Alliance include round tables on a range of local self-governance issues, journalist studies to report on municipal problems via Media broadly, reviewing present situation of local self-governance in Azerbaijan, developing policy papers on various local self-governance problems and making recommendations to the government and carrying out advocacy campaigns of suggestions made. Further information about the Alliance can be found on www.localdemocracy.az.

BINA, the NGO Alliance for Municipality Development with which ALDA has been cooperating for the past two years, has conducted the monitoring of the correspondence of municipality institution in Azerbaijan to the requirements of the European Charter on Local Self-Governments.
As a result, BINA presented a Monitoring report entitled “Assessment of conformity of organizational and operational aspects of municipalities in Azerbaijan with principles and requirements of European Charter”.

The following step is the expected visit in Azerbaijan of the monitoring group of the European Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
It is already 12 years since the municipalities started to operate for the first time in Azerbaijan and around 30 pieces of legislation have been enacted to regulate the operations of municipalities during this period. Along with the laws and other normative acts (presidential decrees, decisions of Cabinet of Ministers, etc.), the European Charter of Local Self-Government has become an integral part of the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic. This international document entered in force through the adoption of the law of 25th December, 2001 on the “approval of European Charter of Local Self-Government”, which entered into force from the 1st August 2002.
By joining the Charter in December 2001, Azerbaijan undertook various commitments regarding better self-governance in the country. Over the past period, a number of laws and other normative acts have been enacted establishing the legislative basis of forming and developing local self-governance in the country, three municipal elections held, as well as, some measures taken to establish and develop municipalities in practice.
This report is based on the monitoring which tried to determine the extent to which the legislative basis of local self-governance and municipalities already established in the country are in line with the principles and requirements of the Charter.
Upon developing this report, the monitoring group composed of the member organizations of the Alliance reviewed European Charter of Local Self-Government, explanatory “notes” of Council of Europe’s experts to the provisions of the Charter, relevant documents developed by various institutions of Council of Europe dealing with various aspects of local self-governance, recommendations and commentaries of European Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Minister’s Committee and other institutions aimed at resolving specific problems of local self-governance in both Azerbaijan and other countries, held the expertise of laws forming the legal-normative basis of municipalities’ operations in Azerbaijan, and studied existing various challenges associated with municipalities.
The future perspectives of local self-governance reforms depend on the initiatives and attempts of the government, municipal associations, civil society institutes and international organizations.
BINA, the NGO Alliance for Municipal Development, was established in May, 2009 by NGO operating in the field of better local self-governance in Azerbaijan. The Alliance, which is in the process  of becoming member of ALDA, primarily seeks to develop and implement sound strategies on better local self-governments (municipalities) and coordinate the efforts of and collaboration between national NGOs in order to strengthen the organizational and institutional capacity of municipalities. The Alliance’s mission is to support decentralization and democratic processes.
The activities of the Alliance include round tables on a range of local self-governance issues, journalist studies to report on municipal problems via Media broadly, reviewing present situation of local self-governance in Azerbaijan, developing policy papers on various local self-governance problems and making recommendations to the government and carrying out advocacy campaigns of suggestions made. Further information about the Alliance can be found on www.localdemocracy.az.


DELEGATION FROM ST. JAMES (FR) VISITS KRUŠEVO (MK)

From 22 to 24 February 2012, a delegation from the municipality of Saint-James, from the Lower Normandy Region, visits the municipality of Kruševo, located in the central part of the Republic of Macedonia.
In the framework of town twinning, the visit begins on February 23, 2012 with the official welcome from the Mayor of Kruševo. During this two-day visit, both municipalities will discuss on the matter of urban planning and culture, but foremost on defining the important components for effective cooperation.

This working visit is a result of the unofficial meeting that these two municipalities had in June, 2012. Their representatives met during the Workshop on strategic planning and internationalization of cultural institutions in Lower Normandy. The workshop was organized in the framework of the Decentralized cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia, as a part of the component Cultural policies.

For more information on the planned actions in the framework of the Decentralized cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia please consult the Action plan 2011- 2012 in  freti   e  Macedonian or contact Ivana Dimitrovska at  ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org .

From 22 to 24 February 2012, a delegation from the municipality of Saint-James, from the Lower Normandy Region, visits the municipality of Kruševo, located in the central part of the Republic of Macedonia.
In the framework of town twinning, the visit begins on February 23, 2012 with the official welcome from the Mayor of Kruševo. During this two-day visit, both municipalities will discuss on the matter of urban planning and culture, but foremost on defining the important components for effective cooperation.

This working visit is a result of the unofficial meeting that these two municipalities had in June, 2012. Their representatives met during the Workshop on strategic planning and internationalization of cultural institutions in Lower Normandy. The workshop was organized in the framework of the Decentralized cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia, as a part of the component Cultural policies.

For more information on the planned actions in the framework of the Decentralized cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia please consult the Action plan 2011- 2012 in  freti   e  Macedonian or contact Ivana Dimitrovska at  ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org .


ALDA takes part in Citizens’ Initiative Warming up Conference

On 26 January 2012 the European Commission organized the launching conference for the European Citizens’ Initiative in Brussels. The ECI, the first participatory democracy instrument on EU level, will be in force from April 1 in all 27 member states.

During the conference that was attended by about 400 participants the Commission’s Vice-President Maros Sefkovic presented the lately designed website for ECI including a section on legal issues, organisational advice and a registry to register proposals.

Denmark’s European Affairs minister Nicolai Wammen, in charge of the Council presidency, stressed in his keynote speech Denmark’s support to the Initiative and emphasized that the Danish Presidency is ready for the start on 1 April.

Committee of Region President Mercedes Bresso welcomed the possibility for European citizens to become more and engaged and promised her institution’s support to develop methods of assistance for interested citizens.

The ECI, made possible by the Lisbon Treaty, allows citizens from at least seven EU member states to suggest legislation to the Commission should they receive a minimum 1 million signatures in support within 12 months. The suggested legislative proposal must be in the area of competences of the European Union covered by the Lisbon Treaties and can be send in from April 1, 2012. The collection of signature for the initiative can be done by paper or by a specially developed open source software by the European Commission.

ALDA took part in the Warming up Conference and supports all engagement to increase citizens’ participation in the European Union

On 26 January 2012 the European Commission organized the launching conference for the European Citizens’ Initiative in Brussels. The ECI, the first participatory democracy instrument on EU level, will be in force from April 1 in all 27 member states.

During the conference that was attended by about 400 participants the Commission’s Vice-President Maros Sefkovic presented the lately designed website for ECI including a section on legal issues, organisational advice and a registry to register proposals.

Denmark’s European Affairs minister Nicolai Wammen, in charge of the Council presidency, stressed in his keynote speech Denmark’s support to the Initiative and emphasized that the Danish Presidency is ready for the start on 1 April.

Committee of Region President Mercedes Bresso welcomed the possibility for European citizens to become more and engaged and promised her institution’s support to develop methods of assistance for interested citizens.

The ECI, made possible by the Lisbon Treaty, allows citizens from at least seven EU member states to suggest legislation to the Commission should they receive a minimum 1 million signatures in support within 12 months. The suggested legislative proposal must be in the area of competences of the European Union covered by the Lisbon Treaties and can be send in from April 1, 2012. The collection of signature for the initiative can be done by paper or by a specially developed open source software by the European Commission.

ALDA took part in the Warming up Conference and supports all engagement to increase citizens’ participation in the European Union


“FIND THE WAY THROUGH THE ENLARGEMENT LABYRINTH”. LAUNCH MEETING OF A PRINCE PROGRAMME PROJECT. (Budapest, 17-18 February 2012)

The kick –off meeting (qui link al pdf: ) of a newly launched project supported by PRINCE, Programme of the European Commission – DG Enlargement, will be held in Budapest, 17/18 February.
ALDA is partner of this project named “Civil Trust Building – Find your way through the Enlargement Labyrinth”.

This one year co-operation and capacity building action developed by the European House , Budapest, Hungary, will include LDA-s in the Western Balkans as 7 local contact points for promoting EU integration and regional networking actions for improved understanding and awareness of both enlargement and integration related issues.
Activities also include: national citizens’ consultation on EU enlargement with the participation of appointed contact organisations: production of information tools and questionnaire on EU enlargement labyrinth; internship and exchange of best practice activities; networking between Balkan and EU based NGO-s and project website design (qui link al sito: ).
Other partners are: ARCI, Italy, CNVOS, Slovenia, Pro Democracy Association, Romania, Slovak Foreign Policy Association, Slovakia, The World of NGOs, Austria.

For more information please contact: Stanka.parac@aldaintranet.org

The kick –off meeting (qui link al pdf: ) of a newly launched project supported by PRINCE, Programme of the European Commission – DG Enlargement, will be held in Budapest, 17/18 February.
ALDA is partner of this project named “Civil Trust Building – Find your way through the Enlargement Labyrinth”.

This one year co-operation and capacity building action developed by the European House , Budapest, Hungary, will include LDA-s in the Western Balkans as 7 local contact points for promoting EU integration and regional networking actions for improved understanding and awareness of both enlargement and integration related issues.
Activities also include: national citizens’ consultation on EU enlargement with the participation of appointed contact organisations: production of information tools and questionnaire on EU enlargement labyrinth; internship and exchange of best practice activities; networking between Balkan and EU based NGO-s and project website design (qui link al sito: ).
Other partners are: ARCI, Italy, CNVOS, Slovenia, Pro Democracy Association, Romania, Slovak Foreign Policy Association, Slovakia, The World of NGOs, Austria.

For more information please contact: Stanka.parac@aldaintranet.org


THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY AGENCY ARMENIA IS ON THE MOVE

The Local Democracy Agency Armenia is on the move.  The LDA partners have appointed David Sarkis Dolmadjian as Delegate at the end of partner meeting that took place in Brussels.
The new delegate will be in the LDA office in Gyumri next week and he will be assisted by ALDA Director, Antonella Valmorbida.
Paula Rauzan, Delegate of the LDA of Sisak, will stay in Gyumri three weeks assisting him for the launch of the local LDA.
In the pictures: the ribbon cutting at the LDA headquarters

The LDA Armenia will have all the support and assistance of ALDA network, especially from the other LDA and in particular from the other LDA in southern Caucasus, based in Kutaisi, Georgia.
“I am looking forward to new synergies, especially in the Caucasus, for the whole network” stated Mrs Antonella Valmorbida.
It is possible contact LDA Armenia to the email address: ldaarmenia@aldaintranet.org
Partners of LDA Armenia are Rhône-Alpes Region (France), Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (Italy), International Committee For The Development of Peoples CISP (Italy), Union of Communities of Armenia, Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development (Armenia), Journalists’ Club Asparez (Armenia), the Municipalities of Gyumri, the host city, and Ijevan. The role of the international partners will be to provide core financial support, participate in activities where they have the skills and capacities, to encourage their own partners to participate in the work of the LDA and to promote the work of the LDA in their own community and encourage wider participation.
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, situated in the North of the country and has been selected as host since it will provide a good basis to allow the LDA to work on a national level.
The Municipality of Gyumri provides an office and rooms for the LDA in the City Hall.
The LDA will facilitate the participation of civil society in the decision-making process at the local level, increase the interest, awareness and capacities of citizens to take part in the decision-making process at the local level and increase the awareness and skills of the local communities and local authorities to address the needs of their citizens. The LDA will support capacity building of civil society and local authorities and it will implement its activities at the local level with trainings, study visits and other participative methods.
Acting as a promoter of democracy and local self-government, the Local Democracy Agency will also promote human rights and sustainable development. The realisation of all objectives will be reached by implementing projects with local authorities and NGOs using the international partners support. The LDA will aim to serve as a bridge between Europe and Armenia and will bring Armenian practice to Europe and European experience to Armenia.
Finally the LDA will also work to ensure cross border cooperation in South Caucasus and will work to promote peace and understanding in the South Caucasus region.

The Local Democracy Agency Armenia is on the move.  The LDA partners have appointed David Sarkis Dolmadjian as Delegate at the end of partner meeting that took place in Brussels.
The new delegate will be in the LDA office in Gyumri next week and he will be assisted by ALDA Director, Antonella Valmorbida.
Paula Rauzan, Delegate of the LDA of Sisak, will stay in Gyumri three weeks assisting him for the launch of the local LDA.
In the pictures: the ribbon cutting at the LDA headquarters

The LDA Armenia will have all the support and assistance of ALDA network, especially from the other LDA and in particular from the other LDA in southern Caucasus, based in Kutaisi, Georgia.
“I am looking forward to new synergies, especially in the Caucasus, for the whole network” stated Mrs Antonella Valmorbida.
It is possible contact LDA Armenia to the email address: ldaarmenia@aldaintranet.org
Partners of LDA Armenia are Rhône-Alpes Region (France), Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (Italy), International Committee For The Development of Peoples CISP (Italy), Union of Communities of Armenia, Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development (Armenia), Journalists’ Club Asparez (Armenia), the Municipalities of Gyumri, the host city, and Ijevan. The role of the international partners will be to provide core financial support, participate in activities where they have the skills and capacities, to encourage their own partners to participate in the work of the LDA and to promote the work of the LDA in their own community and encourage wider participation.
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, situated in the North of the country and has been selected as host since it will provide a good basis to allow the LDA to work on a national level.
The Municipality of Gyumri provides an office and rooms for the LDA in the City Hall.
The LDA will facilitate the participation of civil society in the decision-making process at the local level, increase the interest, awareness and capacities of citizens to take part in the decision-making process at the local level and increase the awareness and skills of the local communities and local authorities to address the needs of their citizens. The LDA will support capacity building of civil society and local authorities and it will implement its activities at the local level with trainings, study visits and other participative methods.
Acting as a promoter of democracy and local self-government, the Local Democracy Agency will also promote human rights and sustainable development. The realisation of all objectives will be reached by implementing projects with local authorities and NGOs using the international partners support. The LDA will aim to serve as a bridge between Europe and Armenia and will bring Armenian practice to Europe and European experience to Armenia.
Finally the LDA will also work to ensure cross border cooperation in South Caucasus and will work to promote peace and understanding in the South Caucasus region.


FIRST TRAINING “HOW TO BE YOUNG EUROPEANS” WITHIN THE EU PROJECT THINKEU. PULA, CROATIA (13RD February 2012)

The first of the four trainings foreseen within the THINKEU, addressed to high school students from Pula Croatia, was held on the 13rd March. The training was held by Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, and it aimed at discussing with the students the advantages and disadvantages of being young Europeans. The training was addressed to almost 100 students from the Economic High School of Pula.

The project THINKEU has been developed by the Foundation for Partnership and Civil Society Development of Region Istria and founded within the Europe for Citizens Programme. It has as main objective to support Croatian accession to the EU with a strong, deep and sustained dialogue between civil society actors, youth and children and citizens in Istria broadening the knowledge and understanding of the EU and the process of European integration and rising the quality and impartiality of media coverage on issues related to EU membership.
ALDA participate in the project as partner and is in charge of supporting the Foundation for the topics about active citizenship and participation with the objective to transfer the long lasting experience and knowledge in application of methodologies within the project topics, to implementation several trainings and workshops on EU institutions and EU funds, and to disseminate through its wide European network and partners projects’ results and products. It will also support the Foundation in the organization of the Study visit in Veneto.
For more information please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org

The first of the four trainings foreseen within the THINKEU, addressed to high school students from Pula Croatia, was held on the 13rd March. The training was held by Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, and it aimed at discussing with the students the advantages and disadvantages of being young Europeans. The training was addressed to almost 100 students from the Economic High School of Pula.

The project THINKEU has been developed by the Foundation for Partnership and Civil Society Development of Region Istria and founded within the Europe for Citizens Programme. It has as main objective to support Croatian accession to the EU with a strong, deep and sustained dialogue between civil society actors, youth and children and citizens in Istria broadening the knowledge and understanding of the EU and the process of European integration and rising the quality and impartiality of media coverage on issues related to EU membership.
ALDA participate in the project as partner and is in charge of supporting the Foundation for the topics about active citizenship and participation with the objective to transfer the long lasting experience and knowledge in application of methodologies within the project topics, to implementation several trainings and workshops on EU institutions and EU funds, and to disseminate through its wide European network and partners projects’ results and products. It will also support the Foundation in the organization of the Study visit in Veneto.
For more information please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org