ALDA Secretary General at the expert training on local and regional level public administration reform in the EaP

ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida attended the training for experts on Public Administration Reform (PAR) at the Local and Regional Level in the Eastern Partnership, organised by the European Commission and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 June 2016 in Brest, Belarus.

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The initiative was a milestone since it is the first event organized in the framework of the reform process in Belarus. The participants were about 30 from Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia from institutions and NGO sector.

The importance of the PAR process is growing in all the EaP region, as facts prove it to be an essential element for the development of the countries and the stabilisation of democracy. It has a key role in the ongoing decentralization process, and Ukraine in particular is making a big effort in this direction.

For ALDA, it was a good opportunity to share with the participants our constant effort to support PAR at the local level, and on how to engage citizens and civil society in PAR. “Public administraiton reform is not essentialy a legislatvie process but rather a community matter, where the legal provisions must be accompanied by a strong understanding and trust of citizens. Without this essential element, the processes are deemed to fail. That’s why we should strengthen the CSOs involvement in the PAR, which results being even more and more important in EaP”, said Mrs. Valmorbida. The event complemented the presence and long-term engagement of ALDA to promote local governance and citizens participation in Belarus.

Antonella Valmorbida is coordinator of the CSF EaP Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform and wrote:

ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida attended the training for experts on Public Administration Reform (PAR) at the Local and Regional Level in the Eastern Partnership, organised by the European Commission and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 June 2016 in Brest, Belarus.

***

The initiative was a milestone since it is the first event organized in the framework of the reform process in Belarus. The participants were about 30 from Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia from institutions and NGO sector.

The importance of the PAR process is growing in all the EaP region, as facts prove it to be an essential element for the development of the countries and the stabilisation of democracy. It has a key role in the ongoing decentralization process, and Ukraine in particular is making a big effort in this direction.

For ALDA, it was a good opportunity to share with the participants our constant effort to support PAR at the local level, and on how to engage citizens and civil society in PAR. “Public administraiton reform is not essentialy a legislatvie process but rather a community matter, where the legal provisions must be accompanied by a strong understanding and trust of citizens. Without this essential element, the processes are deemed to fail. That’s why we should strengthen the CSOs involvement in the PAR, which results being even more and more important in EaP”, said Mrs. Valmorbida. The event complemented the presence and long-term engagement of ALDA to promote local governance and citizens participation in Belarus.

Antonella Valmorbida is coordinator of the CSF EaP Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform and wrote:

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The European Union – living and acting together in the European space – is the only option for peace and welfare: Brexit forces us to think “out of the box”

ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy, has at the centre of its mandate local governance and citizens’ participation at the local level, and it is an important partner of the Europe for Citizens’ programme.
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For more than 15 years, we have been implementing programmes on European Citizenship benefitting millions of EU and non-EU citizens. There were no doubts that what was coming up was not in the EU “fixed agendas”, neither “politically correct”.
The essential problem lies in the fact that the added value of the European Union project was not perceived as self-evident. We were – and we often are – confronted with the “need” to explain and “convince”. Which means we are already a step too late… The European Union – living and acting together in the European space – is the only option for peace and welfare. As simple as this. I am convinced that without Union, our continent is deemed to decline, as well as to economic and different forms of wars. The Union is not perfect and needs to be improved in many ways, but cannot be destroyed. An enormous responsibility lies on the shoulders of the EU members States, that have been identifying the European Union as their own permanent scapegoat for all the problems of their own failures. Even the results of the UK referendum are clearly an internal matter, which will affect now the world. Responsible are also the European elites, who often respond with a fixed agenda that cannot be changed, whatever happens. Years ago, while we were discussing the implementation of phases of the European Citizens Initiative, I remember well the point made by a representative of the Secretary General of the European Commission. To my observation of the immediate need to further empower the concept of European Citizenship, he responded that they would first have to deal with the regulations of the European Initiative, and only after would see what to do with my suggestion.
ALDA is not “selling” the shiny plastic-paper European project, but is focusing on the added value of it in our day-to-day life: peace, welfare, jobs, educations, health, rule of law, reduced corruption, justice, etc. We are working in eastern Poland, south of Italy, meeting people in Spain and difficult areas of France, and even in the UK.  We know that we need to make sure that the EU project is understood as the answer and not as the problem, and we invite all the EU leaders not to consider their Citizens “incapable” to understand. We need to work together – institutions and citizens – to make it clear that isolation and nationalism will lead us to disaster. We need to work with citizens and especially close to Local governments that are the way between with institutions. It is basically a one to one conversation, with EU citizens. We love to do that and by doing so we discover every day that the European project is more appreciated and understood that what is seems through elections and media.
The programme Europe for Citizens is a fantastic instrument – transversal, apolitical (in the sense that it does not belong to any political party), addressing different kind of people and topics. It reaches millions of EU citizens. It could be the basis for a global approach to European citizenship and identifying very quickly the solution “out of the box” that gives a clear signal to EU citizens that the issue of the Brexit (but many more are the hot spots) is not another point in the agenda of the next meeting in Brussels…
Europe for Citizens should be right now identified as a priority of all the EU Member State and transcend even the borders and budget of the European Commission. It is as vital as economic and banking decisions. Just a thought… out of the box.
I am back from Georgia and Ukraine. Georgia held a referendum and choose the European path (against a pretty difficult Russian neighbour), while Ukraine has even died for it. What a lesson they gave to all of us! I am proud to work with truly Europeans and we may think to focus on open options about including those who want to be in, rather than only focusing on other problems. Just a thought… again out of the box…
Hugs to our British friends, just over the Channel! We feel that your place is together with us.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA


L’Union européenne – vivre et agir ensemble dans l’espace européen, est l’unique option pour la paix et la prospérité : le Brexit nous force à penser hors des sentiers battus

L’ALDA – l’Association européenne pour la démocratie locale, a pour mission principale de promouvoir la gouvernance locale et la participation des citoyens au niveau local, et c’est un partenaire important du programme Europe pour les citoyens.

Depuis plus de 15 ans, nous avons mis en œuvre des programmes pour la citoyenneté européenne qui bénéficient à des millions de citoyens de l’UE et hors de l’UE. Il n’y a aucun doute que ce qui allait venir n’était pas dans « les agendas fixés », ou dans du « politiquement correct ».
Le problème essentiel repose sur le fait que la valeur ajoutée de l’Union européenne n’était pas perçue comme évidente. Nous étions – et nous le sommes souvent – confrontés au « besoin » d’expliquer et de « convaincre ». Ce qui signifie que nous avions déjà une longueur de retard… L’Union européenne – vivre et agir ensemble dans l’espace européen, est l’unique option pour la paix et la prospérité. C’est aussi simple que cela. Je suis convaincue que sans Union, notre continent est condamné au déclin, qu’il soit économique ou causé par d’autres formes de conflits. L’Union n’est pas parfaite et elle a besoin d’être améliorée sur de nombreux points, mais elle ne peut pas être détruite. Une responsabilité énorme repose sur les épaules des Etats membres de l’UE, qui ont identifié l’Union européenne comme leur bouc-émissaire permanent pour tous les problèmes issus de leurs propres échecs.  Bien que les résultats du référendum du Royaume-Uni soient clairement une affaire interne, cela va maintenant affecter le monde entier. Les élites européennes sont aussi responsables, en ayant souvent répondu avec un agenda fixé qui ne peut pas être changé, quoi qu’il arrive. Il y a des années, pendant que nous discutions de la mise en place des phases de l’Initiative citoyenne européenne, je me souviens bien de l’idée défendue par un représentant du Secrétariat général de la Commission européenne. En réponse à mon observation sur le besoin immédiat de renforcer le concept de citoyenneté européenne, il a indiqué qu’ils devaient avant tout gérer la réglementation de l’Initiative citoyenne européenne, et seulement après ils pourraient considérer ma suggestion.
L’ALDA ne « vend » pas le projet européen dans un papier plastique brillant, mais elle se concentre sur la valeur ajoutée de l’UE dans la vie quotidienne : la paix, la prospérité, les emplois, l’éducation, l’Etat de droit, la réduction de la corruption, la justice, etc. Nous travaillons dans l’Est de la Pologne, l’Italie du Sud, nous rencontrons des personnes en Espagne et dans des régions difficiles en France, et même au Royaume-Uni. Nous savons que nous avons besoin de nous assurer que le projet de l’UE est compris comme une réponse et non comme le problème, et nous invitons tous les dirigeants de l’UE à ne pas considérer leurs citoyens comme « incapables » de le comprendre. Nous avons besoin de travailler ensemble – institutions et citoyens – pour démontrer que le repli sur soi et le nationalisme vont nous mener au désastre. Nous avons besoin de travailler avec les citoyens et en particulier avec ceux qui sont proches des autorités locales, qui représentent le chemin vers les institutions. Il s’agit essentiellement d’une conversation en tête-à-tête avec les citoyens de l’UE. Nous aimons faire cela, et de cette façon, nous découvrons tous les jours que le projet européen est plus apprécié et compris que ce qui apparaît lors les élections et dans les médias.
Le programme Europe pour les citoyens est un instrument fantastique – transversal, apolitique (dans le sens où il n’appartient à aucun parti politique), qui concerne différents types de personnes et de sujets. Il touche des millions de citoyens de l’UE. Cela peut être la base pour une approche globale pour la citoyenneté européenne, et pour identifier très rapidement la solution « hors des sentiers battus » qui donne un signal clair aux citoyens de l’UE que la question du Brexit (ou bien d’autres sujets sensibles) n’est pas un sujet de plus dans le programme de la prochaine réunion à Bruxelles…
Le programme Europe pour les citoyens devrait être dès maintenant identifié comme une priorité de tous les Etats membres de l’UE et transcender même les frontières et le budget de la Commission européenne. Cela est aussi vital que les décisions économiques et bancaires. Juste une idée…hors des sentiers battus.
Je suis de retour de Géorgie et d’Ukraine. La Géorgie a participé à un référendum et a choisi la voie européenne (contre un voisin russe difficile), tandis que l’Ukraine est morte de ce choix. Quelle leçon ils nous donnent à tous ! Je suis fière de travailler avec de véritables européens et nous devrions penser à nous concentrer sur des options ouvertes incluant ceux qui veulent être membres, plutôt que de se concentrer sur d’autres problèmes. Juste une idée…encore hors des sentiers battus…
Amitiés à nos amis britanniques, par-delà la Manche ! Nous pensons que votre place est avec nous.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secrétaire générale de l’ALDA


Vivere e collaborare nell’Unione Europea è l’unica strada per la pace e il benessere: la Brexit ci costringe a pensare “fuori dagli schemi”

L’Associazione Europea per la Democrazia Locale (ALDA) ha come cuore del suo mandato la democrazia locale e la partecipazione dei cittadini a livello locale, ed è un partner importante del programma “Europa per i Cittadini”.

Per oltre 15 anni abbiamo implementato progetti sulla cittadinanza europea che hanno coinvolto milioni di cittadini europei, e non europei. Non c’erano dubbi che la situazione che si preannunciava non era nei programmi stabiliti, e nemmeno “politicamente corretta”.

Il problema essenziale è che il valore aggiunto del progetto dell’Unione Europea non era evidente. Ci trovavamo e ci troviamo spesso di fronte al bisogno di spiegare e convincere. Il che significa che siamo già un passo in ritardo… L’Unione Europea – vivere e collaborare nello spazio europeo – è l’unica strada per la democrazia e il benessere. Semplicemente. Sono convinta che senza l’Unione il nostro continente sia destinato al declino, oltre che alla guerra economica – e non solo economica. L’Unione Europea non è perfetta e ha bisogno di tante migliorie, ma non può essere distrutta. Un’enorme responsabilità grava sulle spalle dei Paesi membri, che puntano il dito verso l’Unione Europea come capro espiatorio responsabile di tutti i problemi esistenti, e di tutti i loro fallimenti. Lo stesso risultato del referendum nel Regno Unito è chiaramente un segnale interno, che ora avrà un impatto sul mondo intero. Le élites europee sono altrettanto responsabili: spesso rispondono con agende scolpite nella pietra che non possono essere modificate, qualunque cosa accada. Anni fa, mentre discutevamo l’implementazione dell’Iniziativa dei Cittadini Europei, ricordo molto bene la risposta di un rappresentante del Segretario Generale della Commissione Europea. Alla mia osservazione sul bisogno immediato di dare corpo al concetto di Cittadinanza Europea, mi rispose che prima di tutto avrebbero dovuto occuparsi delle questioni normative dell’iniziativa, e solo in seguito avrebbero considerato la mia idea.

ALDA non “vende” il progetto europeo rilucente e patinato, ma il suo valore aggiunto nella nostra vita di tutti i giorni: pace, benessere, lavoro, educazione, salute, diritti, lotta alla corruzione, giustizia, ecc. Lavoriamo in Polonia orientale, sud Italia, incontriamo persone in Spagna e in aree in difficoltà in Francia, e naturalmente anche in Gran Bretagna. Sappiamo che è necessario far sì che il progetto europeo venga compreso come la risposta e non come il problema, e invitiamo i leader europei a non considerare i loro cittadini incapaci di capire questi argomenti. Dobbiamo lavorare assieme, istituzioni e cittadini, per rendere chiaro che l’isolamento e il nazionalismo ci porteranno verso il baratro. Dobbiamo lavorare con i cittadini e a stretto contatto con i governi locali, che sono l’interlocutore intermedio. In pratica si tratta di una conversazione uno a uno con i cittadini europei.

Il programma “Europa per i Cittadini” è uno strumento fantastico – trasversale, apolitico (nel senso che non appartiene a nessun partito politico), rivolto a diverse fasce di popolazione e che lavora su diversi temi. Raggiunge milioni di cittadini europei. Potrebbe essere la base di un approccio globale alla cittadinanza europea, nonché la soluzione “fuori dagli schemi” per dare un segnale forte e chiaro ai cittadini della UE che la questione della Brexit, e tante altre questioni critiche, non sono solo un altro punto sull’agenda del prossimo meeting a Bruxelles…

Europa per i Cittadini dovrebbe essere considerato una priorità per tutti i paesi membri europei, e valicare le frontiere e il budget della Commissione Europea. È vitale quanto e più delle decisioni economiche e bancarie. Solo un pensiero… fuori dagli schermi.

Sono appena rientrata da viaggi in Georgia e Ucraina. La Georgia ha scelto il percorso europeo con un referendum (e contro un difficile vicino, la Russia), mentre l’Ucraina sta addirittura morendo per questo. Questi paesi ci danno una lezione importante. Sono fiera di lavorare con tanti veri europei, e potremmo pensare di focalizzarci su opzioni per includere coloro che vogliono essere in Europa, invece che focalizzarci sui problemi. Solo un pensiero… ancora una volta, fuori dagli schemi.

Un abbraccio ai nostri amici britannici appena oltre la Manica. Sentiamo che il vostro posto è qui, assieme a noi.

Antonella Valmorbida, Segretario Generale di ALDA


Европейский союз – жить и действовать вместе в европейском окружении – это единственный вариант для обеспечения мира и благосостояния: Brexit заставляет нас думать вне границ

ALDA – Европейская ассоциация местной демократии, основу которой составляют органы местного управления и участия граждан, и она является важным партнером Европы с целью развития социальных программ.

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На протяжении более 15 лет мы реализуем программы, вовлекая Европейское гражданское общество, извлекая преимущества для миллионов граждан ЕС и других стран. Нет никаких сомнений в том, что произошедшее имело место в «основной повестке дня» ЕС или было «политически корректным».

Основная проблема заключается в том, что «добавленная стоимость» проекта Европейского Союза не воспринимается как нечто само собой разумеющееся. Мы сталкивались – и часто сталкиваемся – с «необходимостью» и «убеждением». Это означает, что мы уже на шаг позади… Европейский союз – жить и действовать вместе в европейском окружении – это единственный вариант для обеспечения мира и благосостояния. Это кажется не сложным. Я убеждена, что без союза, наш континент начнет деградировать, а также будет подвержен экономическим и различным формам войн. Союз не является совершенным и нуждается в улучшении во многих отношениях, но он не может быть уничтожен. Огромная ответственность лежит на плечах государств-членов ЕС, которые стали в Европейском Союзе своего рода постоянными козлами отпущения, взваливая все последствия своих собственных неудач. Даже результаты референдума в Великобритании явно являлись внутренним вопросом, который теперь затронет весь мир. Ответственна также европейская элита, которая часто реагирует одинаково на все проблемы, и не желает изменить подход, что бы ни случилось. Несколько лет назад, когда мы обсуждали реализацию этапов Инициативы европейских граждан, я хорошо помню замечание, сделанное представителем Генерального секретаря Европейской Комиссии. К моему сообщению о непосредственной необходимости дальнейшего расширения возможностей концепции европейского гражданства, он ответил, что граждане сначала должны будут иметь дело с положениями Европейской инициативы, а только после этого смогут понять, что делать с моим предложением.

ALDA не «продает» европейский проект в красивой упаковке, она фокусируется на его «добавленной стоимости» в нашей повседневной жизни: мир, благополучие, рабочие места, образование, здравоохранение, верховенство закона, сокращение коррупции, правосудие и т.д. Мы работаем в восточной части Польши, на юге Италии, встречаемся с людьми в Испании и трудных районах Франции, и даже в Великобритании. Мы знаем, что нам нужно убедиться, что проект ЕС воспринимается как ответ, а не как проблема, и мы просим всех лидеров ЕС считать своих граждан «способными понять» проблематику. Мы должны работать вместе – учреждения и общество – и понимать, что изоляция и национализм приведет нас к катастрофе. Мы должны работать с гражданами и особенно приближенными к местным органам власти, которые являются посредниками между обществом и учреждениями. Это в основном разговоры один на один с гражданами ЕС. Мы любим свое дело, и тем самым ежедневно раскрываем понятие и ценность европейского проекта, чтоб он не воспринимался только через выборы или средства массовой информации.

Программа Европа для граждан является фантастическим инструментом – многогранным, аполитичным (в том смысле, что она не принадлежит ни к какой политической партии), обращаясь к разным людям и темам. Эта программа подразумевает вовлечение миллионов граждан ЕС. Это могло бы послужить основой для глобального подхода к европейскому гражданству и идентификации очень быстрого нестандартного решения, которое даст четкий сигнал гражданам ЕС о том, что Brexit (и многие другие горячие темы) не станут пунктом повестки дня следующей встречи в Брюсселе…

Программа Европа для граждан должна быть скорейшим образом определена в качестве приоритета всех государств-членов ЕС и преодолеть даже границы и бюджет Европейской комиссии. Это так же важно, как экономические и банковские решения. Всего лишь мысль…

Я вернулась из Грузии и Украины. Грузия провела референдум и выбрала европейский путь (несмотря на довольно опасного соседа – Россию), в то время как Украина даже умерла за него. Какой урок они преподнесли всем нам! Я горжусь тем, что работаю с истинными европейцами, и мы задумываемся о том, чтобы сосредоточиться на помощи тем, кто хочет сотрудничать, а не только уделяем внимание другим проблемам. И вновь всего лишь мысли…

Обнимаю наших британских друзей, живущих через канал! Мы считаем, что ваше место вместе с нами.

Антонелла Вальморбида, Генеральный секретарь ALDA si è riunita lo scorso


Evropska unija – živeti i zajednički delovati u evropskom prostoru – je jedina opcija za mir i blagostanje: Brexit nas primorava da delujemo izvan ustaljenih okvira!

ALDA – Evropska asocijacija za lokalnu demokratiju, u fokusu svog delovanja ima dobru lokalnu upravu i učešće građana na lokalnom nivou i važan je partner programa Evropa za građane.

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Više od 15 godina  sprovodimo programe evropskog građanstva od kojih građana iz i van EU imaju koristi milioni. Nema sumnje da ono što se spremalo nije bilo na EU ” dnevnom redu” , niti je bilo  “politički korektno”.

Suštinski problem leži u činjenici da dodata vrednost projekta Evropske unije nije smatrana evidentnom. Bili smo – i često smo – suočeni sa “potrebom” da objasnimo i “ubedimo”. Što znači da smo već jedan korak unazad … Evropska unija – živeti i zajednički delovati u evropskom prostoru – je jedina opcija za mir i blagostanje. Ovako je jednostavno. Ja sam uverena da bi bez Unije, naš kontinent počeo da nazaduje, i bio bi izložen ekonomskim i drugim oblicima ratova. Unija nije savršena i treba je poboljšati na mnogo načina, ali ona ne sme biti uništena. Ogromna odgovornost leži na državama članicama EU, koje koriste Evropsku uniju kao žrtveno jagnje za sve probleme koji su rezultat njihovih neuspeha.

Čak su i rezultati referenduma u Velikoj Britaniji jasno unutrašnja stvar, koja će sada uticati na ceo svet. Odgovorne su takođe i evropske elite, koje često reaguju sa određenom agendom koja ne može da se menja, bez obzira na to šta se dešava. Pre nekoliko godina, dok smo razgovarali o sprovođenju faza Inicijative evropskih građana, dobro se sećam odgovora predstavnika generalnog sekretara Evropske komisije. Na moj predlog neposredne potrebe da se dodatno osnaži koncept evropskog građanstva, on je odgovorio da će prvo morati da se nosi sa propisima Evropske inicijative, i tek nakon toga bi razmotrio moj predlog.

ALDA ne “prodaje” “ulepšani” evropski projekat, ali se fokusira na dodatu vrednost koju on donosi u našem svakodnevnom životu: mir, blagostanje, radna mesta, obrazovanje, zdravlje, vladavina prava, smanjena korupcija, pravda, itd. Radimo u istočnoj Poljskoj, na jugu Italije, upoznajemo ljude u Španiji i oblastima Francuske, pa čak i u Velikoj Britaniji. Znamo da moramo da se pobrinemo da se EU projekat shvati kao odgovor, a ne kao problem, i pozivamo sve lidere EU da ne etiketiraju svoje građane kao “nesposobne” da razumeju. Moramo da radimo zajedno – institucije i građani – kako bi bilo jasno da će nas izolacija i nacionalizam dovesti do katastrofe. Moramo da radimo sa građanima, i posebno u bliskoj saradnji sa lokalnim vlastima i institucijama. To je u osnovi jedan na jedan razgovor, sa građanima EU, koji volimo da radimo i na taj način svakodnevno otkrivamo da se evropski projekat više ceni i shvata od onoga što se priviđa putem izbora i medija.

Program Evropa za građane je fantastičan instrument – transverzalan, apolitičan (u smislu da ne pripada nijednoj političkoj partiji), koji je namenjen različitim ljudima i temama. On dostiže milione građana EU. Mogao bi da bude osnova za globalni pristup evropskom građanstvu i identifikovanju veoma brzog inovativnog rešenja, koji daje jasan signal građanima EU da pitanje Brexita (kao i mnogih koja predstavljaju bitne goruće teme) nije još jedna tačka na dnevnom redu narednog sastanka u Briselu …
Evropa za građane treba odmah da bude identifikovana kao prioritet svih država članica EU i da prevaziđe čak i granice i budžet Evropske komisije. To je jednako važno kao i ekonomske i bankarske odluke. Samo misao … van ustaljenih okvira.
Vratila sam se iz Gruzije i Ukrajine. Gruzija je održala referendum i izabrala evropski put (protiv prilično teškog ruskog suseda), dok su građani Ukrajine je čak i umirali zbog toga. Kakvu lekciju su nam dali! Ponosna sam što radim sa istinskim Evropljanima, a možemo takođe da se fokusiramo na otvorenim mogućnostima za uključivanje onih koji žele se priključe, umesto da se fokusiramo samo na druge probleme. Samo misao … van ustaljenih okvira …

Za naše britanske prijatelje, preko kanala: Mi smatramo da je vaše mesto zajedno sa nama.

Antonella Valmorbida, generalni sekretar ALDA

 

الإتحاد الأوروبي – العيش والتحرك المشترك داخل الفضاء الأوروبي – هو الخيار الوحيد لبلوغ السلم وتحقيق الرخاء: خروج بريطانيا من الإتحاد الأوروبي يضطرنا إلى التفكير “بطريقة مختلفة عن العادة” (تمت الترجمة إلى الفرنسية والإيطالية).

 

تركز ألدا – الجمعية الأوروبية للديمقراطية المحلية جهودها أساسا على الحوكمة المحلية ومشاركة المواطن على المستوى المحلي, إضافة إلى دورها كشريك فاعل في برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين.

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دأبنا,خلال فترة تجاوزت سنة, على تنفيذ جملة من البرامج حول المواطنة الأوروبية استفاد منها ملايين المواطنين داخل الإتحاد الأوروبي وخارجه. ليس هناك من شك بأن الأحداث الطارئة لم تكن منتظرة في “البرامج الثابتة” للإتحاد الأوروبي أو حتى “مقبولة سياسيا”.

تتمثل الإشكالية القائمة في أن القيمة المضافة التي يقدمها مشروع الإتحاد الأوروبي لم تكن بديهية. لقد واجهنا دائما – وما زلنا إلى غاية الآن في الحقيقة – “الحاجة” إلى التفسير و”الإقناع”, وبالتالي, فنحن متأخرون بعض الشيئ. الإتحاد الأوروبي – العيش والعمل معا داخل الفضاء الأوروبي – هو الخيار الوحيد لتحقيق السلم وبلوغ الرقي. هكذا تلوح المسألة بكل بساطة. أنا مقتنع أنه بدون اتحاد سوف يكون المصير الحتمي لقارتنا هو التقهقر والتمزق بسبب العديد من الحروب الاقتصادية وغيرها. صحيح, الإتحاد ليس في أفضل حالاته ويحتاج إلى العديد من الإصلاحات على مختلف المستويات, ولكن لا يمكن هدمه. هناك مسؤولية ضخمة ملقاة على عاتق الدول الأعضاء بالإتحاد الأوروبي والتي ما انفكت تنعت الإتحاد الأوروبي بالشماعة الأزلية التي يمكنهم تعليق كافة المشكال المتسببة في حالات الفشل التي تتحمل هي وحدها مسؤوليتها. حتى النتائج التي أفرزها الاستفتاء بالمملكة المتحدة هي شأن داخلي صرف وستطال تداعياته كافة بلدان العالم الآن.

ومهما كان من أمر, فإن النخب الأوروبية, التي تمسكت دائما ببرنامج ثابت وغير قابل للتغيير, تتحمل مسؤولية في ذلك أيضا. منذ سنوات خلت, وعندما كنا نناقش مسألة تنفيذ المراحل الخاصة بمبادرة المواطنين الأوروبيين, لا زلت أتذكر جيدا النقطة التي أثارها, آنذاك, أحد ممثلي الأمانة العامة للمفوضية الأوروبية. بعد الملاحظة التي أثرتها أنا حول الحاجة الماسة لإعطاء مزيد من الدفع لمفهوم المواطنة الأوروبية, سارع بالرد أنه من الأجدر بنا البدء بدراسة القوانين المتعلقة بالمبادرة الأوروبية قبل النظر في المقترح الذي قدمته.

ألدا ليست بصدد السعي “لتسويق” فكرة المشروع الأوروبي المغلف بورق البلاستك اللمّاع بقدر ما هي جادة في التركيز على القيمة المضافة له في حياتنا اليومية: السلم والرفاه والتشغيل والتربية والصحة وسيادة القانون والحد من الفساد والعدالة إلخ… نحن نعمل في شرق بولندا وفي جنوب إيطاليا, ونلتقي الناس في إسبانيا وفي مناطق وعرة من فرنسا وحتى من المملكة المتحدة. كما أننا ندرك جيدا ضرورة الاستيعاب من قبل الجميع الفكرة القائلة بأن الإتحاد الأوروبي هو الحل وليس المشكلة, وبالتالي, نحن ندعو كافة الزعماء في الإتحاد الأوروبي إلى الأيمان بقدرات مواطنيهم وعدم التسليم بأنهم “غير قادرين” على الفهم.  نحن مطالبون بالتعاون فيما بيننا – مؤسسات ومواطنين – لكي يدرك الجميع أن العزلة والشعور الأناني بالوطنية سيؤديان حتما إلى التهلكة. نحن مطالبون بالتعاون مع المواطنين وربط علاقات وثيقة مع الحكومات المحلية بالخصوص لأنها هي التي تمثل همزة الوصل مع المؤسسات. لقد اتخذت هذه المنظومة شكل الحوار الشخصي, أساسا, مع كل مواطن في الإتحاد الأوروبي. نحن نعشق هذه المهمة التي مكنتنا حقا من الاكتشاف, بشكل يومي, أنه يمكن فهم المشروع الأوروبي بطريقة أفضل وتثمينه, وذلك مقارنة بما قد تتمخض عنه الانتخابات وما قد تنشره وسائل الإعلام.

برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين هو أداة رائعة – أفقانية وغير سياسية (من حيث أنه ليس حكرا على أي حزب سياسي معين), إضافة إلى أنه موجه إلى فئات عديدة من المواطنين ويتطرق لتشكيلة واسعة من المحاور ويستهدف الملايين من المواطنين في الإتحاد الأوروبي. لذا, يمكن اعتباره قاعدة شاملة لتحديد مفهوم المواطنة الأوروبية والتوصل إلى اعتماد الحل بشكل سريع, وذلك بواسطة التفكير “غير التقليدي” الذي يرسل بإشارات واضحة إلى مواطني الإتحاد  الأوروبي وإعلامهم بأن نتيجة مغادرة بريطانيا للإتحاد الأوروبي لا يمثل أبدا نقطة إضافية على جدول أعمال الاجتماع القادم الذي ستحتضنه العاصمة البلجيكية بروكسل (وأن العديد من النقاط الأخرى هي التي ستحضى بالأولوية خلال هذا الاجتماع).

برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين هو الذي يجب تحديده الآن كأولوية الأولويات من قبل كافة الدول الأعضاء بالإتحاد الأوروبي واعتباره الشغل الشاغل الذي يتجاوز حدود المفوضية الأوروبية ويتعدى ميزانيتها. إن تداعياته لا تقل أهمية عن الشؤون الاقتصادية والقرارات المصرفية. غاية ما في الأمر هنا, ولكي تتحسن الأمور, هو الشروع في التفكير بطرق غير تقليدية واقتراح حلول أكثر فاعلية.

ها أنا أعود بعد الرحلة التي قمت بها لكل من جورجيا وأكرانيا. قامت جورجيا بتنظيم استفتاء تمخضت نتائجه على اختيار المسار الأوروبي (وذلك بالرغم من متاخمة هذا البلد لجار ليس بسهل المراس أبدا – ألا وهو روسيا), في حين أن أكرانيا دفعت من دمها للوصول إلى نفس الغاية. يا له من درس رائع جاءنا من هذين البلدين.  أنا فخورة بالتعامل مع الأوروبيين المخلصين والصادقين وبإمكانية التفكير في الانفتاح على خيارات جديدة ضم كل من يرغب في الانضمام إلينا, بدلا من الاكتفاء بالتركيز على مشاكل أخرى. أنا أدعوكم مجددا إلى التفكير خارج الأطر التقليدية التي دأبتم عليها في الماضي.

نود أن نحضن أصدقاءنا البريطانيين من بحر المانش ونقول لهم بأن مكانهم كان دائما, وسيظل, معنا وبيننا.

أنتونلا فلموربيدا, الأمينة العامة لألدا

ALDA – The European Association for Local Democracy, has at the centre of its mandate local governance and citizens’ participation at the local level, and it is an important partner of the Europe for Citizens’ programme.
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For more than 15 years, we have been implementing programmes on European Citizenship benefitting millions of EU and non-EU citizens. There were no doubts that what was coming up was not in the EU “fixed agendas”, neither “politically correct”.
The essential problem lies in the fact that the added value of the European Union project was not perceived as self-evident. We were – and we often are – confronted with the “need” to explain and “convince”. Which means we are already a step too late… The European Union – living and acting together in the European space – is the only option for peace and welfare. As simple as this. I am convinced that without Union, our continent is deemed to decline, as well as to economic and different forms of wars. The Union is not perfect and needs to be improved in many ways, but cannot be destroyed. An enormous responsibility lies on the shoulders of the EU members States, that have been identifying the European Union as their own permanent scapegoat for all the problems of their own failures. Even the results of the UK referendum are clearly an internal matter, which will affect now the world. Responsible are also the European elites, who often respond with a fixed agenda that cannot be changed, whatever happens. Years ago, while we were discussing the implementation of phases of the European Citizens Initiative, I remember well the point made by a representative of the Secretary General of the European Commission. To my observation of the immediate need to further empower the concept of European Citizenship, he responded that they would first have to deal with the regulations of the European Initiative, and only after would see what to do with my suggestion.
ALDA is not “selling” the shiny plastic-paper European project, but is focusing on the added value of it in our day-to-day life: peace, welfare, jobs, educations, health, rule of law, reduced corruption, justice, etc. We are working in eastern Poland, south of Italy, meeting people in Spain and difficult areas of France, and even in the UK.  We know that we need to make sure that the EU project is understood as the answer and not as the problem, and we invite all the EU leaders not to consider their Citizens “incapable” to understand. We need to work together – institutions and citizens – to make it clear that isolation and nationalism will lead us to disaster. We need to work with citizens and especially close to Local governments that are the way between with institutions. It is basically a one to one conversation, with EU citizens. We love to do that and by doing so we discover every day that the European project is more appreciated and understood that what is seems through elections and media.
The programme Europe for Citizens is a fantastic instrument – transversal, apolitical (in the sense that it does not belong to any political party), addressing different kind of people and topics. It reaches millions of EU citizens. It could be the basis for a global approach to European citizenship and identifying very quickly the solution “out of the box” that gives a clear signal to EU citizens that the issue of the Brexit (but many more are the hot spots) is not another point in the agenda of the next meeting in Brussels…
Europe for Citizens should be right now identified as a priority of all the EU Member State and transcend even the borders and budget of the European Commission. It is as vital as economic and banking decisions. Just a thought… out of the box.
I am back from Georgia and Ukraine. Georgia held a referendum and choose the European path (against a pretty difficult Russian neighbour), while Ukraine has even died for it. What a lesson they gave to all of us! I am proud to work with truly Europeans and we may think to focus on open options about including those who want to be in, rather than only focusing on other problems. Just a thought… again out of the box…
Hugs to our British friends, just over the Channel! We feel that your place is together with us.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA


L’Union européenne – vivre et agir ensemble dans l’espace européen, est l’unique option pour la paix et la prospérité : le Brexit nous force à penser hors des sentiers battus

L’ALDA – l’Association européenne pour la démocratie locale, a pour mission principale de promouvoir la gouvernance locale et la participation des citoyens au niveau local, et c’est un partenaire important du programme Europe pour les citoyens.

Depuis plus de 15 ans, nous avons mis en œuvre des programmes pour la citoyenneté européenne qui bénéficient à des millions de citoyens de l’UE et hors de l’UE. Il n’y a aucun doute que ce qui allait venir n’était pas dans « les agendas fixés », ou dans du « politiquement correct ».
Le problème essentiel repose sur le fait que la valeur ajoutée de l’Union européenne n’était pas perçue comme évidente. Nous étions – et nous le sommes souvent – confrontés au « besoin » d’expliquer et de « convaincre ». Ce qui signifie que nous avions déjà une longueur de retard… L’Union européenne – vivre et agir ensemble dans l’espace européen, est l’unique option pour la paix et la prospérité. C’est aussi simple que cela. Je suis convaincue que sans Union, notre continent est condamné au déclin, qu’il soit économique ou causé par d’autres formes de conflits. L’Union n’est pas parfaite et elle a besoin d’être améliorée sur de nombreux points, mais elle ne peut pas être détruite. Une responsabilité énorme repose sur les épaules des Etats membres de l’UE, qui ont identifié l’Union européenne comme leur bouc-émissaire permanent pour tous les problèmes issus de leurs propres échecs.  Bien que les résultats du référendum du Royaume-Uni soient clairement une affaire interne, cela va maintenant affecter le monde entier. Les élites européennes sont aussi responsables, en ayant souvent répondu avec un agenda fixé qui ne peut pas être changé, quoi qu’il arrive. Il y a des années, pendant que nous discutions de la mise en place des phases de l’Initiative citoyenne européenne, je me souviens bien de l’idée défendue par un représentant du Secrétariat général de la Commission européenne. En réponse à mon observation sur le besoin immédiat de renforcer le concept de citoyenneté européenne, il a indiqué qu’ils devaient avant tout gérer la réglementation de l’Initiative citoyenne européenne, et seulement après ils pourraient considérer ma suggestion.
L’ALDA ne « vend » pas le projet européen dans un papier plastique brillant, mais elle se concentre sur la valeur ajoutée de l’UE dans la vie quotidienne : la paix, la prospérité, les emplois, l’éducation, l’Etat de droit, la réduction de la corruption, la justice, etc. Nous travaillons dans l’Est de la Pologne, l’Italie du Sud, nous rencontrons des personnes en Espagne et dans des régions difficiles en France, et même au Royaume-Uni. Nous savons que nous avons besoin de nous assurer que le projet de l’UE est compris comme une réponse et non comme le problème, et nous invitons tous les dirigeants de l’UE à ne pas considérer leurs citoyens comme « incapables » de le comprendre. Nous avons besoin de travailler ensemble – institutions et citoyens – pour démontrer que le repli sur soi et le nationalisme vont nous mener au désastre. Nous avons besoin de travailler avec les citoyens et en particulier avec ceux qui sont proches des autorités locales, qui représentent le chemin vers les institutions. Il s’agit essentiellement d’une conversation en tête-à-tête avec les citoyens de l’UE. Nous aimons faire cela, et de cette façon, nous découvrons tous les jours que le projet européen est plus apprécié et compris que ce qui apparaît lors les élections et dans les médias.
Le programme Europe pour les citoyens est un instrument fantastique – transversal, apolitique (dans le sens où il n’appartient à aucun parti politique), qui concerne différents types de personnes et de sujets. Il touche des millions de citoyens de l’UE. Cela peut être la base pour une approche globale pour la citoyenneté européenne, et pour identifier très rapidement la solution « hors des sentiers battus » qui donne un signal clair aux citoyens de l’UE que la question du Brexit (ou bien d’autres sujets sensibles) n’est pas un sujet de plus dans le programme de la prochaine réunion à Bruxelles…
Le programme Europe pour les citoyens devrait être dès maintenant identifié comme une priorité de tous les Etats membres de l’UE et transcender même les frontières et le budget de la Commission européenne. Cela est aussi vital que les décisions économiques et bancaires. Juste une idée…hors des sentiers battus.
Je suis de retour de Géorgie et d’Ukraine. La Géorgie a participé à un référendum et a choisi la voie européenne (contre un voisin russe difficile), tandis que l’Ukraine est morte de ce choix. Quelle leçon ils nous donnent à tous ! Je suis fière de travailler avec de véritables européens et nous devrions penser à nous concentrer sur des options ouvertes incluant ceux qui veulent être membres, plutôt que de se concentrer sur d’autres problèmes. Juste une idée…encore hors des sentiers battus…
Amitiés à nos amis britanniques, par-delà la Manche ! Nous pensons que votre place est avec nous.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secrétaire générale de l’ALDA


Vivere e collaborare nell’Unione Europea è l’unica strada per la pace e il benessere: la Brexit ci costringe a pensare “fuori dagli schemi”

L’Associazione Europea per la Democrazia Locale (ALDA) ha come cuore del suo mandato la democrazia locale e la partecipazione dei cittadini a livello locale, ed è un partner importante del programma “Europa per i Cittadini”.

Per oltre 15 anni abbiamo implementato progetti sulla cittadinanza europea che hanno coinvolto milioni di cittadini europei, e non europei. Non c’erano dubbi che la situazione che si preannunciava non era nei programmi stabiliti, e nemmeno “politicamente corretta”.

Il problema essenziale è che il valore aggiunto del progetto dell’Unione Europea non era evidente. Ci trovavamo e ci troviamo spesso di fronte al bisogno di spiegare e convincere. Il che significa che siamo già un passo in ritardo… L’Unione Europea – vivere e collaborare nello spazio europeo – è l’unica strada per la democrazia e il benessere. Semplicemente. Sono convinta che senza l’Unione il nostro continente sia destinato al declino, oltre che alla guerra economica – e non solo economica. L’Unione Europea non è perfetta e ha bisogno di tante migliorie, ma non può essere distrutta. Un’enorme responsabilità grava sulle spalle dei Paesi membri, che puntano il dito verso l’Unione Europea come capro espiatorio responsabile di tutti i problemi esistenti, e di tutti i loro fallimenti. Lo stesso risultato del referendum nel Regno Unito è chiaramente un segnale interno, che ora avrà un impatto sul mondo intero. Le élites europee sono altrettanto responsabili: spesso rispondono con agende scolpite nella pietra che non possono essere modificate, qualunque cosa accada. Anni fa, mentre discutevamo l’implementazione dell’Iniziativa dei Cittadini Europei, ricordo molto bene la risposta di un rappresentante del Segretario Generale della Commissione Europea. Alla mia osservazione sul bisogno immediato di dare corpo al concetto di Cittadinanza Europea, mi rispose che prima di tutto avrebbero dovuto occuparsi delle questioni normative dell’iniziativa, e solo in seguito avrebbero considerato la mia idea.

ALDA non “vende” il progetto europeo rilucente e patinato, ma il suo valore aggiunto nella nostra vita di tutti i giorni: pace, benessere, lavoro, educazione, salute, diritti, lotta alla corruzione, giustizia, ecc. Lavoriamo in Polonia orientale, sud Italia, incontriamo persone in Spagna e in aree in difficoltà in Francia, e naturalmente anche in Gran Bretagna. Sappiamo che è necessario far sì che il progetto europeo venga compreso come la risposta e non come il problema, e invitiamo i leader europei a non considerare i loro cittadini incapaci di capire questi argomenti. Dobbiamo lavorare assieme, istituzioni e cittadini, per rendere chiaro che l’isolamento e il nazionalismo ci porteranno verso il baratro. Dobbiamo lavorare con i cittadini e a stretto contatto con i governi locali, che sono l’interlocutore intermedio. In pratica si tratta di una conversazione uno a uno con i cittadini europei.

Il programma “Europa per i Cittadini” è uno strumento fantastico – trasversale, apolitico (nel senso che non appartiene a nessun partito politico), rivolto a diverse fasce di popolazione e che lavora su diversi temi. Raggiunge milioni di cittadini europei. Potrebbe essere la base di un approccio globale alla cittadinanza europea, nonché la soluzione “fuori dagli schemi” per dare un segnale forte e chiaro ai cittadini della UE che la questione della Brexit, e tante altre questioni critiche, non sono solo un altro punto sull’agenda del prossimo meeting a Bruxelles…

Europa per i Cittadini dovrebbe essere considerato una priorità per tutti i paesi membri europei, e valicare le frontiere e il budget della Commissione Europea. È vitale quanto e più delle decisioni economiche e bancarie. Solo un pensiero… fuori dagli schermi.

Sono appena rientrata da viaggi in Georgia e Ucraina. La Georgia ha scelto il percorso europeo con un referendum (e contro un difficile vicino, la Russia), mentre l’Ucraina sta addirittura morendo per questo. Questi paesi ci danno una lezione importante. Sono fiera di lavorare con tanti veri europei, e potremmo pensare di focalizzarci su opzioni per includere coloro che vogliono essere in Europa, invece che focalizzarci sui problemi. Solo un pensiero… ancora una volta, fuori dagli schemi.

Un abbraccio ai nostri amici britannici appena oltre la Manica. Sentiamo che il vostro posto è qui, assieme a noi.

Antonella Valmorbida, Segretario Generale di ALDA


Европейский союз – жить и действовать вместе в европейском окружении – это единственный вариант для обеспечения мира и благосостояния: Brexit заставляет нас думать вне границ

ALDA – Европейская ассоциация местной демократии, основу которой составляют органы местного управления и участия граждан, и она является важным партнером Европы с целью развития социальных программ.

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На протяжении более 15 лет мы реализуем программы, вовлекая Европейское гражданское общество, извлекая преимущества для миллионов граждан ЕС и других стран. Нет никаких сомнений в том, что произошедшее имело место в «основной повестке дня» ЕС или было «политически корректным».

Основная проблема заключается в том, что «добавленная стоимость» проекта Европейского Союза не воспринимается как нечто само собой разумеющееся. Мы сталкивались – и часто сталкиваемся – с «необходимостью» и «убеждением». Это означает, что мы уже на шаг позади… Европейский союз – жить и действовать вместе в европейском окружении – это единственный вариант для обеспечения мира и благосостояния. Это кажется не сложным. Я убеждена, что без союза, наш континент начнет деградировать, а также будет подвержен экономическим и различным формам войн. Союз не является совершенным и нуждается в улучшении во многих отношениях, но он не может быть уничтожен. Огромная ответственность лежит на плечах государств-членов ЕС, которые стали в Европейском Союзе своего рода постоянными козлами отпущения, взваливая все последствия своих собственных неудач. Даже результаты референдума в Великобритании явно являлись внутренним вопросом, который теперь затронет весь мир. Ответственна также европейская элита, которая часто реагирует одинаково на все проблемы, и не желает изменить подход, что бы ни случилось. Несколько лет назад, когда мы обсуждали реализацию этапов Инициативы европейских граждан, я хорошо помню замечание, сделанное представителем Генерального секретаря Европейской Комиссии. К моему сообщению о непосредственной необходимости дальнейшего расширения возможностей концепции европейского гражданства, он ответил, что граждане сначала должны будут иметь дело с положениями Европейской инициативы, а только после этого смогут понять, что делать с моим предложением.

ALDA не «продает» европейский проект в красивой упаковке, она фокусируется на его «добавленной стоимости» в нашей повседневной жизни: мир, благополучие, рабочие места, образование, здравоохранение, верховенство закона, сокращение коррупции, правосудие и т.д. Мы работаем в восточной части Польши, на юге Италии, встречаемся с людьми в Испании и трудных районах Франции, и даже в Великобритании. Мы знаем, что нам нужно убедиться, что проект ЕС воспринимается как ответ, а не как проблема, и мы просим всех лидеров ЕС считать своих граждан «способными понять» проблематику. Мы должны работать вместе – учреждения и общество – и понимать, что изоляция и национализм приведет нас к катастрофе. Мы должны работать с гражданами и особенно приближенными к местным органам власти, которые являются посредниками между обществом и учреждениями. Это в основном разговоры один на один с гражданами ЕС. Мы любим свое дело, и тем самым ежедневно раскрываем понятие и ценность европейского проекта, чтоб он не воспринимался только через выборы или средства массовой информации.

Программа Европа для граждан является фантастическим инструментом – многогранным, аполитичным (в том смысле, что она не принадлежит ни к какой политической партии), обращаясь к разным людям и темам. Эта программа подразумевает вовлечение миллионов граждан ЕС. Это могло бы послужить основой для глобального подхода к европейскому гражданству и идентификации очень быстрого нестандартного решения, которое даст четкий сигнал гражданам ЕС о том, что Brexit (и многие другие горячие темы) не станут пунктом повестки дня следующей встречи в Брюсселе…

Программа Европа для граждан должна быть скорейшим образом определена в качестве приоритета всех государств-членов ЕС и преодолеть даже границы и бюджет Европейской комиссии. Это так же важно, как экономические и банковские решения. Всего лишь мысль…

Я вернулась из Грузии и Украины. Грузия провела референдум и выбрала европейский путь (несмотря на довольно опасного соседа – Россию), в то время как Украина даже умерла за него. Какой урок они преподнесли всем нам! Я горжусь тем, что работаю с истинными европейцами, и мы задумываемся о том, чтобы сосредоточиться на помощи тем, кто хочет сотрудничать, а не только уделяем внимание другим проблемам. И вновь всего лишь мысли…

Обнимаю наших британских друзей, живущих через канал! Мы считаем, что ваше место вместе с нами.

Антонелла Вальморбида, Генеральный секретарь ALDA si è riunita lo scorso


Evropska unija – živeti i zajednički delovati u evropskom prostoru – je jedina opcija za mir i blagostanje: Brexit nas primorava da delujemo izvan ustaljenih okvira!

ALDA – Evropska asocijacija za lokalnu demokratiju, u fokusu svog delovanja ima dobru lokalnu upravu i učešće građana na lokalnom nivou i važan je partner programa Evropa za građane.

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Više od 15 godina  sprovodimo programe evropskog građanstva od kojih građana iz i van EU imaju koristi milioni. Nema sumnje da ono što se spremalo nije bilo na EU ” dnevnom redu” , niti je bilo  “politički korektno”.

Suštinski problem leži u činjenici da dodata vrednost projekta Evropske unije nije smatrana evidentnom. Bili smo – i često smo – suočeni sa “potrebom” da objasnimo i “ubedimo”. Što znači da smo već jedan korak unazad … Evropska unija – živeti i zajednički delovati u evropskom prostoru – je jedina opcija za mir i blagostanje. Ovako je jednostavno. Ja sam uverena da bi bez Unije, naš kontinent počeo da nazaduje, i bio bi izložen ekonomskim i drugim oblicima ratova. Unija nije savršena i treba je poboljšati na mnogo načina, ali ona ne sme biti uništena. Ogromna odgovornost leži na državama članicama EU, koje koriste Evropsku uniju kao žrtveno jagnje za sve probleme koji su rezultat njihovih neuspeha.

Čak su i rezultati referenduma u Velikoj Britaniji jasno unutrašnja stvar, koja će sada uticati na ceo svet. Odgovorne su takođe i evropske elite, koje često reaguju sa određenom agendom koja ne može da se menja, bez obzira na to šta se dešava. Pre nekoliko godina, dok smo razgovarali o sprovođenju faza Inicijative evropskih građana, dobro se sećam odgovora predstavnika generalnog sekretara Evropske komisije. Na moj predlog neposredne potrebe da se dodatno osnaži koncept evropskog građanstva, on je odgovorio da će prvo morati da se nosi sa propisima Evropske inicijative, i tek nakon toga bi razmotrio moj predlog.

ALDA ne “prodaje” “ulepšani” evropski projekat, ali se fokusira na dodatu vrednost koju on donosi u našem svakodnevnom životu: mir, blagostanje, radna mesta, obrazovanje, zdravlje, vladavina prava, smanjena korupcija, pravda, itd. Radimo u istočnoj Poljskoj, na jugu Italije, upoznajemo ljude u Španiji i oblastima Francuske, pa čak i u Velikoj Britaniji. Znamo da moramo da se pobrinemo da se EU projekat shvati kao odgovor, a ne kao problem, i pozivamo sve lidere EU da ne etiketiraju svoje građane kao “nesposobne” da razumeju. Moramo da radimo zajedno – institucije i građani – kako bi bilo jasno da će nas izolacija i nacionalizam dovesti do katastrofe. Moramo da radimo sa građanima, i posebno u bliskoj saradnji sa lokalnim vlastima i institucijama. To je u osnovi jedan na jedan razgovor, sa građanima EU, koji volimo da radimo i na taj način svakodnevno otkrivamo da se evropski projekat više ceni i shvata od onoga što se priviđa putem izbora i medija.

Program Evropa za građane je fantastičan instrument – transverzalan, apolitičan (u smislu da ne pripada nijednoj političkoj partiji), koji je namenjen različitim ljudima i temama. On dostiže milione građana EU. Mogao bi da bude osnova za globalni pristup evropskom građanstvu i identifikovanju veoma brzog inovativnog rešenja, koji daje jasan signal građanima EU da pitanje Brexita (kao i mnogih koja predstavljaju bitne goruće teme) nije još jedna tačka na dnevnom redu narednog sastanka u Briselu …
Evropa za građane treba odmah da bude identifikovana kao prioritet svih država članica EU i da prevaziđe čak i granice i budžet Evropske komisije. To je jednako važno kao i ekonomske i bankarske odluke. Samo misao … van ustaljenih okvira.
Vratila sam se iz Gruzije i Ukrajine. Gruzija je održala referendum i izabrala evropski put (protiv prilično teškog ruskog suseda), dok su građani Ukrajine je čak i umirali zbog toga. Kakvu lekciju su nam dali! Ponosna sam što radim sa istinskim Evropljanima, a možemo takođe da se fokusiramo na otvorenim mogućnostima za uključivanje onih koji žele se priključe, umesto da se fokusiramo samo na druge probleme. Samo misao … van ustaljenih okvira …

Za naše britanske prijatelje, preko kanala: Mi smatramo da je vaše mesto zajedno sa nama.

Antonella Valmorbida, generalni sekretar ALDA

 

الإتحاد الأوروبي – العيش والتحرك المشترك داخل الفضاء الأوروبي – هو الخيار الوحيد لبلوغ السلم وتحقيق الرخاء: خروج بريطانيا من الإتحاد الأوروبي يضطرنا إلى التفكير “بطريقة مختلفة عن العادة” (تمت الترجمة إلى الفرنسية والإيطالية).

 

تركز ألدا – الجمعية الأوروبية للديمقراطية المحلية جهودها أساسا على الحوكمة المحلية ومشاركة المواطن على المستوى المحلي, إضافة إلى دورها كشريك فاعل في برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين.

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دأبنا,خلال فترة تجاوزت سنة, على تنفيذ جملة من البرامج حول المواطنة الأوروبية استفاد منها ملايين المواطنين داخل الإتحاد الأوروبي وخارجه. ليس هناك من شك بأن الأحداث الطارئة لم تكن منتظرة في “البرامج الثابتة” للإتحاد الأوروبي أو حتى “مقبولة سياسيا”.

تتمثل الإشكالية القائمة في أن القيمة المضافة التي يقدمها مشروع الإتحاد الأوروبي لم تكن بديهية. لقد واجهنا دائما – وما زلنا إلى غاية الآن في الحقيقة – “الحاجة” إلى التفسير و”الإقناع”, وبالتالي, فنحن متأخرون بعض الشيئ. الإتحاد الأوروبي – العيش والعمل معا داخل الفضاء الأوروبي – هو الخيار الوحيد لتحقيق السلم وبلوغ الرقي. هكذا تلوح المسألة بكل بساطة. أنا مقتنع أنه بدون اتحاد سوف يكون المصير الحتمي لقارتنا هو التقهقر والتمزق بسبب العديد من الحروب الاقتصادية وغيرها. صحيح, الإتحاد ليس في أفضل حالاته ويحتاج إلى العديد من الإصلاحات على مختلف المستويات, ولكن لا يمكن هدمه. هناك مسؤولية ضخمة ملقاة على عاتق الدول الأعضاء بالإتحاد الأوروبي والتي ما انفكت تنعت الإتحاد الأوروبي بالشماعة الأزلية التي يمكنهم تعليق كافة المشكال المتسببة في حالات الفشل التي تتحمل هي وحدها مسؤوليتها. حتى النتائج التي أفرزها الاستفتاء بالمملكة المتحدة هي شأن داخلي صرف وستطال تداعياته كافة بلدان العالم الآن.

ومهما كان من أمر, فإن النخب الأوروبية, التي تمسكت دائما ببرنامج ثابت وغير قابل للتغيير, تتحمل مسؤولية في ذلك أيضا. منذ سنوات خلت, وعندما كنا نناقش مسألة تنفيذ المراحل الخاصة بمبادرة المواطنين الأوروبيين, لا زلت أتذكر جيدا النقطة التي أثارها, آنذاك, أحد ممثلي الأمانة العامة للمفوضية الأوروبية. بعد الملاحظة التي أثرتها أنا حول الحاجة الماسة لإعطاء مزيد من الدفع لمفهوم المواطنة الأوروبية, سارع بالرد أنه من الأجدر بنا البدء بدراسة القوانين المتعلقة بالمبادرة الأوروبية قبل النظر في المقترح الذي قدمته.

ألدا ليست بصدد السعي “لتسويق” فكرة المشروع الأوروبي المغلف بورق البلاستك اللمّاع بقدر ما هي جادة في التركيز على القيمة المضافة له في حياتنا اليومية: السلم والرفاه والتشغيل والتربية والصحة وسيادة القانون والحد من الفساد والعدالة إلخ… نحن نعمل في شرق بولندا وفي جنوب إيطاليا, ونلتقي الناس في إسبانيا وفي مناطق وعرة من فرنسا وحتى من المملكة المتحدة. كما أننا ندرك جيدا ضرورة الاستيعاب من قبل الجميع الفكرة القائلة بأن الإتحاد الأوروبي هو الحل وليس المشكلة, وبالتالي, نحن ندعو كافة الزعماء في الإتحاد الأوروبي إلى الأيمان بقدرات مواطنيهم وعدم التسليم بأنهم “غير قادرين” على الفهم.  نحن مطالبون بالتعاون فيما بيننا – مؤسسات ومواطنين – لكي يدرك الجميع أن العزلة والشعور الأناني بالوطنية سيؤديان حتما إلى التهلكة. نحن مطالبون بالتعاون مع المواطنين وربط علاقات وثيقة مع الحكومات المحلية بالخصوص لأنها هي التي تمثل همزة الوصل مع المؤسسات. لقد اتخذت هذه المنظومة شكل الحوار الشخصي, أساسا, مع كل مواطن في الإتحاد الأوروبي. نحن نعشق هذه المهمة التي مكنتنا حقا من الاكتشاف, بشكل يومي, أنه يمكن فهم المشروع الأوروبي بطريقة أفضل وتثمينه, وذلك مقارنة بما قد تتمخض عنه الانتخابات وما قد تنشره وسائل الإعلام.

برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين هو أداة رائعة – أفقانية وغير سياسية (من حيث أنه ليس حكرا على أي حزب سياسي معين), إضافة إلى أنه موجه إلى فئات عديدة من المواطنين ويتطرق لتشكيلة واسعة من المحاور ويستهدف الملايين من المواطنين في الإتحاد الأوروبي. لذا, يمكن اعتباره قاعدة شاملة لتحديد مفهوم المواطنة الأوروبية والتوصل إلى اعتماد الحل بشكل سريع, وذلك بواسطة التفكير “غير التقليدي” الذي يرسل بإشارات واضحة إلى مواطني الإتحاد  الأوروبي وإعلامهم بأن نتيجة مغادرة بريطانيا للإتحاد الأوروبي لا يمثل أبدا نقطة إضافية على جدول أعمال الاجتماع القادم الذي ستحتضنه العاصمة البلجيكية بروكسل (وأن العديد من النقاط الأخرى هي التي ستحضى بالأولوية خلال هذا الاجتماع).

برنامج أوروبا للمواطنين هو الذي يجب تحديده الآن كأولوية الأولويات من قبل كافة الدول الأعضاء بالإتحاد الأوروبي واعتباره الشغل الشاغل الذي يتجاوز حدود المفوضية الأوروبية ويتعدى ميزانيتها. إن تداعياته لا تقل أهمية عن الشؤون الاقتصادية والقرارات المصرفية. غاية ما في الأمر هنا, ولكي تتحسن الأمور, هو الشروع في التفكير بطرق غير تقليدية واقتراح حلول أكثر فاعلية.

ها أنا أعود بعد الرحلة التي قمت بها لكل من جورجيا وأكرانيا. قامت جورجيا بتنظيم استفتاء تمخضت نتائجه على اختيار المسار الأوروبي (وذلك بالرغم من متاخمة هذا البلد لجار ليس بسهل المراس أبدا – ألا وهو روسيا), في حين أن أكرانيا دفعت من دمها للوصول إلى نفس الغاية. يا له من درس رائع جاءنا من هذين البلدين.  أنا فخورة بالتعامل مع الأوروبيين المخلصين والصادقين وبإمكانية التفكير في الانفتاح على خيارات جديدة ضم كل من يرغب في الانضمام إلينا, بدلا من الاكتفاء بالتركيز على مشاكل أخرى. أنا أدعوكم مجددا إلى التفكير خارج الأطر التقليدية التي دأبتم عليها في الماضي.

نود أن نحضن أصدقاءنا البريطانيين من بحر المانش ونقول لهم بأن مكانهم كان دائما, وسيظل, معنا وبيننا.

أنتونلا فلموربيدا, الأمينة العامة لألدا

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The “Prix Citoyen européen 2016” awarded to M. Jean-Claude Mairal

Mattia Brazzale, Assistant to ALDA Secretary General, participated to the ceremony for the “Prix Citoyen Européen”, held on Thursday 24th June, in the Office of the European Parliament in Paris.

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This year the “Prix Citoyen Européen” has been awarded to M. Jean-Claude Mairal, President of Pays-Vichy-Auvergne, one of ALDA Members.

M. Mairal was awarded thanks to his commitment in and the valuable results of the initiative “Sur les pas d’Albert Londres”, aiming at training some young journalists, photographers and reporters, through a concrete experience on the field.

ALDA is partner in the project, financed by the Programme for Decentralised Cooperation “France-Balkans”. During the speech, M. Mairal reminded the role of ALDA in the project and the fruitful cooperation between the European Association for Local Democracy and Pays Vichy Auvergne.

Mattia Brazzale, Assistant to ALDA Secretary General, participated to the ceremony for the “Prix Citoyen Européen”, held on Thursday 24th June, in the Office of the European Parliament in Paris.

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This year the “Prix Citoyen Européen” has been awarded to M. Jean-Claude Mairal, President of Pays-Vichy-Auvergne, one of ALDA Members.

M. Mairal was awarded thanks to his commitment in and the valuable results of the initiative “Sur les pas d’Albert Londres”, aiming at training some young journalists, photographers and reporters, through a concrete experience on the field.

ALDA is partner in the project, financed by the Programme for Decentralised Cooperation “France-Balkans”. During the speech, M. Mairal reminded the role of ALDA in the project and the fruitful cooperation between the European Association for Local Democracy and Pays Vichy Auvergne.

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SPREAD - Sustainable Partnership for Reinforcement of Active Development

Publication SPREAD – Sustainable Partnership for Reinforcement of Active Development

Publication [EN]Publication [RUS]

Publication SPREAD – Sustainable Partnership for Reinforcement of Active Development

Publication [EN]Publication [RUS]

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Migration issue: ALDA’s contribution is URGENT

Conflicts, dictatorships, poverty, hunger and lack of jobs opportunities are increasing the numbers of migrants fleeing their countries and trying to reach the European Union.

***

Due to the growing dimensions of the phenomena, and the dramatic humanitarian crisis it arose, ALDA and its members are in the frontline to promote effective practices in the management of the migration phenomenon in line with the key principles at the basis of the European project.

To meet the objectives of our migration programme, such as promoting tolerance, integration and dialogue, fight against any kind of discrimination and social exclusion, providing migrants with opportunities, tools and useful competences to help them integrate in a new social and economic context, ALDA launched the new project URGENT – Urban Regeneration: European Network of Towns. The project, co-funded by the programme Europe for Citizens, brings together local authorities and civil society organisations from 10 different countries in wider Europe to exchange knowledge and good practice and act at the local level to tackle the growing fear of immigration.

URGENT represents ALDA’s further initiative in the field of migration. Within the framework of the project WELCOME, ALDA organised in Skopje, on the occasion of the Refugee Day, the international seminar “Cooperation on the governance of migration in Western Balkans and Central European countries”. The seminar brought together representatives of municipalities, local associations, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders coming from central and south east Europe to share good practices in managing the migration phenomenon at the local level.

Back in May 2016, in cooperation with the Municipality of Lampedusa and Science Po Paris, ALDA launched the initiative “The Gates of Europe: Global migrants and local development”. The event took place in Lampedusa, symbol of the migration flows in Europe in the last decade. The activity had the objective of identifying feasible solutions for all local communities affected by global challenges such as migration. Participants exchanged on what local communities can do for Europe and what Europe can do for local communities affected by the migration emergency.

In addition, in the framework of the Civil Dialogue meeting in Barcelona on 1st June, ALDA, European Movement International (EMI) and Social Platform issued a joint statement on migration policies calling for a “A European migration policy beyond the humanitarian aid perspective” to foster long term policies capable to generate full integration so as to maximize the benefits, both for host communities and the migrants themselves, keeping in mind that integration is a two-way process.

Another perspective needs to be analysed though. In today’s Europe we are reaching alarming levels of urban fragmentation, inequality and structural socio-spatial divisions within our cities, feeding extremism and radicalisation. Most vulnerable people are often bound to concentrate in disadvantaged areas where social exclusion and deprivation usually overlap with multi-ethnicity, which further challenges social cohesion. Increasingly marginalized and stigmatised, these areas and their inhabitants are pushed into a vicious circle of poverty. In this context, and through a bottom-up approach to raise local awareness on the urgent need to establish new connections among inhabitants of marginalized neighbourhoods and those of central areas, the newly launched URGENT project will create spaces of discussion and mutual learning among citizens from different socio-cultural backgrounds, tackling the fear of immigration.

Conflicts, dictatorships, poverty, hunger and lack of jobs opportunities are increasing the numbers of migrants fleeing their countries and trying to reach the European Union.

***

Due to the growing dimensions of the phenomena, and the dramatic humanitarian crisis it arose, ALDA and its members are in the frontline to promote effective practices in the management of the migration phenomenon in line with the key principles at the basis of the European project.

To meet the objectives of our migration programme, such as promoting tolerance, integration and dialogue, fight against any kind of discrimination and social exclusion, providing migrants with opportunities, tools and useful competences to help them integrate in a new social and economic context, ALDA launched the new project URGENT – Urban Regeneration: European Network of Towns. The project, co-funded by the programme Europe for Citizens, brings together local authorities and civil society organisations from 10 different countries in wider Europe to exchange knowledge and good practice and act at the local level to tackle the growing fear of immigration.

URGENT represents ALDA’s further initiative in the field of migration. Within the framework of the project WELCOME, ALDA organised in Skopje, on the occasion of the Refugee Day, the international seminar “Cooperation on the governance of migration in Western Balkans and Central European countries”. The seminar brought together representatives of municipalities, local associations, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders coming from central and south east Europe to share good practices in managing the migration phenomenon at the local level.

Back in May 2016, in cooperation with the Municipality of Lampedusa and Science Po Paris, ALDA launched the initiative “The Gates of Europe: Global migrants and local development”. The event took place in Lampedusa, symbol of the migration flows in Europe in the last decade. The activity had the objective of identifying feasible solutions for all local communities affected by global challenges such as migration. Participants exchanged on what local communities can do for Europe and what Europe can do for local communities affected by the migration emergency.

In addition, in the framework of the Civil Dialogue meeting in Barcelona on 1st June, ALDA, European Movement International (EMI) and Social Platform issued a joint statement on migration policies calling for a “A European migration policy beyond the humanitarian aid perspective” to foster long term policies capable to generate full integration so as to maximize the benefits, both for host communities and the migrants themselves, keeping in mind that integration is a two-way process.

Another perspective needs to be analysed though. In today’s Europe we are reaching alarming levels of urban fragmentation, inequality and structural socio-spatial divisions within our cities, feeding extremism and radicalisation. Most vulnerable people are often bound to concentrate in disadvantaged areas where social exclusion and deprivation usually overlap with multi-ethnicity, which further challenges social cohesion. Increasingly marginalized and stigmatised, these areas and their inhabitants are pushed into a vicious circle of poverty. In this context, and through a bottom-up approach to raise local awareness on the urgent need to establish new connections among inhabitants of marginalized neighbourhoods and those of central areas, the newly launched URGENT project will create spaces of discussion and mutual learning among citizens from different socio-cultural backgrounds, tackling the fear of immigration.

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The referendum process was a triumph of hate over hope - but it will not stop our commitment!

Today in Britain we awake in shock. The referendum process was a triumph of hate over hope. There remains a huge job to reposition relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom over coming months.

I am personally committed to ensuring our city continues to engage positively with our colleagues across Europe and to build community cohesion and tolerance in challenging times. There is much uncertainty but as time moves by I trust a stronger relationship with the European Community will emerge.

Roger Lawrence
Leader of Wolverhampton City Council, United Kingdom; Treasurer of ALDA

Today in Britain we awake in shock. The referendum process was a triumph of hate over hope. There remains a huge job to reposition relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom over coming months.

I am personally committed to ensuring our city continues to engage positively with our colleagues across Europe and to build community cohesion and tolerance in challenging times. There is much uncertainty but as time moves by I trust a stronger relationship with the European Community will emerge.

Roger Lawrence
Leader of Wolverhampton City Council, United Kingdom; Treasurer of ALDA

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Georgian civil society leaders on the move!

From 21 June, the Secretary General of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, and Eastern Partnership Coordinator, Nino Tvaltvadze, conducted a training with the Georgian community leaders in the capital Tbilisi, and in Kutaisi, the city hosting the Local Democracy Agency Georgia and one of the new members of the network of ALDA.

***

The training was the last one in the framework of the project Mobilized Civil Society For Local Democracy, co-funded by the European Union and led by NALAG, the National Association of Local Authorities from Georgia. The other two partners are ALDA and the LDA Georgia.

In this crucial moment for the future of the country and its overlook towards the EU, community leaders and civil society representatives were trained on a variety of topics, including decentralized cooperation, and collaboration between local authorities and civil society. Participants were particularly satisfied with the activity: “In general, projects implemented by various NGOs in Georgia barely correspond to the real local needs nor they provide necessary benefits and tangible results for rural areas. I would like to say that this project is a good exception and a successful case” said J. Megutnishvili, Head of staff, Municipality of Telavi, Georgia.

Furthermore, participants anticipated the referendum about EU in the UK by claiming “More Europe in Georgia & more Georgia in Europe!”.

The training was the occasion for ALDA delegation to visit the City of Kutaisi and offer ALDA membership certificate to the Vice Mayor.

 

Link utili:

Video with some of the main achievements of the project Mobilized Civil Society For Local Democracy!

From 21 June, the Secretary General of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, and Eastern Partnership Coordinator, Nino Tvaltvadze, conducted a training with the Georgian community leaders in the capital Tbilisi, and in Kutaisi, the city hosting the Local Democracy Agency Georgia and one of the new members of the network of ALDA.

***

The training was the last one in the framework of the project Mobilized Civil Society For Local Democracy, co-funded by the European Union and led by NALAG, the National Association of Local Authorities from Georgia. The other two partners are ALDA and the LDA Georgia.

In this crucial moment for the future of the country and its overlook towards the EU, community leaders and civil society representatives were trained on a variety of topics, including decentralized cooperation, and collaboration between local authorities and civil society. Participants were particularly satisfied with the activity: “In general, projects implemented by various NGOs in Georgia barely correspond to the real local needs nor they provide necessary benefits and tangible results for rural areas. I would like to say that this project is a good exception and a successful case” said J. Megutnishvili, Head of staff, Municipality of Telavi, Georgia.

Furthermore, participants anticipated the referendum about EU in the UK by claiming “More Europe in Georgia & more Georgia in Europe!”.

The training was the occasion for ALDA delegation to visit the City of Kutaisi and offer ALDA membership certificate to the Vice Mayor.

 

Link utili:

Video with some of the main achievements of the project Mobilized Civil Society For Local Democracy!

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International Seminar in Skopje on World Refugee Day

On the occasion of the World Refugee day, on 20 and 21 June 2016, an International Seminar organized by ALDA took place in Skopje, Macedonia.

***

With the title “Cooperation on the governance of migration in Western Balkans and Central European countries” the International Seminar gathered European experts, activists and representatives of local and central authorities on the topic of the refugees in Europe.

The rich and various presentations delivered during this International Seminar drew a global picture of the ongoing crisis as well as ideas on how the national stakeholders and, more specifically, the local stakeholders should engage and coordinate in order to face the issue.

The seminar showcased more than 70 participants, representatives of local, national and international NGOs, local authorities coming from all around Europe, with a focus on central Europe. All participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns, while analysing potential actions to ensure the best reception and integration of migrants.

Participants debated also on local inclusion of refugees through education and professional training, on the role of citizens and media to fight against prejudice, and on how to create partnerships for inclusive communities. Discussions led to the recognition of some recommendations on how to implement refugees’ human rights on the field, and how to shift from emergency management to integration policies, through the strengthening of networking capacities between national level bodies, local authorities and CSOs.

More than a seminar, this event was aiming to develop a network of stakeholders in central Europe and further. Through the rich and fruitful exchanges of these two days, the event was a first step towards a bigger plan.

The International Seminar is included in the framework of the project “WELCOMING – Wanting Europe as Leverage for Co-operation on the Migratory Insertion Governance” co-financed by the Central European Initiative (CEI), with the financial assistance of the EU, and the support of the programme for Decentralized cooperation Normandy – Macedonia and the International Institute for human rights and peace in Caen.

 

In November 2015, ALDA launched its “Migration Initiative”, a set of actions developed by local authorities and civil society organisations aimed at providing relief and integration opportunities for the newcomers in the framework of the project LADDER. Among the outputs of this initiative, also the Recommendations on the role of Local Authorities in the refugee crisis; the joint consortium statement calling for humane treatment of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection, as well as combating smuggling and the root causes of migrations.   

On the occasion of the World Refugee day, on 20 and 21 June 2016, an International Seminar organized by ALDA took place in Skopje, Macedonia.

***

With the title “Cooperation on the governance of migration in Western Balkans and Central European countries” the International Seminar gathered European experts, activists and representatives of local and central authorities on the topic of the refugees in Europe.

The rich and various presentations delivered during this International Seminar drew a global picture of the ongoing crisis as well as ideas on how the national stakeholders and, more specifically, the local stakeholders should engage and coordinate in order to face the issue.

The seminar showcased more than 70 participants, representatives of local, national and international NGOs, local authorities coming from all around Europe, with a focus on central Europe. All participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns, while analysing potential actions to ensure the best reception and integration of migrants.

Participants debated also on local inclusion of refugees through education and professional training, on the role of citizens and media to fight against prejudice, and on how to create partnerships for inclusive communities. Discussions led to the recognition of some recommendations on how to implement refugees’ human rights on the field, and how to shift from emergency management to integration policies, through the strengthening of networking capacities between national level bodies, local authorities and CSOs.

More than a seminar, this event was aiming to develop a network of stakeholders in central Europe and further. Through the rich and fruitful exchanges of these two days, the event was a first step towards a bigger plan.

The International Seminar is included in the framework of the project “WELCOMING – Wanting Europe as Leverage for Co-operation on the Migratory Insertion Governance” co-financed by the Central European Initiative (CEI), with the financial assistance of the EU, and the support of the programme for Decentralized cooperation Normandy – Macedonia and the International Institute for human rights and peace in Caen.

 

In November 2015, ALDA launched its “Migration Initiative”, a set of actions developed by local authorities and civil society organisations aimed at providing relief and integration opportunities for the newcomers in the framework of the project LADDER. Among the outputs of this initiative, also the Recommendations on the role of Local Authorities in the refugee crisis; the joint consortium statement calling for humane treatment of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection, as well as combating smuggling and the root causes of migrations.   

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There are no alternatives to the European project!

We need to work together for a political relaunch of our common future.

Oggi è un giorno triste per l'Unione europea. Segna l'inizio di un periodo di incertezza per l'UE, così come per il Regno Unito. Dopo il risultato del referendum che ha deciso che il Regno Unito lascerà l'Unione europea, non possiamo chiudere gli occhi. Molto recentemente e per diversi motivi, abbiamo affrontato la possibilità dell'uscita della Grecia, rischio che è ancora presente.

***
In the EU countries, with few exceptions, we witness growing support to populist and Eurosceptic movements. Those who love Europe, those who believe in Europe, cannot limit their action to a mere technical and economical defence. We have to relaunch the political project of our common destiny. We need to act fast, with the spirit and the values of the founding fathers of the EU – Adenauer, Churchill, De Gasperi, Monnet, Schuman, Spinelli. There are no alternatives to the European project – our citizens need more Europe, our Member States need more unity! The European project has to be relaunched with the creation of the United States of Europe, and the creation of a real, operational government.

This does not imply deleting the specificity, the characteristics, and the traditions of the individual States, but creating a Union capable of protecting their development and growth, which cannot be delegated to technocracy or to the banking system.

In light of the values guiding our action, values which are indissolubly tight to the European project, the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) cannot passively observe this situation. To further enhance our role, encompassing the promotion of the democratic rights, which are the foundation of the EU, ALDA will work harder to refresh the population desire to be part of a stronger European Union, both in the Member States and in the Neighborhood countries.
Oriano Otočan
Presidente di ALDA
 
Alessandro Perelli
Vice President of ALDA
 
Link utili:

We need to work together for a political relaunch of our common future.

Oggi è un giorno triste per l'Unione europea. Segna l'inizio di un periodo di incertezza per l'UE, così come per il Regno Unito. Dopo il risultato del referendum che ha deciso che il Regno Unito lascerà l'Unione europea, non possiamo chiudere gli occhi. Molto recentemente e per diversi motivi, abbiamo affrontato la possibilità dell'uscita della Grecia, rischio che è ancora presente.

***
In the EU countries, with few exceptions, we witness growing support to populist and Eurosceptic movements. Those who love Europe, those who believe in Europe, cannot limit their action to a mere technical and economical defence. We have to relaunch the political project of our common destiny. We need to act fast, with the spirit and the values of the founding fathers of the EU – Adenauer, Churchill, De Gasperi, Monnet, Schuman, Spinelli. There are no alternatives to the European project – our citizens need more Europe, our Member States need more unity! The European project has to be relaunched with the creation of the United States of Europe, and the creation of a real, operational government.

This does not imply deleting the specificity, the characteristics, and the traditions of the individual States, but creating a Union capable of protecting their development and growth, which cannot be delegated to technocracy or to the banking system.

In light of the values guiding our action, values which are indissolubly tight to the European project, the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) cannot passively observe this situation. To further enhance our role, encompassing the promotion of the democratic rights, which are the foundation of the EU, ALDA will work harder to refresh the population desire to be part of a stronger European Union, both in the Member States and in the Neighborhood countries.
Oriano Otočan
Presidente di ALDA
 
Alessandro Perelli
Vice President of ALDA
 
Link utili:

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There are no alternatives to the European project! We need to work together for a political relaunch of our common future

Today is a sad day for the Unione Europea. It marks the start of a period of uncertainty for the EU, as well as for the Regno Unito. After the referendum result deciding that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, we cannot close our eyes. Very recently and for different reasons, we faced the possibility of the exit of Greece, risk that is still present.

In the EU countries, with few exceptions, we witness growing support to populist and Eurosceptic movements. Those who love Europe, those who believe in Europe, cannot limit their action to a mere technical and economical defence. We have to relaunch the political project of our common destiny. We need to act fast, with the spirit and the values of the founding fathers of the EU – Adenauer, Churchill, De Gasperi, Monnet, Schuman , Spinelli.

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Today is a sad day for the Unione Europea. It marks the start of a period of uncertainty for the EU, as well as for the Regno Unito. After the referendum result deciding that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, we cannot close our eyes. Very recently and for different reasons, we faced the possibility of the exit of Greece, risk that is still present.

In the EU countries, with few exceptions, we witness growing support to populist and Eurosceptic movements. Those who love Europe, those who believe in Europe, cannot limit their action to a mere technical and economical defence. We have to relaunch the political project of our common destiny. We need to act fast, with the spirit and the values of the founding fathers of the EU – Adenauer, Churchill, De Gasperi, Monnet, Schuman , Spinelli

Leggi l'intera dichiarazione

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