ALDATalk on the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe
On the 24' June, ALDA had the pleasure to host second ALDATalk this year, dedicated to the conclusions of the Conferenza sul futuro dell'Europa, with participation and presentations from: Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and member of the steering committee of the the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (FCE) and co-chair of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe and Hervé Moritz, Vice-Président Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace and Spokesperson, Union of European Federalists – France (UEF).
During the ALDATalk, ALDA Secretary General Ms. Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the involvement of ALDA in the process of the Conference, including the input into the work of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as ALDA’s activities aimed at familiarizing ALDA members with the COFE structure, in particular disseminating the European values through the use of the Multilingual Platform and ad hoc training for ALDA members. She concluded her intervention by mentioning the urgent need to follow up and implement final recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Similarly, Ms. Alexandrina Najmowicz presented the overall structure of the CoFoE, the role of the CSO Convention and her own reflections on the process. In her presentation she pointed out a worrying trend of diminishing involvement of civil society in decision-making in general. She also commented on the relatively small participation of individuals in the Conference through the online platform.
ALDATalk: all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions
Nevertheless she also highlighted the input of the civil society to the CoFoE has been reflected in the final conclusions of the Conference and stated the civil society will continue to follow the next steps after the process.
In addition, Mr. Hervé Moritz presented the role of Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace in the Conference, and in particular the Convention Citoyenne sur l’Europe held in Strasbourg to provide local contribution to the CoFoE. He stated that the Convention Cityonne also played a role in empowerment of the citizens and giving them a sense of impact into policy-making.
Both Ms. Najmowicz and Mr. Moritz also touched upon the impact that the outbreak of the war in Ukraine had on the process and final steps of the Conference.
Finally, within the occasion of this ALDATalk, all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions. Speakers also highlighted the need for deeper and more meaningful involvement of the civil society and citizens in decision-making and protection of the civic space.
ALDA+ at the EDD 2022: building new partnerships and inspiring innovative solutions to pressing global challenges
ALDA + participated in the European Development Days 2022(EDD) which took place in Brussels on June 21-22, 2022.
The EDD are Europe’s leading multistakeholder forum, organised by the European Commission, on international partnerships and development, with the aim of bringing key actors from all over Europe and beyond together to share ideas and good practices in ways that encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The theme of this year’s EDD was “Global Gateway: costruire partnership sostenibili per un mondo connesso”. An edition dedicated to the European Strategy “to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world".
The EDD 2022 consisted of different types of sections, among which high level panes, lab debates, brainstorming sessions, agora sessions and project/report presentations on the following topics: Digital, Climate & Energy, Health, Education & Research and Transport.
The latter, especially, was the realm within which ALDA+ provided its contribution!
Hence, ALDA+ decided to participate in this international event with a stand addressing “Urban development, smart & interconnected cities. Together for fostering Good Governance at Local and Global Level”. Bringing the positive example of il Autrement project.
The European Development Days encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
La Autrement project addresses the challenges of sustainable urban mobility and planning in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. It aims to promote, on the one hand, a greater citizen participation in local governance and a sustainable urban development, and, on the other hand, soft mobility especially by encouraging biking in both Tunisian cities.
Despite the paperless format, our stand engaged the participants and created the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, not only on transport, but also on good governance and citizens participation, the two main pillars on which ALDA and ALDA+ are based.
We are extremely glad and proud for having had the possibility to participate in such an important event. The EDD2022 were the perfect spot to showcase, once more, ALDA’s flagship initiative the “Sostegno Europeo alla Democrazia Locale”, since it provides a complete overview on ALDA’s expertises in all target regions and underlines the fundamental role of cooperation.
ALDA ha ricevuto il Premio Europeo "Stronger Governance": congratulazioni al progetto AGREED!
La Delegazione dell'Unione Europea presso la Repubblica di Moldova ha ospitato, il 22 giugno 2022, la terza edizione del Gala della Società Civile 2022 ed i vincitori delle organizzazioni della società civile della Repubblica di Moldova, che hanno contribuito al consolidamento della democrazia e allo sviluppo economico e sociale
Le organizzazioni della società civile, beneficiarie dell'assistenza dell'UE, che hanno raggiunto risultati notevoli e tangibili, promuovendo i valori europei, la democrazia, lo sviluppo economico e sociale, sia a livello nazionale che locale, sono state premiate durante l'evento, per le seguenti categorie:
- Una governance più forte
- Una società più forte
- Economia più forte
- Connettività più forte
In questo contesto, ALDA ha ricevuto il Premio europeo per una "Governance più forte" in occasione del Gala della Società Civile 2022, organizzato dalla Delegazione dell'Unione Europea presso la Repubblica di Moldova.
ALDA ha ricevuto il Premio europeo per una "Governance più forte" al Gala della Società Civile 2022
Tra i notevoli risultati ottenuti, l'Associazione è riuscita a trasformare il vicolo centrale "Ștefan cel Mare şi Sfânt" della città di Cimișlia in un'area pubblica piacevole e moderna. Con il sostegno dell'Unione europea, il vicolo offre ora 20 panchine per i passanti, 20 cestini per la spazzatura per tenere pulita l'area e due pannelli informativi per tenere informati i cittadini sulle attività del municipio.
Inoltre, ALDA ha mobilitato la comunità per ripristinare la bellezza di un altro luogo ricreativo simbolico, chiamato "Vatra Cimișliei", che le autorità e gli attivisti locali hanno trasformato in un vero gioiello turistico. L'Associazione ha anche sostenuto la sistemazione di diversi luoghi. parco giochi per bambini a Cimișlia e un'area ricreativa attiva per i giovani - in tutte queste iniziative, i cittadini locali sono stati incoraggiati a partecipare attivamente in collaborazione con le autorità locali
Il Premio europeo per una "Governance più forte" è stato assegnato per i risultati tangibili ottenuti attraverso l'attuazione del progetto “Attivazione della riforma della governance per migliorare lo sviluppo (AGREED), finanziato dall'Unione Europea. Grazie ai progetti sostenuti da AGREED, i soci delle comunità locali hanno partecipato direttamente allo sviluppo della comunità per migliorare le loro condizioni di vita, attraverso un'azione pianificata congiuntamente con le ONG locali e le autorità locali.
Inoltre, i cittadini hanno incrementato le loro capacità di azione nella comunità e le loro competenze di partecipazione responsabile nel garantire una buona governance locale.
***
Informazioni su AGREED
Obiettivo specifico: "Indicatore 2 presenza e numero di iniziative partecipative promosse dalle autorità locali con le OSC": valore target: Numero e tipologia di azioni partecipative promosse da Las.
Obiettivo specifico " Indicatore 2":
- Numero di OSC coinvolte: 19
- Numero di località: 26
- Numero di iniziative civiche e comunitarie: 26
- Numero di gruppi civici di cittadini creati: 33
- Numero di leader comunitari formati: 150
- Numero di persone formate in materia di buon governo, bilancio partecipativo e partecipazione dei cittadini: 375
- Campagne di informazione locale: 13
- Numero di persone coinvolte nello sviluppo comunitario: più di 4.500 persone
Enlarging Europe for a better Europe Let’s celebrate the new candidates and let’s not forget the others!
ALDA is happy to celebrate the granted status of candidate country to the European Union, to Moldova and Ukraine Since more than a decade our organization has accompanied the democratic transition and efforts of these countries. We worked with our members, both local authorities and civil society. Despite the difficulties of those terrible days, it is a great sign to show them that there is hope, together with the EU.
ALDA is happy to celebrate the granted status of candidate country to the European Union, to Moldova and Ukraine Since more than a decade our organization has accompanied the democratic transition and efforts of these countries. We worked with our members, both local authorities and civil society. Despite the difficulties of those terrible days, it is a great sign to show them that there is hope, together with the EU.
Assemblea Generale BNLD 2022: Benvenuto al nuovo Presidente Sladjan Ilic!
L'Assemblea Generale Annuale del Balkan Network for Local Democracy(BNLD) si è svolta il 22 giugno 2022 a Novi Sad, in Serbia. All'ordine del giorno c'erano l'elezione del Presidente e i principi di responsabilità strategica del Network. Il delegato dell'Agenzia per la Democrazia Locale di Zavidivoci, Bosnia ed Erzegovina, Sladjan Ilic, che in precedenza aveva fatto parte del Consiglio direttivo, è stato eletto nuovo presidente del BNLD.
Sladjan Ilic, già membro del Consiglio direttivo, è stato eletto nuovo Presidente del BNLD
Un'altra discussione ha evidenziato che dopo il lungo periodo di epidemia di COVID - 19, c'è stato un cambio generazionale nell'organizzazione e nella società civile. I cambiamenti sono costanti e veloci, a livello personale, sociale e organizzativo. I membri hanno convenuto che è stata posta una base solida e di buona qualità per un'organizzazione funzionale e che il Network è pronto per affrontare progetti più grandi.
Inoltre, è stato sottolineato che la creazione di strumenti digitali e lo sviluppo della presenza del Network sono un punto di forza e che il BNLD deve continuare a lavorare in questa direzione per portare avanti progetti più sostenibili.
Il BNLD, sin dalla sua creazione nel 2019, promuove attivamente la cooperazione regionale, la democrazia locale, la pace e la riconciliazione nei Paesi dei Balcani occidentali.
***
Balkan network for local democracy on the road: Seminar in Novi Sad
The Balkan network for local democracy (BNLD) reunites for the first time in 2022 for the Regional Capacity building and Networking seminar, which took place in Novi Sad, Serbia, from the 20' to the 22nd of June 2022.
The event organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” gathered around 25 participants, trainers, guest speakers, representing BNLD members and regional CSO networks.
Capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations
The programme saw capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations.
This activity is organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” financed within the Project Protecting Civic Space –Regional Civil Society Development Hub” financed by SIDA and implemented by BCSDN
Conferenza a sostegno delle Agenzie per la democrazia locale in Ucraina
On 22 June 2022, ALDA together with Agenzie della Democrazia Locale gathered for the Conference “Supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine" in Brussels, at Residence Palace.
At the core of the conference was an update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and the implementation of ALDA’s activities to support Ukrainian civilians and people in need.
The conference consisted of two panels. The first panel started with Bruno Julian Hamm – Pütt, Konrad Adenauer foundation Kyiv opening speech, stressing how important is “to support the European path, to show the economic future while supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine”.
Allo stesso modo, Antonella Valmorbida, the Secretary-General of ALDA, presented the testimonies from Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol and Dnipro. She also explained the methods undertaken by them in terms of the promotion of democracy as well as people’s engagement.
The Association will continue its work together with Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine on activities to further promote local democracy
In addition, considering the historical and statutory bond among the Association and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe (the Congress), the Svetislav Paunovic joined on behalf of the Congress, emphasizing in his speech that support of local governance in Ukraine and the cooperative relations between local and international governments are crucial in the reconstruction of democracy. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, sindaco di Danzica, Presidente del gruppo di lavoro del CdR sull'Ucraina, was on the like mind, stressing the continuous support for the work and activities of the Agencies.
Moreover, before entering the second part of the conference, Tetiana Lomakina, Adviser-representative of the President of Ukraine on the barrier society issues and delegate of the Local Democracy Agency in Mariupol stressed: “there are three key points on which Ukraine is focusing now: the return of Ukrainian citizens back home; the preparation for the winter in order to ensure that people have a place to live; and work on the reconstruction work on damaged buildings”.
Moving on to the second session, both Local Democracy Agencies in Mariupol and Dnipro presented their work and new projects. Specifically, Anzhelika Pylypenko, the Delegate from Local Democracy Agency Dnipro, presented the “Phoenix” project. She explained that the aim of the project is to reactivate the work of the Dnipro office; consult internally displaced persons, including soldiers and families, and train civilians on how to save their lives in the time of active hostilities.
Further testimonies were shared by Olha Oliinyk, head of NGO “Ideas for People” and deputy head of the Secretariat of VOAOMS, while Inna Volkova, Councillor of Odesa Rayon Council explained the administrative system in Ukraine while sharing pilot projects on modular housing in Ukraine. Both speakers emphasised the will for future initiatives, cooperation and potential opening of the Local Democracy Agencies in Odesa and Vinnytsia.
Infine, LDA Mostar Delegate, Dzenana Dedic shared her experience and work of the Agency right after the Balkan war that she, together with other thousands of civilians, had to face. “Stay human!” she said, while remembering those terrible days.
Overall, ALDA has already proved its continuous commitment to helping and supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens. The Association will continue its work together with Ukrainian Local Democracy Agencies on activities to promote local democracy further.
EPD Conference 2022: together to strengthen democracy and good governance
On June 21-22, 2022, ALDA participated in the European Partnership for Democracy Conference 2022 in Brussels.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy e good governance.
This year’s conference offered a chance to explore the future of European and global democracy during these unprecedented times.
Nowadays, considering, on the one hand, both the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and the continued democratic backsliding around the world; or, on the other hand, the concerns risen on the issue of rule of law within the EU, as well as the finalisation of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), it is fundamental for European states to strengthen their coordination and cooperation in defence of democratic principles.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance
From a general perspective, The EPD conference was divided into three panels and into six breakout rooms, each of which tackling the war in Ukraine and the state of democracy worldwide. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA and President of the EPD Board, intervened during the second panel “State of Democracy in Europe and looking ahead to the 2024 elections”, where she discussed with other speakers the state of democracy in the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.
While Alexandru Coica, EaP, Russia and Central Asia coordinator, participated in the breakout session “Democracy support in repressive environments”.
During the second day of the conference, the partners of the EPD network split up in different working groups in order to exchange ideas, thoughts and engage in constructive dialogues on common challenges, finalising the session with an interesting workshop on data visualization.
Overall, by joining the EPD Conference 2022, ALDA wanted to highlight the importance of cooperating and creating synergies to support Ukraine and strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond.
Invito a presentare proposte per la "Piattaforma europea delle città integrate" (EPIC) - Progetti pilota
[❗️SCADENZA POSTICIPATA AL 12 SETTEMBRE 2022]
Il progetto EPIC - European Platform of Integrating Cities è un progetto triennale finanziato dall'Unione Europea - programma AMIF - che mira a migliorare l'integrazione dei migranti a livello locale creando una rete europea di autorità locali e organizzazioni della società civile che:
A) condivideranno conoscenze e pratiche di inclusione di cittadini provenienti da Paesi terzi,
B) si impegneranno in scambi tra pari sulla base di priorità comuni e competenze diverse,
C) svilupperanno servizi di integrazione efficienti all'interno dei territori locali e
D) miglioreranno le capacità di contrastare le narrazioni negative sulla migrazione.
Basandosi sul trasferimento di conoscenze e competenze tra autorità locali e ONG con diversi gradi di esperienza, EPIC sostiene un apprendimento pratico, diretto e graduale per migliorare l'inclusione dei migranti in ogni città del progetto.
Candidati al bando EPIC per due progetti pilota entro il 12 settembre 2022!
Oggetto dell'Avviso e Finalità dell'Intervento
Nell'ambito del programma EPIC, ALDA, in collaborazione con la Regione Sardegna e i partner del progetto, propone un concorso di idee per sviluppare DUE PROGETTI PILOTA nella Regione Sardegna.
The pilot projects envisage the implementation of activities related to the themes of promotion and active socio-occupational participation of migrants, with particular reference to the valorisation of 2G young people (second generation).
The ideas may concern, by way of example only, paths that can be activated both in the school and extra-school environments, complementary to initiatives already existing in the territory of the Region of Sardinia or ex novo.
Importo della sovvenzione
ALDA mette a disposizione un budget di 15.000,00 euro per ciascuno dei due progetti vincitori.
Entrambi i vincitori dovranno contribuire al budget totale di 15.000,00 euro con un cofinanziamento del 45% del totale, pari a 6.750 euro di cofinanziamento non derivante da altri fondi UE.
[❗️SCADENZA POSTICIPATA AL 12 SETTEMBRE 2022]
***
Documenti & informazioni correlati:
Invito a presentare proposte - aggiornato [disponibile solo in italiano]
Allegati A-B. Modulo di candidatura [disponibile solo in italiano]
Allegato C - budget [disponibile solo in italiano]
Allegato D - relazione [disponibile solo in italiano]
***