A new chapter of collaboration has begun between ALDA and Labsus – the Laboratory for Subsidiarity.
After several years of fruitful cooperation on joint initiatives and shared commitments to citizen participation, ALDA and Labsus have formalised the relationship through a newly established cross membership. This strategic step not only celebrates past achievements but also looks ahead to the future, even in challenging times like those we face today.
In this context, it is essential to highlight a broader theoretical reflection, namely the idea that “Local Democracy will Save Democracy”
Daniela Ciaffi, Vice President of Labsus
This twinning is aimed at strengthening the already strong collaboration in advancing participatory democracy, innovative governance, and civic engagement across Europe.
The partnership between ALDA and Labsus is grounded in a strong alignment of missions and values.
Both organisations place citizens at the heart of governance processes, promoting models where participation, co-responsibility, and collective action are essential drivers of democratic societies
ALDA has long been recognised for its leading role in promoting local democracy, active citizenship, and multi-stakeholder cooperation at the European and global levels. Labsus has established itself as a pioneering force in the field of subsidiarity and shared administration, developing innovative regulatory frameworks that enable citizens and public institutions to co-manage common goods. In this way, citizens not only bring needs but make skills available, actively collaborating in the co-design and co-management of common goods.
Over the years, this complementarity has translated into concrete results. A notable example is the BRIGHT project (Building Rights-based and Innovative Governance for EU Mobile Women), where the two organisations worked side by side to support women’s rights, strengthen inclusive governance, and encourage community participation. The success of such initiatives demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative approach and provides a strong basis for expanding joint efforts.
Expanding cooperation through cross membership
The decision to formalise a cross membership is a significant step forward in the partnership between ALDA and Labsus. It reflects a shared ambition to go beyond project-based collaboration and build a long-term alliance focused on strengthening democracy from the ground up. Through this new framework, both organisations will have the opportunity to exchange expertise, co-design new initiatives, and jointly explore innovative governance models.
The cross membership is expected to generate new opportunities in several key areas, including community participation, co-creation of public policies, participatory governance, and democratic innovation.
By pooling their networks, knowledge, and resources, ALDA and Labsus aim to develop and scale methodologies that empower citizens to actively contribute to decision-making and the management of public affairs
At the heart of this strengthened partnership is a shared vision of democracy as a collaborative process. In this vision, institutions and civil society work together to co-design policies, co-manage resources, and build communities that are not only more inclusive but also more resilient in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Commenting on this important step, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, emphasised:
This cross membership with Labsus represents a natural continuation of the relationship we have built over the years. Together, we can promote innovative and participatory approaches to democracy, ensuring that citizens are not only involved but truly empowered in shaping the communities they live in.
In this perspective, Labsus sees its collaboration with ALDA as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the European and international dimension of shared administration — a field that is constantly evolving and increasingly addressing broader and more complex issues. The alliance enables the exchange of experiences, ideas, and innovative practices, extending the model of co-design and co-management of common goods beyond Italy’s borders and opening up new possibilities for transnational learning and collaboration.
Looking ahead
The formalisation of the cross membership signals a deeper strategic alignment and a renewed commitment to strengthening democratic participation across Europe and beyond. It builds on a long history of collaboration and a shared belief that citizens must play a central role in addressing today’s complex challenges — from social cohesion and climate transition to public service innovation and territorial development.
This milestone marks not only a recognition of the successful collaborations of the past but also a commitment to jointly exploring new paths towards more inclusive, participatory, and resilient societies.
