On December 2, 3 and 4, ALDA successfully held its annual Membership Days, a three-day online event dedicated to strengthening dialogue within the network, sharing updates, and exploring opportunities for collaboration. This year’s edition was highly participated, with members from across Europe and beyond joining the discussions and actively contributing to the exchange.
Over the course of three afternoons, participants engaged with ALDA’s team, guest speakers, and fellow members through thematic sessions designed to inform, inspire, and reinforce the value of belonging to the ALDA community.
Day 1 – Comeback Day: looking back and moving forward
The opening session on 2 December featured a warm welcome from Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, who introduced the main achievements of 2025 and reflected on the organisation’s ongoing commitment to local democracy, community engagement and citizen participation.
Members were invited to share feedback, ideas and expectations for the year ahead, creating a constructive space for dialogue and collective reflection. The session highlighted once again the crucial role of ALDA’s network in shaping strategic priorities and strengthening the impact of its actions.
Day 2 – Benefits of being an ALDA Member: regranting scheme in focus
On 3 December, the spotlight turned to the Regranting Scheme, one of the key benefits available to ALDA members. Several beneficiaries took the floor to present their initiatives and share their experience:
- Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
- Associazione Luciano Lama
- Studio Progetto
- KASA PT
Their contributions illustrated how the scheme supports grassroots action, fosters cross-border cooperation and amplifies local impact. Participants expressed strong interest in future calls and in the opportunity to learn from one another’s project approaches.
Day 3 – Local realities and the European Global Gateway
The final session on 4 December explored the role of local actors within the European Global Gateway, offering a broader political and strategic perspective.
Three distinguished speakers joined the discussion:
- Jaimie Just, Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser, CONCORD
- Boris Tonhauser, Director, PLATFORMA
- Octavi de la Varga Mas, Strategic International Projects Advisor, Diputació de Barcelona
Their interventions shed light on global dynamics, EU priorities and the vital contribution of local authorities and civil society organisations to international cooperation frameworks. The session sparked a rich exchange among participants, highlighting the importance of multi-level collaboration.
A strengthened community moving into 2026
This year’s Membership Days once again demonstrated the value of ALDA’s vibrant and diverse network. The active participation, quality of contributions and openness to dialogue all contributed to making the event a meaningful moment of connection and shared learning.
ALDA warmly thanks all members and speakers for their engagement and looks forward to continuing this journey together throughout 2026, supporting local democracy, empowering communities and building effective partnerships across Europe and beyond.
