International conference brings together voices of democracy in the region.
On 21 October 2025, in Chişinău, Republic of Moldova, ALDA hosted the International Conference titled “Council of Europe Standards for Civil Society and Instruments of Civic Participation”, under the framework of the BRIDGE to CoE project, funded by the Council of Europe.
The conference brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives of civil society, local and central public administrations, international experts and development partners, to together engage in a full-day of discussions, experience sharing and practical solutions aimed at strengthening democratic resilience and civic participation in Moldova and Ukraine.
At the opening, ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, the Council of Europe’s Head of the Civil Society Unit Christophe Speckbacher, the Council of Europe Office in Chişinău’s Head Falk Lange, the Secretary of State of the Government of Moldova Ana Calinici, and the EU Delegation Team Leader Julda Kielyte underlined the importance of cooperation between authorities, organisations and citizens to promote open, inclusive governance.
A core theme of the conference was the presentation of the Council of Europe’s standards and guidelines for civil society participation in political decision-making.
Participants explored the “Code of Good Practice” and the “Civic Participation in Decision-Making toolkit”, which offer models and steps for local authorities to implement effective, transparent and inclusive consultation processes.
Participants were also introduced to an innovative digital tool, Civic Lab, designed to support citizen involvement in the planning and transformation of public spaces — enabling public consultations, result simulations and engagement of diverse community groups in both physical and online formats.
The BRIDGE to CoE initiative serves as a collaborative platform connecting civic actors across Eastern Europe with European institutions, supporting and promoting democratic resilience and inclusive governance. The Chişinău conference provided a space for learning, dialogue and collaboration, grounded in shared values and collective responsibility amid current challenges to democracy in the region.
Through combining policy-level dialogue and hands-on exchange, the conference reinforced how inclusive civic participation and adherence to Council of Europe standards are essential for resilient local democracy.
