As part of the Upskilling for Operators of Social and Labour Services training, CGIL Roma e Lazio, a partner of AMIL, provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges and strategies for the socio-labour integration of people from third countries.
The AMIL Project Context and the MEIC Approach
This initiative is part of the AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour project, which aims to promote the sustainable integration of third-country nationals into the labour market. The project expands and strengthens the MEIC (Migrants Economic Integration Cluster) methodology, an innovative approach based on multi-stakeholder cooperation. This methodology allows migrants to actively participate in the integration process through tailored training and guidance programs, facilitating a more effective and lasting inclusion in both the labour market and the social fabric.
Prof. Francesco Carchedi focused on three essential aspects to better understand and address the challenges faced by migrants in the labour market:
Definition of innovative approaches and best practices
Placement of foreign nationals in the national and regional (Lazio) labour market
Intervention strategies for the most vulnerable groups
Innovative approaches and best practices: a crucial definition
The session emphasised the importance of clearly defining what is meant by “innovative approaches” and “best practices.” Innovation should not be an end in itself but must be contextualized and tailored to the real needs of the territory and the people involved. A best practice is truly effective only if it meets emerging needs and adopts an intersectional, human rights-based approach, ensuring sustainable and replicable solutions across different contexts.
The situation of foreign nationals in the labour market
The analysis highlighted that third-country nationals often have access only to specific segments of the labour market, typically characterized by precarious, unstable, and informal working conditions. In both the national and regional (Lazio) contexts, migrants are frequently employed in labour-intensive sectors with limited contractual guarantees, often at risk of exploitation by illegal and criminal organisations.
Labour market demand and supply dynamics, as well as interactions with public and private services, play a crucial role in shaping their employment and integration pathways.
Intervention strategies for vulnerable groups
A key discussion point was how to effectively intervene in support of the most vulnerable groups, who often rely on the third sector, trade unions, and informal support networks.
Three fundamental indicators were identified:
Territorial Context – Understanding the structural characteristics of intervention areas and analyzing the presence and needs of migrant communities.
Labour Market Placement – Assessing the socio-economic and demographic conditions of migrant workers, their access to employment, and identifying illegal labour market entry mechanisms.
Priority Needs – Identifying urgent needs that shape the socio-economic conditions of migrants. Often, these needs are multiple and interconnected, requiring prioritization of the most critical issue—the one that influences all others.
This approach enables targeted and sustainable interventions. Generally, the most disadvantaged migrants are those who have arrived within the past five years. Therefore, establishing a realistic priority scale for interventions is essential, applying an intersectional perspective guided by the principle:
Assess the need → Provide an appropriate response → Monitor changes → Adjust the response → Verify human rights fulfillment
Migrants in vulnerable situations initially tend to use low-threshold services, gradually transitioning to more structured services related to employment and social inclusion.
A gradual path towards integration
Integration—and stable territorial settlement—is a process that begins with addressing informal and illegal employment, including exploitation, abuse, violence, and systematic violations of labour rights.
The ultimate goal is to move from severe labour exploitation to formal employment through progressive, structured interventions.
Thus, innovative interventions and best practices can only be considered as such when they effectively initiate this complex process, taking into account the specific territorial context (place of residence).
Conclusions
The intervention by CGIL Roma e Lazio reaffirmed that innovative approaches and best practices should not be seen as rigid frameworks, but as dynamic tools capable of adapting to the evolving needs of territories and people.
The Upskilling for Operators of Social and Labour Services training represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of social and labour service operators, fostering effective integration models based on in-depth contextual analysis and the development of concrete and sustainable inclusion pathways.
On 13 and 14 June, ALDA will organise an activity at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as part of the European Youth Event (EYE 2025). A number of MEPs and participants of The Future We Want Project will take part in the simulation, entitled “Taking Action on Fast Fashion: Lobbying for our Future”.
The activity will be a simulation of a lobbying meeting with MEPs on the issue of fast fashion, where the young participants will have to embody lobby groups and advocate for their interests. Representing environmental associations, fast fashion companies or youth organisations, they will try to influence MEPs and convince them to accept or reject two proposals, taken from the petition created by the participants of The Future We Want project.
The Future We Want is an ended project run by eight organisations (including ALDA), that aims to engage young Europeans in sustainable development issues through advocacy and street actions.
Despite its official end in December 2024, the seeds planted by the project continue to grow. In March 2025, some of the young people involved in the project founded an association called The Future We Need, to continue their advocacy work on fast fashion.
You can meet and talk to our young ambassadors at EYE 2025, in Strasbourg, on 13 and 14 June.
Within the framework of EYE, ALDA will also be present on 11 June, thanks to the City of Strasbourg and the European Parliament, with an information stand and various workshops on Place Kléber in Strasbourg.
On March 29, 2025, a group of citizens came together in Baiso, a small town nestled in Italy’s Apennines, to take part in a public dialogue on the future of Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Held within the framework of the CIRAN project—co-funded by the European Union—the event offered a space to reflect on how to reconcile environmental conservation with the growing economic and technological demand for CRM extraction.
The day was structured into three main parts. It began with an introductory session, where participants were presented with an overview of the CIRAN project and the broader challenges associated with securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials.
This was followed by a role-playing activity based on the “What if…?” methodology. Participants explored two fictional but plausible future scenarios—“Insular Innovation” and “Steady State”—to examine the potential consequences of different policy decisions and ways of living.
The final stage was a plenary discussion. Citizens stepped out of their imagined roles and came together to co-develop policy recommendations and reflect on what a truly sustainable strategy for CRM might look like.
Throughout the dialogue, two core questions guided the exchange: What are the key factors that underpin a sustainable supply of CRM? And should extraction be permitted in protected areas—and if so, under what conditions?
Eleven citizens took part, engaging enthusiastically in group discussions and collective decision-making. Baiso was chosen as a case study because of its proximity to protected natural areas and its location in a region known for its rich natural heritage—making it a fitting context in which to address such complex issues.
The citizens who took part showed a clear understanding of the strategic importance of critical raw materials for Europe’s future. Many stressed the value of circular economy approaches, pointing to recycling, repairability, and product durability as essential strategies for reducing dependency on new extraction.
There was a shared sense that cultural change is needed—alongside improved public education—to combatoverconsumption and the pressure of marketing-driven demand.
On the sensitive issue of extraction in protected areas, participants leaned towards a case-by-case assessment. They identified several conditions that would need to be in place, including the use of low-impact technologies, mandatory environmental restoration, and compensation for the communities directly affected.
Support was also voiced for greater European strategic autonomy, with calls for strong ethical standards in CRM extraction, both within the EU and in sourcing from beyond its borders.
The insights gathered in Baiso will contribute to a broader dataset, as similar citizen dialogues are being held in other CIRAN case study countries—Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, Ireland, and France. This comparative approach is designed to inform the development of inclusive governance models that reflect local concerns and aspirations, especially when it comes to CRM extraction in environmentally sensitive areas.
Stay informed about CIRAN’s public dialogues, research findings, and policy developments by following us online: 🌐 Project website 🔗 LinkedIn
The general concept of GENESIS is testing and showcasing local and regional NbS and delivering a deep demonstrator in the Macaronesian biogeographical area with the long term objective to provide climate-proof critical water infrastructure replicable for other islands and vulnerable zones of the EU mainland. The methodology is designed to provide the full workflow for implementing and demonstrating in operational environments how to capture, storage and protect water in an effective-strategic way (from diverse sources including storm runoff, treated wastewater and irrigation return flows) to mitigate the impacts of extreme events (droughts, floods, wildfires) and how to create climate resilient areas/islands. The development and implementation of systemic naturebased solutions for improved water management in Macaronesia will drastically improve these islands’ resilience to climate change impacts by minimising stormwater runoff and soil erosion while enhancing infiltration and underground water storage.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the Horizon Project GENESIS is to demonstrate that innovative, naturebased intelligent solutions for enhancing the climate resilience of critical water infrastructure can lead to more reliable and consistent/predictable water management practice by effectively protecting groundwater, by drastically improve the efficiency of water use and reuse, thus sustain social and economic activities while mitigating the potentially severe effects of climate change on local communities.
ALDA officially launches the 2025 edition of its International School 2025, an ambitious, high-level training programme set to take place from 3 to 5 September 2025 at Villa Fabris in Thiene, Italy.
Building on the success of the 2024 Summer School, this year’s programme is designed as a learning experience that brings together local authorities, civil society leaders, academics, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond.
“Resilient Communities: Strengthening Local Democracy in times of change”
Participants will explore key themes including digital innovation, AI and participatory governance, institutional trust, and the geopolitical dimension of democracy—all within a dynamic, practice-oriented environment.
SUBSCRIPTIONS OPENED ON APRIL 18, 2025 AND WILL CLOSE ON MAY 31, 2025.
As the world faces rising pressures on democratic systems, ALDA reaffirms its longstanding mission of promoting participation, inclusion, and strong local governance. The International School aims to equip a new generation of changemakers with the tools and knowledge to tackle global challenges while strengthening democracy from the ground up
This year’s edition is made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the Veneto Region, which has allocated €40,000 through a unanimously approved regional amendment, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and civic education.
As underlined by Regional Councillor Chiara Luisetto, this investment “will bring prestige to Villa Fabris and to the entire Veneto region as democracy hubs,” while offering a unique space for dialogue and innovation in the field of local governance.
In addition, the ALDA International School 2025 benefits from the valuable support of the European Union and the CERV Programme. The initiative has been granted the Committee of the Regions of the European Union, the Province of Vicenza, the City of Thiene. These endorsements highlight the School’s strategic role in connecting local action and European cooperation, reinforcing a shared vision of resilience and democratic renewal.
The International School is co-designed with the guidance of a prestigious Scientific Committee composed of leading experts in democracy, governance, and digital transformation. Their contribution ensures a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach combining theoretical insight with practical application.
Held in the historic setting of Villa Fabris, the School aspires to become a European hub for training, exchange, and democratic innovation. With its 2025 edition, ALDA takes a bold step forward in reinforcing its commitment to resilient democracy—rooted in strong local leadership and empowered civic engagement.
On April 1st, ALDA actively contributed to the World Forum on Local Economic Development, joining the session entitled “Citizen participation and co-governance in the design of policies and promotion of LED.” This event brought together local and international actors committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable territorial development through participatory governance and collaborative policymaking.
During the session, ALDA presented two key initiatives: the Living Communities Lab model, developed within the framework of the Up2You project, and the 3P4SSE project. The Living Communities Lab methodology was introduced as a participatory tool designed to promote local development through community-led and context-specific strategies, reinforcing the idea that citizens should play a central role in shaping the policies that impact their territories.
In parallel, the 3P4SSE project was showcased as a tangible example of a social and solidarity economy (SSE) approach, rooted in public-private partnerships and oriented towards a multi-stakeholder model of governance. This project illustrates how collaboration between civil society, public authorities, and private actors can foster inclusive and resilient local economies, while also enhancing democratic processes and multilevel governance.
On April 11th, 2025, a new concrete step was made towards promoting the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG): tourism operators who have chosen to join the Business Network for the creation of the AVGG Product Club gathered at a notary office in Vicenza to officially sign the network agreement.
Among the signatories are hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour operators and tourist guides who strongly believe in the tourism and economic potential of the AVGG route: a 200 km-long itinerary that connects the four Ossuaries of the First World War in the province of Vicenza, combining natural beauty, historical remembrance, and local promotion.
This signature marks the result of a structured participatory process, coordinated by ALDA+, the lead partner of the project, and launched in February 2025 through a series of information meetings held in the offices of the Mountain Unions of Arsiero, Schio, and Asiago (Vicenza, Italy).
The next milestone will be the drafting and submission of the project to the second regional call for the creation and development of product clubs as business networks (DGR No. 1243 of 29 October 2024).
The Alta Via della Grande Guerra Product Club will offer integrated tourist packages designed for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers, with the goal of promoting a form of tourism that is sustainable, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Vicenza Prealps.
ALDA is proud to announce the launch ofOUT4INGOV – New generation alpine OUT-migration Engagement FOR an INclusive GOVernance, a new Interreg Alpine Space project that addresses one of the region’s most pressing issues: the outmigration of young people from the Alps. The project officially kicked off in January 2025 and will run until August 2026.
With brain drain, depopulation, and the erosion of local social capital affecting many Alpine communities, OUT4INGOV steps in to co-create inclusive solutions with a triple-win vision: benefiting the sending regions, the receiving communities, and the young migrants themselves.
Led by the Autonomous Province of Trento, and with partners including ALDA, CIPRA, Franco Demarchi Foundation, RDAPM, and Vesoul Urban Community, the project spans Italy, Slovenia, France, and Austria. Together, these organisations aim to build resilient, participatory governance structures that foster circular migration and sustainable territorial cohesion.
Key objectives of OUT4INGOV
Develop shared governance frameworks tailored to youth mobility in the Alps
Empower young people—especially young migrants—to co-design local policies
Facilitate cross-border capacity building, enabling public authorities and communities to respond more effectively
Create an online Spillover Circulation Platform to share skills and stories across regions
Launch pilot actions in Trentino, Maribor, and Vesoul to test these new governance strategies in real settings
The project strongly aligns with ALDA’s mission of inclusive governance and local democracy, contributing to long-term partnerships and innovation in migration policy across Europe.
📢 Stay tuned as OUT4INGOV rolls out a series of workshops, podcasts, and local initiatives to reshape migration narratives in the Alpine space—transforming challenges into opportunities for community-led change.
On March 26, 2025, ALDA brought together around 15 participants for an engaging online workshop: “How to Engage with the EU”. This event, organised within the SpeakUP project, provided youth workers and young people practical tools to understand and connect with the European Union and its institutions.
The Speak Up project aims to empower young people by fostering active citizenship. Through activities such as national debate clubs in Romania, Cyprus, and Hungary, as well as international workshops, the project seeks to promote social engagement among youth.
Understanding the EU & Finding Your Voice
The first part of the workshop focused on how the European Union works and how citizens (especially young people) can play an active role in shaping its decisions. The session opened with a reflection on why youth participation in EU policy making matters, followed by a brief explanation of how laws are made at the EU level, and how the different institutions interact.
The presentation then moved on to explore the main decision-makers within the EU, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament, and offered insights into how citizens can engage with them. Participants were introduced to concrete tools, like public consultations, the European Citizens’ Initiative, and different programmes and platforms that support youth participation – from Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, to portals like DiscoverEU and SALTO Youth.
The session aimed to show that the EU is not something distant or unreachable, but that it offers various entry points for young people to get involved and make their voices heard.
Learning through real stories
The workshop continued with a conversation with İrem Apaydın, a Governing Board Member of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). During the interview, she shared her personal story, explaining what led her to join EYP and how the experience has shaped her journey.
İrem introduced participants to the work of the EYP, which creates spaces for young people to engage in political dialogue, simulate parliamentary debates, and develop key skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and negotiation. She also discussed the opportunities EYP offers in countries like Cyprus, Romania, and Hungary and concluded the session with an interactive Q&A.
Turning Ideas into Action: Advocating for Change
The final session of the workshop brought in the voices of three members of The Future We Want, a youth-led advocacy project focused on sustainability. Through their presentation, they shared what it means to engage with EU institutions from a youth perspective – not only by understanding how the system works, but by using that knowledge to advocate for issues that matter.
They spoke about how the project took part in advocacy actions and creative campaigns, and how they were able to communicate with policymakers and bring their ideas forward. The session included an interactive activity on how to craft and deliver an impactful elevator pitch – a short, persuasive speech to get a message across in under a minute.
Working in small groups, participants reflected on how to present a concrete idea to a policymaker or MEP and practiced building a clear and convincing message around it. The activity encouraged everyone to think critically about what they want to say, and how to say it effectively.
Empowering youth & fostering participation
The workshop highlighted the vital role of young people as active citizens. Through engaging discussions and practical tools, participants were encouraged to take an active role in civic life, from reaching out to decision-makers to joining local initiatives.
Thanks to the support of ALDA and the Speak Up project, the workshop served as a step forward in building confidence, knowledge, and motivation among youth to engage meaningfully at both local and European levels.
Following the official launch of the BRIDGE to the CoE project earlier this year, ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – is now moving full speed ahead with the implementation of its core activities. BRIDGE (Building Resilience and Independence for Democratic Governance and Engagement with the Council of Europe), carried out with funding from the Council of Europe, is designed to reinforce democratic governance and civil society participation across Southern and Eastern Europe.
The project addresses urgent democratic challenges such as civic disengagement, political polarisation, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Through a dynamic and participatory approach, BRIDGE transforms these challenges into opportunities by strengthening the role of civil society in shaping inclusive, accountable governance.
At the heart of BRIDGE is a set of concrete activities designed to empower local actors and foster democratic resilience:
Workshop on Civil Society and the Council of Europe – Taking place in Vicenza, Italy, this one-day hybrid event will bring together civil society actors and experts to explore how organisations can engage with CoE institutions, drawing from the Reykjavik Principles and focusing on representation, participation, and deliberation.
Conference in Chisinau – Scheduled for mid-2025, this event will convene 50 civil society representatives from Ukraine and Moldova to explore CoE legal standards and tools related to civil society participation. The dialogue will foster cross-border solidarity and offer practical insights into strengthening rights-based civic engagement.
Final Online Event – As a capstone to the project, this event will create space for participants across Europe to reflect on achievements, share lessons learned, and explore future collaboration opportunities beyond the project lifecycle.
These actions are backed by a robust communication and dissemination strategy, which includes:
An ALDA Talk to discuss the Reykjavik Principles and best practices in democratic governance.
A dedicated podcast illustrating ALDA’s collaboration with the Council of Europe through real-world examples.
An information campaign connecting Southern and Eastern Europe, raising awareness of the shared democratic challenges and opportunities.
Wide outreach during ALDA’s General Assembly in Rome (July 2025), held in conjunction with the Ukraine Recovery Conference, to amplify visibility and stakeholder engagement.
As the project progresses, ALDA continues to build bridges between citizens, institutions, and European values—advancing a collective commitment to democracy, participation, and resilience. Through BRIDGE, civil society does not just adapt to change—it leads it.
From March 25 to 27, 2025, ALDA hosted the first Regional Capacity Building of theproject BOOST– Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society in Belgrade, Serbia. The three-day training brought together members of civil society organisations from across the region, creating valuable networking opportunities and driving forward meaningful regional development. Supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund, the event officially commenced on the 25th, with the partner consortium gathering for a Steering Committee meeting and a networking dinner for all participants that same evening.
The programme started with an overview of the BOOST project, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the project’s three pillars: youth and entrepreneurship; rural development and environment; cultural heritage and community development. By strengthening civil society in these areas, the initiative, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aims to promote the democratic, economic and social development of the Western Balkans in the context of EU enlargement.
Capacity Building Workshops for BOOST Grantees
Throughout the first day, BOOST Grantees participated in comprehensive sessions on narrative reporting techniques, administrative procedures, financial management requirements, and guidelines for establishing effective communication. The workshops allowed participants to gain new and essential tools for implementing their regional projects under the BOOST Grants programme.
Culture, Civil Society and EU Accession: Key Discussions on Regional Development
Day two featured an in-depth exploration of how cultural heritage serves as a catalyst for community development and economic growth. Participants discussed strategies, in which heritage tourism, digital innovation, and thematic cultural projects are tools to revitalise communities and create opportunities, especially for youth and women. Citizen participation was emphasised as crucial for governance and cultural engagement, with ALDA’s initiatives showcasing best practices.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion “BOOSTing Integration: Civil Society as a Driver of EU Accession”, which examined the vital role of civil society in advancing EU accession and regional integration. The session opened with remarks from distinguished speakers, including Natasa Vuckovic, President of ALDA and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation in Belgrade; H.E. Pierre Cochrad, Ambassador of France to Serbia; and Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans Regional Office. Each speaker emphasised the fundamental importance of strengthening democratic governance and fostering regional cooperation through meaningful civil society engagement.
Emir Coric, Policy and Community Engagement Officer for the Western Balkans, Bulgaria and Croatia at ALDA, moderated a thought-provoking panel featuring insights from Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA; Milena Radomirovic, Director of the Sector for Advocacy and LSG Capacity Building at the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities of Serbia; Thomas Nomer, Director of Operations at Pulse SOS; and Mila Carovska, Executive Director of Hera. The discussion emphasised the importance of local governance in aligning with EU standards and how grassroots organisations can drive policy change. Speakers shared practical strategies for enhancing civic engagement, promoting inclusive governance, and leveraging partnerships to support democratic reforms. The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by civil society actors, particularly in the Western Balkans, and the need for sustained collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and international partners.
Following the panel, a formal signing ceremony marked the official launch of projects funded under the BOOST Regional Sub-granting Programme, an initiative designed to empower civil society organisations with resources to implement impactful projects throughout the region. The event concluded with a networking session where participants strengthened partnerships and exchanged ideas on advancing democratic development.
Boosting Regional Development and EU Integration in the Western Balkans
The BOOST Regional Capacity Building exemplified a firm commitment to regional development, democratic governance and European integration. Over its three-year span, BOOST will continue to strengthen civil society organisations, promote cross-border cooperation, and provide the tools needed for sustainable projects, all while advancing the EU accession process and contributing to a more integrated and collaborative Western Balkans.
In March 2025, Villa Fabris in Thiene hosted four key meetings for the establishment of the Business Network of the “Alta Via della Grande Guerra” Product Club, as part of the Regional Call for the creation and development of tourism product clubs in the form of business networks. These meetings involved numerous tourism operators from the Vicentine Prealps area—accommodation facilities, restaurants, guides, associations, and tourism services—interested in joining the initiative promoted by ALDA+, acting as lead partner.
The first meeting, held on 6 March, introduced the project and its objectives. Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes at ALDA and CEO of ALDA+, presented the association and its proposed leadership role. Participants were then shown the results of a questionnaire they had completed, which helped map the services currently offered, their target audiences, and their future development needs—particularly in light of the funding opportunities offered by the regional call.
The second meeting, on 13 March, focused on two essential tools for the network’s functioning: the Network Regulation, which defines internal rules, and the Service Charter, which outlines the distinctive features of the Club’s tourism offer. Roles, benefits, and responsibilities for each type of participant were discussed in detail, fostering a transparent and collaborative planning process.
During the third meeting, on 20 March, participants reviewed examples of existing product clubs in the Veneto region to draw inspiration and gain practical insights into website structure, tourism packages, and promotional strategies. Discussions also addressed project-related expenditures and the main investment priorities for the two-year funding period.
The final meeting, on 27 March, marked an important moment of consolidation. The full list of participating businesses was officially presented, along with an overview of both fixed and individual project costs. Each entity was also invited to reflect on the operational and promotional role it could play in the development and visibility of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra.
All four meetings were characterised by a collaborative and proactive atmosphere, fully aligned with the project’s core objective: to build a cohesive and dynamic network capable of promoting integrated tourism packages tailored to hikers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts. The AVGG Product Club is not only a strategic opportunity for local economic and tourism development, but also a concrete chance for small and medium-sized enterprises to collaborate, increase their visibility, and access international markets.
At the Civil Society Week 2025, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee, housing took centre stage thanks to the impactful contribution of Maite Arrondo, member of ALDA’s Advisory Board and expert in innovation in housing policies. Representing ALDA’s long-standing commitment to inclusive democracy and local development, Arrondo called for a European approach to housing that is rooted in rights, social cohesion and the empowerment of local authorities.
During her speech, Arrondo highlighted that housing can be seen either as a human right or as a market commodity —depending on whether one views it through a legal or economic lens, and she urged the EU to rethink its policy and funding structures accordingly. With millions of citizens facing unaffordable rents or precarious living conditions, the current housing system is failing to deliver on its most basic function: providing people with homes.
One of her main recommendations was to ensure stronger EU investment in affordable and sustainable housing through the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). This includes allocating targeted resources in the Social Climate Fund to support energy-efficient and inclusive housing models. Crucially, she proposed removing housing from speculative markets and linking future investment to long-term affordability, as well as introducing a Real Estate Transparency Register at EU level to combat tax evasion and financial crime in the housing sector.
Arrondo highlighted the need to rebalance the financial and rights dimensions of housing, proposing that indicators on housing affordability and exclusion be integrated into the European Semester process. Monitoring these indicators would help the EU respond more effectively to growing socio-economic inequalities across Member States.
“We must rebalance the financial and rights dimensions of housing to meet the urgent needs of Europe’s most vulnerable citizens.”
In line with ALDA’s vision for inclusive governance, the intervention placed particular emphasis on local authorities as key actors in the delivery of housing solutions. Arrondo called on the EU to channel funds directly to cities and municipalities, accompanied by technical guidance and the exchange of best practices. Housing policies, she argued, should involve cross-sector partnerships among local governments, civil society, small businesses, housing associations, and tenant unions.
To enhance social cohesion, the EU must promote mixed-income and intergenerational housing, placing the needs of vulnerable populations — such as migrants, elderly residents, and low-income households — at the heart of housing strategies. These principles are in line with ALDA’s broader commitment to inclusive local democracy and participatory decision-making.
Arrondo also proposed the creation of a European Collaborative Housing Fund to support community-led and cooperative models. These alternatives — such as Community Land Trusts and housing cooperatives — not only increase housing availability but also promote democratic ownership and strengthen local economies. A recent success story from Spain, where the Council of Europe Development Bank financed over 350 cooperative homes in Catalonia, served as a concrete example of what such a fund could achieve.
Addressing the issue of homelessness, Arrondo advocated for sustained EU support to the EU Platform on Combatting Homelessness (EPOCH) and for the expansion of the Housing First model. She stressed the importance of data-driven monitoring frameworks, referencing the OECD’s recent work on measuring homelessness to develop evidence-based policies and fill data gaps, particularly concerning hidden populations.
By combining rights-based principles with territorial cohesion and local engagement, Maite Arrondo’s recommendations align with ALDA’s belief that inclusive housing is essential for democratic resilience and community well-being.
“Many houses are not serving their primary objective — providing homes for people.” This was the closing reflection of a powerful intervention, and a timely reminder for policymakers. As the EU discusses its Affordable Housing Initiative, ALDA echoes the call for policies that prioritise people over profit — and that give cities and citizens the tools to shape their own housing future.
On 27–28 March 2025, ALDA’s Governing Board convened for an in-person meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, marking a strategic milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to fostering local democracy, civic engagement, and European integration, particularly in the Western Balkans.
A high-level setting for key decisions
Held at Hotel Mona Plaza, the two-day meeting brought together Board members, partners, and institutional representatives to take stock of progress, set priorities, and foster deeper collaboration across ALDA’s key areas of action.
The programme opened with a high-level panel discussion within the BOOST project, titled “BOOSTing Integration: Civil Society as a Driver of EU Accession,” followed by a BOOST sub-grant agreement signing ceremony. This moment reaffirmed ALDA’s role in empowering civil society and local stakeholders across the region in the path toward EU membership.
Before the official start, ALDA’s delegation was welcomed by Pierre Cochard, Ambassador of France to Serbia, and Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD’s Western Balkans Regional Office. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss regional developments and highlight the importance of strong institutional partnerships to promote European values and democratic governance at the local level.
Strategic discussions and new directions
One of the key points of the agenda was the approval of the chairs and co-chairs of ALDA’s Thematic Hubs, which cover areas such as local governance, migration, gender equality, environment, digital transformation, Territorial Development (TeLD) and youth. A new hub is also under consideration, following suggestions from members, stay tuned!
With a view to strengthening coordination and inclusiveness, ALDA presented a new internal approach of “working as a community”, encompassing ALDA, ALDA+, ALDA Italia, and the Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs). As part of this process, a comprehensive calendar will be developed to better inform the Governing Board about activities across the entire ALDA network, including those of GB members.
Reinforcing democracy in challenging contexts
The choice of Belgrade as the venue was emblematic of ALDA’s long-standing engagement in the region. Amid geopolitical instability and challenges to democratic governance, the Board discussed the organisation’s advocacy work on Local Democratic Resilience. A strategic paper on this topic is currently being drafted, positioning ALDA and the LDA model as key tools to respond to crises and build stronger, community-based democracies.
ALDA is also contributing to the TED project and planning the timeline for the advocacy process related to the Local Democratic Resilience paper.
Updates and approvals
Throughout the two days, several key updates and approvals were presented and discussed:
Approval of the first draft of the Strategy Monitoring Report, which will serve as a preliminary roadmap ahead of the General Assembly 2025. Stay tuned!
Approval of the label requests for two LDAs: Dnipro and Tunisia.
Updates on budget, risk management, membership and the Code of Ethics for receiving and granting funds.
Additionally, ALDA will soon sign three new Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), expanding its cooperation with civil society actors across regions. Stay tuned to discover ALDA’s new partnerships!
Aquatik aims to raise awareness on water heritage and water management in inland areas. European water heritages often exist in the most remote and/or inland areas, leading them to be overlooked and neglected as urbanisation accelerates globally. As a result, inland and remote areas rich in water resources are experiencing depopulation and are indirectly suffering the environmental consequences and climate change exacerbated by urbanisation. In addition to this, oftentimes initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving water governance focus on resources found in urban areas, without considering the deep interconnection between them and those remote areas and their water ecosystems. The Aquatik-EU project begins where it is recognised that concrete actions aimed at mitigating or improving the management of aquatic heritages stem, first of all, from heightened awareness of the importance of such precious yet often overlooked resources. This awareness must be cultivated among citizens, local communities and, above all, governments and towns, as reflected in the project’s partnership. In order to reach its general objective, the project will work on 3 strands: capacity building, governance, and cultural heritage – e.g. the creation of a network of water museums.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of the project is to contribute to the development and strengthening of a European awareness and capacity regarding the conservation status of hinterland aquatic ecosystems and their cultural, touristic, environmental and socio-economic relevance.
Specific objectives are:
Capacity-building:
To improve water management, related expertise and tools of a network of European municipalities for preserving local water heritages;
To improve citizens’ and local communities’ sense of responsibility and knowledge on the multifaceted importance of preserving water resources;
Governance:
To improve dialogue opportunities between local authorities, sector-specific stakeholders, civil society and citizens on water preservation and valorisation through participatory mechanisms;
Culture:
To enhance mutual understanding and a sense of shared identity among European citizens in recognising the multifaceted importance of water resources as cultural heritage.
From 17 to 21 March 2025, ALDA took part in the «9ᵉ édition des Rencontres européennes de la participation» (9th Edition of the European Meetings on Participation), an annual flagship event gathering key actors of citizen participation across France and Europe, organised by Décider ensemble.
Created in 2005 on the initiative of the then-Minister for Ecology and Sustainable Development, Serge Lepeltier, Décider ensemble is a think tank committed to promoting a culture of shared decision-making and stakeholder dialogue. Over the past two decades, the organisation has become a major hub for exchange and professional development in the fields of public participation, consultation, and co-creation of policies.
The 2025 edition of the Rencontres européennes de la participation was held in Strasbourg from 17 to 19 March, at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, followed by two days of online sessions from 20 to 21 March. The event once again served as a dynamic meeting point for practitioners, policymakers, civil society organisations, and researchers.
On 18 March, ALDA contributed to the panel discussion “Participation citoyenne dans les villes européennes”(Citizen Participation in European Cities), highlighting local experiences from its broad network. The session focused on innovative democratic practices across municipalities, showcasing how cities are empowering citizens to actively co-shape local policies.
The aim was to create a platform for exchange with participants and develop activities that could strengthen participatory democracy practices to address the current challenges facing democracy.
The panel began with an introduction and ALDA’s presentation by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General. She opened the session by providing a brief overview of ALDA’s 30 years of work, which began in the Balkans under the initiative of the Council of Europe. She explained that the organisation now supports 17 Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), including initiatives in Ukraine and Eastern Partnership countries. ALDA’s network, comprising 300 members, works across seven thematic hubs: Civic Engagement, Migration, Gender, Inclusion and Human Rights, Territorial and Local Development, Digital and Innovation, and Youth Empowerment and Education. Antonella emphasised ALDA’s commitment to strengthening local democracy and promoting cooperation among EU territories to improve participatory democracy practices.
ALDA’s contribution underscored the importance of local democracy and community engagement in the broader European context.
The first part of the panel involved a moderated discussion, led by Antonella Valmorbida, with two speakers from Etterbeek Municipality in the Brussels-Capital region: David Dubois, Head of the Mayor’s Cabinet, and Marie-Charlotte Heldenbergh, Deputy Head of the Mayor’s Cabinet. Additionally, Susana Gomes, Head of the Culture and Citizenship Department at Valongo Municipality, presented the experience of Valongo.
David Dubois and Marie-Charlotte Heldenbergh presented Etterbeek, a city with 50,000 inhabitants, high population density, and significant turnover, with half of the population being renewed every five years. They conduct numerous micro-participations throughout the year, hold consultations, and utilise all the tools and methodologies they can think of. Sociologically, Etterbeek is described as a city of “the richest of the poor” and “the poorest of the rich,” creating a great social mix. They also highlighted socio-economic factors beyond their control, such as rising material costs and limited budgets. One initiative they discussed was a mobilisation project based on private savings, state bonds, or municipal bonds, run through a crowdfunding platform. This project successfully secured 80 investors, raising 1.2 million euros in just 24 hours, with most investors coming from the local community. A public meeting with 200 attendees featured a live counter displaying the donations.
Given the high turnover of the population, Etterbeek has many interns, academic exchange participants, people here for professional reasons, and others who settle long-term. David Dubois and Marie-Charlotte Heldenbergh mentioned that they received 600 responses from foreign nationals applying to join a citizens’ council. This led to the creation of a community for non-Belgian residents, which today has 1,500 members. They also organise workshops on how Belgium works, covering topics such as the municipalities, the police, and the administration.
Susana Gomes from Valongo Municipality presented the experiences of this medium-sized city in Portugal. Valongo, part of the Porto metropolitan area, is a city with many industrial opportunities. The city’s unique challenge is that many residents work in neighbouring cities but live in Valongo, which affects citizen engagement. Valongo’s participatory initiatives are particularly focused on young people, as the city has implemented various tools for working with students and youth. Susana Gomes emphasised the importance of keeping people informed after they give their opinions. Engaging citizens in the process is not enough—ongoing communication and feedback are key to maintaining participation, particularly among youth who often demand quick answers.
The panel continued with an intervention by Giulia Sostero, ASWAT Department Coordinator at ALDA, who presented several key projects during the session. Giulia started with the presentation of ASWAT Department and AUTREMENT project that focuses on sustainable urban mobility and citizen participation in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. It includes capacity-building for local governments, public space design, and awareness campaigns to engage citizens. The project aims to promote better urban development, soft mobility (especially biking), and enhance the economic and tourist appeal of the cities. Than she presented another project, WYDE – Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement Civic Engagement, funded by the EU, focuses on empowering youth and women for greater democratic engagement at all levels. It includes a network of projects aimed at encouraging youth participation in civic affairs and strengthening youth organisations. The project advocates for more youth inclusion in society and enhances cooperation between youth civil society and public policymakers. Finally she presented WE ACT Project, that aims to increase the political participation of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in local politics in Turkey. Supported by the EU, it focuses on improving civic rights and participation, particularly ahead of the 2024 local elections. The project also works to foster democratic debate on gender issues and promote gender-inclusive policies across Turkey.
After a round of Q&A on the added value of participatory democracy in the context of current challenges, particularly concerning disinformation campaigns targeting local elected representatives or specific communities, the discussion delved into how city councils are supporting participatory initiatives and the feedback they are receiving from citizens.
The final intervention was by Anna Ditta, Head of the Programmes and Development Department at ALDA, who concluded the session by presenting several European funding programmes that support participatory democracy, including CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) , Erasmus+, and Horizon Europe. She specifically highlighted Erasmus+, explaining that it is a funding programme designed to support a range of activities in education, training, youth, and sport, offering opportunities for students and other groups to implement projects abroad, strengthen their skills, and promote international cooperation.
Antonella Valmorbida closed the session by emphasising the need for deeper engagement in democracy, particularly in today’s complex world. She reflected on how, in such a dynamic environment, people live in different social, economic, and cultural contexts, and it is crucial for democracy to be responsive to these diverse needs. She highlighted the important role that citizens play in shaping the future of their communities and societies, reminding everyone that democracy requires ongoing participation from all.
In the afternoon, ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida participated in a panel titled “Take Your Seat at the Table: Connecting Different Levels of Citizen Participation” a workshop organised by the European Commission, OECD, European Movement France, and ALDA.
The panel addressed the topic of how to better connect different levels of citizen participation, from local to transnational. Other speakers included Gaëtane Ricard-Nihoul, Deputy Head of Unit, Citizens’ Dialogue at European Commission, Charlotte Denise-Adam, Policy Analyst/Directorate of Public Governance at OECD, Hervé Moritz, President of the European Movement France, and Emilie Gaychet, Local Development Manager of Les Jeunes Européens – France.
During her intervention, Antonella Valmorbida highlighted ALDA’s active work with local and regional authorities, as well as with associations where citizen participation at the local level is central to their efforts. She posed the question of “how” and to what extent ALDA can offer a voice in the context of decentralisation. Antonella emphasised that Europe is not just a single voice; it is all of us together. It is not the voice of one individual but the collective voice of the diverse population that constitutes Europe.
She stressed the importance of raising awareness about the tools for citizen participation and encouraging their use. ALDA, she noted, represents a wider community and has produced documents with 40 recommendations on the issue of citizen participation. Through the Civil Society Europe network, ALDA is currently representing around 100 organisations to advocate for these matters.
Antonella Valmorbida emphasised the importance of initiative and proactivity, highlighting that it is crucial for people to be familiar with the tools available to make their voices heard – whether through events, white papers, local initiatives, or national thematic networks. One of the main challenges, she explained, is understanding the importance of civic life in our own lives. Consulting and actively participating in the life of institutions, Antonella concluded, is essential for strengthening democracy and fostering a more inclusive society.
The second part of the event included two days of online workshops by several organisations. ALDA Balkans’ workshop took place on March 21, 2025, titled “Citizen Engagement: A Key to Lasting Reconciliation in the Western Balkans.”
The online workshop started with Ivana Velkova, Deputy Head of Unit Western Balkans – ALDA Skopje Office, who opened the session by introducing Stanka Parac Damjanovic, ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator, senior trainer with extensive experience in civil society development, active citizenship education, and local governance. Stanka discussed how to assess citizen participation at the local level, emphasising the need to extend participation beyond a small group. The conversation then turned to the role of creative activites as tools for engaging citizens, highlighting their potential to encourage broader involvement.
The discussion continued moderated by Simona Slavkova, Grant Manager at ALDA, with Simona Bishkoska, Communication Officer at ALDA and Viktorija Postolovska, Project Manager at ALDA, who focused on youth activism and its role in promoting reconciliation, fostering a productive debate on the importance of dialogue and youth participation.
Ivana Velkova concluded the session by presenting BOOST project, a programme aimed at strengthening democratic, economic, and social development in the Western Balkans. BOOST supports civil society through capacity building, financial support in key thematic areas, and promotes active citizenship, gender equality, and dialogue with decision-makers. The programme focuses particularly on empowering young people, especially young women, and strengthening their capacity for active participation across all thematic pillars, including youth & entrepreneurship, rural development & environment, and the preservation of cultural heritage. This project, among others, serves as a concrete example of inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development, demonstrating how targeted support can lead to meaningful change and greater societal participation.
The overall objective of this call for proposals is to provide technical and financial support for joint cooperation initiatives between CSOs and public authorities and civic engagement activities.
The specific objectives of this call for proposal are:
To empower CSOs as key intermediaries to mobilise citizens and ensure their voices are reflected in policy decisions at local and regional levels.
To strengthen consultation mechanisms by supporting CSOs in creating or enhancing platforms that facilitate dialogue between public authorities and communities.
To enhance participatory governance by fostering collaboration between CSOs and authorities to improve policy implementation, inclusion, and responsiveness.
To promote citizen engagement and civic education through participatory budgeting initiatives, policy monitoring and evaluation, and awareness-raising activities that increase transparency, accountability, and informed public participation.
Scope of the support programme
Financial support
Selected organisations will receive financial support in the form of grants managed by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and People in Need Moldova (PIN). This funding will enable the successful applicants to cover project-related expenses, facilitating the implementation of their activities and achieving the objectives outlined in their proposals.
Technical support
In addition to financial support, selected organisations will benefit from customised, needs-based consultancy services provided by the CONTACT Centre. This will include on-demand assistance in organisational development and other key areas to strengthen their operational capacity.
Furthermore, thematic capacity-building training will be offered to prepare project implementers to engage effectively in democratic processes, promoting active citizen participation, and engaging meaningfully in policy dialogue.
Granting modalities
The grants’ duration will range from 6 to 18 months, depending on its size, scope and objectives. It is set to begin in June 2025 and must be completed no later than November 2026.
The grant recipient will sign a grant contract agreement with ALDA or PIN, as grant intermediaries of European Union funding. Several proposals are expected to be funded under this call, divided under three streams:
Lot 1: Consultation mechanisms at the national, district level or in several municipalities. These grants will support the development and strengthening of consultation platforms (for example, such as District Participatory Councils, Transparency Councils, etc), as well as the work of advocacy coalitions to enhance civic engagement in policy implementation within specific sectoral policies (for example, the implementation of social policies, environmental policies, development plans, etc). The amount available for these grants can be up to EUR 30,000.
Lot 2: Consultation mechanisms for communes and villages. These initiatives should help foster inclusive decision-making at the local level by ensuring that community voices are actively represented in governance processes, aiming at reinforcing existing participatory platforms or at establishing new ones. The amount available for these grants can be up to EUR 16,000.
Lot 3: Grassroots participation initiatives at the commune and village level. These grants enable CSOs to promote active citizen engagement, implement participatory budgeting initiatives, and develop local engagement strategies that integrate communities into governance structures and policy dialogues. The amount available for these grants can be up to EUR 12,000.
Selected organisations will be exempted from VAT from the costs incurred within this grant; therefore, the budget proposal should contain the planned costs excluding VAT.
Eligible activities and priorities of the call
The following types of activities are eligible for funding. The list is neither exhaustive nor cumulative. Additional types of activities may be considered, provided they align with the objectives of this call for proposals. These examples are offered as suggestions to inspire potential applicants and guide their project design.
Civic education and citizens’ engagement in democratic processes
Conducting awareness campaigns to promote democratic governance and support democratic processes in order to increase civic and democratic culture at the local level, focusing on civic and voter education, active participation and inclusion;
Organising training sessions and workshops on civic education, media literacy and community mobilisation and organisation to encourage informed and active participation in democratic processes;
Facilitating citizen forums, debates, town hall meetings, and policy discussions to encourage dialogue with local authorities and involve citizens in the public consultation process and decision-making, especially for groups that are less represented;
Promoting civic responsibility through awareness campaigns and media outreach, including through community events, digital campaign and direct engagement with citizens;
Partnerships for participatory policy-making
Creating or strengthening multi-stakeholder consultation platforms and other participatory mechanisms involving public authorities to develop sustainable partnerships among community actors and to involve them in solving community problems;
Structured consultations between CSOs, local authorities, and community representatives to increase awareness on their role in local policy-making;
Public hearings and roundtables to gather citizen input on local policies and initiatives by organising sessions of policy dialogue through budget hearings, participatory budget-making, and social audits with public authorities;
Mechanisms for feedback collection and response to ensure that authorities act on citizen concerns across the policy and budget cycle (from design to monitoring and evaluation) through joint reflection and coordination meetings with public authorities (central or local) to improve their responsiveness and the quality of citizen involvement in public policymaking;
Transparency and inclusiveness
Participatory initiatives allowing citizens to propose and vote on local spending priorities through the development of tools that enhance the participation of civil society in budget-making processes at the local level;
Citizen monitoring mechanisms for democratic and governance processes and budget allocation through the conduction of social audits, public budget hearings, or public consultations, prioritising budgetary processes that relate to policy priorities such as gender, environment, and climate change;
Community-led development initiatives that reflect the needs of diverse social groups by promoting the needs and rights of the most vulnerable groups towards the public authorities to include specific and targeted provisions responding to their needs.
The cross-cuttingpriorities of this call are to strengthen civil society’s ability to protect democratic spaces by fostering citizen engagement and collaboration with public authorities. Additionally, it aims to promote informed decision-making in response to the growing spread of disinformation concerning public affairs and democratic processes. The key elements outlined below should be considered while preparing the application:
Proposals featuring public awareness initiatives on disinformation risks, digital and media literacy, and electoral integrity will be highly valued, particularly in the early project stages. However, no activities should take place immediately before or on election day.
Proposals that foster structured and sustained cooperation with public institutions (local public authorities, ministries and decentralised agencies or agencies in relevant sectors, etc) while promoting inclusive participation of citizens in decision-making will be considered highly relevant.
Given the importance of cooperation between civil society and public authorities to develop effective and sustainable cooperation initiatives with public authorities, prospective applicants are encouraged to work closely with public authorities and coordinate with them while preparing their proposal.
Complementarity and synergy with ongoing initiatives, advocacy coalitions, networks, platforms and existing permanent consultation mechanisms are strongly encouraged to ensure a coordinated, sustainable, and high-impact approach to strengthening democratic governance.
Promoting gender-responsive, socially inclusive and environment friendly approaches into policy-making is a high priority.
The following types of activities are ineligible for funding: actions that focus primarily on individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, seminars, conferences, or congresses will not be supported. Additionally, activities concerned mainly with individual scholarships for studies or training courses are excluded. Any actions that support political parties and/or individual politicians are also ineligible.. Furthermore, retroactive financing for projects that are already in progress or have been completed will not be considered. Projects that provide exclusive benefits to individuals or restricted groups of individuals will not qualify for funding. Actions within the formal education sector will generally be ineligible, except in special circumstances. Environmentally harmful projects will not receive funding, and the purchase of equipment is only permissible if it is directly linked to the implementation of the project.
A prospective applicant organisation may submit only one application for the entire call for proposals, rather than one per lot. Applications must be submitted by individual organisations, not as part of a consortium. However, collaboration and synergies between project proposals are strongly encouraged. Allocating a small part of the budget for digitization of organizations (e.g. cybersecurity software, subscription to the communication platform, etc.) is encouraged.
Application and selection process
The following provides an overview of the application and selection process from the publication of the guidelines to the start of implementation.
Full application submission
The application period is open immediately and will close on Friday 18 April 2025; 23:59 Chișinău time. The full application package is composed of:
The full application form filled in an editable document (Annex 1)
The Mandate and Statement on exclusion criteria both signed (Annex 2)
The identification / registration certificate of the applicant.
Applications should be sent to inspiredmoldova@gmail.com; Applications must be submitted in Romanian, Russian or English languages.
Evaluation and award procedure
Administrative compliance
All applications will undergo an administrative check that establishes whether the information required by the online application form has been provided. Applications will be assessed through the administrative compliance criteria described below:
The application package is received complete, in line with section 5.2 above.
The organisation must be an NGO registered in Moldova and provide a certificate of registration.
The organisation must be able to sign a grant agreement with PIN or ALDA.
The organisation is not already a beneficiary of a grant within the INSPIRED Moldova project.
The organisation declared not meeting any of the exclusion criteria outlined in the Annex 2 – Mandate & Statement on exclusion criteria.
Technical evaluation
The Evaluation Committee will then assess the administratively compliant applications against the criteria listed below:
Final evaluation & award decision
Based on this evaluation, applicants will receive an official response with the outcome of their application. If selected for funding, a number of additional documents may have to be completed by the applicant as part of the due diligence process. Once all comments have been addressed and additional information and documents have been provided, a grant agreement will be signed between the applicant and People in Need or ALDA.
On Monday, 24 March, ALDA officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Corso Palladio 76, right in the beating heart of Vicenza — a symbolic and strategic move that reflects our growing role both locally and across Europe.
This new space is more than just an office: it is a home for participation, a centre for ideas, and a meeting point between citizens, institutions and Europe.
We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests and representatives from institutions at all levels, whose presence underlined the relevance of this moment:
We were also delighted to share this celebration with ALDA Members, Partners, Staff, and many citizens — all of whom contribute every day to advancing our mission of local democracy, civic participation, and European cooperation.
The ceremony featured the cutting of the ribbon and the European flag unfurling down the building’s façade — a visual reminder of the values that guide us and of Europe’s presence, at the very centre of Vicenza.
This relocation marks a significant milestone. After many fruitful years at Viale Milano, ALDA made the necessary decision to move due to the exponential growth of the organisation in recent years. With an expanding team, new projects, and stronger local engagement, it became clear that we needed a space that could truly reflect this evolution — both functionally and symbolically. It is a commitment. A commitment to being visible, accessible, and present. To working more closely with the local fabric — cultural, social, institutional — while staying true to our European mission.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful day. This is only the beginning of a new chapter — one that we are excited to write together.
