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Introducing a new chapter in the old familiar location, the Western Balkans. ALDA is launching the BOOST project – Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability, and Transformation of Civil Society, officially commencing on 1 April, 2024.

Funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), BOOST project is a three-year initiative coordinated by ALDA and implemented by a consortium of partners from France and the Western Balkans, with the goal of advancing development in various areas in the region within the framework of EU enlargement.

The project will involve CSOs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in various activities, including conferences, trainings, and national and regional sub-granting schemes, with a budget of 3.7 million euros.

The primary goal of this project is to contribute to the democratic development of the Western Balkan region, through extensive support for the civil society sector and activities while taking in consideration the socio-political and economic dynamics of the region. The project is taking advantage of the growing presence of CSOs in Western Balkans and the active civic engagement, who despite challenges, plays a crucial role in promoting democratic reform, human rights and social advancement.

The project will tackle the most crucial topics and issues, such as the obstacles that youngsters face when engaging in civic activities, the low level of citizen participation, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and decision-making positions, the untapped potential of rural and cultural tourism.

BOOST is strategically designed with clear objectives aimed at catalysing positive change by enhancing the capacity and role of CSOs dedicated to the democratisation and sustainable
development of the Western Balkans

It aims to establish a robust network of stakeholders committed to the region’s democratic growth and to foster a collective narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusive youth participation at the regional level.

Benefiting from a diverse and seasoned consortium, the project will leverage the extensive field experience of local partners from the Western Balkans, complemented by the EU experience contributed by the French members of the consortium.

The project will be inaugurated on 30 April, 2024, in Tirana, Albania, with a launching event bringing together 50 representatives from Western Balkans Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) alongside the project partners. Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.

BOOST is coordinated by ALDA in partnership with LEADER France, Pulse SOS, Pulse Balkans, Local Democracy Agency Mostar, Local Democracy Agency Kosovo, Local Democracy Agency Nikšić, Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici, Local Democracy Agency Prijedor, Local Democracy Agency Subotica, Local Democracy Agency Central and Southern Serbia and the Urban Research Institute Albania. 


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AT A GLANCE

Project aims to strengthen democratic, economic and social development of the WB region. This will be achieved through long-term program support for empowering civil society capacities in different thematic pillars: youth & entrepreneurship, rural development & environment, preservation of cultural heritage & community development. The cross-cutting priority is to promote active citizenship through participatory approaches and tools, and to encourage a gender perspective in all the programme’s activities. The programme aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations through: a) capacity building, b) financial supporting activities to CSOs in the three key thematic pillars; c) promoting networking within civil society and with other key actors such as local authorities.

The project focuses on young people  and especially young women and is aimed at strengthening their capacity for active participation in all the pillars described above. Project also aims to encourage greater engagement and effective cooperation among citizens and direct dialogue with decision-makers, at the local and national level. These actions help to strengthen transparent and responsive local governance structures, generating a positive impact on a regional scale. ALDA’s network also reaches EU and in particular French partners and members, which have been involved with ALDA in the WB region, in several programmes for good local governance for more than two decades.

OBJECTIVES

Overall objective: Promote the democratic, economic, and social development of the Western Balkans region within the context of EU enlargement, by strengthening civil society in the areas of youth and entrepreneurship, environmental protection, rural development, preservation of cultural heritage and community development.

Specific objectives:

  • To strengthen the role and the capacities of civil society organisations in the Western Balkans
  • To set up a network of relevant  stakeholders (civil society, local authorities, universities and others) committed to the stable and democratic, economic, cultural and social development of the region.
  • To promote and strengthen a shared narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusion of young people (men and women, boys and girls) at regional level.

HASHTAGS

#BOOST #BOOSTtheBalkans

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The International Mayors’ Summit – Building Resilient Communities through Innovation and Cooperation took place in the Republic of Moldova on April 11, thanks to the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF). This year’s summit was all about fostering collaboration and innovation among municipalities worldwide. The event aimed to create a platform facilitating the experience exchange of cross-borders municipalities and foster local government partnerships.

In this context, the President of the Republic of Moldova, mayors from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Poland, representatives of development partners highlighted topical issues such as innovations and digital transformation at local level, sustainable development, the European vector, including funds, partnerships and programmes and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Central to the summit’s discussions was the imperative of strengthening partnerships between Moldovan and Ukrainian municipalities, especially in light of the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. In a region ruin by conflict and uncertainty, fostering solidarity and cooperation among neighboring cities has emerged as a crucial strategy for building resilience and ensuring the well-being of citizens on both sides of the border.

Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, General Secretary of ALDA, delivered an important message on strengthening local democracy in the Republic of Moldova and the Eastern Partnership, ALDA’s mission dedicated to promoting good governance and citizen participation at local level. Within the “Rebuild Ukraine” panel, she pointed out ALDA’s flagship initiative for supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction based on citizens engagement and local government empowering, through strengthening Local Democracy Agencies: ”ALDA is an advocate for Ukraine from all corners of the European Union through its network of LDAs, active members and European partners”.

As the ongoing war against Ukraine continues to damage the fundamental structures of society and governance, ALDA stands with the country’s local authorities and local civil society organisations

ALDA’s unwavering commitment to promoting good governance and citizen participation resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring even bigger dedication to fostering inclusive and accountable governance practices.

ALDA’s ongoing efforts to support Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in Ukraine serve as an example of how grassroots initiatives can contribute to stabilisation and cohesion in communities grappling with conflict and adversity. After a year of difficult management due to the ongoing war, in 2023 actions were relaunched aiming on the one hand at further strengthening the existing of the LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region and LDA Mariupol and on the other at opening new LDAs in other regions of Ukraine.

In its effort for Ukraine’s recovery, ALDA actively contributes to the work of regional networks that support local governance and empowerment of local society by raising awareness among members and partners on all possible ways to support Ukrainian society during the war, leading projects with local and international partners and members to support Ukraine, and developing and disseminating statements for strong advocacy.

The International Mayors’ Summit represents hope and possibility, where leaders from across the region came together to reaffirm their commitment to building resilient communities through innovation and cooperation. As they return to their respective municipalities armed with fresh insights and newfound partnerships, the legacy of the summit will endure as a testament to the power of collaboration in overcoming the most formidable of challenges.

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In the heart of Mons, Belgium, amidst the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities on March 19, 2024, the ADL Zavidovići Association, a member of ALDA, received the prestigious Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award. This recognition lauds exceptional contributions to local and regional governance, commemorating the legacy of the former Mayor of Gdańsk (Poland), Paweł Adamowicz. His steadfast dedication to amplifying marginalised voices, fostering solidarity, and advocating for diversity in local governance resonates profoundly.

Speeches delivered during the ceremony echoed the spirit of courage and resilience embodied by the laureates.

Vice-president of the European Commission, Mrs. Věra Jourová, emphasised Mayor Adamowicz’s legacy of combating hate speech and intolerance, urging the building of bridges instead of walls: “Mayor Pawel Adamowicz left behind an important legacy; his dedication and courage showed us the importance of standing up to hate speech and intolerance. He spoke about the necessity to build bridges instead of wars, to give voice to the voiceless and to protect the most vulnerable communities.”

Mrs. Magdalena Adamowicz, Member of the European Parliament, echoed Paweł Adamowicz’s words, urging individuals to ask themselves, “If not me, then who?” She underscored the importance of collective action and solidarity in addressing societal challenges: “If not me, then who? If not Gdańsk, which other city should help refugees? If not the city of freedom and solidarity, what other city should bear witness to brotherhood towards the most disadvantaged? – this is what Paweł said to me…. So, at the crossroads, when you have to make a life decision, when you are in doubt, when you are overwhelmed by fear, stop for a moment, take a deep breath and each time ask yourself this simple question: if not me, then who?”

President of the European Committee of the Regions, Mr. Vasco Alves Cordeiro, highlighted the role of elected representatives in safeguarding democracy and fundamental values. He emphasized the transformative power of courage and determination in promoting freedom, solidarity, and equality.

During his speech, President of the CIVEX, Mr. Patrick Molinoz said that “awarding our prize this year to the Association of Local Democracy in Zavidovici in the heart of the Western Balkans is, obviously, full of meaning since it inevitably takes us back to the first war which, at the end of the last century, for the first time since the Second World War, has put Europe in mourning. This conflict, which lasted almost 4 years, notably caused a massive exodus of refugees and led to numerous displaced populations: an exiled and traumatized generation, which motivated our 2023 laureate to act locally in a surge of solidarity.”

For the complete speeches, click here.

Mrs. Maddalena Alberti, Director of ADL Zavidovići and recipient of the award, emphasised the need for resilience and perseverance in times of adversity.

She urged a steadfast commitment to structural change, invoking the enduring virtue of courage in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges: “We should not forget the past. As the saying goes: “History repeats itself; first as farce then as tragedy”. When tragedies occur, it is too late. Hence, we should resist the politics of walls, persecutions, control, and expulsions.  In these times we need to be not only brave but resilient and perseverant. Things do not happen quickly but the change is the result of a constant and long-term commitment. Structural changes require structural work, and they are slow in motion but durable in time. As history teaches us, courage is a virtue characterized by an ‘endurance in the impossible’... Let the impossible become possible.” 

For the complete speech of Mrs. Maddalena Alberti, click here.

Founded in 1996 during the Bosnian War, the ADL Zavidovići Association today represents a resilience and dedication to human rights. Stemming from the tragic events of 1993, where three pacifists from Brescia, Italy, lost their lives while delivering humanitarian aid, the association has grown into a dynamic force, extending support to communities in need.

To honour and commemorate this event, as well as celebrate this wonderful award, ADL Zavidovići had a wonderful celebration in Brescia on April 14, 2024, at the Capretti Auditorium, sharing this moment with the community and celebrating together. Participants were offered an aperitif accompanied by the Ottoni a Scoppio, a band that has always stood by the side of the marginalised and vulnerable.

The recognition and award underscores the association’s relentless efforts in promoting democracy, integration, and collaboration, both locally and internationally. Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, expressed deep pride in the association’s achievements, highlighting its commitment to strengthening local communities.

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On 13 April, on the occasion of the inauguration of the “Bench of Europe” in Vicenza on 13 April, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary-General of ALDA, presented the Better Europe Together campaign.

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On Thursday, 11 April 2024, in Brussels (Belgium), at the European Parliament took place the presentation of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG) project, an initiative of cohesion and promotion of the Vicenza mountains that retraces some emblematic places of the First World War that today represent a real “open-air museum” of the Great War.

Invited by the Honourable Mrs. Paola Ghidoni, among the speakers of the meeting Mr. Andrea Nardin, President of the Province of Vicenza, Mr. Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Council of the Veneto Region and Mr. Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy of ALDA and CEO of ALDA+. 

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On Thursday, 11 April 2024, in Brussels (Belgium), at the European Parliament took place the presentation of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG) project, an initiative of cohesion and promotion of the Vicenza mountains that retraces some emblematic places of the First World War that today represent a real “open-air museum” of the Great War.

Invited by the Honourable Mrs. Paola Ghidoni, among the speakers of the meeting Mr. Andrea Nardin, President of the Province of Vicenza, Mr. Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Council of the Veneto Region and Mr. Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy of ALDA and CEO of ALDA+. 

With the video contribution of the President of the BIM Bacchiglione Consortium, Mr. Valter Orsi, and the letter of Senator Mrs. Mara Bizzotto, the event explored the several opportunities provided by the charming itinerary of the AVGG, emphasising its significant importance from a historical-environmental point of view and the promotion of eco-sustainable tourism.   

A path, the Alta Via della Grande Guerra which spans about 200 kilometres among nature, CAI trails and Vicenza peaks, connecting the four symbolic military memorial sites in the Province of Vicenza – Pasubio, Cimone, Asiago and Grappa – places of deep reflection and memory of the events of the First World War.

The Alta Via della Grande Guerra represents a significant example of collective participation and collaboration to create a stronger, more inclusive and unified Europe

In his speech, Mr. Marco Boaria emphasised the extraordinary relevance of the AVGG project, which goes beyond mere tourism and hiking, encompassing fundamental elements such as community participation, numerous local and international development prospects and the promotion of European values of memory, peace and unity. 

Furthermore, Mr. Nardin also highlighted the shifting nature of the route, from a place of war to a space of peace and community, recalling the daily commitment needed to ensure freedom and democracy.

In charge of promoting the project, ALDA+ actively supports this historical and naturalistic recovery path in the Vicenza Pre-Alps, promoting the role of local entities and the indissoluble bond with the local community.  

As a consequence, the Alta Via della Grande Guerra represents a significant example of collective participation and collaboration to create a stronger, more inclusive and unified Europe.

🇮🇹 ITALIAN VERSION 

L’Alta Via Della Grande Guerra arriva al Parlamento Europeo: tra natura, storia e promozione dei valori europei

Giovedì 11 aprile 2024, a Bruxelles (Belgio), presso il Parlamento Europeo, si è tenuta la presentazione del progetto Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG), un’iniziativa di coesione e promozione della montagna vicentina che ripercorre alcuni luoghi emblematici del primo conflitto mondiale che oggi rappresentano un vero e proprio museo all’aperto della Grande Guerra.

Su invito dell’Onorevole Paola Ghidoni, tra i protagonisti dell’incontro Andrea Nardin, Presidente della Provincia di Vicenza, Roberto Ciambetti, Presidente del Consiglio della Regione Veneto e Marco Boaria, Direttore dei Programmi e della Strategia Aziendale di ALDA e CEO di ALDA+. 

Assieme al contributo video del Presidente del Consorzio BIM Bacchiglione, Valter Orsi, e alla lettera della Senatrice Mara Bizzotto, l’evento ha permesso di esplorare le numerose opportunità offerte dall’affascinante itinerario dell’AVGG, enfatizzandone la grande importanza dal punto di vista storico-ambientale e della promozione del turismo eco-sostenibile.   

Un percorso, quello dell’Alta Via della Grande Guerra, che si estende per circa 200 chilometri tra natura, sentieri CAI e vette vicentine, collegando i quattro sacrari militari simbolici della Provincia di Vicenza – Pasubio, Cimone, Asiago e Grappa – luoghi di profonda riflessione e ricordo degli eventi della Prima Guerra Mondiale.

L’Alta Via della Grande Guerra rappresenta un esempio significativo di partecipazione e collaborazione collettiva, per costruire un’Europa più forte, inclusiva ed unita

Nel suo intervento, Marco Boaria ha sottolineato l’importanza straordinaria del progetto AVGG che va oltre il semplice ambito turistico ed escursionistico, raccogliendo in sé elementi fondamentali come la partecipazione comunitaria, le numerose prospettive di sviluppo locale ed internazionale e la promozione dei valori europei di memoria, pace ed unità. 

Inoltre, il Presidente Nardin ha tenuto ad evidenziare anche il carattere mutevole del percorso, da luogo di guerra a spazio di pace e condivisione, richiamando l’impegno giornaliero necessario nel garantire la libertà e la democrazia.

Incaricata di promuovere il progetto, ALDA+ sostiene attivamente questo percorso di recupero storico e naturalistico delle Prealpi vicentine, promuovendo il ruolo delle entità locali ed il legame indissolubile con la comunità locale.  

Di conseguenza, l’Alta Via della Grande Guerra rappresenta un esempio significativo di partecipazione e collaborazione collettiva, per costruire un’Europa più forte, inclusiva ed unita.

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Are you a young politician under the age of 35, serving in regional or local positions within the EU and the EU candidate countries? Are you looking for opportunities to network, gather information on EU legislation and EU funding opportunities?

Do you want to be involved in the work of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR​), and meet and debate with CoR members and other local, regional and European politicians?

Take part in the Young Elected Politicians (YEP) network and raise your voice at the EU level!

The YEP programme, launched by the European Committee of the Region (CoR) in 2019, aims to exchange best practices among local and regional politicians, strengthen the involvement of young elected representatives and promote their education through training and other relevant activities.

The programme has already empowered more than 800 young elected politicians, providing them a platform to engage with, and contribute to, European Union policy making and governance.

The initiative will last until spring 2025, with activities scheduled throughout the year. Being part of the YEP programme allows participants to assist a wide variety of events online, hybrid and in person at the CoR premises in Brussels (Belgium) or initiative outside the city.   

Deadline to Apply: 19 April, 2024

We eagerly await your application and your contribution to shape the future of the EU and ensure adequate political representation of young people.

How to apply?

For further information, read the full call on the dedicated website page and fill out the application form in English. 

You have time until 19 April, 2024!

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ALDA gave a presentation on the European elections to the Partners of the Speak Up project, looking for synergies two months ahead of the elections. We also presented ALDA’s own campaign for the European elections, Better Europe Together, in which the partners were invited to participate.

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During the Open Days of Villa Fabris in Thiene and within the “Shape your Europe” Lab, ALDA had an informative session about the Better Europe Together campaign and a stand dedicated to the TALE – TAke the Lead in the European Elections project.

This was the opportunity to inform local participants and citizens about the relevance of the upcoming elections of the next European Parliament as well as about the voting process in Italy.

  • Period:

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  • Countries involved:

    Eastern Partnership & Central Asia

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

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During March 10-15, two dedicated project managers from ALDA had the enriching opportunity to attend a comprehensive 5-day training session on migration inclusion in the beautiful city of Copenhagen (Denmark).

The main goal of this training was to arm participants with practical skills and valuable insights needed to effectively address the challenges associated with migration inclusion. At the heart of the agenda was the introduction and testing of the INCLUDATE curriculum, collaboratively developed by seven organisations, including ALDA, in the previous year. INCLUDATE stands out as a structured framework designed to empower migrant associations. It enables them to actively engage in inclusion and diversity strategies tailored to their unique contexts at every stage of the process. 

The aim is to foster inclusive communities across Europe through shared learning experiences.

During their stay, our project managers also seized the opportunity to explore the Migration Museum of Denmark. This exceptional institution chronicles the rich tapestry of immigration, spanning from the Dutch settlers in 16th-century Copenhagen to the Ukrainian refugees of 2022. By spotlighting individual stories, the museum places contemporary migration issues within a broader historical context, offering invaluable perspectives on the subject matter.

Throughout the training, participants immersed themselves in the methodologies of INCLUDATE through a series of engaging sessions. These sessions covered a spectrum of topics, including needs assessment, community mapping, empathy mapping, strategy development, action planning, and implementation strategies. The training was thoughtfully structured around two primary activities: learning of methods and tools, and experiential group work. This hands-on approach allowed participants to adapt these methods to their respective organisational cases and contexts effectively.

As they return from Copenhagen, our project managers are not only equipped with new skills but also inspired to continue their meaningful work within the INCLUDATE project. They are confident in their ability to contribute positively to inclusion and diversity strategies, eager to make an impact in their communities.

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  • Countries involved:

    Eastern Partnership & Central Asia

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

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On the 8th of April 2024, ALDA hosted a delegation of Ukrainian City and Village Mayors, Civil Society Experts and Businesses at its premises in Brussels, as a part of the study visit organised by ANTS, a member of ALDA. 

During the gettogether, ALDA’s Coordinator of the Secretariat, Mr. Adrien Licha, presented ALDA’s origin as a catalyst for participatory democracy in the Balkans through Local Democracy Agencies. Then – following a depiction of ALDA’s vision and its emphasis on multi stakeholder cooperation – its partnership with Ukraine was introduced. Starting with ALDA’s efforts in knowledge sharing on participatory democracy before 2014, through the formal opening of the first LDA in Ukraine in the aftermath of the invasion of Crimea, until today’s multiple engagements in the country, through the Flagship Initiative on Ukraine. 

Partnerships with programs like U-LEAD with Europe have enabled ALDA to advance its mission in Ukraine, focusing on community development and resilience. 

ALDA’s Flagship Initiative emphasises the importance of LDAs in fostering peace and social cohesion.

Today, ALDA perpetuates its stand for the future of Ukraine putting civic engagement, participatory democracy and civil society at the heart of its initiatives in the country

Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, ALDA remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery through multilateral cooperation, in line with the Lugano Declaration. By engaging local authorities and civil society, ALDA strives to contribute to Ukraine’s peaceful and democratic future. As of now ALDA coordinates three LDAs in Ukraine, while the opening of additional ones is either planned or being discussed. Over the past two years, ALDA’s initiatives in Ukraine have been vital in promoting peace, resilience, and reconstruction. Through collaboration and innovation, ALDA stands with Ukraine in its journey towards a brighter future. 

In this purpose, LDAs in Ukraine carry out several projects, including psychological rehabilitation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dnipro – along with shelters providing food on a daily basis, Project “I Mariupol” offering support centres to provide basic needs to IDPs and capacity-building training on EU programs and Project development,

This is all possible thanks to a cooperative process of engagement with ALDA’s network, building a bridge with the local community and finalised with the Memorandum of Understanding putting the LDA in place. Going further, ALDA’s support and monitoring of the LDA’s activities is constant, to ensure the carrying out of activities in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The discussion testifies to the mutual admiration and interest both parts showed and it laid down and touched upon many compelling issues. Empowerment of youth and bottom-up democratic processes kicked off the talks, which later moved to the topics of sustainability, green environmental recovery and reconstruction, management of the immeasurable quantity of waste generated by the Russian invasion and the delicate issue of demining agricultural territories and tackling the damages already inflicted.
The discussion has been enriching and all of the topics touched raised new challenges for the implementation of a bottom-up and participative decision-making process, requiring further coordination and better synergy: two aspects that ALDA will definitely prioritise for the time being, working alongside its Ukrainian colleagues.

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On 27 and 28 March 2024, ALDA was present in Paris at the Conseil économique, social et environnemental’s (CESE) two-day event dedicated to the European Union and the European elections. We presented our activities and flagship initiatives to the members of the CESE.

ALDA was kindly invited to participate by the Mouvement Européen France, our partner in l’Europe pour de Bon ! campaign in France.

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On April 6, 2024, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, delivered a presentation on the importance of the European elections 2024 to the Officina sociopolitica Altovicentino. The presentation included an explanation of the European Parliament, of the functions of the Members of the European Parliament and of ALDA’s campaign ‘Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results‘.

The event, entitled ‘Progettazione Europea’ was also attended by Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy of ALDA, who led a presentation on European projects tackling all the project cycle management.

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On April 5, 2024, ALDA delivered an interactive presentation concerning the upcoming European elections to 60 students of the Atheneum Royal Jean Absil in Brussels. The event was aimed at presenting to the students the role of the European Parliament, the number of MEPs that will be elected and their function, and the date for the elections in Belgium.

ALDA gratefully accepted the invitation extended by Stand up for Europe to introduce their simulation of a European Parliament vote. Within this engaging exercise, students assume roles advocating for propositions of law and endorsing amendments in adherence to specific political guidelines.

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Connecting experts and citizens from diverse backgrounds and regions through digital tools in order to shape policies and initiatives.

To actively shape the European Green Deal, online participation can serve as a powerful tool to engage and connect individuals, amplify their voices, and foster inclusive decision-making processes. For this reason, the partners of the REAL DEAL project are delighted to announce the launch of the project’s participatory platform for the European Green Deal – My Real Deal.

The REAL DEAL project sets out to stimulate a pan-European debate involving different stakeholder groups, with the aims of reshaping citizens’ and stakeholders’ active participation and deliberation in the green and just transition. It brings together excellent research with experienced practitioners of deliberative democracy from a wide range of disciplines including environmental rights and the law of public participation, ethics and responsible innovation, gender studies and ecofeminism, psychology, geography, urban planning and applied sustainability studies.

In a massive co-creating exercise, it will research, test and validate innovative tools, formats and processes for deliberative democracy. It involves the EU’s largest networks of civil society organisations active in the field of environment – European Environmental Bureau, climate – Climate Action Network, sustainable development – SDG Watch Europe, local democracy – ALDA and the European Movement International, linking to the youth climate – YEE/Generation Climate Europe and the social justice movement – SOLIDAR. These large networks will invite civil society from across the region to the European Civil Society Forum for the Green and Just Transition to serve as the hub for deliberation on the EDG – making full use of their networks of hundreds of CSOs and millions of citizens across the EU, as well as their established relationships with thousands of policymakers.

The REAL DEAL platform represents a significant step in the efforts to engage citizens in shaping environmental policies all over Europe. Through its multilingualism and multiculturalism, the platform contributes to removing the language and cultural barrier by fostering exchange among citizens from different countries. Each individual is therefore encouraged to write and read contributions in their own language.

My Real Deal provides a space for citizens to voice their opinions, share their concerns, and propose ideas related to the European Green Deal

The purpose of the platform is to serve as a hub for individuals across Europe who are eager to contribute to the transition towards a greener future. Individuals can contribute to the Green Deal discussions by subscribing and sharing the most pressing topic(s) as well as contribute to the debate by reacting to posts from other contributors.

By including citizens from different regions and countries through online participation, solutions and ideas are more actionable. Therefore, this platform fills in the need for a safe place where individuals can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions regardless of their physical location. This way issues like climate change, which require coordinated efforts on a global scale, can be solved in an inclusive manner. 

These online discussions will be analysed by the REAL DEAL project team and incorporated into a report; which will be presented and submitted to the European Commission as part of the research project.

You will find the platform by clicking here.

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A call for municipalities and organisations working with families affected by energy poverty to be part of a community of interest with various advantages!

According to statistics, in Europe, 9.1% of households are found to be “energy poor”, which means that they constantly live in a house that is not warm enough and/or they face energy bills that can be as high as 10% of their income or even higher. While this is a situation that dramatically affects the heavily populated regions of Northwest Europe; these numbers will probably get worse, all over Europe, because of geopolitical reasons at play since 2022. Therefore, reducing energy poverty is a major concern for European municipalities and the organisations that support municipal plans in reaching out to the households.

Measures and technologies that can alleviate energy poverty are available, but it is not always easy to implement them and replicate them in a local contest. It is especially hard to reach vulnerable households and the associations that represent them. These usually require a tailored approach bridging the gap between available solutions and households in need.

And this gap is the reason why the SCEPA Project, belonging to the NWE Interreg Programme, was written. SCEPA (Scaling up the energy poverty approach), as a project, aims at:

  • Reducing and alleviating energy poverty by engaging and alleviating the situation of vulnerable households;
  • Collecting proven measures and interventions and pilot their replicability and transferability;
  • Making the just transition a tangible reality.

The objectives of SCEPA are these ones and you can be part of it through the community of interest and you can be part of it!

  • Are you a Municipality or an organisation working with families affected by energy poverty?
  • Maybe you are an academic institution, a SME, a financial institution, a societal group, a national, regional or local body active in that sector?
  • Are you in need of finding collaborations for exploring alternative solutions or scaling up the ones you already realise?

Then SCEPA is for you and with the SCEPA community of interest you will be able to:

  • access a learning environment where universities and municipalities are exploring together effective measures and initiatives for fighting against energy poverty;
  • follow online or in-person meetings with these universities and municipalities, according to your budgetary availability;
  • get cost-free learning material produced on a monthly and 6-month basis (monthly newsletters and technical reports);
  • disseminate info and material, created together, to spread behavioural change on energy consumption or to create energy communities in vulnerable neighbours, in your local area;
  • be able to give valuable feedback on approaches and results from the SCEPA project.

SCEPA is a 4-year long project, running until June 2027, and it is funded by the NWE Interreg Programme of the European Commission. 

In order to be considered for the SCEPA Community of Interest, kindly fill up the following registration form, leave your contacts and tell us more about your local contest. You will eventually be contacted by:

ALDA Project Manager, Alice Grazio, alice.grazio@aldaingtranet.org | +39 392 3435281.

Register through the Google Form here.

For further information on the project click here or please contact:

SCEPA Lead Partner Municipality of Arnhem, Hans van Ammers, hans.van.ammers@arnhem.nl | +316 31114929

SCEPA Communication Manager, Erik van Cuijk, erik.van.cuijk@arnhem.nl | +316 1183 7272

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ALDA is deeply committed to supporting transgender individuals, especially on Trans Visibility Day. It’s crucial for everyone to educate themselves on being a supportive ally. Here are some valuable tips for allyship with transgender people :

Those TIPS were taken from GLAAD, a non profit organization focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy and cultural change, go check them out for more information. 

Don’t make assumptions about a transgender person’s sexual orientation.
Gender identity is different from sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is about who we’re attracted to. Gender identity is about our own personal sense of being a man or a woman, or neither of those binary genders. Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or any other sexual orientation.

If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first.
If you’re unsure which pronoun a person uses, listen first to the pronouns other people use when referring to them. If you must ask which pronoun the person uses, start with your own. For example, “Hi, I’m Alex and I use the pronouns he and him. What about you?”. If you accidently use the wrong pronoun, apologize quickly and sincerely, correct your mistake, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the situation, the more uncomfortable it is.

Be patient with a person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity.
A person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity may take some time to figure out what’s true for them. They might, for example, use a name or pronoun, and then decide at a later time to change the name or pronoun again. Do your best to be respectful and use the name and pronoun requested. 

Don’t ask a transgender person what their “real name” is.
If you happen to know the name someone was given at birth but no longer uses, don’t share it without the person’s explicit permission. Similarly, don’t share photos of someone from before their transition, unless you have their permission.

Be careful about confidentiality, disclosure, and “outing.”
Some transgender people feel comfortable disclosing their gender history, while others do not. A transgender person’s gender history is personal information and it is up to them to share it with others. Do not casually share this information, speculate, or gossip about a person you know or think is transgender. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it also can have negative consequences in a world that is very intolerant of gender diversity. Transgender people can lose jobs, housing, friends, or even their lives when other people find out about their gender history.

Understand there is no “right” or “wrong” way to transition, and that it is different for every person.
Some transgender people access medical care like hormone replacement therapy and surgeries as part of their transition in order to align their bodies with their gender identity. Some transgender people want their authentic gender identity to be recognized without hormones or surgery. Some transgender people cannot access gender affirming healthcare due to a lack of financial resources or access to trained providers. A transgender person’s gender is not dependent on medical procedures or how they look. Accept that if someone tells you they are transgender, they are.

Don’t ask about a transgender person’s genitals, surgical status, or sex life.
It would be inappropriate to ask a cisgender (non-transgender) person about the appearance or status of their genitals. It is equally inappropriate to ask a transgender person those questions. Don’t ask if a transgender person has had “the surgery” or if they are “pre-op” or “post-op.” If a transgender person wants to talk to you about such matters, they will bring it up. Similarly, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask a cisgender person about how they have sex, so the same courtesy should be extended to transgender people.

Avoid backhanded compliments and “helpful” tips.
While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be hurtful or even insulting:

“I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty.”

“You look just like a real woman.”

“She’s so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender.”

“He’s so hot. I’d date him even though he’s transgender.”

“You’re so brave.”

“You’d pass so much better if you wore less/more make-up, had a better wig, etc.”

“Have you considered a voice coach?”

Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB spaces.
You may hear anti-transgender comments from anti-LGBTQ activists, but you may also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they’re gay, it’s ok for them to use certain words or tell jokes about transgender people. It’s important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they’re said and no matter who says them.

At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone.
In a group setting, identify people by articles of clothing instead of using gendered language. For example, the “person in the blue shirt,” instead of the “woman in the front.” Similarly, “Sir” and “Madam” are best avoided. If bathrooms in the space are not already all-gender, ask if it’s possible to put an all-gender sign on them. In some circumstances, where not everyone is known, consider asking people to introduce themselves with their names and pronouns. For example, “Hi, I’m Nick and I use he/him pronouns.” Start with yourself and use a serious tone that will discourage others from dismissing the activity with a joke. However, if you feel this practice will have the effect of singling out the trans people in the room or putting them on the spot, avoid it. Remember, it costs cisgender people nothing to share their pronouns, but for trans people it can mean they are sharing something very personal about their gender.

If you want to ensure a safe space from discrimination and create a gender equal work environment, check out ALDA’s gender equality and anti discrimination policy. 

Listen to transgender people.
The best way to be an ally is to listen with an open mind to transgender people speaking for themselves. Follow thought leaders in the transgender community. Check out books, films, YouTube channels, and trans blogs to find out more about transgender people and the issues people within the community face. We recommend watching the documentary “Disclosure” on Netflix. Directed by Sam Feder and executive produced by Laverne Cox, “Disclosure” surveys the history of trans representation in TV and film using archival footage and interviews with 30 trans advocates and artists working in the entertainment industry. The film reveals how the media has created and perpetuated stereotypes about transgender people.

Know your own limits as an ally.
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It is better to admit you don’t know something than to make assumptions or say something that may be incorrect or hurtful. Seek out the appropriate resources that will help you learn more. Remember being an ally is a sustained and persistent pattern of action; not an idle or stable noun.