Gunn Marit Helgesen, Vice-President of the Congress of the Council of Europe, opened ALDA’s 2025 General Assembly with a powerful call to strengthen democratic resilience and promote citizen participation, especially at the local level.

From 10 to 11 July 2025, ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – …

ALDA’s General Assembly 2025 will gather members, partners, and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to celebrate local democracy, exchange best practices, and shape the future of the Association. Join us for inspiring discussions, strategic decisions, and vibrant networking moments.

On 8 June 2025, Kharkiv – a city that has become a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience – welcomed a powerful new institution: the Local Democracy Agency Kharkiv Region.

In 2025 ALDA opens a new chapter by relaunching its Thematic and Regional Hubs. This renewed structure reinforces ALDA’s mission by focusing on key priority areas such as migration, gender equality, and rural development, while also anchoring activities in specific geographic regions. By enhancing coordination among working groups, regional teams, and members, the hubs aim to boost engagement, improve coherence, and amplify the impact of ALDA’s actions throughout Europe.

ALDA’s Governing Board convened for a very important in-person meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, marking a strategic milestone in the organisation’s continued commitment to fostering local democracy, civic engagement, and European integration, particularly in the Western Balkans.

From February 24 to 26, the ALDA Staff Meeting 2025 brought together over 70 colleagues for three days of strategic discussions, collaboration, and future planning.

ALDA extends its warmest congratulations to the newly elected leadership, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cooperation on key priorities such as EU enlargement, deliberative democracy, and citizen participation.