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Over the past two weeks, we hosted a two-part webinar series of the AMIL – Alliance Multi-Stakeholder for Migrant Integration and Labour project, co-funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).

Bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and civil society actors from across Europe, the series explored how to strengthen labour market integration for third-country nationals (TCNs) through more coordinated and inclusive approaches.

A clear message emerged throughout both sessions: labour market integration is not only an economic priority, but a cornerstone of inclusive and democratic societies.

Addressing a Complex Challenge through Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation

The first webinar featured dr. Cristiana Di Pietro (LUMSA University) introduced the MEIC methodology. She highlighted migrant integration as a complex and multidimensional challenge. Structural barriers, such as language gaps, difficulties in recognising qualifications, and fragmented systems, cannot be addressed through isolated interventions.

Instead, the MEIC approach promotes:

  • Collaboration across sectors and governance levels
  • Adaptable and context-specific solutions
  • The activation of local networks, where integration effectively takes place

Experiences shared by AMIL partners in Greece (PwC), Cyprus (CODECA), and Italy (CIES Onlus) demonstrated the added value of multi-stakeholder clusters, bringing together public authorities, civil society, and labour market actors to coordinate actions and improve access to employment.

These experiences also highlighted a persistent challenge: while public institutions play a central role, fragmentation often limits the effectiveness of integration pathways. Strengthening cooperation is therefore essential to ensure more coherent and accessible services.

Employment as a Gateway to Inclusion

A key reflection emerging from the discussions is that employment goes beyond economic participation. It is a gateway to active citizenship, dignity, and social inclusion.

A truly inclusive labour market must therefore be:

  • Participatory and collaborative
  • Accessible, addressing barriers such as language and information gaps
  • Human-centred, recognising migrants’ skills and long-term potential

This perspective also challenges dominant narratives, reaffirming that migrants are contributors to society, not merely beneficiaries of support systems.

From Local Practices to Systemic Solutions

The second webinar focused on practical experiences and policy insights from different European contexts.

City councilor Raisa Labaran from the Municipality of Brescia presented a local model showing how access to welfare and healthcare services directly impacts labour market integration. Barriers such as limited information, lack of linguistic mediation, and low health literacy can prevent migrants from accessing both healthcare and employment opportunities. This highlights the need for more integrated and preventive approaches.

There were also insights coming from IOM Belgium & Luxembourg which were presented by Luca Volonté, who showcased the importance of skills recognition and employer engagement. Indeed, many migrants face difficulties accessing appropriate jobs despite high qualifications, due to complex recognition procedures and limited visibility of their competences. Addressing this requires:

  • More flexible and accessible recognition systems
  • Better alignment between migrants’ skills and labour market needs
  • Stronger collaboration with employers

The discussion also underlined the importance of tackling discrimination in the workplace, through approaches that are intersectional, rights-based, and transformative.

Expanding Opportunities and Recognising Agency

Another key takeaway was the importance of access to networks and opportunities. Migrants often face structural barriers in accessing information, professional pathways, and visibility.

Initiatives such as the ENRMSC Opportunities Hub, which was presented by its founder Adam Labaran, illustrate how technology and networks can help bridge these gaps, while also promoting migrant-led perspectives and leadership.

The message is clear: migrants should be recognised not only as beneficiaries, but as active agents of change, whose skills and contributions are essential to Europe’s social and economic future.

Key Takeaways

Across both webinars, several common priorities emerged:

  • Strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation is essential to overcome fragmented systems
  • Language barriers remain a fundamental obstacle to integration
  • Skills recognition systems need to be more flexible and inclusive
  • Health, welfare, and employment are deeply interconnected
  • Employers must be actively engaged in inclusive practices
  • Migrant participation is key to designing effective and sustainable solutions

Looking Ahead

The AMIL webinar series reaffirmed that no single actor can address the challenges of labour market integration alone.

By fostering dialogue, sharing practices, and promoting collaborative approaches, the series contributed to building a more coordinated and inclusive vision for migrant integration across Europe.

Box of resources

The presentations shared during the webinars are available below for further consultation:

DOCUMENTS

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In challenging times, discussing democracy is not an abstract exercise — it is an act of resilience.

On 14–15 April in Brussels, Belgium, ALDA organised the event “At Europe’s Heart: Civic Participation, Housing Rights and Neighbourhood Policies Two Years after the European Elections” within the framework of the EUDEM project. The event brought together European local authorities, grassroots organisations and experts to reflect on key pillars of democratic resilience across the continent.

The growing housing crisis in many European cities calls for a paradigm shift: housing must be recognised as a matter of justice. This means understanding housing, and the broader living conditions it entails, as a fundamental right to be guaranteed, rather than a commodity to be traded. At the same time, civic participation in local governance must become structural.

Addressing the complexity of the challenges affecting our communities requires renewed alliances between local institutions and the citizens they serve

These themes were explored during the first day through a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from the Vienna, the Helsinki, the Public Centre for Social Welfare of Brussels and Eutropian, who shared experiences and good practices from their respective contexts.

ALDA firmly believes in the power of local democracy as the space where democratic resilience can be tested, strengthened and sustained, even in contexts where national democratic stability is under pressure. For this reason, the second day of the event focused on case studies of local democratic resilience beyond EU borders, including Eastern Europe, Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa. These were presented by experts from the Thematic Engagement Division and grassroots organisations such as Humanees, Hope4Life and International Observatory on Participatory Democracy.

During the event, ALDA also presented a position paper to which it contributed on local democratic resilience within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative. This was discussed alongside the Action Paper “The Future of Local Government Development Cooperation” presented by Neila Akrimi from CILG-VNG International.

However, this event marks only one step in a broader journey.
In May and June, further opportunities will be offered to continue exploring key issues related to European democratic resilience, with a particular focus on housing justice and civic participation in local governance.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates, and if you wish to engage further, join the EUDEM Community of Interest.

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On 11 April, Adrien Licha, Coordinator of the Secretariat of ALDA, took part in the Governing Board meeting of the Mouvement Européen France in Paris, France. The meeting gathered the majority of its 50 Governing Board members to discuss the strategic orientations of the movement, as well as key aspects of its internal organisation.

The European Movement was founded at the Congress of Europe in May 1948.

Since its inception, its mission has been to unite civil society forces in support of European unification

It played a significant role in the creation of the first European institutions and contributed to laying the foundations of European integration. The European Movement – France, like other national councils, was established shortly after the creation of the European Movement at the European level.

ALDA is proud to be a member of the European Movement France and to support its 10 strategic priorities for 2026–2028. These include strengthening cooperation among civil society actors and citizens committed to Europe in France, promoting synergies and the development of joint initiatives among network members, reinforcing its territorial network, supporting local chapters, and promoting regional cooperation.

ALDA will also contribute to the activities of the “Lab of Ideas”, particularly on the topic of European Union enlargement. This will include a series of webinars and the development of policy proposals addressing the political, institutional, and budgetary conditions for enlargement. In addition, ALDA will contribute to ongoing reflections on Ukraine by supporting the update of the existing resolution, incorporating recent geopolitical developments, accession prospects, and reconstruction priorities.

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In occasione della Giornata dell’Europa, Villa Fabris apre le sue porte con una serata dedicata al confronto civico, alla memoria culturale e all’arte. Ingresso libero, aperitivo incluso.

Venerdì 8 maggio 2026, alle ore 18:30, Villa Fabris, in via Trieste 43 a Thiene, ospita un evento pensato per la cittadinanza nell’ambito delle celebrazioni della Giornata dell’Europa. Una serata che coniuga riflessione politica e istituzionale con il linguaggio del teatro e della musica, per avvicinarsi all’Europa da prospettive diverse e complementari.

“Thiene e l’Europa – Prospettive a confronto”

Ad aprire la serata sarà un momento di approfondimento e dibattito con due ospiti di rilievo: Paolo Graziano, Professore di Scienze Politiche all’Università di Padova, e Marina Maino, Assessora ai bandi europei del Comune di Thiene. Un confronto accessibile e autorevole sul presente e sul futuro del progetto europeo, declinato sia nella sua dimensione globale sia in quella più prossima alla realtà locale.

“Fola de Raisa – Racconto di radice”

A seguire, lo spazio si trasformerà con lo spettacolo teatrale e musicale curato da Eleonora Fontana e Davide Peron. “Fola de Raisa – Racconto di radice” è un ensemble di storie ambientate nel primo Novecento: un viaggio tra interpretazione teatrale e suggestione musicale, capace di evocare radici culturali profonde e condivise, e di ricordarci che l’identità europea affonda in un terreno comune fatto di storie, lingue e memorie.

L’evento è a ingresso libero e gratuito e sarà accompagnato da un aperitivo.

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The AMIL project continues to consolidate its territorial network, hosting a new training and discussion session for social workers in Rome on March 27, 2026.

What Was it About?

The initiative was part of the working group meetings aimed at strengthening the territorial network of social workers and featured the screening of the movie Californie, directed by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman. The event combined cinematic language with social reflection, offering a shared space for exploring topics central to professionals working in inclusion contexts.

The film tells the story of Jamila, a Moroccan-origin teenager growing up in Torre Annunziata. Through a delicate and engaging perspective, the narrative portrays the complexity of everyday experiences related to inclusion and exclusion, highlighting the concrete challenges of integration. The local context—its social, cultural, and economic characteristics—emerges as a key factor shaping people’s life trajectories.

Making the event even more meaningful was the discussion with director Alessandro Cassigoli, who engaged with participants and offered reflections to critically interpret the dynamics portrayed in the film. The debate encouraged the development of project ideas grounded in an intersectional approach, integrating multiple dimensions—gender, origin, socio-economic context—that shape the experiences of those involved.

For AMIL project partners, the meeting was also an important opportunity to strengthen the territorial network through the sharing of experiences and project initiatives, particularly focused on empowering young women with migrant backgrounds. The discussion expanded opportunities for collaboration between Third Sector organizations and the Rome Capital Administration, consolidating an ongoing dialogue.

Among the initiatives presented, special attention was given to the Women’s Empowerment project, promoted by Rome Capital, which complements AMIL’s actions. This exchange laid the groundwork for further strengthening synergies between the project, its partners, and the local administration, aiming to make interventions in favour of inclusion and autonomy for women with migrant backgrounds more effective and targeted.

The March 27 meeting thus confirmed itself as a significant space for mutual learning, enhancing the network’s expertise and promoting shared project planning rooted in the real needs of the territories and people.

About AMIL

The AMIL Project – Alliance Multi-stakeholders for Migrants Integration and Labour, based on the MEIC (Migrant Economic Integration Cluster) Methodology developed under the LIME project, builds local partnerships in Italy, Greece, and Cyprus while expanding its regional and European impact.
The project promotes integrated services and inclusive policy frameworks designed to last beyond the project’s duration.

To learn more, CLICK HERE

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Promoting local democracy, good governance, and active citizen participation lies at the heart of ALDA’s mission. Through its Seeds of Democracy initiative, ALDA supports citizens and grassroots organisations in developing concrete actions aimed at improving their local environments while promoting dialogue with local authorities.

Within this framework, ALDA adopts a participatory approach, grounded in the methodology of multilateral decentralised cooperation. This approach strengthens collaboration between local authorities and civil society organisations, enabling communities to transform ideas into tangible and sustainable change.

The Seeds of Democracy call for proposals contributes to building a strong alliance between local and regional authorities and civil society actors, both in Europe and beyond. The initiative aims to support projects that enhance European citizenship, promote inclusive and people-centred local development, and reinforce a sense of ownership and engagement within communities.

In particular, the programme funds initiatives that raise awareness and understanding of key European Union policies and strategies at the local level. Supported actions are aligned with ALDA’s thematic hubs, including:

  • Environment and Climate
  • Gender Equality and Human Rights
  • Youth Empowerment and Education
  • Digital Transformation and Innovation
  • Migration
  • Territorial and Local Development

Through this regranting scheme, ALDA continues to empower its members and partners to act as drivers of democratic change, contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

Following a competitive selection process conducted by an appointed Selection Committee, 12 organisations from 8 different countries have been selected for funding. The high quality and diversity of applications received reflect the strong commitment of civil society across Europe to advancing democratic participation at the local level.

Selected Beneficiaries

  • SELFMADE AID MKO
  • Közélet Iskolája Alapítvány (School of Public Life Foundation)
  • VedoGiovane
  • Fons Mallorquí
  • Local Councils’ Association
  • European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Amphictyony
  • DYPALL Network
  • Ljubljana Pride Association
  • Paesi dell’Acqua
  • Prizma Alapítvány
  • European Buddhist Union (EBU)
  • Leader France

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Within the framework of the 2026 YES-Europe Annual Conference, a key moment took place in Brescia, Italy, where a dynamic and forward-looking programme was hosted at A2A’s Training University. This session brought together participants from Milan and beyond, focusing on practical innovation, industrial perspectives, and the real-world implementation of sustainable energy solutions.

The programme featured a diverse range of speakers and experts who delivered insightful presentations and engaged in discussions addressing key dimensions of the energy transition. Topics included circular economy strategies, urban sustainability, technological innovation, and European policy frameworks, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s energy future. The agenda emphasised actionable knowledge, encouraging critical reflection on how innovative ideas can be translated into concrete and measurable impact.

A central highlight of this moment was the interactive session led by the POWERYOUTH project partners, including SingularLogic (Lead Partner), National Technical University of Athens, YES-Europe, and ALDA. The session promoted a collaborative and inclusive environment, enabling open dialogue between students, young professionals, and experienced stakeholders, in line with the conference’s mission to empower the next generation of energy leaders.

The session opened with the presentation of the POWERYOUTH Toolkit, featuring its three core components: PARTICIPATE, FINANCE, and DECISION. This was followed by an overview of the project’s capacity-building programme, highlighting its role in equipping young people with the skills and tools necessary to actively engage in the energy transition.

Participants were then divided into working groups to engage in interactive discussions, focusing in particular on the functionalities of the PARTICIPATE tool. This hands-on activity encouraged the co-creation of ideas and proposals, offering attendees a practical experience of participatory approaches to energy governance. The session not only strengthened understanding of the tool itself but also reinforced participants’ sense of ownership and engagement.

The setting in Brescia further highlighted the importance of regional hubs as drivers of national and European sustainability efforts, demonstrating how local ecosystems can contribute to broader systemic change.

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From 2 to 4 September, ALDA returns to Villa Fabris in Thiene for the third edition of its International School: three days of immersive, high-level training bringing together changemakers, researchers, policymakers, practitioners from the field, and anyone who believes in playing an active part in the common good.

This year’s theme is Youth as democracy builders.

Because the inclusion, exclusion, or disengagement of young people is not a side issue or a generational concern: it is one of the defining factors that will determine how resilient, legitimate, and genuinely representative our democratic institutions prove to be, across Europe and well beyond its borders.

A programme built around three interconnected questions

The three days follow a deliberate arc, moving from diagnosis to action. The first day examines how young people navigate the digital public sphere, tackling disinformation, political awareness, and the integrity of democratic processes. The second turns to representation and inclusion, exploring what genuine youth participation in European and local governance looks like in practice. The third takes the widest view, addressing democratic resilience in fragile and polarised contexts and closing with a Policy Lab designed to translate three days of work into actionable recommendations.

Throughout, the mix of keynotes, panels, workshops, and Policy Labs reflects ALDA’s conviction that learning and doing are inseparable, and that the most valuable outcomes are the ideas, connections, and commitments participants carry back into their own contexts.

To find out more about previous editions, explore this year’s programme, and secure your place,

visit the dedicated website

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AT A GLANCE

Across the EU, migrant people remain underrepresented in democratic processes, often excluded from decision-making and civic life. The Citizenship Academy project addresses this democratic gap by empowering migrant people as active EU citizens and strengthening participatory democracy from the local to the European level.

The project brings together partners in Spain, Italy, France, and Romania to deliver action-based training and civic campaigns focused on EU rights, responsibilities, and political engagement.

Through Citizenship Academy, migrant people will co-create citizen-led initiatives that respond to key EU debates and local challenges such as housing, integration policies, and equal treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Specific objectives of Citizenship Academy:

1. To develop educational training and campaigns on EU values, rights and responsibilities, as well as participatory processes to promote migrants’ active engagement.

2. To build citizen-led initiatives in response to current EU debates, nourished by local representatives, NGOs and political parties, facilitating cooperation between citizens and public authorities.

3. To create civil society networks of migrant rights defenders and promoters for the engagement of democratic and civic participation.

Project’s hashtags: #Inclusivedemocracy, #politicalparticipation, #inclusiveeurope, #participationmeethods

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On 12 March 2026, ALDA delivered a dedicated training workshop on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) and other European funding opportunities at the invitation of the FIBGAR Foundation in Madrid, Spain. Hosted at the headquarters of Greenpeace Spain, the session brought together local civil society representatives and professionals eager to strengthen their capacity to access EU funding.

The training was delivered in Spanish by ALDA Project Designer, Alma Bustamante, ensuring accessibility and practical relevance for all participants.

This workshop is part of a broader training offer developed by ALDA to support its members and partners in navigating European programmes. Drawing on the expertise of over 30 staff members, ALDA delivers tailored, practical, and hands-on sessions designed to strengthen project development capacities. These trainings not only explain funding frameworks such as CERV, but also equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to transform ideas into successful project applications.

ALDA’s training sessions empower local actors to transform ideas into competitive EU-funded projects.

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) plays a crucial role in promoting citizens’ engagement, equality, rights, and democratic participation across Europe. However, many organisations, particularly at the local level, face challenges in understanding its priorities, identifying suitable calls, or building competitive proposals. ALDA’s training sessions directly address these challenges by combining policy insights, concrete examples, and interactive exchanges.

This initiative builds on a successful series of workshops launched in 2025. The first sessions were organised in collaboration with the FNADAC in Paris, France and the Merkury Foundation in Krzyżowa, Poland. These events aimed to raise awareness of the CERV programme while encouraging the development of local projects aligned with its priorities. They also provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences and explore potential partnerships.

Further sessions were organised in Brussels, Belgium in cooperation with the ECIT Foundation and in Valletta, Malta with the Local Councils’ Association, confirming the growing interest among local authorities and civil society organisations in strengthening their engagement with EU funding opportunities.

Building on this momentum, ALDA continues to expand its training offer and invites its members and partners to take full advantage of this resource. Whether you are looking to better understand the CERV programme, explore other European funding opportunities, or empower your team with practical project development skills, ALDA can design and deliver a workshop tailored to your needs.

Hosting a training session also represents an opportunity to strengthen networks, promote collaboration, and position your organisation within a broader European ecosystem of engaged stakeholders. By bringing together local actors, these workshops contribute to building stronger and more resilient communities committed to democratic participation and active citizenship.

To explore tailored training opportunities and enhance your organisation’s capacity to access EU funding, please contact ALDA Campaign and Policy Officer Alexandre Météreau at alexandre@alda-europe.eu.

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The ALDA network continues to grow and diversify, welcoming eleven new members during two Governing Board Meetings held online on 13 April and 27 April 2026. This expansion reflects ALDA’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive, participatory, and resilient local governance by engaging a wide range of actors from across Europe and beyond.

The newly admitted members bring extensive expertise in fields such as migration, youth empowerment, cultural innovation, gender equality, civic education, and territorial development, further enriching ALDA’s thematic hubs and reinforcing its mission to promote democratic values at the local level.

A diverse and impact-oriented membership

The new members represent a dynamic mix of civil society organisations, public authorities, and social enterprises, each contributing unique perspectives and operational experience.

Members admitted on 13 April 2026

One Bridge To (Italy)

Based in Verona, Italy, One Bridge To operates along the Balkan Route, providing humanitarian aid and support to migrants, refugees, and people on the move. Established in 2016, the organisation combines direct assistance with awareness-raising activities, including educational programmes and public events that amplify the voices and stories of affected communities. Its strong engagement at the grassroots level aligns closely with ALDA’s focus on inclusion and human rights.

Provincia di Caserta (Italy)

The Provincia di Caserta, located in the Campania region, represents a key public authority covering 104 municipalities and approximately 900,000 inhabitants. With competencies spanning environmental protection, infrastructure, education, and local development, the Province plays a strategic role in supporting territorial governance and enhancing public service delivery.

Bucce Studio Società Cooperativa – Impresa Sociale (Italy)

Founded in Vicenza in 2024, Bucce Studio is a social cooperative born from the merger of two local cultural organisations. It supports artists and communities through participatory processes, cultural regeneration, and EU project development. Its work contributes to strengthening the sustainability and inclusiveness of the cultural sector, fostering collaboration and innovation at the local level.

Daktilo84 (Türkiye)

Daktilo84 (D84), based in Türkiye, is a non-partisan civil society organisation dedicated to promoting pluralistic democracy. Through research, civic education, and public dialogue, D84 enhances participatory governance and policy development. The organisation has previously collaborated with ALDA in the WE ACT project, contributing to strengthening women’s political participation and media visibility.

TGS Eurogroup (Italy)

TGS Eurogroup APS is an association rooted in the Salesian tradition, active across Northeast Italy. Since the early 2000s, it has developed programmes focused on European citizenship education, youth mobility, and intercultural exchange. By enabling young people to engage with European institutions and opportunities, the organisation plays a vital role in fostering active citizenship and shared European identity.

Public Association Social Technologies Agency – STA (Kyrgyzstan)

The Public Association Social Technologies Agency (STA) is a leading NGO in Kyrgyzstan, with a long-standing commitment to gender equality and civic education. Founded in 1995, STA has implemented numerous projects addressing women’s rights, youth leadership, and environmental issues. Today, it remains a key actor in strengthening the women’s movement and advancing inclusive policies at the national level.

Members admitted on 13 April 2026

Jornada Convidativa (Portugal)

Jornada Convidativa is a non-profit organisation focused on civic education, media literacy, and intercultural dialogue. Through non-formal education methods, Erasmus+ projects, and innovative tools, it promotes democratic participation and critical thinking, including initiatives exploring artificial intelligence and education.

Giuseppe Maria Galanti APS (Italy)

Founded in 2014, this cultural association promotes heritage as a common good, combining performing arts, local traditions, and rural development to strengthen community identity and intergenerational dialogue, particularly in inland areas.

BRULOCALIS (Belgium)

Brulocalis represents the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region, supporting local authorities through training, legal advice, and knowledge production, while promoting democratic innovation and citizen participation.

Municipality of Khombole (Senegal)

The Municipality of Khombole is committed to participatory governance, administrative modernisation, and inclusive local development. Its initiatives in education, digital democracy, and citizen engagement have received international recognition.

Association of Public Administrators of Romania – AAPRO (Romania)

AAPRO represents public administration professionals, promoting ethical governance, institutional performance, and administrative innovation, while contributing to European dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Strengthening ALDA’s mission

The integration of these new members highlights ALDA’s continuous expansion as a global network of local democracy stakeholders. By bringing together organisations with complementary expertise and geographic reach, ALDA enhances its capacity to address complex societal challenges through collaborative and decentralised approaches.

Their involvement will contribute to advancing key thematic priorities, including Gender, Inclusion & Human Rights, Youth Empowerment & Education, Environment & Climate, Digitalisation & Innovation, and Citizens Engagement.

As ALDA moves forward in implementing its strategic vision, the inclusion of new members represents not only growth in numbers but also a strengthening of its collective impact. These organisations will play an essential role in shaping future initiatives, supporting partnerships, and delivering tangible results for communities across Europe and neighbouring regions.

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Strasbourg (France), 2 April 2026 – The meeting of the ALDA Governing Board brought together Board members and Secretariat staff in a hybrid format, reaffirming the organisation’s strategic direction and its growing role in promoting democratic resilience, decentralised cooperation, and local governance across Europe and beyond.

The session was opened online by ALDA President Nataša Vučković, who framed the discussions within the broader international context, highlighting the increasing importance of local democracy in times of geopolitical uncertainty. The meeting was chaired by Roger Lawrence, ensuring a structured and forward-looking exchange among participants.

Strategic vision for 2026: Local Democracy that Delivers

At the core of the discussions was the adoption of the 2026 Programme and Budget, anchored in the overarching theme “Local Democracy that Delivers.” This strategic orientation reflects ALDA’s ambition to advance a positive and results-oriented narrative of democracy, emphasising tangible impact and resilience in local governance systems.

The Governing Board acknowledged the evolving European policy landscape, particularly in view of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and underlined ALDA’s proactive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. Key thematic priorities include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of democratic institutions, alongside continued support for enlargement processes, particularly in the Western Balkans.

A significant focus of the meeting was ALDA’s ongoing decentralisation strategy, aimed at empowering geographical and thematic hubs with increased autonomy, resources, and operational capacity

This transformation is accompanied by:

  • The diversification of funding sources
  • The expansion of ALDA’s geographical scope, including engagement beyond its traditional areas of operation
  • The development of a Centre of Expertise to capitalise on institutional knowledge and strengthen impact measurement

The Governing Board also reviewed the progress of ALDA Italia and ALDA+, highlighting their role in testing new operational models, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding partnerships at local and regional levels.

Strengthening Membership and Governance

With a growing network of over 300 members, ALDA continues to consolidate its role as a key actor in participatory democracy and local governance.

The meeting showcased the diversity of ALDA’s project portfolio, including innovative initiatives such as:

These initiatives illustrate ALDA’s ability to adapt to emerging challenges while maintaining a strong focus on democratic values and local empowerment.

Looking ahead: General Assembly and strategic priorities

Preparations for the upcoming General Assembly in Malta were discussed extensively, including the organisation of an Extraordinary General Assembly to address Statute changes.

The Governing Board meeting in Strasbourg marked a key milestone in consolidating ALDA’s strategic direction, reinforcing its commitment to decentralisation, innovation, and democratic resilience.

As global challenges continue to evolve, ALDA positions itself not only as a project-based organisation, but as a centre of expertise and a catalyst for democratic transformation, capable of delivering concrete impact across diverse contexts.

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AT A GLANCE

CLIMART-D. Art for Democracy in Climate Action responds to the challenge of bridging civic participation and climate action, by promoting the creation and transnational circulation of contemporary artworks produced by young European artists exploring the question “Why do we need democracy for climate action?”. Through interdisciplinary artistic capsules, participants will use co-creation, dialogue, and mentorship to develop works that reflect democratic values such as inclusion, equality, and shared responsibility. These creations will be presented in interactive and participatory exhibitions that aim not only to showcase art, but also to open public dialogue and foster civic reflection through artistic experience.

Activities will take place in three partner countries (Germany, Italy, and Portugal), including workshops, training sessions, co-creation moments, and a series of physical and online exhibitions. The goal is to enhance the role of art as a tool for critical reflection and active participation on issues of environmental sustainability and social justice.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To empower young European artists to collaboratively create interdisciplinary artworks.
  2. To build artistic, democratic, and environmental literacy through training, mentorship, and structured reflection
  3. To foster international mobility and dialogue through public participatory exhibitions and digital platforms.
  4. To support inclusive artistic practices by integrating Deep Democracy methods and hybrid (online & offline) collaboration tools.

DOCUMENTS

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Republic of Moldova. Eight civil society organisations have been selected to receive grants under the European Union-funded INSPIRED Moldova project, marking a significant step towards strengthening local cooperation and promoting sustainable civic engagement across the country.

Following a competitive call for proposals, the selected organisations will translate knowledge and experience into concrete, community-driven actions, implementing innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing local development and fostering dialogue between civil society and public authorities.

The eight beneficiary organisations – AO “SOS Autism” Moldova, Uniunea pentru Echitate și Sănătate, Asociaţia Obştească Inovaţii Sociale, Asociația Națională pentru Turism Receptor și Intern, Eastern European Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD), Centrul de Asistență Socială Casa Speranțelor, Platforma Națională a Femeilor din Moldova, and AO Sirețenii de Pretutindeni – will each receive a grant of €10,000 to support the implementation of their projects.

With support coordinated by ALDA, these initiatives will contribute to strengthening mechanisms for public consultation and dialogue between civil society and local authorities. In doing so, they aim to promote more inclusive, transparent, and participatory policymaking processes, while increasing civic engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups.

A key component of the project is the exchange of European best practices. Through a series of international study visits in Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Czechia, and Italy, participating organisations will gain first-hand insights into innovative approaches to local governance.

These exchanges will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and support the alignment of local practices with European standards, fostering sustainable and effective governance models.

The selected organisations have been recognised for their strong commitment to promoting democratic values and applying European best practices at the local level. Their projects are expected to contribute to building more resilient communities, where citizens are actively involved in shaping public policies and local development processes.

INSPIRED Moldova, running from 2024 to 2027, aims to create a more enabling environment for civil society in the Republic of Moldova. By empowering civil society organisations to actively participate in political dialogue at local, national, and digital levels, the project supports the country’s broader democratic development and European integration path.

Building on the momentum of Moldova’s EU accession process, the initiative facilitates dialogue on the conditions necessary for a thriving civil society, as well as on the reforms linked to accession negotiations. Through targeted capacity-building, the project strengthens the role of CSOs as key actors in democratic governance, enabling them to act as catalysts for inclusive and participatory decision-making.

Particular attention is given to the involvement of underrepresented groups and women, ensuring that diverse voices are included in policy discussions. In this way, INSPIRED Moldova contributes not only to improving governance processes, but also to reinforcing democratic resilience and social cohesion.

The project is implemented by a consortium led by the European Partnership for Democracy, in partnership with ALDA, Centrul Contact, CPR Moldova, DRI, and People in Need Moldova.

By supporting civil society and supporting meaningful dialogue, INSPIRED Moldova plays a key role in advancing inclusive governance and accelerating the country’s path towards European integration.

DOCUMENTS

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Varna, Bulgaria – 26–27 March 2026. The city of Varna became a dynamic hub of multistakeholder dialogue, hosting an international and action-oriented event within the framework of the FOSTER project. The two-day meeting focused on how to transform urban spaces into greener, more inclusive environments that respond to the needs of all inhabitants.

Designed as a participatory and collaborative process, the event aimed to co-create concrete proposals for the transformation of urban areas into vibrant, accessible green spaces. Organised by the hosting partner UBBSLA, the initiative brought together project partners alongside local authorities, civil society representatives, and urban practitioners. Through a simulated multistakeholder roundtable, participants explored the specific urban challenges faced by Varna and jointly identified solutions to enhance the quality of life across its neighbourhoods.

This inclusive approach promoted meaningful dialogue between diverse actors, enabling participants to engage directly with different perspectives. The discussions went beyond problem identification, focusing on the development of practical and actionable recommendations for policies and practices. These contributions will feed into the city’s Green City Action Plan, supporting the long-term objectives outlined in Varna’s Green Urban Transition Plan 2030.

Within the broader framework of the FOSTER project, the Varna Local Path plays a key role in advancing governance approaches that can better anticipate and respond to climate-related challenges at the local level. Since the project’s launch in September 2024, partners have been working to strengthen capacities in strategic foresight while promoting inclusive, multistakeholder co-design processes.

In the case of Varna, this work builds upon a comprehensive needs assessment, which identified key priorities such as improving overall quality of life, expanding green infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

At the same time, several structural challenges were highlighted, including high urban density, underutilised public spaces, and limited availability of green areas.

A particularly impactful moment of the event was the guided study visit across the city. This field-based activity allowed participants to experience firsthand the architectural and infrastructural barriers that limit mobility. These challenges affect not only persons with disabilities, but also elderly citizens, parents with strollers, and individuals facing temporary mobility constraints. By grounding discussions in real-life conditions, the visit underscored the importance of accessibility as a central component of urban sustainability.

Building on these observations, participants collaboratively developed proposals for immediate actions, practical interventions, and long-term policy measures aimed at improving accessibility and inclusiveness in Varna’s urban green spaces. The process highlighted how inclusive urban planning is essential to ensuring that environmental transitions benefit all members of society.

The event concluded with a dedicated session among project partners, focusing on the final phase of the FOSTER project. Following a plenary exchange on the outcomes of the Local Paths, participants engaged in a peer-learning session to share feedback, insights, and lessons learned across different contexts.

Looking ahead, partners initiated discussions on upcoming project milestones, including the online dissemination event scheduled for 9 June 2026 and the final conference, which will take place in Vienna on 17 September 2026. Both events will be organised by Foster Europe, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks.

By fostering collaboration, strategic foresight, and inclusive dialogue, the FOSTER project continues to support cities like Varna in shaping greener, more resilient, and accessible urban futures.

DOCUMENTS

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Strasbourg (France), 1 April 2026 – ALDA has signed a new Memorandum of Co-operation with the Secretariat of the Council of Europe, further consolidating its partnership with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the political assembly that established ALDA in 1999 and today represents 130.000 local and regional authorities across all 46 member States.

The agreement renews the framework signed on 5 June 2002, marking a significant step in a long-standing relationship dedicated to strengthening local and regional democracy in Europe and beyond.
Grounded in a shared commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, the Memorandum sets out a common objective: to foster citizen participation, civic engagement, and responsible governance at the local and regional levels, ensuring that democratic principles are translated into tangible action.

“We think that the local level is the place where you live democracy in concrete terms. Through the activities of the Congress and ours, the local space is a place of resilience. We think this is where democracy as a slogan can be implemented, through a true and trustworthy dialogue with the public institutions.”

affirms Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General. 

The Memorandum provides a structured framework for cooperation, including reciprocal participation in meetings, co-organisation of events, joint analytical work, coordinated fundraising initiatives, communication activities, and the exchange of expertise.

Through this renewed partnership, ALDA reaffirms its mission to advance participatory democracy across Europe and its neighbourhood, strengthening the role of local and regional authorities as essential actors in democratic life.

© 2026 Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

DOCUMENTS

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Strasbourg (France), 2 April 2026 – The LDA Kharkiv Partner Meeting brought together European and Ukrainian stakeholders in a hybrid format, marking a significant step forward in reinforcing decentralised cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s recovery. The meeting provided a strategic platform to consolidate partnerships, align priorities, and advance the operational development of the Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Kharkiv.

At a critical moment for Ukraine, the discussion reaffirmed the central role of decentralised cooperation in promoting and supporting resilience, strengthening local governance, and ensuring that recovery efforts are grounded in the needs of communities. Participants shared a common commitment to supporting the Kharkiv region through concrete, coordinated, and long-term actions.

A clear vision for LDA Kharkiv

A key highlight of the meeting was the formal introduction of Valentyna Smachylo as the newly appointed delegate of LDA Kharkiv. Presenting her strategic vision, she outlined a forward-looking and operational approach to positioning the LDA as a practical hub for local development and international cooperation.

Her vision places strong emphasis on supporting municipalities, civil society organisations, and local communities across the Kharkiv region through project development, capacity-building, and international partnerships. Key priorities include reinforcing participatory governance, enhancing community resilience, and supporting vulnerable groups affected by the war.

Importantly, she stressed the need to rapidly consolidate the LDA from an institutional perspective, ensuring it becomes fully operational and capable of engaging effectively with international partners.

The meeting was further enriched by the contribution of Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, President of UAROR and Chair of the Kharkiv Regional Council, who reaffirmed the strong commitment of regional authorities to the LDA initiative. She highlighted both the challenges faced by the Kharkiv region and its remarkable resilience, underlining the importance of sustained cooperation with ALDA and international partners.

This perspective was echoed by Maksym Kolinko, representing the Kharkiv Regional Council, who confirmed the Council’s readiness to actively support all initiatives related to LDA Kharkiv, reinforcing the robust institutional backing behind the project.

Violeta Moskalu, President of PromoUkraine, contributed a valuable perspective on the importance of academic cooperation, youth exchanges, and university partnerships. She emphasised that these dimensions are essential for fostering long-term resilience and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction beyond immediate recovery needs.

From coordination to action

The discussion also featured contributions from Marcello Raimondi and Luis Vanella, representing the European Action for Nonviolent Peace Movement (MEAN), who presented ongoing initiatives in support of Ukraine. Their work combines humanitarian assistance with peacebuilding actions, promoting nonviolent engagement and strengthening connections with local communities.

Across all interventions, a clear message emerged: the need to move swiftly from coordination to concrete action on the ground. In this context, LDA Kharkiv is expected to play a pivotal role not only as a platform for dialogue, but as an operational actor capable of delivering tangible support to communities.

Communication and visibility were also identified as key priorities, essential to building trust at the local level and expanding international partnerships.

ALDA expresses its sincere gratitude to all partners for their active participation and continued commitment. Special thanks are extended to the Grand Est Region for hosting the meeting in Strasbourg, and to Christian Debève, President of the International Relations Commission, for his valuable support and engagement.

With strong institutional backing, a committed network of partners, and a clear strategic direction, LDA Kharkiv is now entering a crucial phase of implementation. The shared objective remains clear: to deliver concrete, lasting impact for communities across the region and contribute to a more resilient, democratic, and cohesive Ukraine.

DOCUMENTS

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From 19 to 21 March 2026, the Circular Design Alliance (CiD) project—of which ALDA is a partner—organised the symposium “What Goes Around Comes Around” in Vilnius. The event took place at the National Gallery of Art and other venues across the city.

The event brought together a global network of architects, urban planners, researchers, and cultural practitioners to address the transition towards a circular built environment. By bringing critical discourse in urbanism and architecture into dialogue with artistic practice, the event approached circular design not only as a strategy of material reuse, but as a transformative framework for rethinking value, labour, energy, and continuity over time.

The conference explored practices that foreground time as a foundational concern of design, work with existing structures, cultivate regenerative approaches, and seek to repair relationships between architecture, territory, and society.

The first day opened with a workshop and discussion titled “How Continuous Education Can Enable Circular Construction”. During the session, participants reflected on the current challenges faced by circular design practitioners. Partners of the Circular Design Alliance (CiD) project presented the outcomes of the Continuous Education Programmes implemented over recent months. 

These discussions enabled participants to exchange experiences, identify existing gaps in professional training, and explore how continuous education can better support architects, designers, and construction professionals in adopting circular practices. The session also emphasised the importance of strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and circular built environments.

On the second day, the conference continued at the National Gallery of Art with keynote presentations on circular architecture and urban transformation.

The session “Planning for Long-Term Transformation” explored how circular design principles can guide sustainable urban development and the future of the built environment. Speakers shared perspectives from architectural practice, urban governance, and spatial research, highlighting the need to integrate circular thinking into long-term planning processes. The discussion stressed the importance of designing adaptable buildings, promoting material reuse, and aligning architectural innovation with supportive urban policies

The second session, “Matters of Time,” further explored how temporal perspectives influence architectural design, building lifecycles, and material use. Through practical examples, speakers illustrated practical strategies such as building transformation, adaptive reuse, and material recovery. These approaches demonstrate how extending the lifespan of buildings and embedding flexibility into design can significantly reduce environmental impact while preserving cultural and material value. 

In the closing keynote, “It’s About Time: The Architecture of Change,” Saskia Van Stein, Artistic and Managing Director of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, reflected on the role of architecture in addressing contemporary environmental and societal challenges. She highlighted the need to move beyond short-term thinking and embrace systemic change in how buildings are designed, used, and transformed over time.

Alongside the conference, the National Gallery of Art hosted the exhibition “Invisible Labour” which will remain open until 19 of April 2026.

The symposium highlighted the growing momentum behind circular approaches in architecture and urban development, reaffirming the importance of collaboration, continuous education, and innovation in shaping more sustainable and resilient built environments. 

In this context, the Circular Design Alliance (CiD) project exemplifies circular design in practice by fostering collaboration, continuous education, and knowledge exchange among architects, researchers, and cultural institutions. Initiatives such as this symposium demonstrate the project’s commitment to strengthening expertise and building the networks needed to advance circular practices across the built environment.