This paper consolidates insights from 30 years of work by ALDA in supporting local democracy and citizen engagement. It draws on exchanges with partners and members since 2023 within the WYDE Youth and Women Empowerment programme, six member-led case studies, and the collective work of Team Europe Democracy, particularly the working group on local governance.
The research explores how democratic practices can be sustained at the local level, even amid shrinking civic space and democratic backsliding. It highlights the local dimension as a space of democratic resilience and provides recommendations to strengthen this role in line with European values and the Global Gateway Initiative (GGI). It also assesses how the GGI can serve as a lever for democracy through a stronger localisation of its strategies and implementation.
By examining these elements, the paper tests key assumptions underlying current EU approaches, identifies emerging patterns, and formulates actionable recommendations—particularly in fostering synergies with the Global Gateway Initiative.
In a challenging political and financial context, ALDA reaffirms that democratic resilience must be reinforced locally. Through collaboration with members and partners, the paper validates the assumption that a localised, value-based approach is a strategic asset for EU international policies, including the Global Gateway framework.