Youth Info Center opened in Kavadarci, Macedonia

On 19th of August 2015, SEGA – Coalition of youth organizations of Macedonia – in cooperation with the Municipality of Kavadarci, opened a new Youth Info Center in Kavadarci.
The Youth Info Center was inaugurated by the City Mayor, the French Embassy in Macedonia, as well as the director of the Sports and Youth Agency of Macedonia.
This space will be an information place dedicated to young people of Kavadarci where they can find answers to their questions on training opportunities, European mobility and a lot of other topics. Additionally, it will provide a space for cultural workshops and other trainings to be delivered by youth workers from Lower Normandy (France) and from Macedonia.
This action is in the framework of the programme of Decentralised cooperation programme between Lower Normandy (France) and Macedonia, coordinated by ALDA Skopje. This project fits into 10 years of good practice exchanges in the field of youth public policies between Lower Normandy and Macedonia and their respective local actors.

On 19th of August 2015, SEGA – Coalition of youth organizations of Macedonia – in cooperation with the Municipality of Kavadarci, opened a new Youth Info Center in Kavadarci.
The Youth Info Center was inaugurated by the City Mayor, the French Embassy in Macedonia, as well as the director of the Sports and Youth Agency of Macedonia.
This space will be an information place dedicated to young people of Kavadarci where they can find answers to their questions on training opportunities, European mobility and a lot of other topics. Additionally, it will provide a space for cultural workshops and other trainings to be delivered by youth workers from Lower Normandy (France) and from Macedonia.
This action is in the framework of the programme of Decentralised cooperation programme between Lower Normandy (France) and Macedonia, coordinated by ALDA Skopje. This project fits into 10 years of good practice exchanges in the field of youth public policies between Lower Normandy and Macedonia and their respective local actors.
"On the footsteps of Albert Londres", an exceptional experience for future journalists on a still not well-known Front

On the tracks of the Eastern French ‘’Poilus’’ in Macedonia and Albania
On 15th of August 2015, after 10 days in Macedonia and five days in Albania, the 2015 edition of the traveling seminar “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” was completed. The latter was devoted to the Eastern Front of World War I and its Poilus.
The 12 French, Albanian and Macedonian young people have followed the stay of Albert Londres. The first step was in Macedonia in the cities of Skopje, Bitola where they visited the trenches of the First World War and Ohrid where they made reports on the path of Poilus, as well as on the Saint Clement of Ohrid, an important figure in the Orthodox religion. Then they came to Korçë in Albania, where they investigated the First Albanian Republic of Korçë, found during the First World War by the French Army.
A unique on-the-job training
This unique adventure brought together young journalism students to conduct a reportage work on the field. They were fortunate to be mentored by a team of experts in this area under the leadership of Alain Valentini from France Télévisions. Organised like in a professional media, young people were divided according to their skills and know-how: photographers, articles’ editors or audiovisual reportage directors … Young reporters received a unique on-the-job training, an undeniable added value for their professional future.
A film will be realized from all the filmed material, interviews and information gathered by the young reporters and will be presented to the public.
Meeting with the actors of the Eastern Front from Lower-Normandy/Macedonia cooperation
During this discovery, they met key actors working on the issue of the Eastern Front Remembrance. They interviewed many actors of the Lower-Normandy/Macedonia cooperation such as the Embassy of France, the University of Audiovisual Arts of Skopje ESRA, the Consulate of France in Bitola, the Francophone circle, the Haemus Association, but also local partners, such as Novaci, Ohrid etc. All these actors conduct projects on the framework of the cooperation, working on the issue of Patrimony and Remembrance, related in particular to the Eastern Front in Macedonia.
This program is initiated by the association “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” and is a part of France-Balkans Network/Southeast Europe activities. It is organised by the Pays Vichy-Auvergne in collaboration with the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and the Lower-Normandy Region.
Please read also the news item: Young reporters “On the footsteps of Albert Londres”: the adventure starts today!
Please read also the news item: Discovering Macedonia with the project “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” – first stop: Skopje
Please read also the news item: On the road with the project «On the footsteps of Albert Londres» – second stop: Bitola
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On the tracks of the Eastern French ‘’Poilus’’ in Macedonia and Albania
On 15th of August 2015, after 10 days in Macedonia and five days in Albania, the 2015 edition of the traveling seminar “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” was completed. The latter was devoted to the Eastern Front of World War I and its Poilus.
The 12 French, Albanian and Macedonian young people have followed the stay of Albert Londres. The first step was in Macedonia in the cities of Skopje, Bitola where they visited the trenches of the First World War and Ohrid where they made reports on the path of Poilus, as well as on the Saint Clement of Ohrid, an important figure in the Orthodox religion. Then they came to Korçë in Albania, where they investigated the First Albanian Republic of Korçë, found during the First World War by the French Army.
A unique on-the-job training
This unique adventure brought together young journalism students to conduct a reportage work on the field. They were fortunate to be mentored by a team of experts in this area under the leadership of Alain Valentini from France Télévisions. Organised like in a professional media, young people were divided according to their skills and know-how: photographers, articles’ editors or audiovisual reportage directors … Young reporters received a unique on-the-job training, an undeniable added value for their professional future.
A film will be realized from all the filmed material, interviews and information gathered by the young reporters and will be presented to the public.
Meeting with the actors of the Eastern Front from Lower-Normandy/Macedonia cooperation
During this discovery, they met key actors working on the issue of the Eastern Front Remembrance. They interviewed many actors of the Lower-Normandy/Macedonia cooperation such as the Embassy of France, the University of Audiovisual Arts of Skopje ESRA, the Consulate of France in Bitola, the Francophone circle, the Haemus Association, but also local partners, such as Novaci, Ohrid etc. All these actors conduct projects on the framework of the cooperation, working on the issue of Patrimony and Remembrance, related in particular to the Eastern Front in Macedonia.
This program is initiated by the association “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” and is a part of France-Balkans Network/Southeast Europe activities. It is organised by the Pays Vichy-Auvergne in collaboration with the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and the Lower-Normandy Region.
Please read also the news item: Young reporters “On the footsteps of Albert Londres”: the adventure starts today!
Please read also the news item: Discovering Macedonia with the project “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” – first stop: Skopje
Please read also the news item: On the road with the project «On the footsteps of Albert Londres» – second stop: Bitola
***
Bosnia and Herzegovina, joining the Europe for citizens programme soon

Bosnia and Herzegovina is now in the final stage of the procedure to access to the programme Europe for Citizens 2014 – 2020. Only two steps remain to be done: the adoption of the Decision of the Bosnian Presidency and the signing of the Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Union on participation of BiH in the Europe for Citizens programme, which is expected in September 2015.
The aims of the programme Europe for Citizens 2014 – 2020 are to contribute to citizens’ understanding of the EU, to foster European citizenship and to improve conditions for civic and democratic participation at EU level, to raise awareness of remembrance and to encourage democratic participation of citizens at EU level.
Please find more information about the programme on the website of Европейская комиссия.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is now in the final stage of the procedure to access to the programme Europe for Citizens 2014 – 2020. Only two steps remain to be done: the adoption of the Decision of the Bosnian Presidency and the signing of the Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Union on participation of BiH in the Europe for Citizens programme, which is expected in September 2015.
The aims of the programme Europe for Citizens 2014 – 2020 are to contribute to citizens’ understanding of the EU, to foster European citizenship and to improve conditions for civic and democratic participation at EU level, to raise awareness of remembrance and to encourage democratic participation of citizens at EU level.
Please find more information about the programme on the website of Европейская комиссия.
A Square Berovo in Livarot, relationships are still increasing between the two territories!

On 4th of August in Livarot, a new town place has been baptized, Place of Bevoro. This event shows 7 years of successful collaboration between the two territories, Livarot in Lower-Normandy, and Bevoro in Macedonia. On this occasion, Bevoro representative came to see his partners and appreciated this gesture, saying that it was ‘’a great honor for his municipality’’. Bevoro’s delegation has also been invited to participate in the traditional Livarot’s cheese festival.
Annie Anne, Vice-President of Lower-Normandy Region was also present and recognized the dynamism of this cooperation.
The cooperation between the two territories is increasing since 2015 with a strong engagement of both communities to conduct actions together. For example, Livarot Pays elected officials have created an intercommunal commission responsible for the exchanges with Macedonia, gathering officials interested by this issue, chaired by Patricia Henry, Mayor of Saint-Martin-du-Mesnil-Oury.
‘’We don’t want that it will be only about cooperation between officials. This summer, five cultural center students will participate in Bevoro’s Ethno festival’’ at the end of August. It is in this new impulse that cooperation will continue with new projects like a farmer’s delegation welcome in September 2015 and, next year, an exchange project with young people that will be discussed during the Livarot’s delegation visit in Bevoro from August 21st 2015.

On 4th of August in Livarot, a new town place has been baptized, Place of Bevoro. This event shows 7 years of successful collaboration between the two territories, Livarot in Lower-Normandy, and Bevoro in Macedonia. On this occasion, Bevoro representative came to see his partners and appreciated this gesture, saying that it was ‘’a great honor for his municipality’’. Bevoro’s delegation has also been invited to participate in the traditional Livarot’s cheese festival.
Annie Anne, Vice-President of Lower-Normandy Region was also present and recognized the dynamism of this cooperation.
The cooperation between the two territories is increasing since 2015 with a strong engagement of both communities to conduct actions together. For example, Livarot Pays elected officials have created an intercommunal commission responsible for the exchanges with Macedonia, gathering officials interested by this issue, chaired by Patricia Henry, Mayor of Saint-Martin-du-Mesnil-Oury.
‘’We don’t want that it will be only about cooperation between officials. This summer, five cultural center students will participate in Bevoro’s Ethno festival’’ at the end of August. It is in this new impulse that cooperation will continue with new projects like a farmer’s delegation welcome in September 2015 and, next year, an exchange project with young people that will be discussed during the Livarot’s delegation visit in Bevoro from August 21st 2015.
Open Call for Nominations for the Second European Democratic Citizenship Awards

. European Civic Forum celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2015 and within the framework of this special jubilee it launched the European Democratic Citizenship Awards. The main aim of these Awards is to encourage citizens’ engagement. The 2015 Awards ceremony will be hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 22nd October in the light of the 10th anniversary activities.
Following the pattern of last year, civil society stakeholders and initiatives that buid up a democratic citizenship focusing on real impact on their communities at the local, regional, national or European level can apply for the call.
The European Civic Forum supports the European democratic citizenship based on the vision of the Council of Europe, which:
-Includes all segments of life in a democratic society concerning topics such as education, culture, sustainable development, non-discrimination, inclusion of ethnic minorities, participation in society of people with disabilities, gender equality including the equal representation of women and men in decision making, etc;
-Ensures that citizens and their organisations and movements, including the most disadvantaged groups, can be involved in the life of their communities and the forming of public policies at all levels, from local to the European.
To promote the values mentioned above, four awards will be rewarded:
1. The “Citizens’ campaign of the year” Award aims at supporting raising-awareness or advocacy campaigns which occurred in 2014, with a strong impact on community’s life or on public decisions;
2. The “NGO of the year” Award recompenses organisations which made a significant action towards the promotion of European values;
3. The “Personality of the year” Award is given to individuals who had an outstanding contribution to democratic life and to the development of a community or a cause;
4. The “Media initiative of the year” Award, rewarding participatory initiatives by, for and with citizens who played an active part in reinforcing participation, relaying information and developing the civic space. A particular attention will be paid to initiatives promoting freedom of expression and freedom of media.
The deadline for participation is 31 August 2015
The process of application and all other relevant instructions can be found on the website of the European Democratic Citizenship Awards

. European Civic Forum celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2015 and within the framework of this special jubilee it launched the European Democratic Citizenship Awards. The main aim of these Awards is to encourage citizens’ engagement. The 2015 Awards ceremony will be hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 22nd October in the light of the 10th anniversary activities.
Following the pattern of last year, civil society stakeholders and initiatives that buid up a democratic citizenship focusing on real impact on their communities at the local, regional, national or European level can apply for the call.
The European Civic Forum supports the European democratic citizenship based on the vision of the Council of Europe, which:
-Includes all segments of life in a democratic society concerning topics such as education, culture, sustainable development, non-discrimination, inclusion of ethnic minorities, participation in society of people with disabilities, gender equality including the equal representation of women and men in decision making, etc;
-Ensures that citizens and their organisations and movements, including the most disadvantaged groups, can be involved in the life of their communities and the forming of public policies at all levels, from local to the European.
To promote the values mentioned above, four awards will be rewarded:
1. The “Citizens’ campaign of the year” Award aims at supporting raising-awareness or advocacy campaigns which occurred in 2014, with a strong impact on community’s life or on public decisions;
2. The “NGO of the year” Award recompenses organisations which made a significant action towards the promotion of European values;
3. The “Personality of the year” Award is given to individuals who had an outstanding contribution to democratic life and to the development of a community or a cause;
4. The “Media initiative of the year” Award, rewarding participatory initiatives by, for and with citizens who played an active part in reinforcing participation, relaying information and developing the civic space. A particular attention will be paid to initiatives promoting freedom of expression and freedom of media.
The deadline for participation is 31 August 2015
The process of application and all other relevant instructions can be found on the website of the European Democratic Citizenship Awards
Integrated actions and humanitarian aid needed for the European Agenda on migration
On Albert Londres' Footsteps
On Albert Londres’ Footstep event in Bitola, North Macedonia, in August 2015.
Youngsters shaping the future Europe: the federalist seminar in Neumarkt 2015

From 27th July to 1st August 2015, the youth seminar “Let’s become European Citizens”, organized by the Regional Direction of European Federalist Movement in Veneto, took place in Neumarkt, Austria.
Forty students coming from the high schools of the provinces of Brescia, Verona, Vicenza, Padua, Belluno, Treviso, Venice and Gorizia participated to the seminar. Two of the participants could attend the seminar thanks to the scholarship provided by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy.
The programme of the seminar was very tight. During the six days the young federalists were actively involved in discussions and seminars about the Europe and federalism held by, Giorgio Anselmi, President of UEF Italy, Pierangelo Cangialosi, from the debate office of UEF Italy; Federico Brunelli, Director of Spinelli Institute, Matteo Roncarà, Secretary of the Regional Direction of UEF in Veneto Region. Through the non-formal learning methods, such as, working groups and debates, they were discussing about federal Europe as the best solution for the current state of the old continent.
As the outcome of the seminar, on 1st August, the young federalists approved a document stressing the necessity of federalist model in Europe to face the current supranational crisis, such as the danger of Islamic terrorism, the crisis in South-East Ukraine, the economic crisis, immigration from the southern side of Mediterranean Sea and block the growth of populist parties.
The seminar represented for the students the occasion also to visit Sankt Lambrecht Abbey, Furtner Teich lake and the towns of Marau and Friesach.
Read the article about the seminar published by L’Arena (in italian)

From 27th July to 1st August 2015, the youth seminar “Let’s become European Citizens”, organized by the Regional Direction of European Federalist Movement in Veneto, took place in Neumarkt, Austria.
Forty students coming from the high schools of the provinces of Brescia, Verona, Vicenza, Padua, Belluno, Treviso, Venice and Gorizia participated to the seminar. Two of the participants could attend the seminar thanks to the scholarship provided by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy.
The programme of the seminar was very tight. During the six days the young federalists were actively involved in discussions and seminars about the Europe and federalism held by, Giorgio Anselmi, President of UEF Italy, Pierangelo Cangialosi, from the debate office of UEF Italy; Federico Brunelli, Director of Spinelli Institute, Matteo Roncarà, Secretary of the Regional Direction of UEF in Veneto Region. Through the non-formal learning methods, such as, working groups and debates, they were discussing about federal Europe as the best solution for the current state of the old continent.
As the outcome of the seminar, on 1st August, the young federalists approved a document stressing the necessity of federalist model in Europe to face the current supranational crisis, such as the danger of Islamic terrorism, the crisis in South-East Ukraine, the economic crisis, immigration from the southern side of Mediterranean Sea and block the growth of populist parties.
The seminar represented for the students the occasion also to visit Sankt Lambrecht Abbey, Furtner Teich lake and the towns of Marau and Friesach.
Read the article about the seminar published by L’Arena (in italian)
ALDA celebrates International Youth Day 2015: Employment, Environment & European citizenship at the core of our work with young people

Today, 12th August 2015, we are celebrating the International Youth Day, which was established by the United Nations and first held in 2000.
International Youth Day, which will be focusing on “Youth Civic Engagement” this year, aims to raise public awareness on the current situation of young people, in order to ensure them rights, opportunities and active participation in their communities. A wide range of activities, including concerts and parades are taking place all around the world to celebrate IYD 2015 and underline the role of young people in today’s society.
ALDA, together with its network of LDAs and partners, has always considered the youngsters as fundamental resources for the future of the EU and Neighbourhood countries and has contributed, through its several initiatives and projects, to the economic, social, cultural and professional growth of young people, primarily focusing on three main areas of interest:
– Youth employment & entrepreneurship
– Health, environment & youth
– Youth participation & inclusion in public life
Please find the attached ALDA document on Youth Day 2015 (.pdf)
Discover all the activities organized worldwide on occasion of International Youth Day 2015!
Discover and get involved in the online campaign for International Youth Day launched by UN

Today, 12th August 2015, we are celebrating the International Youth Day, which was established by the United Nations and first held in 2000.
International Youth Day, which will be focusing on “Youth Civic Engagement” this year, aims to raise public awareness on the current situation of young people, in order to ensure them rights, opportunities and active participation in their communities. A wide range of activities, including concerts and parades are taking place all around the world to celebrate IYD 2015 and underline the role of young people in today’s society.
ALDA, together with its network of LDAs and partners, has always considered the youngsters as fundamental resources for the future of the EU and Neighbourhood countries and has contributed, through its several initiatives and projects, to the economic, social, cultural and professional growth of young people, primarily focusing on three main areas of interest:
– Youth employment & entrepreneurship
– Health, environment & youth
– Youth participation & inclusion in public life
Please find the attached ALDA document on Youth Day 2015 (.pdf)
Discover all the activities organized worldwide on occasion of International Youth Day 2015!
Discover and get involved in the online campaign for International Youth Day launched by UN