ALDATalk on the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe

On the 24. June, ALDA had the pleasure to host second ALDATalk this year, dedicated to the conclusions of the Конференции о будущем ЕвропыКонференция о будущем Европы (CoFoE), with participation and presentations from: На первой панели, ALDA Secretary General and member of the steering committee of the the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Alexandrina Najmowicz, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (FCE) and co-chair of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe and Hervé Moritz, Vice-Président Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace and Spokesperson, Union of European Federalists – France (UEF).
During the ALDATalk, ALDA Secretary General Ms. Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the involvement of ALDA in the process of the Conference, including the input into the work of the Civil Society Convention for the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as ALDA’s activities aimed at familiarizing ALDA members with the COFE structure, in particular disseminating the European values through the use of the Multilingual Platform and ad hoc training for ALDA members. She concluded her intervention by mentioning the urgent need to follow up and implement final recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Similarly, Ms. Alexandrina Najmowicz presented the overall structure of the CoFoE, the role of the CSO Convention and her own reflections on the process. In her presentation she pointed out a worrying trend of diminishing involvement of civil society in decision-making in general. She also commented on the relatively small participation of individuals in the Conference through the online platform.
ALDATalk: all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions
Nevertheless she also highlighted the input of the civil society to the CoFoE has been reflected in the final conclusions of the Conference and stated the civil society will continue to follow the next steps after the process.
In addition, Mr. Hervé Moritz presented the role of Le Mouvement Européen – France Alsace in the Conference, and in particular the Convention Citoyenne sur l’Europe held in Strasbourg to provide local contribution to the CoFoE. He stated that the Convention Cityonne also played a role in empowerment of the citizens and giving them a sense of impact into policy-making.
Both Ms. Najmowicz and Mr. Moritz also touched upon the impact that the outbreak of the war in Ukraine had on the process and final steps of the Conference.
Finally, within the occasion of this ALDATalk, all speakers agreed on the importance of monitoring the follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe from the EU institutions. Speakers also highlighted the need for deeper and more meaningful involvement of the civil society and citizens in decision-making and protection of the civic space.
ALDA+ at the EDD 2022: building new partnerships and inspiring innovative solutions to pressing global challenges

ALDA + participated in the European Development Days 2022(EDD) which took place in Brussels on June 21-22, 2022.
The EDD are Europe’s leading multistakeholder forum, organised by the European Commission, on international partnerships and development, with the aim of bringing key actors from all over Europe and beyond together to share ideas and good practices in ways that encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The theme of this year’s EDD was “«Глобальные ворота: построение устойчивого партнерства для объединенного мира»”. An edition dedicated to the European Strategy “to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world”.
The EDD 2022 consisted of different types of sections, among which high level panes, lab debates, brainstorming sessions, agora sessions and project/report presentations on the following topics: Digital, Climate & Energy, Health, Education & Research and Transport.
The latter, especially, was the realm within which ALDA+ provided its contribution!
Hence, ALDA+ decided to participate in this international event with a stand addressing “Urban development, smart & interconnected cities. Together for fostering Good Governance at Local and Global Level”. Bringing the positive example of посредством Autrement project.
The European Development Days encourage new partnerships and inspire innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
. Autrement project addresses the challenges of sustainable urban mobility and planning in the Tunisian cities of Kairouan and Mahdia. It aims to promote, on the one hand, a greater citizen participation in local governance and a sustainable urban development, and, on the other hand, soft mobility especially by encouraging biking in both Tunisian cities.
Despite the paperless format, our stand engaged the participants and created the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, not only on transport, but also on good governance and citizens participation, the two main pillars on which ALDA and ALDA+ are based.
We are extremely glad and proud for having had the possibility to participate in such an important event. The EDD2022 were the perfect spot to showcase, once more, ALDA’s flagship initiative the “«Европейская поддержка местной демократии»,”, since it provides a complete overview on ALDA’s expertises in all target regions and underlines the fundamental role of cooperation.
ALDA была удостоена Европейской премии за «Сильное управление»

22 июня 2022 г. Представительство Европейского Союза в Республике Молдова провело третье гала-мероприятие «Гражданское общество 2022» и представило выдающихся победителей организаций гражданского общества Республики Молдова, которые способствовали укреплению демократии, экономического и социального развития.
Организации гражданского общества, бенефициары помощи ЕС, которые добились замечательных и ощутимых результатов, продвигая европейские ценности, демократию, экономическое и социальное развитие как на национальном, так и на местном уровне, были награждены на мероприятии в следующих категориях:
- Более сильное управление
- Более сильное общество
- Более сильная экономика
- Более прочная связь
В рамках этого ALDA была удостоена Европейской премии за «Сильное управление» на Гала-мероприятии гражданского общества 2022 года, организованном Представительством Европейского Союза в Республике Молдова.
ALDA была удостоена Европейской премии за «Сильное управление» на Гала-мероприятия гражданского общества 2022 года
Среди замечательных результатов Ассоциации удалось превратить центральную аллею «Ștefan cel Mare şi Sfânt» в городе Чимишлия в приятную и современную общественную зону. При поддержке Европейского Союза на аллее теперь установлено 20 скамеек для прохожих, 20 мусорных баков для поддержания чистоты и две информационные панели для информирования местных жителей о деятельности мэрии.
Кроме того, ALDA мобилизовала общественность на восстановление красоты еще одного символического места отдыха под названием «Vatra Cimișliei», которое местные власти и активисты превратили в настоящую туристическую жемчужину. Ассоциация также поддержала обустройство нескольких мест: игровая площадка для детей в Чимишлии и зона активного отдыха для молодежи – во всех этих инициативах местные жители призывались к активному участию в сотрудничестве с местными властями.
Европейская премия «Более сильное управление» была присуждена за ощутимые результаты, достигнутые благодаря реализации проекта “«Активизация государственной реформы для улучшения развития» (AGREED), финансируемого Европейским Союзом. Таким образом, через проекты, поддерживаемые AGREED, члены местных сообществ непосредственно участвовали в развитии сообщества с целью улучшения своих условий жизни посредством совместных спланированных действий с местными НПО и местными властями.
Кроме того, граждане увеличили свои возможности для действий в обществе и свои навыки ответственного участия в обеспечении надлежащего местного управления.
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Information on AGREED:
Specific Objective: “Indicator 2 presence and number of participatory initiatives promoted by local authorities with CSOs.”: target value: Number and type of participatory actions promoted by Las.
Specific Objective “Indicator 2”:
- Number of CSOs involved: 19
- Number of localities: 26
- Number of civic and community initiatives implemented: 26
- Number of civic groups of citizens created: 33
- Number of trained community leaders: 150
- Number of people trained in good governance, participatory budgeting and participation citizens- 375
- Local information campaigns – 13
- Number of people involved in community development: over 4,500 people
Enlarging Europe for a better Europe Let’s celebrate the new candidates and let’s not forget the others!

ALDA is happy to celebrate the granted status of candidate country to the European Union, to Moldova and Ukraine Since more than a decade our organization has accompanied the democratic transition and efforts of these countries. We worked with our members, both local authorities and civil society. Despite the difficulties of those terrible days, it is a great sign to show them that there is hope, together with the EU.

ALDA is happy to celebrate the granted status of candidate country to the European Union, to Moldova and Ukraine Since more than a decade our organization has accompanied the democratic transition and efforts of these countries. We worked with our members, both local authorities and civil society. Despite the difficulties of those terrible days, it is a great sign to show them that there is hope, together with the EU.
Генеральная ассамблея Балканской сети за местную демократию 2022 г.: Добро пожаловать новый президент Сладжан Илич!

Ежегодное общее собрание Балканской сети за местную демократию (BNLD) состоялось 22 июня 2022 года в Нови-Саде, Сербия. На повестке дня были выборы Президента, а также принципы стратегической подотчетности Сети. Делегат Агентства местной демократии Zavidivoci, Босния и Герцеговина, Сладжан Илич, ранее входивший в состав Совета управляющих, был избран новым президентом BNLD.
Сладжан Илич, ранее член Совета управляющих, избран новым президентом BNLD
Другое обсуждение показало, что после длительного периода вспышек COVID-19 в организации и в гражданском обществе произошла смена поколений. Изменения постоянны и быстры на личном, социальном и организационном уровнях. Члены согласились с тем, что была заложена качественная и прочная основа для функциональной зарегистрированной организации и что Сеть готова к более крупным проектам.
Кроме того, было указано, что создание цифровых инструментов и расширение присутствия Сети являются сильной стороной и что Сети необходимо продолжать работу в этом направлении, чтобы привести к более устойчивым проектам.
BNLD с момента своего создания в 2019 году активно продвигает региональное сотрудничество, местную демократию, а также мир и примирение в странах Западных Балкан.
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Balkan network for local democracy on the road: Seminar in Novi Sad

The Balkan network for local democracy (BNLD) reunites for the first time in 2022 for the Regional Capacity building and Networking seminar, which took place in Novi Sad, Serbia, from the 20. to the 22, of June 2022.
The event organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” gathered around 25 participants, trainers, guest speakers, representing BNLD members and regional CSO networks.
Capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations
The programme saw capacity-building sessions, a regional activity planning, field visits and exchange with OPENS, and Novi Sad capital of culture organizations.
This activity is organized in the framework of the project “Strengthening the regional cooperation to promote civic space in the Western Balkan countries” financed within the Project Protecting Civic Space –Regional Civil Society Development Hub” financed by SIDA and implemented by BCSDN
Joined forces to support the work of LDAs in Ukraine. What’s next?

On 22 June 2022, ALDA together with Агентства местной демократии gathered for the Conference “Supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine” in Brussels, at Residence Palace.
At the core of the conference was an update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and the implementation of ALDA’s activities to support Ukrainian civilians and people in need.
The conference consisted of two panels. The first panel started with Bruno Julian Hamm – Pütt, Konrad Adenauer foundation Kyiv opening speech, stressing how important is “to support the European path, to show the economic future while supporting the Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine”.
Аналогичным образом, Antonella Valmorbida, the Secretary-General of ALDA, presented the testimonies from Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol and Dnipro. She also explained the methods undertaken by them in terms of the promotion of democracy as well as people’s engagement.
The Association will continue its work together with Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine on activities to further promote local democracy
In addition, considering the historical and statutory bond among the Association and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe (the Congress), the Svetislav Paunovic joined on behalf of the Congress, emphasizing in his speech that support of local governance in Ukraine and the cooperative relations between local and international governments are crucial in the reconstruction of democracy. Александра Дулькевич,мэр Гданьска, президент рабочей группы CoR по Украине,, was on the like mind, stressing the continuous support for the work and activities of the Agencies.
Moreover, before entering the second part of the conference, Tetiana Lomakina, Adviser-representative of the President of Ukraine on the barrier society issues and delegate of the Local Democracy Agency in Mariupol stressed: “there are three key points on which Ukraine is focusing now: the return of Ukrainian citizens back home; the preparation for the winter in order to ensure that people have a place to live; and work on the reconstruction work on damaged buildings”.
Moving on to the second session, both Local Democracy Agencies in Mariupol and Dnipro presented their work and new projects. Specifically, Anzhelika Pylypenko, the Delegate from Local Democracy Agency Dnipro, presented the “Phoenix” project. She explained that the aim of the project is to reactivate the work of the Dnipro office; consult internally displaced persons, including soldiers and families, and train civilians on how to save their lives in the time of active hostilities.
Further testimonies were shared by Olha Oliinyk, head of NGO “Ideas for People” and deputy head of the Secretariat of VOAOMS, while Inna Volkova, Councillor of Odesa Rayon Council explained the administrative system in Ukraine while sharing pilot projects on modular housing in Ukraine. Both speakers emphasised the will for future initiatives, cooperation and potential opening of the Local Democracy Agencies in Odesa and Vinnytsia.
И последнее, но не менее важное: LDA Mostar Delegate, Dzenana Dedic shared her experience and work of the Agency right after the Balkan war that she, together with other thousands of civilians, had to face. “Stay human!” she said, while remembering those terrible days.
Overall, ALDA has already proved its continuous commitment to helping and supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens. The Association will continue its work together with Ukrainian Local Democracy Agencies on activities to promote local democracy further.
EPD Conference 2022: together to strengthen democracy and good governance

On June 21-22, 2022, ALDA participated in the European Partnership for Democracy Conference 2022 in Brussels.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy и good governance.
This year’s conference offered a chance to explore the future of European and global democracy during these unprecedented times.
Nowadays, considering, on the one hand, both the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and the continued democratic backsliding around the world; or, on the other hand, the concerns risen on the issue of rule of law within the EU, as well as the finalisation of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), it is fundamental for European states to strengthen their coordination and cooperation in defence of democratic principles.
The European Partnership for Democracy is an active network, of which ALDA is part, that gathers together regularly in order to discuss democracy and good governance
From a general perspective, The EPD conference was divided into three panels and into six breakout rooms, each of which tackling the war in Ukraine and the state of democracy worldwide. На первой панели, Secretary General of ALDA and President of the EPD Board, intervened during the second panel “State of Democracy in Europe and looking ahead to the 2024 elections”, where she discussed with other speakers the state of democracy in the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.
While Александру Койка, EaP, Russia and Central Asia coordinator, participated in the breakout session “Democracy support in repressive environments”.
During the second day of the conference, the partners of the EPD network split up in different working groups in order to exchange ideas, thoughts and engage in constructive dialogues on common challenges, finalising the session with an interesting workshop on data visualization.
Overall, by joining the EPD Conference 2022, ALDA wanted to highlight the importance of cooperating and creating synergies to support Ukraine and strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond.
Конкурс предложений «Европейская платформа интегрирующих городов» (EPIC) - Пилотные проекты

[❗️КРАЙНИЙ СРОК ПЕРЕНЕСЕН ДО 12 СЕНТЯБРЯ 2022 ГОДА]
Проект EPIC – Европейская платформа интеграции городов – это трехлетний проект, финансируемый Европейским союзом (программа AMIF), который направлен на улучшение интеграции мигрантов на местном уровне путем создания европейской сети местных органов власти и организаций гражданского общества, которая:
A) will share knowledge and practices of inclusion of citizens from third countries,
B) engage in peer-to-peer exchanges on the basis of common priorities and different competences,
C) will develop efficient integration services within the local territories and
D) will improve capacities to counter negative narratives on migration.
Основываясь на передаче знаний и навыков между местными властями и НПО с разным опытом, EPIC поддерживает практическое, прямое и постепенное обучение для улучшения интеграции мигрантов в каждом городе проекта.
Подайте заявку на участие в конкурсе EPIC для двух пилотных проектов до 12 сентября 2022 года!
Предмет уведомления и цели
В рамках программы EPIC ALDA в сотрудничестве с регионом Сардиния и партнерами по проекту предлагает конкурс идей для разработки ДВУХ ПИЛОТНЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ в регионе Сардиния.
Пилотные проекты предусматривают реализацию мероприятий, связанных с темами продвижения и активного социально-профессионального участия мигрантов, с особым упором на валоризацию молодых людей 2G (второго поколения). Идеи могут касаться, только в качестве примера, путей, которые могут быть активированы как в школьной, так и во внешкольной среде, в дополнение к инициативам, уже существующим на территории Региона Сардиния или ex novo.
Сумма гранта
ALDA выделяет бюджет в размере 15 000 евро на каждый из двух победивших проектов.
Оба победителя должны внести в общий бюджет 15 000,00 евро с 45% со -финансирования от общей суммы, что составляет 6 750 евро со-финансирования, не полученного из других фондов ЕС.
[❗️КРАЙНИЙ СРОК ПЕРЕНЕСЕН ДО 12 СЕНТЯБРЯ 2022 ГОДА]
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Связанные документы и информация:
Call for proposal – updated [available in Italian only]
Annexes A-B. Application form [available in Italian only]
Annex C – budget [available in Italian only]
Annex D – report [available in Italian only]
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