On 23 September 2025, ALDA’s Governing Board met online, welcoming seven new members to the network and reinforcing the Association’s mission to promote local democracy, citizen participation, and sustainable development across Europe.
Welcoming New Members
The newly approved members bring diversity and expertise from local authorities, civil society organisations, and academic institutions:
- Local Development Association, Türkiye – An NGO based in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, focused on reducing regional disparities and promoting citizen participation. Their flagship project trained 410 young people in human rights, gender equality, and active citizenship.
- Prizma Foundation, Hungary – Promotes civic engagement, innovative education, and democratic participation, with projects including the AI-driven “Alternative Referendum” platform.
- Calvados Province, France – Coordinates Erasmus+ initiatives and the “Way of Freedom” project, supporting citizenship and cultural education among youth.
- College of Eastern Europe, Poland – Boosting international cooperation, democracy, and social cohesion, with a strong presence across multiple Polish cities.
- Institute Ypsilon, Slovenia – Empowers youth through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship programs.
- Stryi Municipality, Ukraine – Manages a city of 110,000 residents, including 9,000 IDPs, and supports local entrepreneurs through innovative development projects.
- IPAK, Slovenia – R&D organisation specialising in IT, social responsibility, and community development, previously serving as a regional NGO hub and contributing to sustainable energy transitions.
Their inclusion strengthens ALDA’s multi-stakeholder network, ensuring continued collaboration and impact across the Association’s thematic hubs
The Importance of Membership
Membership in ALDA provides access to a dynamic network of local authorities, NGOs, and academic institutions committed to supporting and improving democracy at the local level. Members benefit from:
- Engagement in thematic hubs and projects
- Support for project development and partnerships
- Training, capacity building, and networking opportunities
- Visibility through ALDA’s communications and advocacy initiatives
Membership is open to municipalities, civil society organisations, and more public and private entities, with fees adapted to ensure accessibility. Interested organisations can apply via ALDA’s membership page, submitting a short presentation and their last approved budget.
