Western Balkans

The Western Balkans Hub coordinates ALDA’s initiatives across all countries in the Balkan region—a region that holds deep historical significance for ALDA. It was here, in Subotica, Serbia, that ALDA’s journey began with the establishment of the very first Local Democracy Agency (LDA) in 1993.

Over the past 30+ years, ALDA’s presence has expanded considerably, with the creation of seven LDAs that form a strong network for democracy and local development:

• LDA Zavidovići, LDA Prijedor, and LDA Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina
• LDA Subotica and LDA Central and Southern Serbia – Serbia
• LDA Kosovo
• LDA Montenegro

These LDAs are coordinated by ALDA Balkans, our regional office based in Skopje, North Macedonia.

With decades of experience in the Western Balkans, ALDA has built strong expertise in civil society development through practical, community-driven action. In close partnership with local authorities and stakeholders, we deliver projects at local, national, cross-border, and regional levels.

The LDAs in the region stand out for:

• Strong collaboration with host city authorities
• Engagement with local civil society organisations
• Building inter-municipal and cross-border networks

This local and regional approach makes the Western Balkans hub a key driver of ALDA’s mission to promote democratic governance.

Regional Strategy

Since its establishment in 1999, ALDA has emerged as a key regional actor in promoting democratic governance and citizen participation across the Western Balkans. Operating in all six countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia — through a network of over 40 member municipalities, associations, and active Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), ALDA collaborates closely with local authorities and civil society organisations to foster inclusive policymaking at the grassroots level.

The Regional Coordination Office in Skopje serves as a strategic hub, aligning local actions with broader European objectives. ALDA’s activities focus on strengthening democracy, building institutional capacities, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the region’s EU integration. Over the years, ALDA has become a vital bridge between local actors and the European Union, supporting the Western Balkans’ path towards European standards and membership.

ALDA’s strategy is guided by the principles of participation, transparency, subsidiarity, and solidarity, while prioritising digitalisation, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and social inclusion as transformative drivers of change. Emphasising cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange, the strategy ensures local development is firmly connected to both regional ambitions and international frameworks.

By linking local governance to global standards, ALDA champions inclusive progress, resilient societies, and sustainable peace across the Western Balkans — keeping democracy and civic participation at the heart of its actions.

Mission and Values

The Regional Hub’s mission, aligned with ALDA’s mission, is to promote good governance and empower local communities by strengthening democratic institutions through citizen participation and inclusive governance, in line with European principles and a commitment to local empowerment.

ALDA believes that inclusive engagement, transparency, and accountability are essential for sustainable democracy. It values solidarity, regional cooperation, and the representation of marginalised voices.

Sustainability shapes its approach to social, environmental, and economic development, alongside a firm commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination. ALDA also champions innovation to modernise public services and enhance civic participation, empowering citizens and institutions to build resilient and peaceful societies.