A tribute to solidarity

We'd like to thank one of our newest ALDA ambassadors, Mirko Marangione, president of “Le cose che vanno international” for his article in celebration of the Council of Europe's 71th anniversary, where he also kindly details ALDA’s work and our joint efforts. 

We are hence glad to share as follows a translated summary of his mention, originally published in Italian on the law magazine Juris News. 

 

 "At its genesis, the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) stemmed from the objective of leveling up local democracy and fostering active citizenship. ALDA was founded at the instigation of the Council of Europe in 1999 (50 years after the creation of the CoE) in order to coordinate and support the network of local democracy agencies (independent and locally registered NGOs) that act as promoters of good governance and decentralization. 

Today, ALDA is a major stakeholder in the field of local democracy, active citizenship and cooperation between local authorities and civil society, encompassing more than 300 members (including local authorities, associations of local authorities and civil society organizations) located in over 40 countries. ALDA draws its financial resources from membership fees, as well as project funding from the European Commission, the Council of Europe and other public and private donors. 

 The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is regularly represented in the decision-making boards and takes part in important meetings. 

Currently, ALDA can be described as the achievement of a European Utopia. Today ALDA brings together hundreds of thousands of people from over 40 countries whom aim is to make Europe one day a large well-integrated and supportive community of a broad range of regional and local cultures. 

My first meeting with ALDA dates back to 2017 and since 2019 the association I am leading, “Le cose che vanno International”, has joined the list of members of ALDA. Since March 9th, 2020, besides, I have had the immense honor of being given the chance to be one of ALDA’s Ambassadors. I am fully enjoying being part of this new endeavor, which I honor and perceive as a satisfying asset to my strong pan-European and international identity.”                                                                                                                                                                      

Mirko and his ambassador fellows have taken up this important role in a very peculiar time marked by challenges that possibly encompass every single aspect of human life. We want to thank them particularly for their crucial commitment, sign of a common belief in the power of solidarity; together we're stronger! #stayEUnited