🎧 In this episode of ALDA’s podcast “Shades of Democracy”, we dive into the heart of digital inclusion — exploring how innovation, accessibility, and participation intertwine in shaping democracy in the digital age.

From the All Digital Summit in Malta, voices from the field share how technology can both empower and exclude, reminding us that inclusion is not just about access to tools, but about trust, confidence, and belonging.💬 Guest: David Mekkaoui, CEO of All Digital, discusses the role of local ecosystems, European policies, and shared responsibility in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.

Tune in to discover how digital inclusion can turn innovation into participation — making democracy more open, accessible, and human.

Useful links:
ALL DIGITAL ➡️ https://all-digital.org/
ALDA Digital & Innovation Hub ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/digital-and-innovation-hub/ 
Listen on ALDA’s website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/alda-podcast/ 

🎙️ In this episode of ALDA Podcast “Shades of Democracy”, we explore how cooperation between institutions and civil society strengthens democratic resilience across Europe.
Our guests Lotta Valtonen from the Council of Europe and Katica Janeva, Director of ALDA’s Skopje Office, share insights on the tools and programmes that make democracy work in practice — from the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) to the BRIDGE to the Council of Europe project.
From experiences in the Western Balkans to the challenges faced in Ukraine and Moldova, this episode uncovers how frameworks of good governance translate into real change for communities and citizens.

🤝 Tune in to hear why strengthening democracy is a shared responsibility — and how ALDA and the Council of Europe are working together to make it happen.

Useful links:
BRIDGE to the Council of Europe ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/the-bridge-to-the-coe/ 
ELoGE Programme ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/fr/resources/eloge-in-croatia-north-macedonia-and-kosovo/ 
Listen on ALDA’s website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/alda-podcast/  
➡️ Reykjavik Principles for Democracy ➡️ https://www.coe.int/en/web/steering-committee-on-democracy/10-principles-for-democracy

🎙️ Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast “Shades of Democracy,” as we explore why housing is more than just shelter — it’s a cornerstone of democratic participation.

Our guest Maite Arrondo, member of ALDA’s Advisory Board and long-time advocate for social justice, shares powerful insights on the current housing crisis and what must change at both the EU and local levels.From street interviews in Brussels to policy recommendations made at the Civil Society Week 2025, this episode uncovers the urgent need to treat housing as a human right, not a commodity.🏠

Tune in to hear how communities across Europe are pushing for housing justice — and why democracy begins at home.

Useful links:
Maite’s article – “Housing as a Human Right” ➡️ https://bit.ly/3UzIBzQ 
ALDA at Civil Society Week 2025 ➡️ https://bit.ly/4lNW4Qv 
Listen on ALDA’s website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/alda-podcast/

Behind the Scenes at ALDA: Who We Are and Why We Do It

We’re kicking off a brand new season of “Shades of Democracy” with a special behind-the-scenes episode! Meet the team behind ALDA as we share stories, laughs, and honest moments from our everyday work in the world of civic engagement.
From funny fails at international events to heartfelt memories from the field, this episode offers an inside look at what it really means to work for democracy. 

Tune in as hosts Manal Snidi and Beatrice Frascatani walk you through our organisation’s spirit, with spontaneous interviews collected during our latest staff meeting.
Tune in now! 🎙

Useful links:
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/

And we have arrived at the end of the third season of the ALDA Podcast Shades of Democracy! 🚀

In this special recap episode, host Manal Snidi together with Beatrice Frascatani from the ALDA Communication Team reflect on the highlights of the season, their favourite episodes, and the valuable lessons learned. From volunteering and participatory democracy to combating hate speech and fostering inclusion, this season has been packed with inspiring stories and meaningful discussions.  

While this season comes to a close, stay connected—Shades of Democracy will return in 2025 with more thought-provoking conversations to keep democracy at the heart of our communities.  

Stay tuned! 👀

Join us in this episode of the ALDA Podcast Shades of Democracy as we reflect on the results of the 2024 EU elections and their implications for the future of European democracy.
We’re joined by MEP Daniel Freund and Adrien Licha, who will share their thoughts on how citizens can get involved, how young people can participate, and how civil society can help connect institutions with the public. This episode provides a deep look at how Europe can use the energy from the elections to create a stronger democratic future.
Don’t miss this important conversation about what we’ve learned and what needs to be done next for the European Union!

Useful links:
ALDA European Elections 2024 Campaign ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/eu-elections-2024/ 
TALE Project ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/tale-take-the-lead-in-the-eu-elections/ 
CSE Elections Campaign  ➡️https://civilsocietyforeu.eu/ 

Join us in this episode of the ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy" as we explore the transformative power of participatory democracy! Our guests, Anthony Zacharzewski, Anna Ditta, and Tamara Ehs, share their expertise and experiences in fostering local democracy and addressing today’s societal and environmental challenges. 
Tune in to discover how involving citizens in decision-making processes can help shape a brighter, more inclusive future! 

Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast “Shades of Democracy”, as we dive deep into the critical issue of hate speech and its intersection with gender and inclusion policies.  Our guests, Sara Afendi (ALDA) and Hana Kojakovic (Media Diversity Institute), share their experiences tackling religious-based hate speech through projects like “Get The Trolls Out” and “HATEDEMICS”, and explore practical strategies for fostering inclusive dialogue.  Tune in to discover how communities and media literacy can drive positive change and help build a more democratic, inclusive society!

Useful links:
HATEDEMICS Project ➡️https://hatedemics.eu/
STAND UP Project Handbook ➡️ https://stand-up-project.eu/tag/handbook/ 
ALDA Anti Discrimination Policy  ➡️https://bit.ly/3BjGev9
GTTO Monitoring Reporst  ➡️https://getthetrollsout.org/resources/reports

In this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy," we dive into the importance of volunteering across Europe. Our esteemed guests, Maurizio Camin, Marta Sys, and Lorenzo Buscema, share their unique perspectives on how volunteer efforts foster community engagement, social inclusion, and active citizenship. 
Listen in to discover how these initiatives are creating positive impacts throughout Europe!

Useful links:
Trento European Capital of Volunteering 2024 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VLA3WM
Merkury Foundation ➡️https://www.merkury.org.pl/ 
Ass. Trentino per i Balcani ➡️https://www.trentinobalcani.eu/ 
ALDA welcomes the new Civil Service Volunteers ➡️ https://bit.ly/3W0q2X3 
PAVE Project ➡️https://bit.ly/40t0Byf

Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy" as we discuss EU enlargement, and developments in Ukraine. 
Our distinguished guests, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and Marta Barandiy, founder of Promote Ukraine, share their perspectives on the situation in Ukraine, its links with the EU, and ALDA's role in supporting democratic values in the region.Tune in to gain more knowledge on the topic! 


Useful links:
ALDA Flagship Initiative in Ukraine ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aQo94l 
Promote Ukraine website  ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bXDssi

Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy," as we explore the significance of the EU Elections 2024 and their impact on the future of European democracy. Our distinguished guests, MEP Domènec Ruiz Devesa and Alexandre Météreau offer valuable insights into the complexities of the electoral process and the strategies needed to engage citizens effectively through civil society.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the upcoming elections and their implications for the European Union!

Useful links:
ALDA EU Elections Campaign #BetterEuropeTogether ➡️https://bit.ly/3yf9AJa 
EU Elections 2024: All you need to know ➡️https://bit.ly/4dtGXIt 
ALDA Newsletter ➡️https://bit.ly/44AF0ps

The Third Season of the Podcast produced by ALDA - The European Association for Local Democracy, has started! ⭐️🎙

In this Trailer, Manal Snidi and Beatrice Frascatani, from ALDA Communication Team, will tell you more about what to expect from this third season! Are you ready to find out more?

A new episode of the ALDA Podcast is now available and it starts with a question: How much of a priority are the Western Balkans for the EU?

To answer to this question, the guests of the day will explore and analyse the 'New EU Enlargement Methodology' or 'New Methodology' ✨

So let's leave the floor to Ms. Ana Krstinovska, President of ESTIMA, former State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Government of North Macedonia, First Secretary in the Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU in Brussels and Advisor for international cooperation to the Prime Minister. Since
2021, also member of the Permanent Strategic Foreign Policy Council in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia; and Mr. Srdjan Majstorović, Chairman of the Governing Board of the European Policy Centre – CEP, a Belgrade – based think tank. As moderator, we have Sanja Trpkovska from the ALDA Skopje office!

Enjoy! ✨

***

This episode is recorded within the framework of the Media for EU project, a project led by Eurothink – Center for European Strategies from Skopje, conducted in partnership with the Balkan Institute for
Regional Cooperation (BIRC) and the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), with support from the European Union.

More about the project here: https://www.alda-europe.eu/media4eu/

And we have arrived at the end of the second season of the ALDA Podcast 'Shades of Democracy'!✨

In this Episode, Beatrice Frascatani and Manal Snidi, from the ALDA Communication Team, will talk about the highlights of the season, and their favourite moments.

This season ends here, but do not stop to follow us!

In 2024 another season will be ready for you, directly in your headphones.

Stay tuned! 👀

A new episode of the ALDA Podcast is now available!

This episode focuses on the Media for EU project, dedicated to the “Improvement of media
and journalism standards in the Republic of North Macedonia.” ✨

Our guests for the day are Dimitar Nikolovski, the Executive Director of Eurothink - Center for
European Strategies, leader of the project, with a strong background in media and research, and Xhelal Neziri, President of the BIRC Institute, an experienced investigative reporter and analyst. As moderator, we have Sanja Trpkovska from the ALDA Skopje office!

Enjoy! ✨

Useful links:

More about the project here: https://www.alda-europe.eu/media4eu/

A new episode is OUT NOW! 🎤

In this episode we talk about food sustainability with a focus on the FoodWave project. We do this together with Valeria Fantini, Project Manager at ALDA, and Coordinator of the Environment & Climate HUB in charge of the FoodWave Project, and with Cristina Fernández and Nabil Charour, representing the association Mar de Tierras.


Enjoy it! ✨

Useful links:

More about Food Wave: https://bit.ly/3H0YOr5

A new Episode of the ALDA podcast is available! 🌟

As we stand on the brink of a new chapter in European democracy, the forthcoming EU elections in 2024 hold immense significance. Today, we are joined by two distinguished guests who bring unique perspectives to the table.

Listen to the words of Dafne Sgarra, Project Manager at ALDA, Coordinator of the Youth Empowerment & Education Thematic HUB, and in charge of the TALE Project and of Stefan Sindelar, CEO at European Capital of Democracy and Head of Operations at the Innovation in Politics Institute.

Enjoy! 🌟

Useful links:

Thematic HUB Youth Empowerment & Education: https://bit.ly/3viVCEI
TALE - Take the Lead in the EU Elections: https://bit.ly/3RXIo9i
European Capital of Democracy: https://capitalofdemocracy.eu

New Episode released! 🌟

Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy," as we celebrate the 30 years anniversary since the establishment of the very first Local Democracy Agency in Subotica (Serbia) in 1993.

Our esteemed guests, Katica Janeva, Director of the ALDA office in Skopje (North Macedonia) & Coordinator of the Western Balkans regional area and Dženana Dedić, Director of Local Democracy Agency Mostar, tell us about their experience during the years, including challenges and achievements. Tune in to discover more!

Useful links:
Find out more about this anniversary ➡️ https://bit.ly/47egkml

The sixth Episode of the ALDA podcast is ready for you! 🎤

Join us in this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy," as we unravel the intricacies of the Eastern Partnership's integration process.
Our esteemed guests, Nino Khukhua, Executive Director of Local Democracy Agency Georgia, and Viorica Tudos, Director of Chișinău Office, provide unparalleled insights into the collaborative efforts shaping political and economic relations across Eastern European partner countries, and the successes and challenges in accessing the EU. Tune in to discover more!

Useful links:

To find out more about the Eastern Partnership ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uLFQls
LDA Georgia ➡️ https://ldageorgia.ge/en

New episode released! 🌟

In this episode, we're joined by Dea Kralj, Project Officer at “ALL DIGITAL AISBL”, Aladdin Alrifai, project manager of Our Digital Village at ALDA and member of our Hub on Digital and Innovation.

Together, we explore the realm of digital education, honing in on its impact on civil society and the transformative role of EU projects in shaping a more inclusive educational landscape. Tune in to discover more in this enlightening conversation!

For more information:

To find out more about “Our digital village” project ➡️https://www.alda-europe.eu/our-digital-village-odv/

ALDA Thematic Hub on Digital & Innovation ➡️https://www.alda-europe.eu/thematic-hubs/digital-and-innovation/

ALL DIGITAL SUMMIT 2023 ➡️ https://all-digital.org/all-digital-summit-2023/