On 4 March, CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione and the President of ALDA the European Association of Local Democracy, Oriano Otočan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Trieste. The upgrading of a long-standing cooperation, has come into force at a critical moment for the region due to current Russian attacks against Ukraine - the latter being a CEI Member State which hosts two ALDA agencies.
Through this agreement - aimed at underlining the importance of local democracy for the functioning of the rule of law and the achievement of its goals for progress as summarised within the UN2030 Agenda - both parties will cooperate to implement their respective missions.
In particular, attention will be paid to fostering participatory democracy in the region of the Western Balkans and Central Europe; to promoting European values among citizens and member institutions, supporting local communities, in collaboration with civil society; improving good local governance and enabling an inclusive, environmentally-sustainable, economic and social society.
A crucial instrument “which, especially after the creation of the CEI Local Dimension launched last November, is essential in the democratisation process " said Antonione - CEI Secretary General.
"This moment comes after years of fruitful collaboration, especially in the area of building and strengthening local democracy in the Balkans" underlined Otočan - President of ALDA.
Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, special guest and partner, underlined how important the role of the two organisations was, especially "for the development of the Balkan area and the FVG Region has supported them for many years: defining the partnership between these two realities as a crucial element ".
For more info: poli@cei.int
