Partners : European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) - COVID-19 Local and regional responses

In two steps, share the responses developed by your city; region or national association to overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

FOCUS

Congress adopts report on ensuring compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government in major crisis situations

Covid-19: local and regional authorities at the frontline

Congress calls for ensuring respect for electoral standards in major crisis situations

Covid-19 crisis at the centre of the debates of the three Congress committees

TOOLKIT

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pej?inovi? Buri?, has issued a toolkit for governments across Europe on respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law during the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 Toolkit (available in several languages)

CONGRESS AND ITS SECRETARIAT

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress has taken several steps to pursue its activities.

Functioning of the Congress and its Secretariat

European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA)

COVID-19 : Solutions in response to COVID-19 | “#stayathome… and go places” webinar | Blog Website : https://www.alda-europe.eu/newSite/

The European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) has launched multiple initiatives and developed tools to bring together its members’ experiences, share good practices and support local action in the spirit of solidarity.

Webinars

Priorities for action have been identified through several webinars focusing on the societal impact of the pandemic, the role and situation of civil society facing the crisis, the sustainability of institutional action, as well as solutions in response to COVID-19. A webinar illustrating how one of the most affected cities – Milan – is overcoming this crisis was organised to give advice to local governments on how to react to the crisis. A series of webinars was also carried out to exchange with ALDA members on their experiences of living the crisis and working together to build a collective strategy for tomorrow.

Online Resources

A special blog has been created to connect communities, and a number of projects have been launched or supported, including three crowdfunding initiatives on solidarity during the COVID-19 crisis, a new “#stayathome… and go places” webinar platform on cultural themes, and another focussing on the “Europe for Citizens” programme during the crisis.

ALDA also published a survey as part of its APProach project on the theme of digital tools and COVID-19.

In addition, ALDA-supported projects have received grants to strengthen local communities in Moldova and Kyrgyzstan.

Secretary General Statement

ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida issued statements of solidarity and support, highlighting that a Europe in solidarity must be “a community of communities” and that the pandemic “puts the concept of “global citizenship” at the core of our future”, based on the shared conviction that “we are all part of a global community with shared responsibility”.

Initiatives

In order to support Local Authorities heavily affected by the Covid-19 crisis, ALDA is selecting a group of 30 municipalities all over Europe and neighbouring countries – not members yet – which aims to provide services to people that have been adversely affected. ALDA will offer the selected candidates a one-year free membership that will give access to a number of services and assistance in the recovery process with ad-hoc information on specific funding programmes, free training and capacity-building opportunities, invitations to events and networking occasions. More information on how to apply and deadline here.