The European Decentralised Cooperation ― Acting for Development Engaging Local Authorities and Civil Society

The local dimension is not considered any longer the final part of a top down long chain of processes bringing democracy and wealth but rather an essential and founding part of it. This publication gives a significant and unique overview on the processes of decentralised cooperation and the ways in which it impacts and engages communities in the European Union and the rest of the world. The publication is mainly focusing on the neighbouring countries of Europe as well those engaged in process of accession to the EU. Decentralised cooperation is an instrument with an important and evidenced added value to be further strengthened and empowered.

The compelling narrative develops a comprehensive perspective on the processes of Decentralisation and development through cooperation between local authorities and civil society based on thorough research on legislative, extensive work in the field as well as good practices from relevant countries in Europe and its Neighbourhood.

Antonella Valmorbida is a senior expert on local governance and participative democracy at the local level. She developed and leads ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy, since its creation in 1999. She is among the key experts in Europe that promote and implement programmes of participative democracy, local democracy and development. She has been engaged in South Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe since 1996. She manages a team of over 30 people and more, consultants and a network of 14 Local Democracy Agencies.

She is the Secretary General of ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy, President of EPD (European Partnership for Democracy), coordinator of the Subgroup on Local Government and Public Administration Reform of the Civil Society Forum for the Eastern Partnership. She is also involved in Concord, the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development.