Are you ready for the new edition of ALDA+ training courses?

In 2026, ALDA+, through its Academy, launches a comprehensive training programme designed for practitioners, by practitioners, covering Project Cycle Management, funding opportunities, communication, and much more.

Each course combines hands-on learning with concrete experience, equipping participants with tools they can use immediately in their daily work.

Find the course that best suits you

Our courses are designed for a diverse audience — from local authorities and civil society organisations to universities and professionals, and, for selected modules, also for those approaching Project Cycle Management for the first time.

The ALDA+ Academy equips participants with practical skills, concrete tools, and the confidence needed to navigate EU funding and manage projects effectively, from the initial idea through to final reporting.

Courses are delivered by experienced practitioners, combining technical expertise with daily field practice. Training sessions rely on real cases, templates, tools and methodologies developed within ALDA and ALDA+.

Beyond technical skills, participants benefit from the added value of ALDA’s European network: peer exchange, shared practices and a community of professionals working across Europe and beyond.

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For more info we held an introductory webinar on February 25, which you can watch here.

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ALDA+ Standard Training Courses for 2026

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Want to learn more or get your questions answered?
Watch the recording of the introductory webinar held on 25 February!

Ready to apply? Write to us at training@aldaplus.it

Discounts:

For early birds (if you apply from February 26 to March 20 for the first session) you will have a 10% discount.

For early birds (if you apply from 3 June to 15 September for the second session) you will have a 10% discount.

Are you a student (under 26 yo) or an ALDA member? You also have a 10% discount!

Please note that discounts cannot be combined.

A certificate for attendance will be issued at the end of the course(s).

Deadline to apply:

5 days before the start of each course.

Watch the Winter Holidays video made by Marco Boaria, CEO of ALDA+, and discover the 2025 highlights of the Benefit Corporation!

As 2025 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the key milestones achieved by ALDA+, made possible by the commitment and passion with which our team works every day to promote the values we believe in.

It is a moment to look back, but also to look ahead: our goal remains to deliver ever more effective services and to develop impactful projects, building on our successes while learning from the challenges we have faced along the way.

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International School 2025

From 3 to 5 September, in the beautiful setting of Villa Fabris in Thiene, we organised the second edition of the ALDA+ International School.

This year’s theme, “Resilient Communities: Strengthening Local Democracy in Times of Change”, offered an opportunity to reflect on the urgent need to protect democratic systems in a historical moment marked by increasingly complex global challenges.

Over the three days, numerous young participants engaged in discussions with experts from across Europe and beyond, addressing topics such as trust in democratic institutions, the role of technological progress, and the future enlargement of the European Union.

Building on this experience, we are already looking ahead with the aim of organising a third edition in 2026, featuring an even more ambitious programme and new thematic pathways.

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AVGG – Alta Via della Grande Guerra

2025 marked a further step for ALDA+ in its commitment to promoting and enhancing the territory of the Alto Vicentino, a historical and cultural heritage of great value that deserves to be known and preserved.

In this context, ALDA+ has been involved for several years in activities related to the Alta Via della Grande Guerra (AVGG), a hiking route of approximately 200 km that crosses the Vicentine Pre-Alps and preserves the memory of the First World War. By providing technical assistance to the project leader, the Province of Vicenza, ALDA+ contributes to the development and promotion of this initiative.

During 2025, among the main activities carried out, 12 guided hikes were organised, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the historical events that shaped these places, while also highlighting the area’s natural beauty and local food and wine traditions.

If you are interested in learning more and taking part in upcoming activities, we invite you to stay updated via our website and social media channels: new initiatives are already planned for 2026!

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Training activities

During 2025, ALDA+ continued to deliver training programmes focused on Project Cycle Management and European funding programmes, with the aim of strengthening the skills of individuals, public bodies, and organisations interested in EU project development. Through these courses, we supported many participants in transforming project ideas into well-structured and concrete proposals.

Building on the positive feedback received and the growing level of interest, in 2026 we plan to further expand our training offer, developing new content and reaching an even wider audience.

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Technical Assistance

Alongside training activities, in 2025 ALDA+ continued to provide technical assistance services to public bodies and organisations that share our values and objectives. Through this work, we support partners in the development of strategies, projects, and communication activities, helping to strengthen their impact at the local level.

Among the most significant collaborations, ALDA+ is responsible for the communication of the LIFE Svolta Blu project for Viacqua, the joint-stock company managing the integrated water service in 67 municipalities of the Province of Vicenza. This collaboration is a concrete example of how technical assistance can support the dissemination of good practices and raise awareness on key issues such as the sustainable management of water resources.

Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to continue and further consolidate this commitment by expanding our partnerships and strengthening the technical support offered to our partners.

We would like to conclude with a heartfelt thank you to all the people, organisations, and partners who have walked alongside us throughout 2025. It is thanks to collaboration, trust, and shared commitment that ALDA+ has been able to achieve these results and continue to grow.

The year 2025 leaves us with new skills, strengthened relationships, and ideas on which to build. With this spirit, we look ahead to 2026 with enthusiasm, ready to take on new challenges and develop even more ambitious and impactful projects.

See you in 2026!

Do you have a project in mind, but no budget to realise it? Are you wondering how to navigate in the EU funding landscape?

Join the training cycle on EU-funded programmes delivered by ALDA+!

It will provide you with theoretical and hands-on knowledge on the EU programmes. Our experienced project designers and developers will guide you through this journey, sharing practical tools to get the funds that will turn your project into reality!

What are the objectives?

• Providing a clear understanding of the main EU programmes (Erasmus+, CERV, LIFE, Horizon Europe and much more) and their funding mechanisms;
• Building participants’ capacity in designing, managing, and reporting EU-funded projects;
• Sharing practical tools & examples from ALDA’s extensive project portfolio;
• Fostering networking among organisations working with EU funds.

Why should you choose ALDA?

• +20 years of experience in successful applications across multiple funding programmes;
• The possibility to benefit from our extensive network, which includes local authorities, NGOs, universities and institutions;
• Practical methodology;
• The flexible format of the training that allows you to choose one or more sessions according to your interests and needs;
• Certificate of attendance issued at the end of the course. 

Who is this course for?

Anyone interested in understanding the mechanism of the EU-funded programmes. 

In particular, project managers and developers, local and regional authorities, NGOs and associations, freelancers and consultants interested in EU project work.

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Practical information

• Dates: From 20 November to 16 December, 2025
• Duration: 8 sessions in total | 2 hours each
• Format: Online
• Language: English
• Fee: 320€ full package (all 8 sessions) | 50€ each session, should you be interested in only one (or more) topic

Date	Time	Topic
20 November	10:00 – 12:00 CET	Erasmus
25 November	10:00 – 12:00 CET	CERV
27 November	10:00 – 12:00 CET	Creative Europe
2 December	10:00 – 12:00 CET	LIFE
4 December	10:00 – 12:00 CET	Interreg
9 December	10:00 – 12:00 CET	AMIF
11 December	10:00 – 12:00 CET	Horizon
16 December	10:00 – 12:00 CET	NDICI

Please click here for the detailed agenda.

Register now!

Registrations are open until 15 November!

To secure your spot, write an email to:  training@aldaplus.it , we will give you all the necessary information to enrol in the course.

To secure your spot, a 50€ deposit is asked at the moment of enrolment. Please note that the number of places available is limited.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to turn your ideas into action through the EU-funded programmes!

On 2–3 October 2025, the GreenScape CE partners met in the vibrant city of Szeged, Hungary, for the project’s sixth Partner Meeting – an important milestone as the consortium enters its final implementation phase to advance nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI) across Central Europe.

Hosted by the City of Szeged in collaboration with REGEA, the two-day meeting brought together all partners for technical coordination, communication planning, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the project’s commitment to building more resilient, climate-proof cities.

Day 1 – Strategic Exchanges and Project Coordination

The first day focused on technical and strategic updates from all work packages. Partners discussed the finalisation of the Technical Handbook for NBS/GI Implementation and the Financing Handbook for Public Project Developers led by ETIFOR, as well as upcoming replication activities and policy actions under WP3.
ALDA+, as Communication Manager, presented the updated project visibility plan and shared the communication strategy for the upcoming Final Conference, to be held in Brussels (Belgium) in February 2026.

Day 2 – Communication, Reflection, and Field Experience

The second day centred on communication, evaluation, and field learning. ALDA+ provided an overview of social-media growth, website engagement, and the next dissemination milestones, while partners reviewed progress on deliverables and coordination mechanisms for the final semester.
Participants later joined a guided site visit across Szeged’s city centre to observe how local initiatives are integrating green infrastructure into urban development – from green roofs to community-led public-space projects that support climate resilience.

Next Steps

As the project approaches its final stages, the Szeged Partner Meeting served as a platform to consolidate results, strengthen cooperation, and prepare for the transition from pilot implementation to policy-level impact.

A heartfelt thank-you to our hosts, City of Szeged and REGEA, for their hospitality and excellent organisation of this successful meeting.

Stay tuned for more insights, photos, and success stories from the GreenScape CE partners as we continue turning grey into green across Central Europe!

By obtaining the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, ALDA+ demonstrates that gender equality is achievable for small and medium organisations and not just large corporations.

When gender equality in the workplace is discussed, most of the time the spotlight falls on large corporations and multinationals. Yet, in Europe, 99% of businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and countless NGOs operate with smaller teams but carry enormous social impact. Saying this, these organisations are not exempt from the responsibility to promote gender inclusion but in fact, their smaller size can be a big advantage on this topic, as policies and cultural change can be applied more quickly and visibly, and followed more closely. 

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For NGOs in particular, aligning internal practices with the values they promote externally is crucial for credibility. This is the path ALDA+ has taken.

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In 2024, ALDA+, the operational arm of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, obtained the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, an official recognition of the organisation’s concrete and constant efforts to ensure gender equality in the workplace.

The certification confirms that ALDA+ has implemented measurable processes to:

• Ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and career development;
• Promote inclusive leadership and governance;
• Promote work–life balance and fair distribution of responsibilities;
• Monitor and report on gender equality objectives.
  

By doing so, ALDA+ has proven that even a medium-sized organisation can meet the highest standards of workplace inclusion and, more importantly, that policies on paper can be turned into everyday practice. But how, and what can other SMEs and NGOs learn from ALDA+’s journey?

Three key lessons stand out:

1. Start with policy, but don’t stop there

Adopting a Gender Equality Policy is essential, but the real test is always implementation. ALDA+ implements gender objectives in daily operations, in this way ensuring they are not just aspirational statements, but applied operational guidelines.

2. Use certification as a roadmap, not just a badge

The UNI/PdR 125:2022 framework provides measurable indicators that should be followed, from pay gap monitoring to different governance practices. For ALDA+, the process of certification was an opportunity to examine and put to the test existing practices, identify gaps, and commit to continuous improvement.

3. Leverage your mission to lead by example

As an organisation that trains and supports local governance actors across Europe and beyond, ALDA+ recognised that internal credibility strengthens external advocacy. By aligning internal practices with its mission of inclusion and participation, ALDA+ amplifies its impact also in communities.

Why closing the gap is everyone’s responsibility

According to Eurostat, women in the EU still earn around 12–13% less than men per hour. This gap is influenced by factors such as occupational segregation, unequal distribution of care responsibilities, and barriers to career progression. The EU Pay Transparency Directive, adopted in 2023, obliges organisations to report on pay gaps and make recruitment and promotion processes more transparent and fair.

For large employers, compliance is often about complex HR systems and reporting mechanisms. For smaller organisations, it is about practical, everyday decisions:

• Are job descriptions gender-neutral?
• Are recruitment panels diverse?
• Do training opportunities reach everyone equally?
• Are working parents supported with flexible arrangements?
  

ALDA+ shows that the answers can be “yes”, even without the resources of a multinational.

For other organisations leaning to follow this path, here is a practical starting checklist inspired by ALDA+’s experience:

1. Adopt a clear gender equality policy – set principles and assign responsibility.
2. Conduct a self-assessment – use available EU/ILO toolkits to map where gaps exist within.
3. Implement small but high-impact measures – e.g., structured pay reviews, transparent promotion criteria, flexible work.
4. Train leadership and staff – inclusion must be understood and practiced at every level.
5. Monitor and report progress – even a simple annual internal review builds accountability.

ALDA+’s UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification is more than a milestone for us, but a reminder that gender equality is achievable for organisations of every size. By setting inclusion in its own operations, ALDA+ is not only ensuring a fair and diverse workplace for its team, but also setting a standard for the thousands of local actors it supports across Europe.

Closing the gender gap is not a task only reserved for multinationals or governments. It is a responsibility, as well as an opportunity, for every organisation, big or small. ALDA+ shows how it can be done.

A red thread runs through the Vicentine Prealps: it is the memory of the First World War, etched into the landscapes, the trails, and the memorials that safeguard its legacy. Along this thread was born AVGG – Alta Via della Grande Guerra(High Route of the Great War), a project promoted by the Province of Vicenza, supported by BIM Bacchiglione, and developed by ALDA+. Its aim is clear: to turn history into a driver for local development by connecting the Four Memorial Sites of the Great War across Vicenza through a scenic hiking route that speaks of memory, nature, and renewal.

But AVGG is more than just a path or a tribute to the past — it is also a vision for the future. To strengthen its economic and touristic potential, in 2024 ALDA+ seized the opportunity of a regional funding call (Regione Veneto, Action 1.3.9: Creation, development, and consolidation of product clubs in the form of business networks to support competitive repositioning) to build a local business network. The goal: to bring together accommodation providers, restaurateurs, tour guides, and local producers who live and work along the route.

It all began with field research, followed by public meetings held in the municipalities crossed by the AVGG trail. These events — organised in collaboration with the Alto Astico and Posina Mountain Union, Pasubio Piccole Dolomiti Mountain Union, and the Spettabile Reggenza dei Sette Comuni — became vibrant moments of dialogue. Participants explored the concrete opportunities the project offered to small and medium enterprises, and how networking could become a real competitive advantage.

Twelve local businesses took the leap and joined the journey. Together, they co-designed a Service Charter, a shared Financial Plan, and a Product Club Regulation — three key documents required for applying to the regional funding.

The pivotal moment came on 11 April 2024, when the companies signed a network agreement before a notary — a symbolic and practical step affirming their joint commitment to a new vision for local development.

As the lead partner, ALDA+ officially submitted the project proposal on 17 June 2024. Now, all that remains is to await the outcome.

The hope? To make AVGG a driving force for tourism, economy, and culture in the Vicentine Prealps. A path that is not only physical, but collective — and one that, step by step, looks toward the future.

The future of work is being written today—in algorithms, in renewable energy plants, in classrooms where young people decide whether to pursue digital careers.

Europe is at a turning point: the green and digital transitions promise millions of new jobs, but without bold choices, they could also deepen old divides. For these transitions to be truly transformative, they must not only create new jobs, but ensure that all Europeans, regardless of gender, have equal access to them.

The latest Global Gender Gap Report (2025) reminds us that the gap remains only 68.8% closed. At this pace, it will take 134 years to reach full equality. The economic participation gap is particularly worrying: women account for only 36% of senior officials and managers worldwide, and their share of technical roles is even lower. In the EU, only 1 in 5 ICT specialists is a woman, while just 1 in 3 STEM graduates are female. At the same time, the jobs most vulnerable to automation, such as clerical and administrative roles, are still disproportionately held by women, especially those without higher education. This stark gender divide in current sectors could easily be carried over into the new green and digital jobs of tomorrow unless we make intentional efforts now to ensure women have equal access, training, and opportunity.

This is where gender equality efforts must align with the opportunities in the green and digital transitions. The future of work will not decide itself, but it will be shaped by the choices we make now to ensure gender inclusion in emerging sectors.

The digital transition also carries opportunity. Artificial Intelligence and automation can complement “human” skills, empathy, communication, problem-solving, that dominate in women-led professions. The European Commission estimates that 90% of future jobs will require some form of digital skills, yet women still lag behind in advanced competencies. Closing this gap is not just about fairness, but also about access to the very jobs that will drive Europe’s competitiveness.

The green transition tells a similar story. The International Labour Organisation projects that the shift to sustainable economies could create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030. Yet women remain a minority in energy and engineering sectors: in Europe, fewer than 20% of workers in renewable energy are women, despite the sector’s promise of growth and innovation. Without inclusive reskilling and training programmes, the green revolution risks being another missed opportunity for half the population.

The ETUI Gender Equality in the EU 2024 report is blunt: women face three risks in the twin transition – exclusion from green jobs, overexposure to automation, and weaker protections in new flexible work models. But it also shows the levers of change: reskilling policies, childcare investment, equal pay enforcement, and bias-safe AI deployment. In other words, the future of work is not written in stone, but will depend on the choices Europe makes.

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This is where ALDA+ offers a lesson

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In 2024, ALDA+ obtained the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification for gender equality. This recognition means that we work daily with the focus on adopting measurable standards across recruitment, pay equity, work–life balance, and governance, ensuring a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

To further promote equality, ALDA+ has taken innovative steps, such as offering Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to its employees. This allows staff members, especially women, to gain hands-on experience with new technologies that are shaping the future of work. ALDA+ recognises that to be competitive in the digital economy, it’s not enough to simply have access to these technologies, but employees must also be empowered to use them effectively. Providing AI training is just one of the ways the organisation is preparing its team for tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring that women are equally represented in high-tech roles that will be pivotal for Europe’s green and digital futures.

One of ALDA+’s key projects is the GINEVRA project, part of the Interreg Central Europe programme, which focuses on the governance of emerging technologies like autonomous driving. This project ensures that these technological advancements contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future, directly supporting the green and digital transitions. Additionally, ALDA+ is deeply involved in initiatives that integrate digital tools for local governance and democratic participation, continuing its commitment to innovation and equality at all levels.

By aligning gender equality with digitalisation, ALDA+ is ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is both technologically empowered and inclusive, positioning itself to thrive in the green and digital economies.

On 10 June 2025, Villa Fabris in Thiene hosted an important event organised by the Province of Vicenza, in collaboration with IUAV University of Venice and ALDA+, within the framework of the EnCLOD (Enhancing Governance Capacities of Local Authorities using Open Data) project.

The EnCLOD project strengthens the governance capacities of local public authorities in Central Europe through the use of Open Data and IoT sensor networks. By promoting the reuse of data, it fosters multi-level governance, civic engagement, public-private collaboration, and local economic development. Led by a consortium of ten partners from Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Hungary, the project combines capacity building and concrete actions, including five local Action Plans (including the Vicenza area) and pilot initiatives addressing mobility, environment, and climate change. 

The event was structured into two main sessions. The morning began with a welcome coffee, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the EnCLOD project delivered by Francesca Borga (European Project Consulting Srl). This introduction was followed by a roundtable discussion, moderated by Nadia Di Iulio (ALDA+), and featuring several distinguished speakers.

Vincenzo Patruno (Data Manager and Open Data Expert, ISTAT) opened the discussion with a presentation titled “Open Data: A Tool and an Opportunity for Open and Effective Governance.”
Next, Idelfo Borgo (Director of ICT and Digital Agenda, Veneto Region) provided an overview of the current state of open data in the Veneto Region.
Nicola Piva (Head of Open Data and Digital Innovation, Municipality of Bologna) then shared Bologna’s experience and best practices in the field.
Finally, Giorgia Zunino (Strategic Foresight and Innovation Manager, Hedu-x ETS) offered reflections on the future role and value of open data and emerging technologies for the development of local territories.

After a brief debate and networking lunch, the afternoon session was dedicated to hands-on training led by Francesco Bruzzone and Giorgia Leandri (IUAV University of Venice). Participants had the opportunity to explore practical applications of open data, climate, and mobility planning, followed by an interactive workshop session.

The event offered valuable insights into how open data can serve as a powerful tool to strengthen governance capacities and foster innovation at the local level, while further reinforcing the collaborative spirit among EnCLOD partners and stakeholders.

On 8–9 May 2025, the GreenScape CE project partners gathered in Milan (Italy) for their Fourth Partner Meeting, hosted by Ambiente Italia. The two-day gathering offered an opportunity to assess progress, align efforts across work packages, and prepare for the final implementation phase focused on climate-proofing urban landscapes through nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI).

Site Visits: Green Roofs and Community Integration

The meeting began with field visits to two key NBS locations in Milan:

• The social housing green roofs at Via Russoli 18
• The community terraces of Villaggio Barona on Via Ettore Ponti

These examples provided valuable insight into how Milan is integrating green infrastructure into residential areas, combining ecological restoration with social and economic value.

Aligning Priorities Across Work Packages

Day 1 also included:

• Management updates by REGEA, the Lead Partner;
• A communication session by ALDA+, highlighting engagement metrics, content planning, and next steps for pilot visibility;
• A review of Work Package 1 (Sowing the Seeds), including deliverable progress and pilot action integration discussions.

Partners worked collaboratively to define contributions for upcoming deliverables and finalise preparations for WP1 reporting and capitalisation.

Sharing Results and Planning Ahead

Day 2 focused on thematic sessions from Work Package 2 (Bringing About Change) and Work Package 3 (Reaping the Benefits):

• Updates on pilot city feasibility studies, financing models, and technical documentation
• Overview of the promotional campaign and success story video planning
• Position paper and replication strategy updates led by ETIFOR and ALDA+
• Discussions on landscape connectivity, matchmaking, and network expansion for the final phase

The meeting concluded with planning for the GreenScape CE final event and discussion on communication and capitalisation tools to ensure project impact beyond 2026.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Ambiente Italia for hosting and guiding the on-site visits. The exchange of experiences and practical insights in Milan laid the groundwork for the final stretch of the project, as partners continue turning grey into green across Central Europe.

To follow our progress and learn more about the project’s results, visit the GreenScape CE website here!  

On 7–8 May 2025, the city of Cesena (Italy) hosted the fifth GINEVRA Partner Meeting, bringing together project partners to exchange updates on autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot progress, refine governance and engagement strategies, and prepare for the final implementation phase.

Advancing AV Governance and Demo Preparation

Held in the Comune di Cesena, Day 1 focused on technical and strategic updates across GINEVRA’s core activities. Partners presented updates on the demo site preparations in Cesena, Varaždin, and Bad Schönborn, with a dedicated session moderated by TU Wien to align the upcoming implementation phase.

Partners also reviewed the progress under Work Package 2 and shared insights from ongoing stakeholder and citizen engagement efforts. A dedicated session on risk and emergency communication, led by ALDA+, highlighted the importance of clear, responsive messaging as autonomous mobility pilots enter real-world testing.

Transnational Reflections on AV: Policy, Practice, and Global Outlook

Day 2 moved to the historic Biblioteca Malatestiana, where the setting reflected the meeting’s theme of bridging tradition and innovation. The Transnational Seminar titled “State of the Art and Perspectives for AV in Europe” featured contributions from TU Wien, inBlenda, and EMFIE, offering European and global perspectives on regulatory challenges, case studies, and future pathways for AV adoption.

A guided tour of the Biblioteca followed, allowing participants to reflect on the intersection between heritage and forward-looking urban transformation.

Setting the Stage for Final Implementation

The meeting marked a key milestone as the GINEVRA project enters its final implementation phase. With demo activities approaching, the exchange in Cesena helped strengthen collaboration, clarify roles, and energize the partnership to deliver innovative and inclusive governance tools for Central European cities.

 Acknowledgements

A warm thank you to our hosts at Comune di Cesena for providing a welcoming and inspiring space for these important discussions, and to all partners for their continued dedication and input.

To learn more about the GINEVRA project and follow our next steps, visit our website!