2026-04-22T03:54:58+02:00 https://fw360.nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/uploads/env/4/13247/img/logos/logo-svg.svg?1755676077420 urn:uuid:8303d2cf-5fd7-af53-eb9f-4c479cdbc7d8 urn:uuid:dc9ffb8a-8090-e7b0-9d0f-188e668ac36e 2026-04-22T20:26:00+02:00

GOVER-NET <p>GOVER-NET has officially launched &mdash; a European project aimed at promoting innovative models of participatory governance and strengthening collaboration between public actors, organizations, and local communities, with a specific focus on rural areas and the Western Balkans. The project was presented during the Kick-off Meeting, the first key moment of exchange and joint planning among the consortium partners.</p> <p><strong>A project addressing real territorial needs</strong></p> <p>GOVER-NET stems from the awareness that many rural areas are currently facing structural challenges that affect both the quality of civic participation and the effectiveness of local decision-making processes.</p> <p>Among the main critical issues are the difficulty many young people face in navigating clear pathways for growth and employability, the weak connection between educational institutions, local authorities, and businesses, low levels of civic participation &mdash; particularly among women and youth &mdash; and the need to develop more transparent, accessible, and digitalized public services.</p> <p>In this context, the project aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable approaches, capable of enhancing the role of local communities within governance processes.</p> <p><strong>Objectives and operational approach</strong></p> <p>The main objective of GOVER-NET is to strengthen local governance and vocational training in rural areas through a pathway that connects skills, tools, and international networks.</p> <p>The project will be implemented through a series of action-oriented activities, including:</p> <ul> <li>the organization of international workshops;</li> <li>the development of digital tools and operational materials to support local stakeholders;</li> <li>training and capacity-building activities for those working at the local level;</li> <li>strengthening dialogue and the exchange of practices between Italy, other European countries, and the Western Balkans.</li> </ul> <p>The adopted approach aims not only to facilitate knowledge transfer but also to build concrete skills and long-lasting relationships among stakeholders.</p> <p><strong>An international partnership serving local innovation</strong></p> <p>GOVER-NET is built on an international collaboration involving partners from several European and Balkan countries, united by a shared commitment to participatory governance, administrative innovation, and local development.</p> <p>The consortium includes:</p> <ul> <li>TRE LAB (Italy)</li> <li>Dideas (Spain)</li> <li>RDA SEDA (Serbia)</li> <li>Municipality of Kavaj&euml; (Albania)</li> <li>Yellow (Kosovo)</li> <li>Mladiinfo Montenegro (Montenegro)</li> </ul> <p>The transnational dimension of the project is a key element, as it enables the comparison of different experiences, the identification of shared needs, and the development of joint solutions adaptable to diverse local contexts.</p> <p><strong>Upcoming activities</strong></p> <p>In the coming months, the project will move into its operational phase with the launch of planned activities involving stakeholders, professionals, institutions, and organizations committed to building more participatory and resilient territories.</p> <p>Alongside training actions and exchange moments, GOVER-NET will also include communication and dissemination tools designed to make project content more accessible and engaging, including a dedicated podcast.</p> <p><strong>Looking ahead</strong></p> <p>GOVER-NET is part of a broader European framework in which active participation, quality governance, and the ability of territories to collaborate effectively are becoming increasingly central to local development.</p> <p>Investing in participatory governance today means investing in the capacity of communities to actively contribute to processes of change.</p> urn:uuid:468de7b8-8106-2b70-3c6b-6e55ad83cce6 2026-04-22T20:26:00+02:00

Elevate <p>The consortium, led by <strong>Mimma LAB</strong> (Italy) in collaboration with <strong>Branta Desarrollo</strong> (Spain) and <strong>Balkan Bridge</strong> (Bulgaria), came together to define the strategic direction of a path designed to bridge the gap between <strong>European funding opportunities</strong> and the <strong>management capacities of third-sector organisations</strong>.</p> <h2><span><strong>The Mission: Empowering those who lead change</strong></span></h2> <p>At the heart of <strong>E.L.E.V.A.T.E.</strong> is a clear mission: to provide <strong>VET trainers</strong> with practical and innovative skills to support <strong>project managers</strong> and <strong>financial officers</strong> working in small NGOs.<br />These organisations often struggle to access EU funding due to complex bureaucratic procedures. The project aims to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Excellence in training:</strong> equip trainers with tools to teach <strong>project management</strong>, <strong>financial reporting</strong>, and <strong>access to funding calls</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Innovative methodologies:</strong> develop communication strategies that bring NGO staff closer to <strong>modern learning methods</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Strategic networking:</strong> strengthen the ability to build <strong>international partnerships</strong>, which are essential for the internationalisation of small organisations.</li> </ul> <h2><span><strong>A productive and collaborative working day</strong></span></h2> <p>The Valencia agenda was intense and highly productive.<br />After a welcome session and the official project presentation by <strong>Mimma LAB</strong>, the partners actively worked on several key cross-cutting themes:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Digitalisation and Sustainability:</strong> a group workshop helped define strategies to make the project both <strong>environmentally sustainable</strong> and <strong>technologically advanced</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Management and Responsibilities:</strong> <strong>Mimma LAB</strong> outlined the role of each partner, analysing objectives and expected results to ensure <strong>smooth and transparent management</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Communication and Dissemination:</strong> under the guidance of <strong>Balkan Bridge</strong>, the dissemination strategy was defined to ensure that the project&rsquo;s results reach as many beneficiaries as possible across Europe.</li> <li><strong>Visual Identity:</strong> during the afternoon session, the <strong>official project logo</strong> was selected as a visual symbol of the partners&rsquo; shared commitment.</li> </ul> <h2><span><strong>Future perspectives</strong></span></h2> <p>The Kick-off Meeting concluded with a positive final evaluation and the definition of the next operational steps.<br />With <strong>E.L.E.V.A.T.E.</strong>, the <strong>VET sector</strong> once again proves to be a strategic ally for the non-profit world, turning the challenges of European project management into <strong>concrete opportunities for growth and social impact</strong>.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>&ldquo;We are not only teaching how to manage funds &mdash; we are building a bridge between third-sector ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life.&rdquo;</strong></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Project co-funded by the European Union</strong><br />(<strong>Reference:</strong> 2025-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000352439)</p>