The Final ALMA Network Event of 2024: Meeting the Greek ALMA Team
On 26th-27th of November, the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation organised the ‘9th ALMA Network Meeting’ hosted in Athens, Greece. The event brought together 39 participants from 10 Member States to engage in a range of collaborative activities, including internal network sessions tailored to partners’ needs, discussions on the draft 2025 Work Programme, and interactive workshops. Participants also had the opportunity to meet experienced organisations and representatives of project target groups from Greece.
Designed for the members of the Core Group of the ALMA Network, the meeting focused on supporting those currently implementing or planning to implement ALMA measures under their national or regional ESF+ Programmes 2021–2027.
Lucrezia Ioannoni-Fiore, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission, reflected on the significance of the event, stating: ‘This meeting marks the end of our 2024 efforts while setting the stage for collaboratively shaping the 2025 Work Programme. Your passion, energy, and dedication form the foundation of this Network. Thanks to your commitment, we will continue working together to promote brighter futures for our youth and expand ALMA opportunities across the EU!’
Greece’s Journey in ALMA: Innovation, Impact, and Future Goals
The importance of Greece’s role in the ALMA Network was emphasised by Anastasia Sachinidou, Head of the Sub-Directorate for ALMPs & Systemic Interventions at the Executive Unit ESPA, Ministry of Labour & Social Security. She remarked: ‘It is our joy and honour that the 9th ALMA Network Meeting is being held in Athens. For Greece, our participation in the ALMA Network marked the beginning of implementing mobility programmes for young vulnerable NEETs in the country, while introducing concepts such as synergy, transnationality, and mobility into the social policy agenda, particularly under the ALMPs initiatives supported by ESF+ funding. With the active participation of actual beneficiaries involved, the Greek ALMA team is delighted to present the success story of its project, ‘Move On with ALMA’. Despite the challenging venture and the many difficulties encountered, it already manifests a 50% rate of beneficiaries’ labour market integration into job positions closely related to their interests and aspirations. The next steps entail its upscaling to more regions under the ESF+ Operational Programme.’
Preparing for the Future: The ALMA Network Steering Group
A significant topic of discussion during the event was the establishment and purpose of the ALMA Network Steering Group which is set to begin its work this year. This group is envisioned as an essential component to enhance the Network’s functioning and ensure its alignment with core objectives while addressing the needs of its members effectively.
The Steering Group will play a crucial role in encouraging active participation among the Network members and serving as an advisory body for the Network activities and decisions. It is intended to ensure that the work of the Network remains relevant and beneficial, proposing adjustments, where necessary, to better serve the needs of its members. Additionally, the group will guide the relevance and quality of outputs, thereby strengthening the overall impact of the Network.
The objectives of the Steering Group are multi-faceted. It will contribute knowledge, experience, and leadership to support the work of the ALMA Network. The group will also provide guidance in developing the Work Programme and associated activities while offering feedback to the ALMA Network coordinator and experts to ensure that the Programme remains on track. Another key focus will be fostering cross-collaboration among Communities of Practice (CoPs) and other relevant networks, alongside actively participating in the Network’s various activities.
The composition of the Steering Group reflects its broad scope of responsibilities. It will comprise a maximum of five ALMA Network members, external thematic experts, representatives from the European Commission, and members of the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation. Additional external experts may also be included, depending on the specific needs of the group.
Members of the Steering Group are expected to actively participate in meetings and are strongly encouraged to contribute by proposing ideas, suggesting discussion topics, and taking the lead on specific sub-topics.
This collaborative approach aims to harness diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure the continued growth and success of the ALMA Network.
Key Insights
The ALMA Network meeting provided members with valuable insights through a range of engaging sessions and discussions. A highlight of the event was the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from the Greek pilot ALMA project, ‘Move On with ALMA’. During a panel discussion, the project operator ‘International Forum Faros’, a representative from the Public Employment Service (PES), and two programme participants shared their perspectives. They addressed key questions about the services provided throughout the project cycle by covering the preparation phase, the stay abroad, and the follow-up phase. The discussion also shed light on the skills and competencies gained by the participants during their time abroad, as well as their future aspirations after completing the project.
The meeting also included a workshop dedicated to planning the ALMA Work Programme for 2025. Building on the results of a survey that gathered network members’ views on priority topics, participants explored these ideas in greater depth. Discussions focued on potential formats and innovative, interactive approaches to enhance the Network’s activities in the coming year.
This collaborative exchange of experiences and ideas underscores the ALMA Network’s commitment to continuous improvement and promoting meaningful opportunities for the most vulnerable young people across Europe.
