[...] Preparing a Reference Site application requires more than a simple partnership. It needs a local ecosystem of the stakeholders. Civil society and citizens should be involved right from the beginning and a strong political commitment should accompany the initiative. It is particularly important to obtain the young generation’s support to build the future strategy on them. The ecosystem should be able to collectively raise the voice of AHA issues. The coordination and ownership from the European Commission’s relevant Directorate Generals (DG) is crucial to ensure a balanced development and guidance from this level.