The European Capital of Democracy Initiative has built a strong network of Cities fostering participation. Together with citizens, politicians, and institutions we are improving our democracies.
We aim to establish a highly visible space where the citizens of Europe come together, get involved, experience new forms of participatory and inclusive democracy in action and draw inspiration from a comprehensive programme designed to bring democracy forward and build or rebuild trust. Best democratic practice will shine under the spotlight.
After a most successful start of the first Programme Year in Barcelona 2023/24, the City of Vienna implemented its Programme Year as European Capital of Democracy 2024/25. As the current European Capital of Democracy, the City of Cascais launched its programme year on March 5, 2026 and hosted our first flagship event, the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference in May 2026. We are happy to share that the City of Brussels will be taking over from Cascais in 2027, having been selected as European Capital of Democracy 2027 by the ECoD Citizens Jury – a community of 5,500 active citizens from all Council of Europe Member States and Kosovo.
European Capital of Democracy
If your city is interested in joining the European Capital of Democracy initiative, arrange a call with Adela King, the City Applications Manager, or proceed to How can cities join European Capital of Democracy?If you live in a Council of Europe member state or Kosovo, become a Citizen Juror to stay informed and select the next Capital of Democracy and the most innovative projects across Europe.
Join us Building the European Capital of Democracy