Local governance is crucial to upholding the strength of our democracies, both in Europe and abroad. The conflicts in Ukraine make it even more striking that cooperation between citizens and city governments are not to be taken for granted. With this in mind, ICLEI Europe strongly encourages cities and municipalities to apply to the call for cities to become the first ever European Capital of Democracy. A successful application enters your city into the European Capital of Democracy City Network, allowing for networking and innovative collaboration between municipalities.

To be eligible for the call, cities should be located within a Council of Europe member state enjoying full rights of representation and with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants. The first European Capital of Democracy will be selected collectively by 10,000 European citizens. By answering the call, admitted cities will receive many benefits - your city will be put as a centre focus for Europe’s discourse on the future of democracy, within the scope of a yearlong programme of engaging events, festivals and other activities.

Becoming European Capital of Democracy is also an excellent opportunity for your city to receive media coverage on the international stage, as well as the possibility to network with mayors of other Member Cities present during the European Capital of Democracy Programme Year. The call for cities is being held by Citizens for Europe with support from ICLEI Europe.

With interest, please get in touch at the following email address: office@capitalofdemocracy.eu. Interested applicants should submit their 'declaration of intent' by 30 June. 

For more information about submission requirements, click here.