Press Release – Cascais, Portugal, 30 October 2026
80 Political Innovations from Across Europe Take Centre Stage in Cascais
The Innovation in Politics Awards 2026 bring together Europe’s political innovators in the European Capital of Democracy, with eight winners to be announced at tonight’s Awards Gala.
Cascais, Portugal, 30 October 2026 – Political innovators from across Europe are gathering in Cascais, the European Capital of Democracy 2026, for this year’s Innovation in Politics Awards Conference & Gala. Selected from more than 300 submissions across 35 countries, 80 finalist projects demonstrate how innovative political approaches can address pressing societal challenges, strengthen democratic governance and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“It is a source of great pride to see five projects from Cascais among the finalists of the Innovation in Politics Awards 2026. This recognition at European level highlights initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.” – Nuno Piteira Lopes, Mayor of Cascais
A Citizens’ Jury of more than 1,000 Europeans evaluated the submitted projects based on their innovation and impact, selecting ten finalists in each of the eight Award categories. The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala this evening.
As the host city, Cascais provides a platform for political leaders, policymakers and innovators to exchange experiences, discuss successful initiatives and explore how practical solutions can be adapted and implemented across borders.
Political Innovation in Practice: Three Finalist Projects from Across Europe
From using cities as real-world testing grounds for new technologies to strengthening citizen participation and giving children a voice in urban development, this year’s finalists demonstrate the diversity of political innovation taking place across Europe.
Think Global, Test in Tallinn | Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is turning its urban infrastructure into a real-world testing ground, allowing companies to develop and pilot innovative technologies that address challenges in public services and city governance. From AI-powered traffic monitoring to drone detection, successful solutions can be further developed and integrated into the city’s operations.
“The future of our cities will not be determined by technology alone. It will depend on our willingness to cooperate, to learn and to change the way we govern. This is the real ambition behind Test in Tallinn.” – Mihhail Kõlvart, Chairman of the City Council, Tallinn, Estonia
Koekelberg Connects: Citizens in Action! | Koekelberg, Belgium
Through participatory budgeting, a dedicated Month of Local and Participatory Democracy and a year-round volunteer platform, Koekelberg is making citizen participation a permanent part of local governance. Residents, particularly young people and diverse communities, are encouraged to contribute ideas, shape decisions and actively implement projects that improve their neighbourhoods.
“With our Month of Local and Participatory Democracy, we promote democracy and citizen participation through exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, commemorative events, and other activities tailored to the various target groups in our municipality. We are grateful that this initiative has also received European recognition.” – Olivia P’Tito, Mayor of Koekelberg, Belgium
The Street Is Ours! | Cascais, Portugal
Cascais is giving children a direct voice in shaping their neighbourhoods by temporarily transforming streets into safe public spaces for play, creativity and participation. Through co-design workshops and activities with local authorities, young residents have contributed to tangible improvements, including murals, street markings and a permanent pedestrian crossing.
The project is one of five initiatives from Cascais selected as finalists for this year’s Awards. The others are Cascais Tutors, Youth Voices, JustWork and PIIC-me, addressing citizen participation, youth engagement, employment and the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Together, these initiatives highlight the role of local governments in creating opportunities for residents to actively shape their communities.
“Projects such as A Rua é Nossa!, Tutores de Cascais, A Voz dos Jovens, JustWork and PIIC-me demonstrate that democracy is built through participation, inclusion and opportunities for all. This event also provides an opportunity to share experiences and show that, by giving people a voice and involving them in decision-making, we can find better solutions to the challenges facing our communities.” – Nuno Piteira Lopes, Mayor of Cascais
Recognising Political Innovation Across Europe
Established in 2017 by The Innovation in Politics Institute, the Innovation in Politics Awards recognise outstanding political initiatives from across Council of Europe member states and Kosovo, regardless of political affiliation or level of government.
This year’s projects were evaluated by a Citizens’ Jury of more than 1,000 Europeans across eight categories:
- Challenging Authoritarianism
- Climate Protection
- Democracy
- Digital Innovation & Governance
- Education
- Local Citizen Engagement – ELDA
- Public Health & Ageing Society
- Strengthening Europe
Three categories have been newly introduced in 2026: Challenging Authoritarianism, Strengthening Europe and Local Citizen Engagement – ELDA.
The Local Citizen Engagement – ELDA category was developed in partnership with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, recognising initiatives that strengthen democratic participation at local level.
The Awards aim not only to recognise outstanding achievements but also to make successful political solutions visible and accessible to decision-makers across Europe.
Helfried Carl, Founder and CEO of the European Capital of Democracy Initiative, said: “The Awards are testimony to the fact that European democratic politics deliver. By bringing successful solutions into the spotlight and connecting the people behind them, we ensure that political innovation does not stop at national borders, but inspires action across Europe.“
Beyond the Awards: A Platform for European Exchange
Recognition is only one part of the Innovation in Politics Awards. At their core is the ambition to connect political practitioners across borders, encourage mutual learning and inspire the adaptation of successful initiatives in other communities.
The Awards Exchange Conference, Politics, Coffee & Cake, brings together finalists, policymakers, experts and innovators from across Europe for discussions on the challenges behind their projects, lessons learned and opportunities for cooperation. The event will conclude with the Innovation in Politics Awards Gala at the Estoril Congress Centre, where the eight category winners will be announced and celebrated.
As a flagship event of the European Capital of Democracy programme, the Awards contribute to the year-long effort to strengthen democratic participation, encourage political innovation and foster cooperation between cities and communities across Europe.
Following Cascais in 2026, the Innovation in Politics Awards will take place in Brussels, the European Capital of Democracy 2027.
About the Innovation in Politics Awards
Established in 2017 by The Innovation in Politics Institute, the Innovation in Politics Awards recognise outstanding political initiatives that address societal challenges and improve people’s lives. Selected by a Citizens’ Jury of more than 1,000 Europeans, the Awards have been organised by the European Capital of Democracy NPO since 2024, promoting the exchange of innovative political solutions across Europe through the Awards and the Best Practices Hub.
More information: https://awards.innovationinpolitics.eu/
Media Contact
European Capital of Democracy NPO
Fatima Kirsch | Head of Communications
Tel.: +43 660 795 5921
Email: fk@capitalofdemocracy.eu