Barcelona is the first-ever European Capital of Democracy

An inclusive democratic experience

The Programme Year features a variety of projects and initiatives to celebrate democracy, showcase best practices and to address the central debates of our political present and future. Together with citizens, institutions, civil society and businesses, we co-create an engaging, diverse and inclusive programme for an Europe-wide audience.

Highlight Events

ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference

This conference gathers mayors, practitioners, scientists, and young people to discuss local solutions to global crises. The innovative conference design ensures stimulating exchange, action-oriented insights, and an empowering sense of community …

Truth, Lies & Democracy

Truth, Lies and Democracy is a project that calls on the gaming community in Europe to engage against fake news. Teams develop video games and propose interactive methods to advance the fight against misinformation …

Innovation in Politics Awards

Every year, the most innovative political projects in Europe are identified and awarded by a citizens’ jury. In spring 2025, the finalists will come to Vienna to present their projects and attend the award ceremony …

Decidim Fest

Igniting the conversation around Democracy, Technology, and Collective Intelligence …

ECoD City Network Meeting

21 ECoD Applicant Cities, across 13 countries, gather together to discuss Digital Transition and join Barcelona’s Decidim Fest, 2023 …

Barcelona’s Democratic Ambitions

Between 2 and 15 January 2023, several thousand citizen jurors from 46 Council of Europe member states assessed a range of projects by three finalist cities, Barcelona, Braga, and Brussels. Barcelona convinced the jury with its wide range of innovative projects, including Decidim, a digital citizen participation platform the city developed in 2016 and now in use by hundreds of cities around the world; and Superblock, an initiative to reclaim the city’s streets from cars. Discover Barcelona’s application and learn more about its democratic ambitions.

Video message by Marija Pejčinović Burić,
Secretary General of the Council of Europe

“Local government has always been the level of public authority closest to the people it serves. It is here that new ideas and democratic participation are best placed to flourish. The European Capital of Democracy not only recognises excellence but holds it up as an inspiration to others.”
Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council

Video message by Dubravka Šuica,
Vice-President of the European Commission

“After a decade of multiple crises and attacks on our European values, it is time to join forces, fight back and connect the democratic innovators and change-makers of our time. The European Capital of Democracy will create a vibrant stage for democratic best practice exchange and for experiencing new forms of democratic innovation in action.”
Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission

Watch the Announcement of Barcelona becoming European Capital of Democracy 2023/24 here:

More details on the designation of Barcelona as European Capital of Democracy 2023/24 can be found in the official press release.