Cascais, Portugal – 5 March 2026
The City of Cascais officially launched its Democracy Year as European Capital of Democracy 2026 during a ceremony at the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, bringing together more than 200 guests, including political representatives, civil society actors, and democratic innovators and citizens of Cascais.
The event marked the formal beginning of Cascais’ year as a European hub for democratic innovation, citizen participation and international dialogue.
The ceremony included remarks by Mayor Nuno Piteira Lopes, Founder and CEO of the European Capital of Democracy NPO, Helfried Carl, and Member of the European Parliament, Sebastião Bugalho as well as musical contributions by Ana Rita Coelho, winner of the Cascais Opera competition.
During the ceremony, the European Capital of Democracy trophy was officially handed over to the municipality.
Mayor Nuno Piteira Lopes emphasised that the recognition belongs to the people of Cascais and reflects the city’s long-standing commitment to participatory democracy.
“This award is not mine – it belongs to the citizens of Cascais,” he said during the ceremony. “This trophy is a commitment to the future of Cascais.”
He highlighted the city’s model of participatory governance, where dialogue between citizens and institutions is central to democratic life.
In his address, Helfried Carl highlighted the significance of the Democracy Year ahead and the role Cascais will play in fostering European democratic dialogue.
“Based on its innovative citizen participation projects and its strong commitment to democratic culture, Cascais has earned the honour of becoming the European Capital of Democracy 2026,” he said. “Together, we will make this city an important stage for a pan-European dialogue that demonstrates that democracy delivers for its citizens.”
Throughout the year, Cascais will host a series of international events aimed at strengthening democratic culture and promoting collaboration between cities across Europe.
Among the flagship events of the Democracy Year organized by the European Capital of Democracy NPO are:
- ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference (11–12 May), bringing together mayors, political innovators and young changemakers from across Europe to explore the intersection between human rights and local governance.
- The Innovation in Politics Awards Conference and Gala (30 October), honouring political projects that demonstrate how innovation can strengthen democracy and improve people’s lives.
- Truth, Lies & Democracy (4–6 December), a 48-hour game jam bringing together game developers to create interactive experiences addressing the challenges of disinformation.
Cascais was selected as European Capital of Democracy 2026 through a two-stage selection process involving an international Experts’ Jury and more than 4,500 Citizens’ Jurors from over 47 countries.
Cascais took over the baton from Vienna, the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25, following the first title holding city, Barcelona (2023/24).
The European Capital of Democracy NPO, launched by The Innovation in Politics Institute, aims to spotlight cities across Europe that strengthen democratic culture, promote citizen participation and develop innovative approaches to governance.
More information: www.capitalofdemocracy.eu
Media Contact:
Fatima Kirsch
Communication Manager
fk@capitalofdemocracy.eu
+43 660 79 55 921