BRUSSEL – 07 April 2026
Following a multi-stage and independent selection process, combining expert evaluation and a Europe-wide citizen vote, the City of Brussels (Belgium) has been selected as the European Capital of Democracy 2027.
Mayor of Brussels, Philippe CLOSE highlighted “This title is a recognition of the commitment of thousands of Brussels residents. Our city proves every day that democracy lives and grows thanks to its inhabitants.”
The title recognises outstanding efforts to strengthen democracy where it matters most in everyday life: at the local level. As European Capital of Democracy 2027, Brussels will host a Democracy Year, bringing together citizens, civil society and international partners through a series of events, projects and initiatives focused on participation, dialogue and democratic innovation — following Barcelona (2023/24), Vienna (2024/25) and the current title holder Cascais (2026).
Founder & CEO of the European Capital of Democracy NPO, Helfried CARL underlined “While autocratic tendencies gain strength in many countries on a national level, local democracy proves to be vibrant and less prone to fall for populism. Cities are powerful innovators when it comes to democratic practice. The City of Brussels has convinced experts and citizen jurors with its strong participatory orientation. We are looking forward to working with Brussels to organise a strong Democracy Year 2027.”
The Experts’ Jury assessed the applications, conducted City Visits and evaluated the cities’ democratic programmes. The final decision was made by a Citizens’ Jury of more than 5,500 citizens from all Council of Europe member states and Kosovo through an online selection process.
Sanja BOJANIĆ, a Member of the Experts’ Jury emphasized “Fix, flex, reflex” was the slogan that greeted us in Brussels, when we arrived as an Experts’ Jury on a visit. The dynamics of development, the determination to open up the future of democracy even in times of poly crises, however, lies not only in slogans and marketing announcements. The internal participatory reflex is the engine of change.
Cities are where democracy becomes tangible.
Democracy is not only shaped in parliaments and national institutions or at the European level. It is also shaped in neighbourhoods, public spaces and city halls. The European Capital of Democracy focuses on this local dimension by recognising cities that create meaningful opportunities for participation and democratic innovation.
Across Europe, cities are developing new ways to involve residents in shaping public life. They create spaces for participation, test new democratic practices and build connections between institutions and communities.
The City of Brussels demonstrates how democracy can be strengthened through local participation, inclusive governance and democratic innovation. Through its projects and initiatives, the city creates opportunities for residents to actively engage in shaping their community.
Frederik CEULEMAN, Alderman for Citizen Participation, added “The City of Brussels is not only the capital of Europe, it is also the most diverse city in Europe. It is precisely this diversity that makes Brussels an ideal laboratory for participatory and democratic innovation. Thanks to this title, the City will become the European centre for democratic and participatory projects for one year, with the aim of strengthening citizens’ resilience and further building trust between the city administration and neighbourhoods.”
The programme also reflects a strong commitment to further developing democratic practices and expanding participation in the years ahead, including through planned projects and initiatives during the Democracy Year.
For a closer look at the City of Brussels’ democracy projects and initiatives, please visit the ECoD Showroom or download their full application here.
About the City of Brussels
The title is awarded to the City of Brussels – 1000 Brussels – as a municipal entity. The City of Brussels is one of the municipalities within the Brussels-Capital Region and is distinct from the Region itself as well as from national or European institutions based in Brussels.
About European Capital of Democracy
The European Capital of Democracy Initiative aims to inspire cities across Europe to strengthen democratic environments, promote citizen engagement and develop innovative approaches to participation. The Programme Year provides a platform for collaboration between citizens, civil society and institutions, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient democratic culture.
The initiative was launched by ECoD NPO together with The Innovation in Politics Institute.
Media Contact:
Fatima Kirsch
Head of Communications
fk@capitalofdemocracy.eu
+43 664 19 25 628