After a highly successful Democracy Year in Vienna, which saw initiatives such as the Viennese office for Participation and impactful projects such as the Participatory Children and Youth Million come to life, four cities in Europe will be competing for the transformative title of European Capital of Democracy (ECoD). This competition seeks to honour and distinguish cities that are highly committed to democratic innovation.Â
The cities competing for the title of European Capital of Democracy 2027 are Ankara (Türkiye), Brussels (Belgium), Denizli (Türkiye), and Tirana (Albania). In addition, Maia (Portugal) is joining the European City Network, which now comprises 27 cities in 15 countries – a clear commitment towards democratic values in challenging times. Moreover, several cities have already expressed strong interest in applying for ECoD 2028, underscoring the resonance and broad recognition of this initiative.
All cities that successfully submit applications for European Capital of Democracy automatically join the European City Network – a network of dedicated cities that are frontrunners in democratic innovation and promotion. The European City Network offers elected representatives and civil servants a platform to exchange best practices that can be transformed into sustainable solutions in their own cities.
Helfried Carl, Founder of ECoD, underlined the critical role cities play in strengthening democracy, stating: “In these times of crises, cities have proven to be bullwarks of democracy against an ongoing authoritarian wave on the national and international level. Their exchanges on democratic innovations help to rejuvenate our political systems. This impressive and motivated fourth group of contenders expands the ECoD City Network, while the interest shown by many cities for 2028 reaffirms the initiative’s longevity.“
How the selection process works
European Capitals of Democracy are chosen through a two-stage process. First, an Experts’ Jury, comprising five distinguished professionals in democracy, urban planning, and development, rigorously evaluates each complete and eligible application based on clear, transparent criteria outlined in the annual Call for Submissions. The Experts’ Jury draws up a shortlist of up to three outstanding contenders by mid February 2026. The final decision rests with a Citizens’ Jury composed of over 4,500 engaged individuals from all Council of Europe member states and Kosovo.
Previous European Capitals
Barcelona was chosen as the inaugural Capital of Democracy 2023/24. Vienna carried the title in 2024/25, and the Municipality of Cascais will launch its Democracy Year as European Capital of Democracy 2026 next March, hosting a series of activities to celebrate democracy and showcase best practices – and creating the space to announce the European Capital of Democracy 2027.
Impact of the initiative
The title-holding city works closely with civil society and its citizens to organise a range of engaging activities and events, attracting visitors from across Europe, and fostering collaboration to advance democracy, education, and innovation. The title also bolsters the city’s international reputation as a hub for democratic excellence, promoting civic pride and enhancing its status as a leader in progress. Additionally, the city takes on a leading role in the European City Network and hosts meetings, where representatives from member cities convene to exchange knowledge and best practices in municipal democracy promotion.
About European Capital of Democracy
European Capital of Democracy is an initiative by ECoD gemeinnützige GmbH, a non-profit organisation founded in 2021 by The Innovation in Politics Institute in Vienna, Austria. ECoD NPO’s mission is to promote democratic governance and to strengthen social cohesion by fostering and expanding participation and awareness across the Council of Europe member states. For more information, visit https://capitalofdemocracy.eu.
Citizens interested in shaping the future of democracy can apply to join the Citizens’ Jury at https://capitalofdemocracy.eu/join-the-citizens-jury/Â
Contact: Laura Thomas, European City Network Manager, lt@capitalofdemoracy.eu