How to apply to become the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25

Join our Network

Becoming a European Capital of Democracy is a unique opportunity for cities within the Council of Europe member states and Kosovo.

A city holding this title will enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as an enhanced international reputation as a centre of education and innovation, the chance to host international events and meetings of leading European politicians, and of course a boost to civic pride.

Based on transparent criteria, an Experts’ Jury draws up a Shortlist of up to five outstanding contenders (the Nominee Cities). The 10,000-strong Citizens’ Jury will then select the European Capital of Democracy.

The Call for Applications is open from February to June of each year.
Click here to download the official ECoD 2024/25 Call document and all Annexes.

Register for ECoD 2024/25

Application Process

How to apply

Cities across the member states of the Council of Europe enjoying full rights of representation are invited to take part in a competitive selection process. In February 2023, the second ECoD Call for Proposals will open, kicking off a unique designation process for the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25.

Stage 1

With their binding Declaration of Intent to participate in the Call, Cities provide a technical, organisational and Democracy self-evaluation.

Stage 2

ECoD NPO screens Declarations of Intent for admissibility and completeness, including a check of the prerequisites, and informs the Interested Cities about the decision.

Stage 3

Admitted Cities work on their Call submissions, including a mission statement and project descriptions. Upon completion, they become Member Cities of the ECoD Network.

Stage 4

The Experts’ Jury evaluates all Call submissions, visits the most promising contenders and draws up a Shortlist of max. 5 Nominee Cities.

Stage 5

The Citizens’ Jury gets the final word on the selection of the Nominee Cities and chooses the City-Designate as the first European Capital of Democracy.

How the Citizens’ Jury is composed

The Citizens’ Jury consists of a cross-section of society and it is selected by ECoD NPO to be as representative as possible so that the yearly selection of the title-holding City by the Citizens’ Jury is transparent, objective, and fair.

Your benefits as Capital of Democracy

A city holding this title will enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as an enhanced international reputation as a centre of education and innovation, the chance to host international events and meetings of leading European politicians, and of course a boost to civic pride. The media coverage will focus on democratic best practice. All cities joining the ECoD City network will profit from mutual exchange of knowledge and experience, access to international expertise and cooperation.