JOIN US AS A CITIZEN JUROR!

Democracy needs you, and so do we. Apply now to become a Citizens’ Juror! Find out more about your benefits below.

Yes, I want to join a network of over 4,500 Citizen Jurors from all Council of Europe member states and select the next European Capital of Democracy in March 2026!

Yes, I want to evaluate approximately 20 innovative political projects online for the The Innovation in Politics Awards that address today’s challenges and drive positive change!

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

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Agree to the Declaration of Consent

I, [Full Name] born on [Birthday] with the nationality of [Nationality] hereby declare my intent to participate as a Citizen Juror in the European Capital of Democracy Initiative (hereinafter “ECoD Initiative”) organised by The Innovation in Politics Institute GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “the Institute”) and ECoD gemeinnützige GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “ECoD NPO”). The ECoD Initiative is a non-profit initiative to strengthen and innovate democracy in Europe.

By signing this Declaration I confirm that I share the values of the ECoD Initiative as set forth in the Code of Conduct (see below) and understand that I may be dismissed as a Citizen Juror at any time, particularly in the event of a violation.

Furthermore, I declare that you have no criminal record regarding violence against human beings.

If you are involved in the ECoD Initiative, you are expected to base your activities and
engagement on the essential pillars of democracy, as laid out in the European Convention of
Human Rights and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To remain true to these democratic principles, it is essential that you take personal responsibility.
Our personal actions shape the image of the entire ECoD Initiative. It is this personal behaviour
that helps to enhance the quality of public discourse about the values of democracy and to
establish an innovative competition for the best democratic ideas.

For more information, please refer to the relevant and binding guidelines, including ECoD NPO’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, under https://capitalofdemocracy.eu/guidelines/.

By signing this Declaration I consent to the processing of my personal data by the Institute and ECoD NPO in line with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I agree that all content concerning me that might be processed in connection with the ECoD Initiative, such as image and video rights in particular, shall be the sole property of the Institute.

I agree that the Institute and ECoD NPO may periodically send me, to the address I have provided, offers related to the program they conduct, such as workshops, surveys, and other thematically appropriate events.

I agree to keep confidential all non-public information that becomes known to me in my capacity as a Citizen Juror.

I understand that all my activities as a Citizen Juror are unpaid and voluntary and that I am not entitled to any reimbursement of costs or other expenses.

The activity as a Citizen Juror begins from confirmation by ECoD NPO for an indefinite period until revocation. The tasks in the activity as a Citizen Juror are limited to participation in the selection of the European Capital of Democracy. It can be terminated unilaterally at any time by written declaration.

I confirm that all the information I have provided is true and that I am 16 years of age or older.

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By submitting this form I agree that the my data is stored for documentation purposes and used to send information regarding the jury proceedings and the Awards. We do not share your data with any other organisations or persons not related to the Innovation in Politics Institute. Please click on the checkbox in order to agree with these terms.

WHO CAN JOIN?

You can join the Citizens’ Jury if you

live in a member state of the Council of Europe or Kosovo.
are at least 16 years old when the jury process begins.
have a basic understanding of the English language (or translation options).
You value fairness and share European values, including respect for human rights, social balance, prosperity, and democracy.

YOUR REWARDS

Over 4,500 Citizen Jurors from all Council of Europe member states select a European Capital of Democracy every year. As Citizen Juror, you can make a monumental impact by having your say on which city should get the title next, give your opinions through monthly surveys, and acquire new skills in (free) online-trainings.

By joining ECoD’s Citizens’ Jury, you get the chance to:

Become a part of our Europe-wide community of democracy defenders
Act as an agent of change on important burning issues
Gain access to vital trainings, workshops, and information sessions
Participate in raffles for event tickets, give-aways and goodies

As a juror for The Innovation in Politics Awards 2026, you will evaluate the most innovative political projects in Europe that address today’s challenges and drive positive change.

Joining the Innovation in Politics Awards Citizens’ Jury gives you a unique opportunity to:

Help recognize impactful political initiatives across Europe
Be part of a diverse group of 1,000+ citizens evaluating projects for innovation, impact, and sustainability
Engage in a rewarding experience that many jurors find truly inspiring
Receive a printed certificate recognizing your participation
Enter a raffle and win a ticket to the Awards Conference & Gala 2026, in Cascais, Portugal, the European Capital of Democracy 2026