We are delighted to announce that the City of Vienna will continue its support for the European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) initiative in 2024. With funding of €50,000, Vienna is helping to further expand our Europe-wide platform for citizen participation, democratic innovation, and international cooperation. This strategic contribution strengthens ECoD’s long-term institutionalisation across Europe, implemented by a growing team of experts based in Vienna, Austria.
Why is the City of Vienna supporting ECoD?
Vienna is not only an ideal location for building a European democracy network thanks to its geographic position — it has also established itself in recent years as a frontrunner in democratic innovation. From participatory processes such as the Vienna Climate Budget to the city’s child and youth strategy, Vienna demonstrates how inclusive decision-making can work.
Through the European Capital of Democracy, Vienna is now taking this role to the next level by creating new spaces for exchange, co-creation, and learning — both locally and across Europe. The Democracy Year will bring international conferences, workshops, and innovative participation formats to Vienna, transforming the city into a meeting place for democracy enthusiasts from all over Europe.
A European network with Viennese roots
Coordinated from Vienna, the ECoD initiative already connects more than 4,500 engaged citizens, cities, and organisations from 47 countries. Together, we are working on solutions for today’s pressing challenges, from protecting democratic values and strengthening participation to using technology for an inclusive, future-oriented democracy.
The City of Vienna’s support allows us to deepen our work, strengthen existing structures, and develop new formats. In this way, Vienna contributes the long-term success of a European network that helps democracy thrive, and builds its own capacities and knowledge at the Office for Participation and across various City departments. ECoD is working on
Vienna to take the central stage in 2025
As the second European Capital of Democracy following Barcelona, Vienna will itself become a central stage for a full year of democracy in 2024/25. Together with engaged citizens, civil society and international partner organisations, the City of Vienna will curate a diverse programme that places participation, innovation, and dialogue about the future of democracy at its heart. The programme will engage citizens of all ages and backgrounds — from grassroots civil society to city leadership. In 2023/24, over 20,000 people participated in Democracy Year activities in Barcelona — Vienna aims to build on this momentum.