European Capital of Democracy – City Tour

ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, as part of the Evaluation Committee of the European Capital of Democracy, will be visiting the nominated cities for the next award.

The cities competing for the title of European Capital of Democracy 2025/26 are Cascais (Portugal), İzmir (Turkey), Krakow (Poland), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Sofia (Bulgaria). The new applications expand the geographic and cultural diversity of ECoD member cities, growing the network to 24 cities in 15 countries. This development underscores Europe’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Moreover, numerous cities have already expressed their interest in competing for the ECoD 2027 title, underscoring the lasting impact and widespread appeal of this initiative.

By competing for the title, the cities demonstrate their dedication to democratic innovation and citizen engagement. The European City Network provides a platform for collaboration and the exchange of best practices, empowering cities to lead in safeguarding democratic values even during challenging times.

More info here.

📆 30th January 2025
📍 Rotterdam, Netherlands