This week, ALDA proudly joined the European Capital of Democracy (#ECoD) initiative, visiting Sofia, Bulgaria, one of the candidate cities for the prestigious title of European Capital of Democracy 2026. Together with Mr. Bruno Kaufmann and Mr. Stefan Sindelar from the ECoD team, ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida explored how Sofia is championing democratic innovation and fostering citizen engagement.
During this inspiring visit, meaningful exchanges took place with local departments and deputy mayors, discussing critical topics such as environmental sustainability, urban development and digitalisation. Sofia showcased its innovative approaches, including participatory budgeting and dynamic startup initiatives, which are making tangible improvements to the lives of its citizens.
Next week, ALDA will participate in another exciting study visit in Rotterdam, in The Netherlands, another strong contender for the ECoD 2026 title. These visits highlight the dedication of European cities to advancing democracy and engaging their citizens in innovative ways.
Five Cities Competing for the Title of European Capital of Democracy 2026
The competition for the title of European Capital of Democracy 2026 is heating up, with five cities demonstrating their commitment to democratic principles and innovation:
- Cascais (Portugal)
- İzmir (Türkiye)
- Krakow (Poland)
- Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
- Sofia (Bulgaria)
These cities, spanning diverse geographic and cultural contexts, join a growing network of 24 ECoD member cities from 15 countries. This initiative underscores the importance of cities as powerful actors in safeguarding and advancing democracy, even in the face of global challenges.
Join the Citizens’ Jury
The selection process for the European Capital of Democracy involves two critical steps. First, an Experts’ Jury evaluates city applications based on rigorous criteria. Then, the final decision lies with the Citizens’ Jury, a group of over 4,500 individuals from Council of Europe member states and Kosovo. The Citizens’ Jury is a unique opportunity for engaged citizens to shape the future of democratic innovation in Europe.
Want to make your voice heard and be part of this exciting process? Join the Citizens’ Jury today! For more information on how to participate, visit the European Capital of Democracy website here.
Why It Matters
The European Capital of Democracy initiative plays a transformative role in strengthening democracy by empowering cities to lead the way. As Helfried Carl, Founder of ECoD and Advisory Board Member of ALDA, aptly stated:
“Cities are uniquely positioned to safeguard and advance democracy and human rights as they are closest to the needs of their citizens. In these times of crises, cities have proven to be bulwarks of democracy against an authoritarian wave.”
The title-holding city will work 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 will bolster 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
Stay tuned for more updates as the competition progresses! Together, let’s celebrate the resilience of democracy and the power of local communities.
