Brussels named European Capital of Democracy
Brussels has been designated European Capital of Democracy for 2027, the city authorities announced on Tuesday.
The capital submitted its candidacy under the name “Brussels must be DemoCrazy”, positioning itself against what it described as a global democratic decline. The city said it aimed to highlight its role as “the capital of the free world and as a pioneer of innovative democracy”. As the holder of the title, Brussels intends to present itself as a “democratic champion in a world that is becoming increasingly autocratic”.
At the end of January, mayor Philippe Close and councillor responsible for citizen participation Frederik Ceulemans welcomed an expert jury to the city. The visit included a series of projects focused on local democracy and citizen participation.
At City Hall and across several neighbourhoods, local residents and associations showcased their initiatives. This engagement helped Brussels secure a place on the shortlist and ultimately win over the European citizens’ jury.
More than 5,500 people from 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as Kosovo, took part in the vote, ultimately selecting Brussels for the title.
Over the next year, the city will host a range of projects, debates and events centred on participation, dialogue and democratic innovation.
According to Close and Ceulemans, cities act as “freedom fighters” for democratic values. “Democracy is not only shaped in parliaments or at the European level, but above all in neighbourhoods, public spaces, and city halls,” a spokesperson for the city said.
“The European Capital of Democracy emphasises this local dimension by recognising cities that create meaningful opportunities for participation and democratic innovation.”
© PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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