Brussels named European Capital of Democracy

The city of Brussels has been officially designated the “European Capital of Democracy” for the coming year, the city authorities announced on Tuesday.

Brussels 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 European Capital, 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 alderman 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 actors, residents and associations showcased their initiatives. This local engagement helped Brussels secure a place on the shortlist and ultimately win over the European citizens’ jury.

More than 5,500 citizens 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,” the college of mayor and aldermen said.

“The European Capital of Democracy emphasises this local dimension by recognising cities that create meaningful opportunities for participation and democratic innovation.”

^{​City of Brussels © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER}