Initiative aims to promote participation in decision-making
In one of those titles that almost certainly means very little to people outside the selection process, Cascais has been chosen as the European Capital of Democracy 2026 (ECoD2026).
According to the town council, this is an initiative that aims to promote the participation of citizens, politicians and institutions in the decision-making processes of cities.
“The choice of Cascais as European Capital of Democracy 2026 makes us very proud, but it is also a commitment and a responsibility that we have taken on together with all the people of Cascais to ensure that everyone has an active voice in the decisions that mould our society,” said deputy mayor of Nuno Piteira Lopes in a statement sent to the Lusa news agency.
The coastal municipality close to Lisbon will receive this title at the beginning of 2026 from the current European Capital of Democracy, Vienna (Austria), and will develop a programme that includes events, actions and projects “aimed at strengthening democracy”.
In addition to Cascais, the cities of Izmir, Krakow, Rotterdam and Sofia competed for the title.
The choice was made by an international jury of experts, who selected Cascais, Rotterdam and Sofia as the three finalists, explains Lusa.
In the final phase, a panel of more than 4,500 citizens from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe and Kosovo chose Cascais through an online voting process.
The initiative’s founder, Helfried Carl, who presented the ECoD trophy to the Cascais municipality yesterday, emphasised the town’s “solid track record and strong commitment to democracy and civic participation”.
“The world and Europe need to realise that it is democracy that truly serves its citizens,” he said.
Among examples of democracy-affirming projects developed, Cascais Town Hall highlights the Participatory Budget, which is one of the largest at European level, and the civic network ‘Tutores de Cascais’, which promotes social cohesion and environmental preservation.
The European Capital of Democracy initiative was launched by ECoD Gemeinnützige GmbH, in partnership with The Innovation in Politics Institute, with offices in Vienna and Berlin and partners in 16 European countries.
Barcelona was the first European Capital of Democracy in 2023/24.
LUSA
