Like Cascais in 2026 and Brussels in 2027, become the next European Capital of Democracy (ECoD)!
Applications are open until 1 November 2026.
Every year, the ECoD title is awarded to one member of the European City Network (ECN), selected by an independent Experts' Jury and a Citizens' Jury of more than 5,500 engaged Europeans. Any city with a population of over 100,000 within the Council of Europe member states and Kosovo* can apply.
The title celebrates cities that champion citizen participation and drive democratic innovation, inviting the winning city to host a full Democracy Year of visibility, exchange and events on the European stage.
Throughout the year, the city will host a programme of high-level international events, bringing together political leaders, democracy innovators, experts, and representatives from the worlds of arts and culture from across Europe and beyond.
Becoming the European Capital of Democracy brings a wealth of benefits, such as enhanced international reputation as a hub of democratic innovation, fostering civic engagement, as well as access to the ECN community, its resources and shared expertise.
The Congress supports this civil society initiative and the call for applications for the European Capital of Democracy 2028.
Does your city want to be next?
- How can cities join European Capital of Democracy ? - ECoD
- How to apply
- Apply here
- Register as a Juror
- Frequently asked questions
*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
