An online pilot survey conducted by European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) in October and presented during the World Forum for Democracy 2022  (see ECoD blog post) in Strasbourg shows challenges as well as opportunities for democracies in Europe. Members of the Citizens’ Jury, that is currently in the process of being established by ECoD, were invited to participate in a mini survey on democracy. Almost 50% of them responded, observing a decline of their respective country of residence’s democratic system - and at the same time wish for more participatory democracy.

In order to contribute to bridging the gap between politicians, political professionals and citizens, ECoD, a non-profit organisation founded by The Innovation in Politics Institute Vienna, is inviting annually a jury of 10.000 European citizens to select the European Capital of Democracy.

The Citizens‘ Jury, set up with the support of Council of Europe, will span all the 46 member States of the Organization and will select, every year, a European Capital of Democracy based on its compliance with Council of Europe 12 Principles of Good Governance. The Citizens‘ Jury will also serve as a unique sounding board and network for democratic issues throughout the year. Its members are not only invited to select the capital of Democracy, but will have opportunity to participate in online workshops and trainings, take part in European surveys and give feedback on most burning European democratic and social issues.

The application to the Citizen’ Jury 2023 is still open until 31 December 2022 on the European Capital of Democracy website.