Barcelona has been chosen as the first European Capital of Democracy 2023-2024, a new initiative by The Innovation in Politics Institute, supported by the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
As announced by the co-founder of the initiative, Helfried Carl, at an event in Barcelona City Hall this Wednesday, the Catalan candidacy received the most votes among 13 European cities from a jury composed of European citizens and experts in various fields. The recognition means that, from September until August 2024, Barcelona will host a program of events and activities "aimed at strengthening democracy in Europe," as explained by the Barcelona city council.
Between January 2 and 15, more than 2,500 citizens from Council of Europe member states evaluated the projects presented by the finalist cities: Barcelona, Braga, and Brussels.
According to the assessment made public this Tuesday, Barcelona "convinced the jury with different innovative projects," among which is the citizen participation platform Decidim, developed in 2016, reports ACN.
At the event held this Wednesday, Mayor Ada Colau conveyed to the initiative's organization "the pride" it means for Barcelona to become the first European Capital of Democracy. "In a global context where hate speech and authoritarianism are growing, cities must be the place to work jointly with citizens to strengthen democracy," she expressed.
In a video broadcast during the meeting with the organization, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, highlighted that local governments "have always been the authority closest to the people," and that is why "they are the place where ideas about democratic participation must grow." For his part, the Vice-President of the European Commission Dubravka Suica emphasized the emergence of these initiatives "in these very uncertain times for European democracy."
Add The New Barcelona Post as your preferred Google source for free
Stay informed with the latest news.
