Upgrading Local Democracy! - Our Europe starts in cities

Conference Concept

The value of democracy in cities & the role of mayors

Democracy is lived at the local level – in our communities, schools, around the family table, in our cities. It is far from a static concept. Rather, democracy needs active efforts to be kept intact and to become more inclusive of all different members of our societies. Cities are a space where the gap between citizens and their elected representatives can be bridged in a much closer and more immediate manner. Mayors and other community leaders, therefore, play a significant role in keeping democracy alive and conveying its value.

At the same time, local democracy faces significant challenges. Populist and extremist ideologies are gaining traction in many localities, fracturing communities and undermining the principles of inclusivity and cooperation. Furthermore, economic inequalities persist and can exacerbate social divisions, making it difficult to ensure equal representation and participation for all residents. More recently, these issues have taken root in societal discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, the reception of refugees, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic response and, indeed, the very foundations of our democratic states.

These developments have implications particularly for and among young people. As the Open Society Barometer 2023 shows, young people around the world hold the least faith in democracy of any age group, presenting a grave threat to its future. The erosion of civic engagement and political apathy among youth poses a substantial threat to the vitality of local democratic processes. When young people disengage, they miss opportunities to shape their communities, voice their concerns, and build trust in local democratic institutions. Preserving and revitalizing local democracy is essential not only for fostering inclusive governance but also for empowering the next generation to become active and responsible citizens in their communities.

In Europe, cross-border cooperation between cities is indispensable for sustaining democracy. By sharing good practices, experiences, and challenges, mayors can strengthen their approaches to local democracy within their communities. This collaboration, drawing also inspiration from global trends in democratic governance, builds resilience at the local level. Cities worldwide are emerging as laboratories for democratic innovation, offering valuable insights into citizen engagement, participatory decision-making, and inclusive governance. European-level cooperation, enriched by global lessons, empowers local politicians to collectively tackle transnational challenges such as migration and climate change, which require coordinated, democratic responses on both local and global scales.
 

(Text extracted from the event conference programme).