site.btaSofia Among Three Cities Shortlisted for European Capital of Democracy 2026

Sofia, Cascais, and Rotterdam have been shortlisted for European Capital of Democracy 2026, the organizers said Sunday. The experts' jury selected the three capitals to compete for the title following a comprehensive evaluation process. The final decision will be taken by over 4,500 Citizen Jurors from all Council of Europe member states and Kosovo from March 3 to 12, 2025.

The city that receives the highest overall score will take over the title of European Capital of Democracy 2026 from the current titleholder, Vienna.

The cities shortlisted for the third European Capital of Democracy 2026 demonstrate a strong commitment to democratic values, the press release reads. All contenders are implementing innovative strategies to enhance civic engagement while also planning ambitious future initiatives, tackling common challenges like climate change, affordable living or social services for persons with special needs. Their dynamic programmes and their ability to inspire collaboration across borders are setting a powerful standard for democratic communities.

“Sofia, Cascais and Rotterdam are the well-deserved frontrunners to become the European Capital of Democracy 2026. Each city offers a multitude of best practices in local participatory democracy. In times of global democratic backsliding, their successful projects offer a window of opportunity towards more people power,” states Bruno Kaufmann, Chair of the Experts’ Jury.

“The shortlisted cities represent the forefront of democratic innovation and all of them are deserving candidates to become the European Capital of Democracy 2026. We now invite every citizen in the member states of the Council of Europe and Kosovo to join the Citizen Jury and help us determine the city that best embodies the principles of democracy and inspires us all”, says Helfried Carl, Founder of European Capital of Democracy.

A city that holds the title improves its reputation globally as a hub for innovation whilst also earning the opportunity to host international events, promoting a sense of pride among its citizens, the press release specifies. The current, previous and designated Capital of Democracy have a seat at Consortium, a high-level Advisory Board contributing to decisions about the future course of the European Capital of Democracy initiative.