ECC "Shaping together: Democracy and participation in European cities"
30. - 31.1.2025
Vienna is the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25 and will serve as the center of a diverse program focused on democracy and participation for one year. The European Cities Conference on January 30 and 31, 2025, provided a space for exchanging experiences, mutual learning and looking beyond one's own horizons. Experts and decision-makers from the City of Vienna and its partner cities discussed best practices, collaborations with different target groups and the right tools for democracy and participation.
On the first day, January 30, 2025, the focus was on why democratic participation is so important for citizens. The "European Capital of Democracy" initiative and the City of Vienna's newly established Office for Participation was introduced. Experts presented the current data on participation and citizen involvement in European cities. The first panel explored how cities actively engage citizens and the changes that result from this. Under the motto "Came to stay", the following focus was on the institutionalization of participation processes and the role of city administrations. The final panel focused on discussions about the various methods of participation – from participatory budgeting and citizens' councils to forms of participation of municipal companies.
The second day, the 31st of January 2025, focused on engaging and involving different target groups in citizen participation projects. The discussion was centered on strategies and innovative approaches to encourage more people to actively shape their living environment. Particular attention was given to the opportunities and challenges posed by digitalization. The potential of digital tools for citizen participation was explored, including which target groups can be reached and who may be excluded.