Vienna is the European Capital of Democracy

European experts and citizens have chosen Vienna as the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25. Other cities shortlisted for the title, which honours outstanding democratic commitment, included Bratislava, Leipzig, Gdansk and Izmir. Vienna won the final online vote by a jury of almost 4,000 citizens from 47 different countries. The jury was particularly impressed by the city's clear focus on a future based on climate justice.

Mayor Michael Ludwig:

It is a special honour for Vienna to be named European Capital of Democracy 2024/25. I am proud that we have been able to convince the jury of European citizens with our concepts on how to further advance democracy. In the coming two years, Vienna and its innovative projects will demonstrate ways to boost social cohesion based on active citizen participation.

Benefiting from democratic innovation

The Austrian federal capital's application was based on a comprehensive democratisation strategy in a bid to make sure the world's most liveable city also becomes the leading centre of democracy worldwide. To this end, Vienna has committed to opening up administrative processes and introducing innovative measures for democracy that are geared to the citizens’ own needs and ideas. These measures include directly involving the population, particularly Vienna's young generation, in devising youth participation projects. For example, one million Euro of the city's budget has been set aside for measures by and for children and young people in Vienna, and the "Vienna Climate Team" that uses co-creative methods to develop solutions to the climate crisis.

From 2024, Vienna's status as the European Capital of Democracy will provide the framework for a Year of Democracy comprising focus events, initiatives and projects that support democracy.

Jürgen Czernohorszky, the city's Executive City Councillor for Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel, confirmed that "it is a great privilege for Vienna to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona as the European Capital of Democracy. I am looking forward to the official award ceremony in January 2024, where we will reveal a comprehensive programme of innovative measures giving our citizens an active part in shaping their neighbourhood and the city they live in."

Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr stressed that "the essence of democracy lies in the power of the people - a principle the Austrian capital continues to uphold even in challenging times. Our vision is to strengthen democratic values by giving room to innovative, fresh ideas from the young generation. We want to make sure everyone in Vienna can actively contribute to shaping the future. Our first city-wide Children's and Young People's Parliament is just one initiative that sets new standards in youth participation."