Cities and municipalities are the closest democratic institutions to our citizens. Their contributions are fundamental to enhancing democracy, which includes bridging the gap between citizens and the EU institutions while improving the quality of EU regulation and policy-making, which is implemented at the local level.
Eurocities in cooperation with The European Committee of the Regions and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, wish to discuss these elements on 14 October 2021 from 2.30 to 5 p.m. CET.
We believe that the experience gained by mayors through permanent communication with their citizens in city hall debates and other deliberative and participatory practices, such as participatory democracy and budgeting instruments, can also pave the way for more inclusive and engaged governance at the European level.
Agenda:
14:30 Official welcome & setting the scene
14:45 Panel debate I:
Innovative participative solutions to strengthen democracy at city level. Short inputs on the following topics, followed by a discussion and audience questions:
- Participatory methods for community consultation,
- Participative municipal budgeting
- Promoting a values-based democracy from the bottom-up
15:45 Panel debate II:
Learning by doing: experiencing/living democracy at urban level. Short inputs on the following topics, followed by a discussion and audience questions:
- Solutions to climate change
- Boosting local economy and jobs
- Digital public services
- Integration and diversity
16:45 Outlook – Conclusions
Remote participation:
Anyone can join in the event online in two ways. Firstly through the online conferencing platform Interactio (with audio translation in all available languages), and secondly via YouTube on this event page (EN audio only) via this page.
If you wish to participate online, you must register here to receive the necessary links.
