Cities across Europe are facing a pressing challenge: how to ensure that technology serves democracy, protects human rights, and remains inclusive for everyone in an increasingly digital world.
“The digital revolution is a technological revolution of a new kind,” says Christine Bost, President of Bordeaux Métropole. “Indeed, it is a complete phenomenon that profoundly redefines all aspects of our lives, our cities, and our society.”
This digital transformation comes both with risks and opportunities. “It represents a challenge in terms of inclusion, education, mental health, energy sobriety, security, but also of living together. It is also a tremendous lever to address, in particular, the major resilience issues that concern us.”
With artificial intelligence, misinformation, and cybersecurity threats rapidly changing the way we interact online, local governments have a crucial role to play in safeguarding citizens’ rights and shaping a fair digital future.
Against this backdrop, Bordeaux Métropole is hosting the 2025 Eurocities Digital Forum: Digital Rights at the Heart of Cities, gathering city leaders, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to discuss the crucial role of local administrations in safeguarding digital rights.
Cities must lead on digital rights
The rapid digitalisation of society has brought about unprecedented opportunities, but it has also exposed vulnerabilities that threaten democracy, privacy, and social cohesion. Cities, as the level of government closest to citizens, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and play a crucial role in ensuring that digital rights are protected at the local level.
Digital inclusion and citizenship must be central to our digital policies if we are to achieve a sustainable and equitable digital transition
“In 2025, cities cannot ignore anymore that the context has changed,” warns Sophie Woodville, Digital Program Manager in Bordeaux Métropole and Technical Vice-Chair of the Eurocities Digital Forum. “The political context has accelerated the pace towards less rights-driven societies than they were two or three years ago.”
The decline of content moderation on digital platforms, the non-application of European regulations, and the rapid expansion of AI technologies with little oversight have made digital rights an urgent priority. Misinformation, online hate speech, and the erosion of democratic norms are no longer abstract concerns, but real threats affecting communities across Europe.
Local governments have a critical role in mitigating these risks. By investing in privacy-based data processing, digital inclusion initiatives, and measures to counter cyber threats, urban areas can serve as laboratories for ethical and rights-based digital policies. More than just implementing national and European regulations, cities can act as proactive defenders of a common digital rights culture, ensuring that local policies align with the broader European commitment to human dignity and democratic resilience.
Strengthening dialogue and communication between cities and European institutions is crucial to defending democratic values and fighting populism
“I see first-hand how crucial it is to put people at the heart of digital transformation,” says Faouzi Achbar, Vice Mayor of Bordeaux Métropole, Chair of the Digital Forum and Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Digital Inclusion. “Digital inclusion and citizenship must be central to our digital policies if we are to achieve a sustainable and equitable digital transition.”
“European municipalities are at the forefront of digital transformation and believe in initiatives such as Living-in.EU, the Social Pillars of Digital Rights, and the EU Democracy Shield,” Achbar continues. “Strengthening dialogue and communication between cities and European institutions is crucial to defending democratic values and fighting populism.”
Addressing the challenges of the digital decade
The rapid pace of digitalisation across Europe has outstripped the ability of national governments and institutions to adapt, raising concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethics of emerging technologies.
The Digital Decade vision set forth by the European Union outlines ambitious goals for a fully digital Europe by 2030. However, it brings particular challenges for cities, such as the widening digital divide, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the growing risks posed by online threats. These are not abstract concerns but real challenges that affect every citizen. However, achieving this vision requires more than just technological advancement.
Local governments must confront these issues head-on, ensuring that local needs and priorities are integrated into European policy discussions. These challenges demand It demands a robust advocacy strategy that places digital rights at the forefront.
A lot of opportunities exist for cities, but if we want to make a big change, it can only happen if we present a united front to the EU
“Despite the risks and threats stemming from digital transformation, we must seize the opportunity to take things into our own hands and ensure that digital rights remain at the forefront,” shares Jan Penfrant, Senior Policy Advisor at European Digital Rights (EDRi). A strong advocacy strategy is essential to protect citizens and uphold democratic values in the digital age.
Philippe Gérard, Adviser for Capacity Building in DG CNECT, European Commission, explains the importance of the European Declaration of Digital Rights and Principles in this direction. ” We put the values and principles in place to bridge the gap between digital tools, developments, and citizens. It should guide the direction we are taking, putting people at the centre and supporting inclusion and solidarity.”
Cities shaping Europe’s digital future
Cities must advocate not only for effective policies at the EU level, but also for local adaptation and implementation of digital rights standards. “Together we can and we have to make a change,” says André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities. “We need to make sure the EU legislation is implemented. A lot of opportunities exist for cities, but if we want to make a big change, it can only happen if we present a united front together to the EU.”
Do not underestimate the power of cities in shaping the digital future of the EU
Cities are in a prime position to influence European digital policies, collectively advocating for policies that balance the potential benefits of the digital revolution with the need to safeguard human dignity and ensure democratic oversight. The upcoming review of the Digital Decade programme is a great occasion to collect feedback from municipalities, explains Philippe Gérard. “Do not underestimate the power of cities in shaping the digital future of the EU.”
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The Eurocities Digital Forum 2025: “Digital rights at the heart of cities” is hosted by Bordeaux Metropole and taking place on 2-4 April 2025. The event will provide cities with the opportunity to exchange best practices, strengthen their advocacy towards EU institutions, and explore innovative digital governance models.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Digital Forum 2024 and follow the hashtag #EurocitiesDigital on social media.
All the pictures from the event can be found here.
