FROM CASCAIS 2026 TO BRUSSELS 2027: THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE
Cascais is the 2026 European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) and Brussels will take over in 2027, following Barcelona in 2023/24 and Vienna in 2024/25. The title is awarded through a multi-stage selection process combining expert evaluation and a pan-European Citizens’ Jury. Awarded cities host a year-long programme of flagship events — including the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference and the Innovation in Politics Awards — showcasing democratic innovation and best practice exchange. The initiative also connects awarded cities through the European City Network, enabling long-term peer learning and the scaling of democratic solutions across city administrations.
More information: https://capitalofdemocracy.eu/
NEW PUBLICATION: LOCAL MULTILATERALISM AND PARADIPLOMACY IN A TIME OF CHANGE
Editorial TIP, in partnership with UCLG, launched a new special edition on Local Multilateralism and Paradiplomacy in a Time of Change. The joint publication brings together voices from five continents, 16 countries, 24 cities and 26 institutions to explore how cities and regions are building more pragmatic international cooperation to deliver real change in people’s lives. This edition marks a milestone in TIP’s trajectory. Since its first publication in 2011, the journal has contributed to strengthening an international community of research, analysis and practice around paradiplomacy, subnational international action and decentralised cooperation.
More information: https://paradiplomacia.org/
Full edition available at: https://bit.ly/4ey5JZe
SEJONG SPECIAL SELF-GOVERNING CITY: A NATIONAL PILOT CITY
Representatives from the Government of Sejong Special Self-Governing City presented practical insights on how to integrate cutting-edge technology into daily urban life to enhance efficiency and citizen wellbeing.
The de facto administrative capital of the Republic of Korea was created in 2012 as a special self-governing city directly under the central government. As a National Pilot City, Sejong showcased inclusive and safe urban models, including the “I-Eung Bus” — an AI-driven demand-responsive transport system — and pioneering autonomous transit services.
More information: https://uclg-aspac.org/member/sejong-city/ https://uclg-aspac.org/sejong-city-a-public-transportation-oriented-city/