As the level of governance closest to the people, local and regional leaders can help to strengthen democracy as well as to engage citizens through participatory tools. These were the main points raised by EPP-CoR local and regional leaders during a debate on the role of cities to foster democracy in the European Union in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
In her opening remarks, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk said that democracy means common living and common decisions. "Giving the Conference on the Future of Europe an urban shape would allow citizens to have their voice heard clear and loud." Dulkiewicz who is the CoR Rapporteur on the European Democracy action plan added that democracy is a way of life that has to be placed in the context of global trends including climate change and increase demand for connectivity. Dulkiewicz also spoke on participatory budgets as tools to engage citizens. She stressed the need to raise more awareness among citizens on how their vote can influence decisions.
Christoph Schnaudigel, President of the County of Karlsruhe and Co-President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) said that the Conference on the Future of Europe must be an opportunity to reflect on how to better integrate citizens and their representatives into the EU's governing bodies. Schnaudigel said that local and regional authorities are best placed to come up with ideas and solutions to address present and future challenges. He stressed "This is a unique opportunity to engage citizens through elected representatives."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia (Greece) said "As illustrated in today's Conference, cities are not only the closest level to democracy, they are not only the place where the best democratic practices stand out, but they are also the carriers of democratic innovation. Contrary to what extremists and populists say, that democracy's days are counted or that democracy has become obsolete, in reality: I think the opposite! Representative democracy is and will remain the foundation. But it needs to add new forms of participatory democracy. Citizens want to engage, and it is our duty to create the right tools. This is why I strongly believe that cities are true laboratories for enriching, modernizing and strengthening democracy. As you can see, cities pave the way forward to be followed by the national and European level too."
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga said "As it has been shown in recent studies from the OECD, 65% of the sustainability goals can only be achieved at the local level, which requires not only the commitment from the public authorities but also a vast mobilisation of all the local stakeholders and their engagement in specific projects."
Pehr Granfalk, Mayor of Solna said that the inclusion of people in society through jobs, education and reduced segregation contributes to fostering a stronger democracy.