Defending democracy locally: Catalan municipalities take action

Across Europe, local governments are facing increasing challenges related to political polarisation, disinformation, and declining trust in public institutions. In response, Eurocities has developed a ten-month learning programme titled 'Local leadership for European democracy,' created in partnership with the Generalitat de Catalunya. The initiative supports eight municipalities: Rubi, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Terrassa, Vic, Manresa, El Vendrell, Girona, and Igualada.

The programme aims to give smaller municipalities, typically with populations between 30,000 and 100,000, a stronger voice in EU debates. Participating cities are sharing their experiences in citizen participation, such as participatory budgeting in El Vendrell and Girona, and digital engagement platforms in Vic and Terrassa, to help shape future European policies.