At a time when democratic values are being challenged across Europe, cities and municipalities play a crucial role as the frontline of democracy.

Cities4Democracy brings together mayors, European institutions, and civil society leaders to explore how local governments can strengthen democratic resilience through participation, innovation, and strong partnerships with the voluntary sector.

The event will highlight experiences and perspectives from across Europe and focus on how cooperation between municipalities and civil society can strengthen local democracy, citizen engagement, and societal resilience.

Speakers list

• Mathias Bernander, Mayor of Kristiansand
• Konstantinos Koukas, President of the Chamber of Local Authorities (Greece, EPP/CCE), Council of Europe
• Ksenia Fadeeva, Former deputy of the Tomsk City Duma, politician
• Kimberley Pallenschat, Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue
• Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, Ukraine
• Oktawia Gorzenska, Deputy Mayor of Gdynia, Poland
• Helfried Carl, CEO, European Capital of Democracy
• Brita Brekke, Political Senior Advisor, Civil Society Norway
• Georgi Stoytchev, Executive Director, Open Society Institute - Sofia, Bulgaria
• Additional speakers and representatives from European municipalities and organisations