Cities play a crucial role in building and maintaining democratic attitudes and processes. In response to increasing political paralysis, ideological deadlock or illiberal practices at the national level, mayors across Europe have formed regional policy and city networks to support each other in their efforts in areas such as climate protection and sustainable economic development, public health and migration.

During the evening panel discussions, we will discuss democratic innovation as a topic of city diplomacy: How can we preserve democracy and open societies in the face of anti-democratic authoritarian actors? How can we build trust in democracy from the local level upwards? How can we exchange best practices and successful innovations in the field of democracy and participation across Europe and even worldwide, and learn from each other?