Significant Public Engagement in Vienna's European Capital of Democracy

Vienna, the European Capital of Democracy, has reported a remarkable surge in public interest and participation in its democratic initiatives over the past four months. Since the launch of the Vienna Democracy Year, more than 250 events have been registered on the interactive program calendar available at wien.gv.at/demokratiehauptstadt. These events have been organized by a variety of institutions, community groups, and motivated citizens, showcasing the community's desire to actively engage in shaping their surroundings.

Furthermore, the first funding call for small democracy projects attracted over 100 submissions, highlighting the strong commitment of the Viennese to improve their living environment through civic engagement. Officials have expressed their enthusiasm regarding the high number of events and project submissions, indicating that the residents are eager to contribute to making the city more diverse and livable. Increased participation, as noted by city officials, translates into enhanced quality of life for all inhabitants.

Being the European Capital of Democracy, Vienna aims to foster international dialogue and establish alliances with other cities and municipalities. The recent European Cities Conference titled 'Collaboratively Shaping: Democracy and Participation in European Cities' welcomed around 100 representatives from various European cities. Participants exchanged insights and shared best practices aimed at enhancing democratic participation.

In addition, the Safe Democracy Convention held at Vienna City Hall brought together over 300 decision-makers from 50 cities and numerous national and international experts in the field of digital democracy. Discussions centered on the opportunities and challenges posed by technology in democratic processes.

Officials emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in nurturing a vibrant democracy, asserting that it is crucial to provide opportunities for individuals to actively participate in city governance. The Vienna Democracy Year serves as a significant platform for current and future community interactions.

Looking ahead, a second funding opportunity for democracy projects has been announced. The city has allocated EUR300,000 to support initiatives that promote dialogue and participation among residents. The first funding call closed on February 28, yielding over 100 project proposals, which are currently being evaluated by a panel of experts. Interested parties will have another chance to submit proposals until April 30, 2025.

The next major event in the European Capital of Democracy series is the ACT NOW Mayors Conference scheduled for May 5-6 at Vienna City Hall. Individuals interested in attending can register through the provided link. In the meantime, several opportunities for dialogue and networking are available. The 'Workshop for Participation,' in collaboration with Volkshilfe Community Work, will allow residents to engage directly with democratic officials, including sessions on April 2 and April 9 at various city locations. All details regarding these events can be found in the program calendar of the European Capital of Democracy.

For further information, visit the official website of the European Capital of Democracy or access the media resources available for press inquiries.