Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Sofia has a chance to be elected "European Capital of Democracy"

Photo: BTA

The cities of Sofia, Rotterdam and Cascais will compete for the title of "European Capital of Democracy" in 2026. The selection will take place until March 12, 2025, by over 4,500 juries in 47 countries. Barcelona was the winner of the title in 2023/24, and Vienna in 2024/25.

"The candidate cities demonstrate a strong commitment to democratic values. All contenders implement innovative strategies to increase civic engagement, while planning ambitious initiatives for the future, addressing common challenges such as climate change, affordable living or social services for people with special needs. Their dynamic programs and their ability to inspire cooperation across borders set a powerful standard for democratic communities," says the website of the European Cities Network (ECN).

The city that wins the title gains countless benefits, organizers note. It enhances its global reputation as a hub for innovation, while also gaining the opportunity to host international events, fostering a sense of pride among its citizens, they add.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

University of Illinois to launch Bulgarian Studies on 20 October

‘A historic moment for Bulgarian Studies in the US!’ With these words, Bulgaria’s Consul General in Chicago, Svetoslav Stankov, announced that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will officially launch its Bulgarian Studies programme on..

published on 9/22/25 8:56 PM

First day of Autumn: clear skies and 27-32°C

It will be clear and mostly calm during the night. On Tuesday morning, there will be temporary increases in cloud cover and reduced visibility in some low-lying areas and over the eastern regions. Minimum temperatures will range from 8°C to 13°C ; in..

published on 9/22/25 7:05 PM

Traffic blocked on Tsarigradsko Shose in Sofia amid two neighbourhood protests

Traffic on Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard in Sofia is blocked by two separate protests, by residents of the Gorublyane and Druzhba 2 neighbourhoods. Residents of Druzhba 2 are protesting against planned “ongoing repairs” to the heating system by..

published on 9/22/25 6:06 PM