European Economic
and Social Committee
REFLECTIONS BY CIVIL SOCIETY PARTNERS: Building resilient communities
Strengthening democracy from the roots
Every democracy has roots. Europe’s roots are in its cities, towns and municipalities, where people experience everything more directly: trust in institutions, participation and democratic coexistence. Therefore, strengthening local democracy currently constitutes a strategic undertaking for Europe.
This conviction led to the creation of the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the Local Level (ODELL), launched by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). Bilbao, the city I am proud to represent, has been chosen as the lead city in this innovative project, with the Association of Basque Municipalities (EUDEL) serving as the second office, and with the collaboration of the Government of the Basque Country and the scientific support of Bocconi University. The project aims to generate knowledge and develop shared responses through data, analysis and recommendations, using the central collaborative governance model for Bilbao and the other institutions, based on participation, trust and joint shaping of public policies.
We are living in a time of polarisation, disinformation and growing tension in the public sphere. These trends can also be seen at local level, where they can weaken trust and erode the ties that hold our communities together.
Initial findings of the project show the scale of the challenge. We have documented over 1 000 violent attacks and incidents of intimidation against local elected representatives in Europe over the last six years. Women in local politics are more vulnerable, facing higher levels of harassment and digital violence.
Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools in strengthening democratic resilience. Every municipality in Europe is gaining useful experience in improving harmony in the community, combating disinformation, promoting participation and supporting those with public responsibilities. Making sure that the lessons learnt from this become shared knowledge is one of the key ways in which ODELL contributes in this regard.
Democratic resilience is also being built up with a view to the future. Europe needs to continue to involve younger generations in local public life and promote leadership that is committed to the common good.
In October, Bilbao will host the presentation of ODELL’s first annual report. It will be an opportunity to bring together public decision-makers, researchers and civil society around a shared goal, that of strengthening democracy from the level of government closest to the public.
Resilient communities are built through dialogue, cooperation and mutual learning. If threats to democracy are crossing borders, then the solutions should too. This is the path we want to follow, starting from Europe’s municipalities.
Member of Bilbao City Council
Spokesperson on local democracy for the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
© Bilbao City Hall