The EU-funded DECiDE – Boost Democratic Participation in Cities to Recharge Democracy in Europe project is now well underway, supporting 9 pilot cities across 9 European countries to strengthen local democracy through participatory and human rights-based governance. Led by the Human Rights Cities Network and the Global Parliament of Mayors, the project brings together municipalities and civil society actors from Benalmadena, Brag, Chisinau, Cluj-Napoca (observer), Ghent, Józsefváros (Budapest district), Kraków, Padova, and The Hague reflecting diverse
political, social and geographical contexts.
DECiDE’s objective is to reinforce local democracy by embedding citizens’ participation and human rights into the design, delivery and monitoring of public policies, in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Since its launch in September 2024, the project has already delivered high-level public events, thematic webinars and intensive capacity-building activities, including a Monitoring and Evaluation training in Treviso in October 2025. Participating cities have jointly agreed to monitor three priority areas: non-discrimination, access to social and cultural services, and democratic participation. They are now moving from co-design to implementation through the Standardised Monitoring System, which strengthens transparency, accountability and dialogue between local authorities and civil society. From early 2026, cities will begin collecting data to assess the real impact of local policies on people’s rights, contributing to more inclusive, responsive and democratic urban governance.
DECiDE demonstrates how civic participation and human rights monitoring can be institutionalised at local level, even in challenging political contexts. It offers concrete tools, alliances and learning opportunities for civil society organisations seeking to expand civic space, influence local decision-making, and strengthen democracy from the ground up.