Local democracy

Democracy is increasingly under threat in Europe, and the EU is struggling to respond. If they want to mount an effective defence of the rule of law, they must stop sidelining local governments and urgently focus on empowering cities.

Last week, Europe’s regions and cities took centre stage in Brussels, but against a tense political backdrop. As negotiations over the next long-term EU budget draw near, local leaders are warning that sidelining cities and regions as in the current proposal endangers not only their future, but Europe’s as a whole.