Ondara Joins European Initiative to Strengthen Citizen Participation

The municipality in La Marina Alta integrates into a network of cities, led by Rome, to foster democracy and debate on the future of Europe at the local level.

Generic image of hands signing a document, symbolizing European cooperation.
IA

Generic image of hands signing a document, symbolizing European cooperation.

Ondara City Council will participate in a European proposal, led by Rome and the Union of European Federalists, to promote a more active and involved citizenry in the democratic life of the European Union at the local level.

This initiative, framed within the CERV-2026-CITIZENS-CIV program, seeks to foster new forms of citizen participation in European affairs, going beyond electoral processes. The candidacy integrates various European cities such as Brussels and Barcelona, with the aim of creating stable spaces for dialogue among institutions, civil society, and youth.
The project envisions a wide range of participatory activities in different European countries. These include citizen assemblies, public debates, agoras, and innovative initiatives such as simulations of the European Parliament within the framework of the European Youth Parliament. European awareness days and meetings with key stakeholders will also be held.

"Ondara's participation demonstrates that Europe is built from the local level. Municipalities are the primary space for European citizenship, and their involvement is essential to advance towards a more participatory, inclusive, and people-centered democracy."

a former MEP and president of the Union of European Federalists
Furthermore, a European newsletter will be created, focusing on the rights and opportunities of citizens within the European Union. All these actions aim to bring European institutions closer to citizens, foster informed public debate, and strengthen the democratic dimension of the European project.
With its participation in this proposal, Ondara City Council reaffirms its commitment to European values and the strengthening of democratic participation. The council actively forms part of a network of cities working together to build the Europe of the future from the citizen base. The resolution of the European call is expected in the coming months.