L-Democracy is a new initiative created to deepen democratic engagement and civic education. Its purpose is to enhance the quality of civic learning, foster a shared European identity and solidarity, and motivate citizens, especially young people, to take an active role in democratic life. Through interactive events, digital campaigns, and policy workshops, the project equips participants with the skills needed to resist misinformation and to engage in meaningful dialogue with decision-makers. In doing so, it offers a timely platform for building a more participatory and better-informed European community. The main goal is clear: the preservation and advancement of European democracy.

 

To reach that goal, L-Democracy will first research and survey the primary barriers that keep people, particularly young adults and other underrepresented groups, from voting in local elections. It will then develop and run civic-engagement initiatives and workshops that encourage turnout among 18- to 35-year-olds. Alongside these efforts, the project seeks to bridge civic-knowledge gaps and promote democratic values by combating misinformation and fostering critical thinking. A strong emphasis on responsible digital citizenship will give participants the tools they need to assess information online. L-Democracy also advocates gender equality and greater female representation in local governance, addressing the barriers that still hinder women’s leadership. Finally, it aims to open transparent, permanent channels of communication between citizens and local or regional officials, rebuilding trust and ensuring that community voices help shape public decisions.

 

The project unfolds in three connected phases.

  1. The first, “Awareness Raising, Capacitation, and Information,” begins with a Pan-European Policy Workshop that investigates attitudes toward democracy and local elections, hosts a forum for sharing experiences, and produces recommendations for better civic education and engagement.

 

  1. The second phase, “Democratic Engagement and Education,” launches the European Democracy Weekend Series, events that blend workshops, debates, and guest speakers on topics ranging from civic participation and climate change to e-democracy and disinformation. Each weekend maintains common European values while respecting the cultural and political context of the host country.

 

  1. The third phase, “Disseminate and Amplify,” centers on digital storytelling: participants create videos that reflect their perspectives on democracy, sharing them through the project website and social media channels. A final conference brings everyone together to exchange insights and discuss how digital communication can sustain democratic education in the future.

 

L-Democracy draws its inspiration from Portugal’s 25 April Carnation Revolution of 1974, a peaceful uprising that ended decades of dictatorship and ushered in a new era of freedom and democracy. The project’s logo, a carnation composed of the main colors of all European Union flags, honors that history. The blossom symbolizes growth and renewal, while the stem, shaped like a dialogue box, underscores the idea that open dialogue is the foundation of democracy. By evoking the spirit of cooperation and collective problem-solving, the logo captures the essence of L-Democracy: a shared commitment to nurturing democratic culture through conversation, participation, and solidarity.