New Observatory launched to protect local democracy in Europe
- Europe’s first Observatory to track threats against mayors and local councillors, from online harassment to intimidation and disinformation.
- Joint initiative of CEMR, Bilbao City Council, EUDEL, Bocconi University and the Basque Government to strengthen the quality of local democracy and support elected representatives.
Brussels, 11 December – A new chapter in protecting local democracy began today with the launch of the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the Local Level, presented at the CEMR Office in Brussels.
The Observatory responds to a sharp rise in online harassment, intimidation, disinformation and organised hate campaigns targeting mayors, councillors and regional leaders across Europe.
“Local democracy is Europe’s first line of defence”, stressed CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen. “When mayors and councillors are threatened, harassed or silenced, it is not only individuals who are targeted — it is the democratic fabric of our societies. With this Observatory, we are taking a united step to protect those who serve their communities and to ensure that democracy remains strong”.
On the opening of the launch event, Commissioner Michael McGrath responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection in the European Commission, stated that “I am delighted to launch the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the Local Level (the Observatory). Local democracy is not just a concept; it is the cornerstone of political life. It shapes decisions that affect citizens directly and gives everyone a tangible role in the choices that impact their communities. Today, our democracies face increasing threats, and these challenges are often felt at the local level. These threats don’t always arrive as overt attacks on institutions. Often, they creep quietly into our communities, directly affecting elected representatives and the everyday functioning of local democracy. And this is why the work of the Observatory is so important – we all need to work to protect and promote the democracies of tomorrow”.
The initiative — a partnership between the Council of Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the City Council of Bilbao, the Association of Basque Municipalities (EUDEL), with the scientific expertise of Bocconi University and the support of the Basque Government — will generate data, analyse trends, and strengthen institutional responses at all levels.
Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburto stressed the urgency of coordinated action: “Bilbao is a city of values because we have collectively chosen to build it that way. As the founding city of this Observatory, we share a clear conviction with Europe: democracy is safeguarded not only through laws, but through civic culture, respect and active listening. Defending democracy also means nurturing everyday coexistence in our neighbourhoods, where diversity enriches our communities rather than threatens them”.
EUDEL President Esther Apraiz highlighted the Basque contribution and experience: “In the Basque Country and across Europe, local democracy is embodied by the elected representatives who serve their communities every day. The Observatory must protect those who uphold democracy and help attract new talent to local politics, because when a mayor or councillor steps away, democracy weakens. Hosting the Observatory also in the Basque Country allows us to share our experience in collaborative local governance internationally”.
The Secretary General for External Action of the Basque Government, Ander Caballero, emphasised: “In the Basque Country, we work every day to build a territory grounded in cutting-edge democracy. That is how we build trust and satisfaction among citizens, and spark motivation and enthusiasm for taking part in political life. It is also a way to reinforce the foundations of our shared home against those who seek to weaken or undermine democracy. We have a tool to move forward: collaborative governance. The Observatory supports and promotes this approach, fostering cooperation between local institutions—both in the Basque Country and across Europe”.
Representing the scientific partnership, Bocconi University Rector Francesco Billari underlined the importance of evidence-based data: “When local leaders face intimidation, it is not only their safety that is compromised—it is the trust and participation on which democratic life depends. Studying this violence with state-of-the-art methods and data is essential if we are to safeguard those foundations.”
The Observatory will track threats, share solutions, build solidarity, and advise national and EU institutions.
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