Press Release
Barcelona, Spain, 3 May 2024
And the winners of the Innovation in Politics Awards 2024 are…
We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Innovation in Politics Awards in each of the seven categories. At the official Awards Gala on 2 May 2024 at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, the exemplary projects from seven European countries received their well deserved trophy.
Since 2017, the Innovation in Politics Awards have been presented annually to honour exemplary initiatives by forward-thinking politicians and engaged citizens, regardless of party or country, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening democracy. This year’s finalists and guests gathered to exchange innovative ideas on democracy, technologies, education, local development, and more.
As the European Capital of Democracy for 2023-2024, Barcelona takes centre stage as the host city of the Awards Gala and Conference this year. The event took place under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms Marija Pejčinović Burić and with the support of partners, including The City of Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya and Diputació Barcelona.
More than 500 guests, among which the Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, Ms Dubravka Šuica, government officials, politicians, ambassadors, and representatives of civil society and companies from all over Europe were among the attendees.
Out of 334 political projects from 26 countries, 314 projects met the criteria and underwent evaluation by a jury of 1071 citizens. From these, 70 exceptional finalists, ten per category, have been recognized as trailblazers of innovation, and one in each category won the prestigious award. All participating projects represent diverse, innovative ideas that make a real difference in their communities. They come from all levels of government, local to national, and cover a broad range of political work.
The projects judged as the best of the best by the international jury are (in alphabetical order per category):
CLIMATE PROTECTION
SeaProtectorOne, Denmark
The SeaProtectorOne robot is installed at the river mouth in Aarhus, where the river flows into the harbour, removing rubbish before it enters the sea.
DEMOCRACY
Citizens of Ankara: Re-Assemble!, Turkey
This innovative Citizens’ Assembly fosters trust and engagement among citizens and local stakeholders, building a more resilient and cohesive social and political landscape across the City of Ankara.
DEMOCRACY TECHNOLOGIES
Condominium E-Voting – Successful E-Democracy, Ukraine
Condominium E-Voting allows residents to communicate their housing issues in a quick, easy, and safe manner, enhancing their engagement in the decision-making process and improving the efficiency of services.
EDUCATION
Lithuania’s Testbed Programme for EdTech Startups, Lithuania
The Testbed Programme is a practical way for schools and creators to test the latest educational technologies in a real learning environment.
GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT
Dec112 – Digital Emergency Communication 112, Austria
In 2019, DEC112 was launched to provide an alternative to speech-based emergency communication by implementing a text-based service.
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
B-MINCOME: guaranteed minimum income & active social policies in deprived urban areas, Spain
B-MINCOME effectively improves the well-being of families in socially excluded and deprived areas by combining minimum income guarantees with inclusion policies.
SOCIAL COHESION
Foodcard – dignified state food aid for people in need, Estonia
The Foodcard is an innovative solution which gives people the freedom and dignity to choose what food and necessities to buy, and from where.
“Democracy is a dynamic concept and it is important that we celebrate the importance of innovation in democracy. It follows then, that the democratic institutions that underpin democracy must also evolve. Democracy thrives on the ability of citizens to contribute and participate at all levels of governance. We must make full use of the dynamic space that exists between elections and properly harness its potential. That is what the European Commission has been trying to do both on- and off-line, through the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European citizens panels, the Child Participation Platform and the online Have Your Say portal,” said Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography.
“This is the 7th edition of the Innovation in Politics Awards and our core mission remains the same. While we are surrounded by people who believe in hate and aggression instead of co-existence and working together, the Awards showcase courage and optimism – and the outstanding people from politics and society who lead by example”, said Ronny Zuckermann, Founder and President at the Innovation in Politics Institute.
“Once again, the Innovation in Politics Awards have demonstrated that democracy delivers. We are very happy to have them feature at Barcelona’s Year as European Capital of Democracy”, said Helfried Carl, Founder and Advisory Board Member at the European Capital of Democracy. “Let me already now invite you to the next Innovation in Politics Awards Gala 2025, which will take place in Vienna, the European Capital of Democracy 24/25”.
For more information about the finalists and the Innovation in Politics Awards, please visit https://awards.innovationinpolitics.eu/
Contact Information:
Miriam Hargašová
Head of Awards
European Capital of Democracy NPO
mh@innovationinpolitics.eu
Denica Yotova
Head of Communications
The Innovation in Politics Institute
dy@innovationinpolitics.eu
Credit: Photographer Elias Pargan
The Innovation in Politics Institute
The Innovation in Politics Institute is a mission-driven company based in Vienna and Berlin and has representation in 15 European countries. It identifies, develops and applies innovations in politics and facilitates the exchange of best practices across borders.
The Innovation in Politics Awards are presented and organised by the Innovation in Politics Institute. Founded in 2017, they have become a leading platform for innovative politicians and citizens to share and exchange ideas on the development and improvement of democracy.
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European Capital of Democracy – ECoD
The European Capital of Democracy is designated every year as a Europe-wide initiative for strengthening democracy. In cooperation with civil society and citizens, the title-holding city curates, organises, and implements a wide range of activities and events. Visitors from all over Europe are invited to observe and to participate in these efforts.
The ECoD Initiative has built a strong network of cities fostering participation. Together with citizens, politicians, and institutions we are improving our democracies. After a most successful start of the first Programme Year in Barcelona 2023/24, the next European Capital of Democracy 2024/25 will be the City of Vienna, opening its doors this November.