The Digital Democracy Foundation (DDF) and the Association for the Sustainable Development of Cities (SVA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, launching a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening digital participation, transparency and participatory governance at the local level.

At a time when public policies are becoming increasingly complex and the distance between institutional decision-making and citizens’ everyday lives is often growing wider, this collaboration seeks to act as a bridge. Its core objective is to ensure that policies do not remain at the level of strategy and planning, but are translated into clear, accessible and actionable initiatives that deliver tangible value to local communities.

Within the framework of the Memorandum, DDF and SVA will work together to design and implement modern digital participation tools for municipalities, promote and scale up good practices, and create digital spaces for information, consultation and active citizen engagement. The partnership also foresees pilot implementations in municipalities that are members of SVAP, as well as targeted training activities for elected officials and local government staff.

A key pillar of the collaboration is the connection between European policies and local realities. Through this partnership, the two organisations aim to simplify complex institutional and policy frameworks, equipping municipalities with practical tools that enhance transparency, access to knowledge and meaningful citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

Municipalities stand at the heart of democratic life, as they constitute citizens’ closest point of contact with public administration. With the right support and appropriate digital infrastructure, local authorities can play a decisive role in reducing inequalities, strengthening trust and improving the quality of local governance.

The partnership between DDF and SVA is aligned with European priorities for the Digital Decade 2030 and sustainable local development, supporting municipalities in responding effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

The signing of the Memorandum marks the beginning of a substantive, long-term collaboration, driven by a shared vision of a local democracy that is more open, more accessible and closer to the people it serves.