Please see below the draft agenda. More information about sessions will follow shortly.
You can download the agenda in PDF format here: Democracy Lab Bilbao agenda (Jan26)
Welcome by the Mayor of Bilboa, Juan Mari Aburto
Introduction to the Democracy Lab by Eurocities and La Perrera host
Short presentation of cities that were selected to present their challenges to youth and children engagement, followed by Q&A.
- Bologna, IT - Art and culture as pathways for youth empowerment in city decision-making
- Cascais, PT - Inclusive participation of children and young people
- Leeuwarden, NL – Making youth participation structural, inclusive and impactful
- Leipzig, DE - Reimagining youth participation through smart city tools
- Milan, IT - Designing a Youth Climate Assembly for real impact
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Valongo, PT – From symbolic to transformative participation for children and young people
Participants form the challenge teams and start to explore the challenges in groupwork.
Teams have a first check-in with their mentors on the progress so far to get their feedback and tips
Pintxo-pote is a popular social tradition in the Basque Country that invites people to enjoy small tapas (pintxos) and drinks while spending time with friends, colleagues, and family. It is a relaxed and lively way to experience local gastronomy and everyday culture, and a perfect opportunity to connect in an informal atmosphere after a day of meetings. The pintxo-pote will take place in two distinctive venues that embody the themes of civic engagement, participation and collaborative innovation.
The first venue is KAFE ANTZOKIA, a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of Bilbao. Far more than a bar or music venue, Kafe Antzokia plays an active role in promoting the Basque language and culture, and serves as a meeting place where diverse groups come together to share ideas, arts and social life. Its grassroots ethos and dynamic programming make it a great setting to continue the democratic lab conversations in a relaxed, socially engaging environment.
The second venue is the DOCK Bar at BILBAO BERRIKUNTZA FAKTORIA BBF, an innovative cooperative training centre that forms part of Mondragon University. BBF brings together entrepreneurship, education and community engagement through cooperative values and practices. Hosting the pintxo-pote here highlights how collaborative economic models and skills-based learning contribute to inclusive participation and collective empowerment—key themes also explored during the Democracy Lab’s sessions.
Together, these two locations offer participants not only a taste of Bilbao’s renowned culinary culture but also tangible experiences of how spaces rooted in community, culture and cooperation can help enrich democratic life and citizen engagement at the local level.
Location: Kafe Antzokia, Done Bikendi Kalea, 2, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia
1. AZKUNA ZENTROA
Join this site visit if you are interested in culture and activating local communities through the arts.
Azkuna Zentroa is Bilbao’s flagship cultural and community centre, housed in the former Alhóndiga — a historic wine warehouse. It exemplifies how urban cultural spaces can strengthen social cohesion, accessibility and community vitality. Its wide range of facilities and programmes — from exhibitions and digital culture to sports, education and social innovation — attract diverse audiences, foster intergenerational participation and showcase creative forms of civic engagement.
This visit will offer participants firsthand insight into how the adaptive repurposing of space and the strengthening of cultural infrastructures can enhance inclusion, support community-building and encourage active citizen participation.
Meeting point: Main entrance of the Azkuna Zentroa at 08:50. Address: Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, Abando, 48010 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
2. BAT B Accelerator Tower
This site visit presents a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship ecosystems and their vital contribution to strengthening democracy.
BAT, Bilbao’s innovation hub, brings together startups, corporations, investors and public institutions under an open-innovation model, and has rapidly become a leading ecosystem in Southern Europe. The visit will offer participants insight into how cities can foster entrepreneurship, talent and collective empowerment by combining public support, private resources and international networks.
A tour of the facilities and ongoing projects will show how civic participation can translate into entrepreneurship and social innovation, particularly for young people and emerging civic actors.
Meeting point: La Perrera (main venue) at 08:30. The group will take public transport to reach the BAT | B Accelerator Tower. The organisers will provide tickets for public transport. This visit will last 1,5 hour.
3. ZORROTZAURRE
If you are interested in innovation ecosystems and the impact of a diverse group of stakeholders working together, this site visit is for you.
Zorrotzaurre is one of Europe’s most ambitious regeneration projects, transforming a former industrial peninsula into an inclusive and sustainable new district through multi-actor governance. Bringing together cultural initiatives, start-ups, educational centres, social projects and local residents, it demonstrates how cities can embed democratic values in urban development while fostering youth engagement, creativity and community life.
A visit to Zorrotzaurre will offer participants firsthand insight into how Bilbao is shaping a district grounded in social cohesion and systems thinking.
Meeting point: La Perrera (main venue) at 08:30. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early, as the bus departs at 08:30 sharp. This visit will last 2 hours.
4. Koop SF34 & DIVERSITOURS
This site visit will be valuable for those interested in grass-roots initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, foster a sense of belonging and revitalise marginalised urban areas.
Koop SF34, the cooperative behind the award-winning DIVERSITOURS project, trains residents as intercultural guides to lead tours through one of Bilbao’s most deprived neighbourhoods, highlighting its cultural richness and diversity. By promoting new narratives around migration and inclusion, the initiative empowers communities and encourages more tolerant, critical and intercultural forms of urban citizenship. Bilbao won the 2023 Eurocities Award for DIVERSITOURS in the category “From human global mobility to local community cohesion”.
A visit to Koop SF34 and DIVERSITOURS will offer participants insight into how community-led projects can drive social transformation from the ground up.
Meeting point: La Perrera (main venue) at 08:30. The group will take public transport to reach the KOOP SF34. The organisers will provide tickets for public transport. This visit will last 1,5 hour.
Creative activity to boost imagination and ignite ideas generation.
Teams test ideas against their relevance and feasibility.
Teams select concrete ideas for further development and start prototyping action plan for implementation.
The group will visit the city's football stadium, where they will have the opportunity to meet with those responsible for the ATHLETIC FOUNDATION project. The ATHLETIC FOUNDATION is closely linked to Athletic Club, the historic football team from Bilbao whose unique philosophy makes it a sporting and cultural reference both within and beyond Europe. Since its origins, Athletic Club has maintained a model based on commitment to its territory and the promotion of local talent— an exceptional principle in professional football that strengthens its identity and connection with the community. This uniqueness has made the team a collective symbol that transcends sport and forms an essential part of Bilbao’s social imagination.
The Foundation develops educational and social programs that foster cooperation, equality, respect, inclusion, and collective responsibility—principles fully aligned with Nets4Dem’s mission to reinforce democratic quality in Europe and promote the active involvement of youth in public life. Through participatory methodologies and initiatives that integrate sport, education, and social engagement, the Foundation creates spaces where girls, boys, and young people can experience teamwork dynamics, shared decision-making, peaceful conflict resolution, and recognition of diversity.
Moreover, its strong community roots and capacity to mobilize young people from very diverse backgrounds make the Athletic Foundation a key actor in understanding how democratic values can be spread beyond traditional institutional environments. Its approach shows that education in democratic citizenship can also arise from cultural and sporting spaces with a strong local identity, capable of directly connecting with youth and generating environments of trust and mutual learning.
To conclude the visit in a special way, it is proposed to complete the tour with a guided visit to San Mamés Stadium, an emblematic space for the city deeply linked to Bilbao’s collective identity and which has also received important architectural recognitions. At the end of the visit, the group will be offered an informal dinner in one of the stadium’s own spaces, creating an inspiring and symbolic setting to foster exchange among the participants.
Location: Uribitarte Pasealekua, 3, Abando, 48001 Bilbao
Strengthening democracy and community development through collaborative governance
Teams finalise their prototypes and prepare for public presentation.
Teams present the result of their work and provide feedback to other participants.
Lunch will be provided in takeaway bags,