Digital Citizen Participation in Germany – Between the "East Effect" and the Urban-Rural Divide

How is digital participation faring in Germany’s municipalities? A research consortium led by the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) surveyed over 10,000 cities and towns as part of the "ErLE" project (Success Factors of Local E-Participation). The results of the study—which also involved the Universities of Düsseldorf, Leipzig, and Koblenz—paint a detailed picture of digital democracy at the local level. The public received its first insights at the "From Data to Action" symposium on February 11, 2026, in Berlin.

The "East Effect": A Lead in the New Federal States

The sample (2,390 responding municipalities) reveals a surprisingly clear lead for Eastern German cities in digital citizen participation. The new federal states are ahead, particularly in medium-sized and small cities:

© Bastian Stock

• Medium-sized cities: 85% in the East offer digital formats, compared to 70% in the West.

• Small towns: The contrast is even more pronounced here, with 62% (East) versus 43% (West). Only in the category of major cities does Western Germany maintain the lead.

Location Factors: Resources Determine the Offering

Whether a municipality enables digital participation depends heavily on its size and financial strength.

• Major cities are almost exclusively active digitally (96%) and 63% of them have their own specialized departments or dedicated staff positions.

• Smaller municipalities are significantly more hesitant. Fixed structures are often lacking here; participation is usually organized flexibly and without dedicated personnel.

• Network Effect: Municipalities that offer digital participation are frequently located in environments where neighboring communities are also already digitally active.

Differing Themes and Objectives

The core areas of participation vary depending on the type of municipality:

• Major cities: Focus on transport development as well as climate and environmental protection (over 50% each).

• Smaller cities/towns: General urban development and "grievance management" (reporting local issues) take center stage here.

© ErLE

Despite these differences, almost all municipalities share one central motive: Transparency. For around 80% to 90% of respondents, the most important goal is to make political decision-making processes more understandable for citizens. While major cities also specifically aim to reach underrepresented groups, smaller towns are primarily concerned with increasing overall participation numbers.

Background: The "ErLE" Project

The project "Success Factors of Local E-Participation" (ErLE), led by Prof. Marianne Kneuer (TUD) and funded by the Mercator Foundation, aims to identify the conditions for successful digital formats and make them applicable for municipal practice.

Contact for inquiries: Bastian Stock, Institute of Political Science, TU Dresden Email: bastian.stock@tu-dresden.de