The EU Downtown: From Brussels to a Place Near You by Sean O’Curneen explores how the European Union can become a tangible part of citizens’ everyday lives by strengthening the connection between European institutions and local communities. Combining historical storytelling, political analysis and first-hand reportage, the book traces Brussels’ remarkable journey to becoming the EU’s capital while challenging the perception of the Union as a distant and inaccessible political entity.

Through the inspiring stories of liberal and democrat mayors in Belgium, France, Finland and Slovenia, it illustrates how local leadership can bring European integration to life, foster a sense of belonging and empower citizens to embrace the opportunities offered by the Union. Highlighting the often-overlooked role of municipalities, regions and the European Committee of the Regions, the book argues that the future of European democracy depends not only on decisions taken in Brussels, but also on citizens recognising their own towns, cities and neighbourhoods as integral parts of the European project. Ultimately, it makes the case for a Europe built from the bottom up, where local communities provide the democratic foundations for a stronger, more resilient and united Union.

Sean O’Curneen

Sean has been Secretary General of the Renew Europe political group in the European Committee of the Regions since October 2004. Prior to Brussels, he worked for four years in the European and International Team of the Mayor of London, responsible for contacts with many cities, in particular Paris and New York. While working in London, he earned a Master’s degree in European Politics at Birkbeck — University of London, graduating with Distinction. In the 1990s, he worked as a journalist for BBC Television in London and Radio France International in Paris, having graduated with a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Université Aix-Marseille. He also holds a BSc in Astronomy from University College London. Of Irish-Spanish descent, he was brought up in Madrid, Spain.

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