Helfried Carl
Current roles
- Partner, The Innovation in Politics Institute
- Founder & CEO, European Capital of Democracy (ECoD)
- Board Member, Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGFE)
- Curator & Board Member, Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue
At a glance
Helfried Carl is an Austrian diplomat and democracy innovator. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of the European Capital of Democracy NPO and a Partner at The Innovation in Politics Institute.
With a background in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international crisis governance, he helps build platforms that connect citizens, cities, and institutions to strengthen democratic governance across Europe and beyond.
“Democracy is not a given, it is a shared responsibility that we must uphold every day with resilience and determination, so that it delivers for the people.”
Why he works on democratic innovation
At The Innovation in Politics Institute, Helfried’s work is driven by a practical conviction: democracy becomes stronger when institutions learn faster, cooperate more openly, and deliver tangible results in people’s everyday lives.
He focuses on cities as key laboratories for democratic innovation — places where workable solutions already exist and can be scaled through collaboration between the public sector, business, and civil society. His approach combines political experience with “Zuversicht” (optimism): the belief that democratic progress is possible when people are empowered to shape it together.
Career history
Helfried’s career spans diplomacy, parliamentary administration, and international crisis governance. He served as Austria’s Ambassador to Slovakia (2014–2019) and previously worked in the Austrian Parliament as Chief of Cabinet to the President of the National Council. Earlier postings included the Austrian Mission to the United Nations in New York, the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo, and foreign affairs roles focused on Europe and the Middle East.
Focus areas & expertise
Democratic innovation and citizen participation (with a strong city focus)
European governance, resilience, and strategic autonomy debates
Diplomacy, multilateralism, and international affairs (UN / EU / crisis contexts)
FAQs about Helfried Carl
What motivates Helfried?
A strong belief that democracy must prove itself, not in slogans, but in outcomes people can feel. His work emphasizes practical collaboration and the civic energy of cities as drivers of democratic renewal.
What is his core expertise?
He combines hands-on diplomatic experience with institutional leadership and a focus on citizen participation particularly through city-led democratic innovation and Europe-wide networks.
What is his role at The Innovation in Politics Institute?
He is part of the leadership shaping initiatives that strengthen democracy through innovation – including multi-stakeholder collaboration formats aligned with the Institute’s mission. He advises the Institute on European and foreign policy trends and networks.
What is his role in the European Capital of Democracy (ECoD)?
He is a Founder of the Institute’s non-profit initiative and contributes to its strategic direction, positioning cities and citizens at the center of democratic innovation across Europe. As of January 2025, Helfried Carl acts as CEO for the organisation, further intensifying his engagement with European-wide initiatives and country representatives.
What kind of topics does he write about publicly?
European democracy, geopolitical resilience, and the capacity of institutions to act, often arguing that Europe must learn faster and coordinate better in the face of major crises.
His most important Speeches and Videos