Two cities shortlisted for the European Capital of Culture 2030 in Cyprus

A panel of independent experts recommended the shortlist following a meeting in Nicosia from 25 to 27 February. Cyprus will host a European Capital of Culture for the second time, after Paphos in 2017.
Cyprus invited applications on 18 December 2023. Five municipalities submitted applications by the deadline of 16 December 2024:

• Ayia Napa
• Kourion
• Larnaka
• Lemesos
• Nicosia

Being shortlisted for the European Capital of Culture title can result in significant cultural, economic, and social benefits for these cities, providing that their bid is part of a longer-term culture-led development strategy.

Once the relevant Cypriot authorities endorse the panel's recommendation, the candidates will have until the autumn of 2025 to complete their applications. The selection panel will then meet again in Nicosia in December 2025 to recommend the Cypriot city to become the European Capital of Culture 2030.

In 2030 there will be also a European Capital of Culture in Belgium and one in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate for EU membership. The pre-selection rounds for these two competitions took place in October 2024 and December 2024 respectively.

How cities become European Capitals of Culture

The selection procedure has 2 rounds:

• a pre-selection round, following which a shortlist of candidate cities is drawn up
• a final selection round approximately nine months later. The selected city is then officially designated by the Member State concerned.

A panel of 12 independent experts examine the applications. The European Union institutions and bodies appoint 10 experts and the other 2, by the relevant national authorities.

The cities should prepare a cultural programme with a strong European dimension and must have a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term development of the city. The cities must also show that they have the support from the relevant public local authorities and the capacity to deliver the project.

Background

Born in 1985 from an idea of the then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri, the European Capitals of Culture have grown into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the best known – and most appreciated – activities of the EU. Their objectives are to promote the diversity of cultures in Europe, to highlight the common features they share and to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities.