Celebrating 2025 and welcoming the 2026 European Capitals of Culture

Handover ceremony

The 2025 European Capitals of Culture, Chemnitz and Nova Gorica handed over the title year to Oulu and Trenčín at a symbolic ceremony on Europe Square, located in both cities of Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy on 5 December 2025.

Reflecting on 2025

2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC). It gave the cities of Chemnitz (Germany) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia) the opportunity to deliver strong, ambitious, and innovative cultural programmes.

With the motto “C the Unseen”, Chemnitz 2025 aimed to reinforce the role of civic society through community-driven cultural projects and build a network of “European makers of democracy”. The city attracted around 2 million visitors and organised more than 2 000 events before its closing event on 28 November.

Nova Gorica 2025 became the first borderless European Capital of Culture, with a joint cultural programme implemented by two cities from two different countries sharing the title (Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy). It represented an opportunity to explore, through cultural and artistic means, the concept of borders from multiple dimensions.

Looking ahead to Oulu and Trenčín in 2026

In 2026, the cities of Oulu and its ‘Cultural Climate Change’ as well as Trenčín with its ‘Curiosity’ will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. 

Not only will these programmes explore ways to address global challenges - climate change, cultural diversity - but they will also aim to build bridges between people and culture, across times and countries.

The transformative effect of the European Capitals of Culture

Launched in 1985 on the initiative of the Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri, the European Capitals of Culture action has grown into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the best known – and most appreciated – activities of the EU. 

The 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. 

A recent evaluation confirmed the remarkable results of European Capitals of Culture, from boosting cultural activity and tourism to fostering social inclusion, international cooperation and a stronger sense of community across Europe.