The panel of independent experts recommended the shortlist following a meeting held in Madrid from 9 to 13 March 2026.

Spain will host a European Capital of Culture for the fourth time, after Madrid in 1992, Santiago de Compostela in 2000, Salamanca in 2002 and San Sebastián in 2016.

Shortlisted cities

Cáceres

Cáceres chose to focus on the concept of “Transcultura” and celebrate diversity, unity and coexistence. While showcasing the cultural richness and heritage of Extremadura, the city’s programme aims at shining a light on European peripheral areas and helping them turn into new and innovative centres for culture and creativity. 

Granada

Using the key as a symbol for its bid, Granada is preparing a transformation-and-participation-driven programme to open and unlock our perspectives. The city seeks to encourage us to rethink the connections between culture, science and civil society, while always having in mind the European values of democracy, inclusion and sustainability. 

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

As a response to the many global challenges affecting lives at the local level, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is developing a cultural proposal exploring new paths for urban development, cultural rights and the fostering of democratic values. The city proposes a “Geography rebellion”, shifting the perspective towards places, identities and knowledge often left out of the dominant narrative.

Oviedo

Oviedo invites us to focus on the concept of“amabilidá”. Looking back to the humanist values that shaped the European project, the city aspires to foster dialogue through culture and creativity and provide a new model for European society, where democratic resilience triumphs over indifference, loneliness, individualism - and hostility.

Spain invited applications on 27 December 2024. Nine municipalities submitted applications by the deadline of 27 December 2025: Burgos, Cáceres, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Oviedo, Palma, Potríes and Toledo.

Once the Spanish managing authorities endorse the panel's recommendation, the pre-selected candidate cities will have until the autumn of 2026 to complete their revised applications. The selection panel will then meet again in Madrid in December 2026 to recommend one city to become the European Capital of Culture 2031.

In 2031, in parallel with Spain, there will also be a European Capital of Culture in Malta.

How cities become European Capitals of Culture

The selection process takes place in two rounds:

• A pre-selection round, during which a shortlist of candidate cities is produced.
• A final selection round, about nine months later, at the end of which one city is recommended for the title. The recommended city is then officially designated by the Member State concerned.

A panel of up to 12 independent experts evaluates the applications. The EU’s institutions and bodies appoint ten, and national authorities appoint the other two.

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.

The transformative effect of European Capitals of Culture

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 – initiatives of the EU. The initiative is supported by the EU through the Creative Europe programme.

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.

The European Capitals of Culture competition offers cities a chance to celebrate diversity, engage communities and promote local and regional development. A recent EU evaluation confirmed the remarkable results of the action, from boosting tourism and cultural activity to fostering social inclusion, international cooperation and a stronger sense of community across Europe. 

Learn more about the European Capitals of Culture action: European Capitals of Culture - Culture and Creativity.