Designated European Capitals of Culture

European Capitals of Culture have already been designated until the title year 2028.

These are as follows:

Ongoing competitions for future Capitals of Culture

Competitions are running for title-years 2029 and 2030.

2029 competitions

In 2029, Poland and Sweden will both host a European Capital of Culture.

Poland

Poland had its final selection meeting in Poland  on 23-25 September 2024, and the city of Lublin was recommended for the title.

Sweden

Sweden convened its pre-selection meeting on 20-21 February 2024, with 2 cities short-listed:

• Kiruna
• Uppsala

The final selection meeting in Sweden will take place in December 2024.

2030 competitions

In 2030, 3 cities will hold the title of European Capitals of Culture:

• one in Belgium: competition started in October 2023
• one in Cyprus: competition started in December 2023
• one in an EFTA/EEA country, a candidate country or a potential candidate to EU membership: competition started in November 2023

How to apply

Competitions are organised at the national level with the publication of a call for submission of applications by the responsible authority (usually the national Ministry of Culture).

This new framework was amended in September 2017 by another Decision of the European Parliament and the Council.

This decision makes it possible for cities in EU candidate countries, potential candidates  or members of the European Free Trade Association party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (so-called EFTA/EEA countries) to hold the title in 2021, 2024, 2028, 2030 and 2033.

These cities are selected through an 'open competition', meaning that cities from various countries may compete with each other.

Cities wishing to hold the European Capitals of Culture title should await the announcement of a competition in their own country, and then complete and submit a bid in response to the call for applications published.

List of European Capitals of Culture