Started in 1985 on the initiative of then-Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri, the European Capitals of Culture remains a flagship EU cultural programme. It continues to offer cities and regions the opportunity to reinvent themselves through culture, community, and international partnerships.
From its first edition in Athens, then called the City of Culture, to Chemnitz and Nova Gorica/Gorizia in 2025, the initiative has evolved into one of the European Union’s most celebrated cultural actions. Over the past 40 years, more than 70 cities have held the title, each delivering ambitious programmes that honour local culture and heritage while opening their doors to Europe and the world.
More than just a milestone
The 40th anniversary is a chance to look back on what the European Capitals of Culture have made possible. Since Athens in 1985, the title has evolved from ‘European Cities of Culture’ to ‘European Capitals of Culture. It helped to increase citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area and supported urban renewal in many cities across Europe through culture.
Celebrating with the European Capitals of Culture family
On 3–4 April 2025, the entire European Capitals of Culture family gathered in Chemnitz, Germany (one of the two 2025 titleholders) to mark the anniversary. For the occasion, the city prepared a white paper featuring 40 recommendations from 40 years of European Capitals of Culture for the future of the action, addressed to the European Commission.
Looking ahead
The European Capitals of Culture continue to evolve. In the coming years, cities like Oulu and Trenčín and all those selected for the years to come are preparing to explore themes such as Arctic identity, community reconnection and sustainable cultural development. These future titleholders are building on 40 years of experience, while bringing fresh ideas and perspectives in their cultural programme.
The European Commission is preparing a comprehensive evaluation of the European Capitals of Culture action, to take stock of its impact to be adopted in Autumn 2025. The result will serve as a valuable resource for future candidate cities and any municipality wishing to develop themselves through culture.
A new legal base for the future of the action is under preparation by the European Commission to ensure the continuation of the action after 2033.