European Capitals of Culture already designated:
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2026
-
2027
-
2028
- Budweis / České Budějovice in the Czech Republic
- Skopje in North Macedonia
- Bourges in France
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2029
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2030
Ongoing competitions for future Capitals of Culture
Competitions are running for 2031:
2031 competitions
In 2031, two cities will hold the title of European Capitals of Culture:
- one in Malta: competition started in October 2025
- one in Spain: competition will start in February 2026
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.
