Designated European Capitals of Culture

European Capitals of Culture have already been designated until 2029.

These are as follows:

Ongoing competitions for future Capitals of Culture

Competitions are running for 2030 and 2031.

2030 competitions

In 2030, there will be three European Capitals of Culture:

Belgium

Belgium had its pre-selection meeting between 21 and 24 October 2024 during which Leuven, Molenbeek and Namur were short-listed. The final selection meeting will take place in September 2025.

Cyprus

Cyprus organised its pre-selection meeting between 24 and 26 February during which Larnaka and Lemesos have been short-listed.  The final selection meeting will take place in December 2025.

EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates to EU membership

The pre-selection meeting for the 2030 title in a city from EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates took place in December 2024 during which Lviv and Nikšić were short-listed. The final selection meeting is planned for autumn 2025.

2031 competitions

In 2031, two cities will hold the title of European Capitals of Culture:

• one in Malta: competition started in October 2024
• one in Spain: competition started in December 2024

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