European Commission Sets Out Next Chapter for European Capitals of Culture Beyond 2033
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission proposed a renewed framework for the European Capitals of Culture beyond 2033, aiming to simplify selection, strengthen long-term legacy and sustainability planning, and make it easier for groups of cities, including cross-border partnerships, to apply together. It will also strengthen citizen and youth participation and give greater weight to inclusive and sustainable urban development. Data show that capitals evaluated between 2013 and 2022 recorded 38.5 million audience attendances, with a typical capital delivering around 1,000 to 1,200 cultural activities in its title year, and visitor numbers in selected title cities rising by an average o…
Impact and considerations
The new framework simplifies the application process and allows groups of cities and cross-border partnerships to apply together, potentially bringing cultural tourism investment and visitor growth to more cities and regions. Data show visitor numbers in title cities rise by an average of 30-40%, with potential spillo…
Key points
- The new framework aims to simplify selection, strengthen long-term legacy and sustainability planning, and make it easier for groups of cities and cross-border partnerships to apply together.
- It will strengthen citizen and youth participation and give greater weight to inclusive and sustainable urban development.
- Capitals evaluated between 2013 and 2022 recorded 38.5 million audience attendances, with a typical capital delivering around 1,000 to 1,200 cultural activities in its title year.
- Visitor numbers in selected title cities increased by an average of 30-40%.
- The initiative began in 1985 with Athens and has had 85 title-holders; Oulu (Finland) and Trenčín (Slovakia) currently hold the title, with Évora (Portugal) and Liepāja (Latvia) to follow in 2027.
- Third countries participating in or associated with Creative Europe will be able to compete for the title as of 2034.
- The proposal will be negotiated in parallel at the European Parliament and the Council, with a view to agreeing a final text by mid-2027.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 10 Sept 2026, 15:38
- Page published
- 12 Sept 2026, 00:17
- Last updated
- 10 Sept 2026, 15:38
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Commission sets out next chapter for European Capitals of Culture (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 10 Sept 2026, 15:38