“Call for applications for the 2030 European Capital of Culture title for cities in EFTA/EEA countries, in candidate countries and in potential candidates for EU membership” 

The general objectives of the European Capital of Culture action have been defined as follows: to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe and to highlight the common features they share as well as to increase citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, on the one hand, and to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities at economic, social and urban level, in accordance with their respective strategies and priorities, on the other hand.

In line with these objectives, activities developed by the city that will be designated as European Capital of Culture will strive to enhance the range, diversity and European dimension of its cultural offering, including through transnational co-operation; to widen access to and participation in culture; to strengthen the capacity of its cultural sector and the links of the latter with other sectors and to raise its international profile through culture. In accordance with the calendar set out in the Annex of Decision No 445/2014/EU as amended by Decision (EU) 2017/1545 and Decision (EU) 2020/2229, the title of European Capital of Culture shall be awarded in 2030 to one city in Cyprus, to one city in Belgium and to one city in an EFTA/EEA country, a candidate country or a potential candidate to EU membership.

The aim of this call is:

• to trigger applications from cities in EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates participating in the Creative Europe Programme4 (at the date of publication of the call), which wish to bid for the “European Capital of Culture” title for the year 2030 and;
• to lead to the designation of one of these cities as European Capital of Culture 2030, that may be awarded the Melina Mercouri prize (funded from the respective Union programme supporting culture at the time of its award).

The deadline for application is until 16 October 2024.

For further information please find attached the link:

Call for applications for the 2030 European Capital of Culture title for cities in EFTA/EEA countries, in candidate countries and in potential candidates for EU membership | Culture and Creativity (europa.eu)