In 2030, another Belgian city will hold the title 'European Capital of Culture'. Cities wishing to compete for the title can now submit their candidacy and the winner will be announced in autumn 2025.
The European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) are always chosen through a competition between candidate cities. The rules and criteria for the competition are determined by the European Union.
For Belgium 2030, the Culture Ministers of the Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities are jointly organising the competition. The deadline for nominations is 2 September 2024.
Currently, five Belgian cities have announced their intention to apply: Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, Liège and Leuven. Charleroi also launched its candidacy in 2017, but no progress has been made in recent years. With the launch of the ECOC call and website, the contest has now officially started.
Mons (2015), Bruges (2002), Brussels (2000) and Antwerp (1993) have all previously held the title of 'Capital of Culture'.
