The European Commission has unveiled its proposal for a new legal framework for the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) initiative for the period 2034-2047, building on more than four decades of experience from one of Europe's flagship cultural programmes. The proposed framework aims to strengthen the long-term impact of the title, simplify application procedures and place greater emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, citizen participation and regional cooperation. ERRIN welcomes the proposal, particularly its stronger recognition of the role of regions and cross-border cooperation in culture-led development.

Since its launch in 1985, the European Capitals of Culture initiative has grown into a powerful tool for cultural development, urban regeneration and international visibility. Over 85 cities have held the title, demonstrating how culture can act as a catalyst for social, economic and territorial transformation. Between 2013 and 2022 alone, ECoC programmes attracted 38.5 million attendances, with title-holding cities typically delivering more than 1,000 cultural activities during their designated year.

Stronger focus on legacy, regions and collaboration

The Commission's proposal reflects lessons learned from previous title holders across Europe. A key objective is to ensure that the benefits of the title extend well beyond the designated cultural year through stronger legacy planning and monitoring from the outset of the application process.

The proposal is particularly relevant from a regional perspective. Under the new framework, groups of cities, including cross-border partnerships, will be able to apply together, recognising that cultural ecosystems and audience engagement frequently extend beyond municipal boundaries. This builds on successful examples such as Aarhus 2017, which involved all 19 municipalities of Denmark's Central Region and fostered lasting regional cultural cooperation.

Several other former Capitals of Culture demonstrate the long-term territorial impact of the initiative, many of which are based in ERRIN member regions.

For Europe's regions and cities, the proposed framework reinforces the importance of embedding culture within wider development strategies, strengthening cooperation across territories and creating sustainable cultural ecosystems that benefit local communities over the long term.

Key changes proposed by the Commission

The new framework introduces several notable developments:

• Simplified selection process with fewer and more focused criteria, clearer expectations and stronger monitoring arrangements.
• Enhanced support for joint applications, allowing groups of cities, including those across national borders, to apply together.
• Stronger legacy requirements, ensuring long-term impact is planned from the beginning and monitored throughout the process.
• Greater citizen and youth participation, with a stronger role for civil society in shaping and delivering programmes.
• Increased emphasis on sustainability and inclusion, positioning culture as a driver of sustainable urban and regional development, social cohesion and European values.
• Strengthened governance and accountability, including the possibility of establishing a dedicated European Capitals of Culture Secretariat or Bureau to support candidate and title-holding cities.
• Revised Melina Mercouri Prize arrangements, linking the award more closely to programme delivery and long-term outcomes.

The proposal also seeks to expand the initiative's international dimension. From 2034 onwards, third countries participating in or associated with the Creative Europe programme would be eligible to compete for the title.

What does this mean for ERRIN members?

The proposal offers new opportunities for regions to play a more prominent role in future European Capitals of Culture bids and legacy strategies. The recognition of multi-city and cross-border applications aligns with growing territorial approaches to cultural policymaking and reflects the reality that many cultural and creative ecosystems operate at the regional level.

The stronger emphasis on sustainability, citizen engagement and long-term impact also connects closely with the priorities of many ERRIN members working on cultural heritage, regional innovation, social inclusion and place-based development. By encouraging cities and regions to plan beyond the title year, the new framework further reinforces the role of culture in contributing to resilient, inclusive and attractive territories.

Next steps

The proposal, adopted by the European Commission on 10 September 2026, will now enter negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council. The aim is to reach agreement on the final legal framework by mid-2027, allowing future title competitions to be organised under the renewed rules starting in 2034.

ERRIN will continue to follow developments closely and explore their implications for regions and regional stakeholders involved in culture-led development, cross-border cooperation and place-based innovation.

Further information:

The press release can be found here.

The info sheet can be found here.

More details can be found on the European Commission's proposal and accompanying materials.