ECOC2030BE

European Capital Of Culture 2030 Belgium

After Mons (2015), Bruges (2002), Brussels (2000) and Antwerp (1993), it is Belgium's turn again in 2030 to nominate a European Capital of Culture. Belgium will do this together with Cyprus and an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate country of the European Union. In 2030, three cities will hold the title European Capital of Culture. 

On this website, you will find all the information about the competition organized to select the next Belgian title holder.   

The Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities organize the competition in collaboration with the European Commission. 

The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) is an initiative of the European Union and is organised according to the rules promulgated by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.

Call for participation

Thursday, October 26th 2023

Launch of the website & the Call

With the launch of the website and the publication of the Call for candidate cities in the Belgian Official Gazette, the competition for the next European Capital of Culture has officially begun.

In the Call for submission you will find the common application form and more information on the objectives and criteria of ECOC 2030 Belgium. The rules and procedure of the competition are explained in the Rules of procedure. 

Is your city a candidate? Find more information on the Candidacy page.

 

Information session

Friday, December 1st 2023

Don't miss it!

On December 1, 2023, the first Information Meeting will take place at the Royal Library in Brussels. 

Is your city a candidate? Be sure to mark this date in your calendar. In the morning, the European Commission will explain the objectives, criteria and procedures of ECOC. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to meet two previous European Capitals of Culture and learn more about European funding with VLEVA.  

Intent to candidacy

Thursday, August 1st 2024

Express your intention to candidy

Do you wish to submit as a candidate city? 

Let us know by 17:00 on 2 August 2024 at the latest.

Pre-selection deadline

Sunday, September 1st 2024

Submit your application for pre-selection

Submit your application by email and hard copy before 17:00 on 2 September 2024. 

Send 20 English hard copies to:  
Secretariat of the ECOC2030BE Committee 
Department of Culture, Youth and Media 
Arenbergstraat 9
1000 Brussels

An initiative putting culture at the heart of European cities for a yearlong celebration of art and culture. 

European Commission