The Capital of Culture title has been a decades-long success. But it could be even better, says the Commission
The coveted European Capital of Culture prize is intended as a badge of honour, bringing prestige – and tourism – to cities around the continent. But the designation, in place since 1985, is due for a revamp.
The title will no longer be a simple annual accolade passed around urban areas; a proposed overhaul aims to ensure the prize brings more lasting benefits beyond the celebrated year. While the European Commission considers the initiative a success, it now seeks to improve the application process and step up civic engagement.
As such, cities will be required to consider the legacy of the prize, with checks to verify whether the plans put forward before holding the title were indeed delivered. Only if these promises have been kept will the Melina Mercouri Prize money be paid.
From 2034, cities in non-EU countries that take part in or are associated with the Creative Europe programme will be able to compete for the title. The programme is even older than Erasmus, and is currently held by Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia.
