Larnaka to be the European Capital of Culture 2030 in Cyprus

On 11 December 2025, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture Expert Panel announced that the city of Larnaka has been recommended to become the European Capital of Culture 2030 in Cyprus. The recommendation was made by a panel of independent experts assessing applications from the two short-listed Cypriot cities of Larnaka and Lemesos. 

Since 1985, the European Capitals of Culture initiative,  has developed into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the EU's most appreciated activities. After Paphos in 2017, Larnaka will be the next Cypriot city to hold this prestigious title. The initiative is supported by the EU through the Creative Europe programme. 

To counter ongoing global crises, Larnaka aims to bring back anthropia (our deep and common human values) at the centre of the stage. Through the exploration of a “Common Ground” in all its forms, whether physical, mental or emotional, the city wishes to foster togetherness, vulnerability and care. 

The goals of this initiative are to provide Europeans with opportunities to learn about each other's cultures, to enjoy their shared history and values, to experience the feeling of belonging to the same European community, to develop European cultural connections and partnerships, as well as to underline the role of culture in the development of cities.

Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, said: “Congratulations to Larnaka for having been recommended as the European Capital of Culture 2030 in Cyprus. Larnaka’s celebration of anthropia - our deep and common human values - is the best possible message to send Europe in these troubled times. When putting forward its own vision, Larnaka choses to celebrate what truly makes European culture and values what they are: our shared human nature.”

Background

In accordance with the Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council governing the European Capital of Culture Union action, there will be three European Capitals of Culture in 2030: one in Belgium (Leuven), one in Cyprus and one in Montenegro (Nikšić).

Conforming to the current scheme for designating the European Capitals of Culture, the selection has two rounds: a pre-selection round, following which a shortlist of candidate cities is drawn up, and a final selection round approximately nine months later, where one city is recommended for the title. The selected cities are then officially designated by the Member State concerned, or by the European Commission in the case of competitions in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate.

The selection criteria state that cities should prepare a cultural programme with a strong European dimension, which fosters the participation of the city’s stakeholders as well as its various neighbourhoods and attracts visitors from the whole country and Europe. The programme must have a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term development of the city. The cities must also show that they have the support from the relevant public local authorities and the capacity to deliver the project.

The applications are examined by a panel composed of twelve independent experts, two appointed by the relevant national authorities and ten by EU institutions and bodies (European Parliament, Council, Commission and Committee of the Regions).

Cyprus published applications from interested cities in December 2023. Five cities submitted applications by the deadline of 16 December 2024: Agia Napa, Kourion, Larnaka, Lemesos and Nicosia. The pre-selection meeting took place in Nicosia on 25-27 February 2025 and the cities of Larnaka and Lemesos were short-listed. They were given until 3 November 2025 to complete their applications. The final selection meeting took place on 10-11 December 2025. 

Each year, two to three cities hold the title of European Capital of Culture. 

The two European Capitals of Culture 2025 are Chemnitz (Germany) and Nova Gorica/Gorizia (Slovenia)

Upcoming European Capitals of Culture are: 

• 2026: Oulu (Finland) and Trenčín (Slovakia)
• 2027: Liepāja (Latvia) and Évora (Portugal)
• 2028: Budweis / České Budějovice (Czech Republic), Skopje (North Macedonia) and Bourges (France).
• 2029: Lublin (Poland) and Kiruna (Sweden)