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It was in the pipes since last summer, and it will soon become true… Indeed, there will be no European Capital of Culture in 2021. Or almost. The European Union has extended the titles of the 2020 capitals for a few months. Indeed, 2020 was not exactly a great year for European tourism. Thus, the Croatian city of Rijeka and the Irish city of Galway could continue with their festive programs until March 31. Then… nothing was expected to happen until the end of the year.
In 2021, there were indeed three cities which were to take on the role of European Capitals of Culture: Timisoara in Romania, Elefsina in Greece and Novi Sad in Serbia – a candidate country for EU membership. But the European authorities have decided to postpone these plans due to uncertainties around the Covid-19 pandemic.
Three cities in 2022 and 2023
As a result, in 2022, Novi Sad will be a co-Capital of Culture together with Esch in Luxembourg and Kaunas in Lithuania. And in 2023, the Hungarian city of Veszprém will have to share the limelight with Timisoara and Elefsina.
For the designated cities, the title of European Capital of Culture is not only a source of pride, but also good news for their finances. Events held throughout the year often attract additional crowds of tourists. European Capitals of Culture are officially designated four years before the actual year (the designation process is explained here).
The new list of European Capitals of Culture until 2025
- Until March 31, 2021: Rijeca (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland)
- 2022 : Kaunas (Lithuania), Esch (Luxembourg) and Novi Sad (Serbia, candidate country)
- 2023 : Veszprém (Hungary), Timisoara (Romania) and Elefsina (Greece)
- 2024 : Tartu (Estonia), Bad Ischl-Salzkammergut (Austria) and Bodø (Norway, EFTA countries)
- 2025 : Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Chemnitz (Germany)
In the fog. There are also less prestigious titles, such as the most polluted city in Europe. Check out the continent’s worst performers.
