Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven has been named European Capital of Culture 2030, the 5th Belgian city after Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, and Mons, with its “Lov2030” program praised by an international jury.
As VRT News reported, Leuven has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2030, an announcement made by an international jury. It is the 5th Belgian city to receive this title. The city won with its cultural program “Lov2030,” which was chosen ahead of Namur and Molenbeek.
The jury listened to presentations from the 3 candidates and also visited each location before reaching a decision. Members said they were impressed by the passion, creativity and professionalism shown during Leuven’s presentation.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,”
said the chair of the international jury.
“The three candidates had strong and ambitious programs.”
What will Leuven’s 2030 European Capital of Culture title bring?
The jury based its choice on the connection with Europe, the artistic and cultural value of the program, and the involvement of residents in shaping the project. In Leuven, the news was broadcast live from the Leuven Theatre, where citizens gathered to follow the result.
“We are incredibly proud of the entire region, all its residents, associations, and partners. Here’s to an unforgettable 2030,”
the city wrote on Facebook.
“They also congratulated their fellow candidates, Namur and Molenbeek.
Leuven has announced that winning the European Capital of Culture title in 2030 is a cultural honour but much broader for the city and region. According to the city, the programme will contribute to well-being, provide an economic boost, and boost tourism and hospitality.
The city has already set out some cultural projects that connect to this ambition. These include the celebrations for 600 years of KU Leuven, the restoration of the City Hall base, and the founding of a new performing arts centre at the site of the former Sint-Pieters Hospital.
Municipalities around Leuven have also confirmed they will take part in the initiative. The list includes Aarschot, Begijnendijk, Bekkevoort, Bierbeek, Boortmeerbeek, Boutersem, Diest, Geetbets, Haacht, Holsbeek, Keerbergen, Kortenaken, Linter, Lubbeek, Oud-Heverlee, Overijse, Rotselaar, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Tervuren, Tielt-Winge, Tienen, and Tremelo.
“This moment may feel like a pause in our adventure, but it’s not the end. We commend the winner and will also contribute to their further development as a Cultural Capital,”
a Molenbeek2030 press release stated.
Namur stated,
“Despite a strong application and exceptional mobilisation, Namur was unfortunately not selected. The entire Namur team and the city congratulate Leuven.”
Leuven will be the 5th city in Belgium to receive this title, following Antwerp (in 1993), Brussels (in 2000), Bruges (in 2002), and Mons (in 2015). Since 1985, a city has been selected each year to be the European Capital of Culture. In 2004, the title was shared by 2 cities each year.
In 2030, when Belgium gets its turn to be Capital of Culture, it will share that title with Cyprus, so neither country will have it on their own. The cities for each year are already decided. In 2026, the cities of Oulu (Finland) and Trencin (Slovakia) will become the European Capitals of Culture. They will be followed in 2027 by Liepaja (Latvia) and Evora (Portugal). Subsequently, cities in the Czech Republic, France, and North Macedonia will be Capital of Culture. Finally, the order will return in 2029 as the title returns to cities in Poland and Sweden.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
