Nikšić to become European Capital of Culture 2030 in a non-EU country
Nikšić to become European Capital of Culture 2030 in a non-EU country
Nikšić competed with Lviv to become the European Capital of Culture 2030 in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate for EU membership.
On 21 October 2025, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture independent expert panel announced in Brussels, that they are recommending Nikšić (Montenegro) to become the European Capital of Culture 2030 in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate for EU membership.
The city will follow the path of Novi Sad (Serbia) in 2022, Bodø (Norway) in 2024, and Skopje (North Macedonia) in 2028.
Nikšić: “open city”
Responding to growing global divisions and tensions, the city of Nikšić chose to develop its bid around the theme of the “open city” and the concept of “čojstvo” (“being human”). Through a powerful cultural programme, the title year will be an opportunity to showcase that openness and solidarity pave the way towards positive transformation: from creativity and learning to resilience and collective wellbeing.
The selection process
The selection is organised in two rounds. During the first round, a panel of 10 independent experts designated by EU institutions and bodies examines the applications and establishes a shortlist.
In the second round, the panel recommends one of the shortlisted cities to the European Commission, which will then officially award the title following the independent panel’s recommendation.
Strengthening the bonds between the EU and its neighbours
Opening the European Capitals of Culture competition to non-EU countries plays a part in strengthening the bonds between the EU and its neighbours.
Cities from EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries or potential candidate for EU membership wishing to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture can participate in the next specific competition organised in 2033.
The 2030 European Capitals of Culture
Nikšić will share its title with Leuven (Belgium) and another city in Cyprus, either Larnaka or Lemesos.
The results of the competition in Cyprus will be known in December 2025.
The European Commission may award each European Capital of Culture with the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize, funded under the Creative Europe programme, in recognition of the quality of their preparatory process.
The transformative effect of European Capitals of Culture
The European Capitals of Culture action offers cities a chance to celebrate diversity, engage communities and promote local and regional development.
A recent EU evaluation confirmed its remarkable results, from boosting tourism and cultural activity to fostering social inclusion, international cooperation and a stronger sense of community across Europe.
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