After a two-day meeting in Brussels, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture Expert panel announced on 20 September that the city of Skopje (North Macedonia) has been recommended for the European Capital of Culture 2028 title in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate to EU membership.

In accordance with the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council, which governs the European Capitals of Culture Union action, there will be three European Capitals of Culture in 2028. One in France, one in Czech Republic and one in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate to EU membership participating in the current Creative Europe programme.

Regarding the competition between cities in EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, the Commission invited applications from cities in December 2021. The two cities of Budva (Montenegro) and Skopje (North Macedonia) were pre-selected on 16 December 2022. They had until 28 August 2023 to complete their applications and were then invited to a final selection meeting in Brussels on 19 September. A panel of 10 independent experts appointed by EU institutions and bodies (European Parliament, Council, Commission and Committee of the Regions) examined the applications.

Started in 1985, European Capitals of Culture have developed into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the EU’s most appreciated activities.