Culture Next welcomes five new full members to the network

The decision follows the open call addressed to Culture Next observing members and to cities that recently joined the network in person for the first time, including during the conference in Larnaka. After reviewing the expressions of interest received, the Culture Next Board approved the accession of those five cities as full members.

This new step reinforces Culture Next’s role as a European platform for cities that see culture as a driver for long-term urban development, civic participation, international cooperation and the legacy of European Capital of Culture processes.

The five new cities join the network at particularly relevant moments in their cultural and European journeys:

Victoria (Malta) is currently part of the European Capital of Culture 2031 process in Malta. Victoria, the capital of Gozo, was shortlisted for the title after the Maltese pre-selection stage, in a year in which Malta and Spain will each host one European Capital of Culture.

Oviedo (Spain) is one of the four Spanish cities shortlisted for the title of European Capital of Culture 2031, together with Cáceres, Granada and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Burgas (Bulgaria) is preparing its bid for European Capital of Culture 2032, the year in which Bulgaria and Denmark will each host one European Capital of Culture.

Zalău (Romania) The city is positioning itself for a future European Capital of Culture candidacy that will take place under the new post-2033 framework of the ECoC action.

Nijmegen (Netherlands). The Netherlands is scheduled to host a European Capital of Culture in 2033, together with Italy and a city from an eligible candidate, potential candidate or EFTA/EEA country.

As full members, these cities will be able to take part more actively in Culture Next’s programme for 2025–2028, including network conferences, the mobility programme, thematic working groups, missions, capacity-building activities, advocacy actions and other cooperation opportunities.

The expansion of the network is also a sign of the continued relevance of the Culture Next mission: supporting current and former European Capital of Culture candidate cities, as well as cities inspired by these processes, in turning cultural ambition into long-term public value.

Culture Next warmly welcomes Victoria, Oviedo, Burgas, Zalău and Nijmegen, and looks forward to working with them in the coming years.