In 2030, all eyes will be on Leuven. For a whole year, the city will be able to amaze the world with its already rich and varied cultural offering, which will be further expanded and enhanced. Besides culture, there will also be a specific focus on infrastructure, tourism and social cohesion.
The European Union targets various objectives with this initiative: showcasing Europe's cultural wealth and diversity, fostering a sense of solidarity among its citizens, promoting cultural participation and giving cities more international visibility.
Athens was the first European Capital of Culture, in 1985. Since then, no fewer than 60 cities have had the honour. The Belgian cities were Antwerp (1993), Brussels (2000), Bruges (2002) and Mons (2015). For this edition, strong competitor candidates Namur and Sint-Jans-Molenbeek were in the running for the coveted honorary title, but after careful consideration, the international jury selected Leuven.
Now that the initial excitement of the victory has died down, the real work begins. The city council, the cultural sector and the hospitality sector have no shortage of plans and ambition to make 2030 – and the years before and after – a resounding success.
And we are all behind them!
