Molenbeek, Leuven and Namur reach final for Belgium’s European Capital of Culture in 2030

Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Namur and Leuven have been selected for the final of Belgium’s bid for the European Capital of Culture in 2030.

The three towns or cities were chosen from a total six candidates by a jury of international experts at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR).

While celebrations rang out in the three winning locations following the announcement on Thursday afternoon, there were less joyful scenes in Bruges, Ghent and Kortrijk, who failed to advance in the competition.

Each candidate had submitted a 60-page dossier and the three finalists will now have to continue to defend their projects over the next 12 months.

The winner is due to be announced at the end of 2025 following a visit by the international jury to each of the selected cities and a further presentation by each candidate.

While Flemish Brabant capital Leuven and Walloon regional capital Namur are historic cities awash with culture and heritage, the north Brussels municipality of Molenbeek is an urban community focused on regeneration.

The designations for the competition are made on a rotating basis between European countries, with a combination each year of older and newer member states, and sometimes an invitation for a non-EU country.

Its aim is to raise the international profile of European cities by highlighting their cultural wealth and diversity. The title is also an opportunity to invest in new projects that are designed to have a lasting legacy for communities.

A town or city in Cyprus will join Belgium in hosting the coveted European Capital of Culture title in 2030.

Belgium has previously held the title four times: Antwerp (1993), Brussels (2000), Bruges (2002) and Mons (2015).

Photos: Molenbeek 2030 team; Namur 2030 team celebrating after announcement; Leuven team