After a long discussion among the panel members, the choice fell on Lublin. In the report published on the European Commission's website and attached to this news item are the reasons that led the evaluation panel to indicate the city of Lublin to the government of Poland.

Below is an excerpt from the report, which we publish in full as an attachment to this news item.

“Lublin’s bid for the European Capital of Culture in 2029 on the theme of RE:UNION, demonstrates significant strengths. The bid aligns strongly with the city’s cultural development and long-term strategy. Positioned as a multicultural crossroads between East and West, Lublin’s bid presents a sound vision on how its artistic and cultural programme can foster dialogue and cultural exchange, promoting European values.

The programme is structured around three key areas: Community, which rebuilds bonds across Lublin and Europe; Habitat, which explores relationships between people, nature and digital realities; and Borders, which challenges physical and metaphorical boundaries. The programme resonates on European levels and addresses contemporary European challenges, such as sustainability, migration, and freedom of movement.

The strong community involvement in the design of the bid and its implementation envisions a legacy that addresses pressing contemporary issues through culture and the arts. Supported by a robust budget, Lublin’s bid demonstrates extensive European cooperation, strong community involvement, direct involvement of the artistic community, and commitment to address accessibility for disadvantaged groups. It also gives special attention to reaching new audiences and removing barriers to participation.

Lublin’s bid enjoys unanimous political and financial backing from the City Council, with strong support from unions and regional authorities. Overall, the Lublin 2029 bid displays considerable strengths across the ECoC objectives European Capitals of Culture 2029 Poland- Selection report 22 September 2024 and criteria, albeit with some shortcomings.

The panel recommends that the bid of Lublin be selected as European Capital of Culture 2029 in Poland”.