These are very important days for a number of cities in the Netherlands, which, alongside Italy, will be selecting the European Capital of Culture in 2033. Yesterday, DutchCulture announced that the call for applications will be published on 16 November, setting out the timetable and procedures for cities wishing to take part in the competition. Also yesterday, as we reported, the city of Nijmegen formally announced its intention to put itself forward as a candidate.

It's official: Nijmegen is going for European Capital of Culture 2033. The city council made the decision on Wednesday evening, with 34 of the 39 votes in favour. The question Nijmegen puts at the centre of its journey towards 2033 is how to hold a growing city together.

After Matera 2019, Italy will once again be called upon in 2033 to designate the European Capital of Culture, which will share the title with one of the Dutch cities. These will be the last capitals selected under the current cycle’s rules. Starting in 2034, a new cycle will begin based on the updated regulations proposed by the European Commission, which are expected to be evaluated by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe around mid 2027.

Deputy Mayor Vimini and Councillor Ottaviani were provided by the representatives with the timeframe within which to take the next steps, which will be: to consolidate the joint initiative between Pesaro and Urbino, to strengthen the province’s involvement, to expand the network within the Marche region and across regions, and to prepare in advance for the 2027 event

The picture is becoming increasingly clear regarding the Italian cities that have decided to vie for the title of European Capital of Culture for 2033. The race hasn’t officially begun yet, as the Ministry of Culture’s call for applications is expected to be released between the end of this year and the middle of next year. But the engines are already running. At the moment, only six cities—or rather, regions—are getting organized. They are Turin, Viterbo and Tuscia, Syracuse, Trieste, Norcia, and Piacenza.