The legacy of European Capitals of Culture is fundamental to truly changing the destiny of cities that have earned this title. Often, however, this legacy simply translates, at best, into a continuation of events that characterised the year as capital, while the work done during the application process, especially with the community, gradually melts away like snow in the sun.

Niksic (Montenegro) will be one of the three European Capitals of Culture in 2030. This was announced today by the chair of the European Commission's evaluation panel, Hrvoje Laurenta.

In just 100 days, Oulu and its 39 partner municipalities in Northern Finland will open their year as European Capital of Culture. Excitement is building across the region as final preparations are underway – and the official event calendar, featuring thousands of cultural experiences throughout 2026, has just been published.

Under the umbrella of Smart Tourism, the European Commission has launched two competitions to promote smart and sustainable tourism in the EU, network and strengthen destinations, and facilitate the exchange of best practices.

I have always believed that cities are living organisms, with their streets acting as arteries in the human body, transporting blood and lives. Cities – as I wrote in my book Le città invincibili – L’esempio di Matera 2019 (Invincible Cities – The Example of Matera 2019) – are not immobile urban agglomerations. If that were the case, they would be doomed to certain death, a bit like what is happening in small villages where everything has remained as it once was and perhaps for this very reason they are destined for a future with few prospects.