In 2031, Spain and Malta will each host the European Capital of Culture. The decision for Spain will be made on 3 December. The panel will have to choose from four cities: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo. As for Malta, the panel made its decision in recent days. The choice was not entirely a foregone conclusion, even though only one city had made it short-listed. Victoria–Gozo has been designated as the European Capital of Culture 2031.

This is the second instalment of EcocNews’s series on the Spanish cities shortlisted to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031. Following on from Cáceres, today’s interview is with Granada. The European Commission’s evaluation panel will announce the winning city on 3 December.

Cáceres 2031 has given a very positive assessment of its participation in Heritage Nights, which transformed the city into a major open cultural space on 11 and 12 September. The European Capital of Culture bid played an active role in a programme that recorded 50,329 visits and participations, with 40 activities and the same number of venues open to the public free of charge.

As is well known, in 2031 it will be Spain and Malta's turn to host the European Capital of Culture. While in Malta the outcome is virtually decided — only one city, Victoria-Gozo, made the shortlist, and it is highly unlikely, though technically possible under the rules, that the title won't go to it — in Spain the race remains wide open between four cities: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo.

What happens when two island cities decide that being on the margins does not mean being far away? Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Victoria-Għawdex share a geography, challenges and a common determination to turn their island condition into a way of connecting, creating and opening up Europe.