At this time they are in the short list phase. For Cyprus, the cities of Larnaka and Lemesos have entered the short list. Competing for the EFTA/EEA area are the cities of Lviv (Ukraine) and Niksic ( Montenegro). While for Belgium there are 3 cities still in the running, Leuven, Molenbeek and Namur.

Why did these 3 cities make the short list by outperforming the dossiers of the other candidate cities for Belgium? To understand the reasons of the evaluation panel you can read the pre-selection report here. While below we publish only the conclusions.

Leuven
The long-term strategy, based on a 5-year broad participation process, is clearly aligned with the ECoC programme. The capacity-building plans are well designed, while a robust monitoring and evaluation plan is expected in the final bid.

The programme is clearly structured and displays a number of great examples of projects combining local cultural heritage with new and experimental cultural expressions. The programme draws on  humanness to prevent increasing polarisation in society and rapidly advancing climate change while rebuilding trust and connection within communities.

The panel invites to further develop the cultural and artistic programme deepening the topic of humanness and also exploring the controversial links between innovation and nature.  The bid has a strong European dimension, providing many examples bringing together European artists, thinkers and young citizens that address common challenges such as pressure on democratic values or climate challenge.

There is also the welcomed ambitious goal to deliver the whole programme also online (“MetaLeuven”); the panel recommends developing the feasibility of the project in the final stage. The bid gives evidence of sound involvement of civil society and clear plans to mobilise citizens in a meaningful way. The audience engagement strategy is well presented, but the plan to  integrate marginalised groups  and the volunteer strategy should be further developed in the final stage. Likewise, a focus should be placed on the involvement of the university students (that represent one third of the city population). 

The panel welcomes the city’s plan to significantly increase the budget allocation to culture after 2030 as well as the proposal to earmark 20% of the operational budget to legacy. The financial plans are sound, with financial contributions from the City and Federal Government already deliberated.

More details are expected on the tax sheltering plan in the second stage. While there is a welcomed plan to develop a networking organisational model; in the final bid, the governance and organisation schemes should clarify the decision-making process. The bid is strongly supported at institutional level and the city has a good capacity to deliver.

Molenbeek
The programme is fresh and rich of interesting projects aimed to forge a "New Us", bridging cultural divides and empowering communities that felt to be set aside.

The approach is based on socially engaged creative work; in the final stage, a less complex  structure is welcomed. The theme of unconditional solidarity, embracing different cultures of citizens that do not share a common past, contributes to a more diverse cultural identity of Europe. Yet, the panel expects the dimension of mutual understanding being more addressed in the second round.

The bid presents a refreshing approach to outreach. The plan to involve 26 October 2024 European Capital of Culture 2030 in Belgium - Pre-selection stage different unvoiced communities and the youth is well detailed. A more elaborated plan with schools is expected in the selection phase.

Molenbeek does not display an overarching cultural strategy, this latter being the result of concurring plans developed at multilayered policy framework. The Molenbeek team aspires to set strategic objectives built on existing plans; while appreciating this endeavour, the final bid is expected to clarify if this overarching strategy is to be officially approved and funded at different levels and how the ECoC project and its legacy will be integrated within it. The financial plans are ambitious and in the final bid, clarity is sought about the financial commitments of the various funders.

The organigramme is well detailed for this stage, but clarity on the decision-making process at the execute level is expected in the final bid.

The communication strategy contains unconventional ideas to give visibility to the European Union. A clarification on the core message to communicate is recommended.

The bid is fully supported by a large spectrum of institutions. Clear information on the indoor venues to host the events and on the nature of artistic collaboration with regional cultural institutions are to be detailed in the second stage.

Namur
The main theme of the programme “Territory of Confluences” aims at creating new confluences and collective initiatives, but also – reinforcing existing or tested projects.

The panel recommends strengthening the connection between heritage and traditional art forms with innovative and experimental art expressions.  In 2024 a new cultural strategy was drafted following an extensive participation process.

The ECoC action is clearly aligned with the strategy, and this is effectively presented in the proposal. The bid gives evidence of good connections with European networks and many projects have been conceptualised in collaboration with European partners.

Yet, the panel recommends elaborating more the common issues (“tensions”) relevant also in Europe and how the programme intends to address them. The panel also expects further details concerning the digital delivery of the programme. 

The outreach programme is convincing with a well thought involvement of schools and the educational system, yet working more profoundly with the university and developing volunteer activities is recommended. The plans for strengthening the capacity of the Cultural and Creative Industries and their links with social and economic sectors are well outlined. More details are expected on the initiatives related to cultural rights and participation  in the final selection round.

There is strong support for the bid at the city and regional levels and the operating budget of 79 million euros is sound. But the panel encourages developing the governance and organisation schemes further, clearly specifying the decision-making processes. Although the city has a less strong cultural infrastructure, its strength lies in good experience with large-scale events.

The city’s assets in terms of accessibility are very good.