The annual gathering brought together leaders and programme-makers from former, current and future European Capitals of Culture, alongside representatives of international cultural networks and research organisations. The meeting is traditionally held in a city that will become a European Capital of Culture the following year.

The working programme focused on the long-term impact of the European Capitals of Culture initiative on urban development. Participants exchanged experience on international cooperation between cities, network development, public engagement and the role of culture in urban growth. They also discussed how to ensure continuity beyond the title year by sustaining and developing the initiatives launched during it.

One of the discussions focused on the experience of the Ukrainian city of Lviv in bidding for the European Capital of Culture 2030 title. Yuliia Khomchyn, Director of the Institute of Cultural Strategy in Ukraine, spoke about the bidding process, how the ideas developed during Lviv’s candidacy could be pursued despite the city not securing the title, and the significance such a title would hold for Ukraine in wartime.

Other discussions addressed the expectations and challenges associated with the European Capital of Culture journey, the need for cultural programmes to engage with the realities facing cities and communities today, and the legacy of the initiative over the next 20 years. A workshop led by Liepāja-based choreographer and dancer Kristīne Brīniņa invited participants to explore the themes discussed during the meeting through movement.

“The European Capital of Culture title is not simply a year-long cultural programme — it is a long-term process that can drive change in a city, develop its cultural environment and strengthen a sense of belonging to a shared European cultural space. Hosting this international gathering gave Liepāja an opportunity to learn from others, build new partnerships and jointly seek answers to the challenges facing culture and cities today,” said Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.

Participants represented the United Kingdom, Belgium, Czechia, France, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Spain, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany and Sweden.

The meeting also marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the “ECoC Family” cooperation platform. Over the past two decades, it has developed into an extensive network for exchanging knowledge and experience, connecting former, current and future European Capitals of Culture.

Alongside the working programme, guests explored Liepāja’s cultural venues and urban environment, including Karosta. The meeting concluded with a study visit to Kuldīga. Hosting “ECoC Family Meeting 2026” formed part of Liepāja’s preparations for 2027, when the city will become a European Capital of Culture.

The “Liepāja — European Capital of Culture 2027” programme is delivered by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation and the City of Liepāja together with its official partners, the municipalities of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga. The programme is co-funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.

The Liepāja 2027 programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “Air Baltic Corporation”; its legal partner, SIA “Sorainen ZAB”; its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”; and its maritime mobility and international communications partner, SIA “Stena Line”.

Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, SIA “Žurnāls Santa”, SIA “TVNET GRUPA” and AS “Kurzemes Radio”.