But there is another city working towards the same goal, involving all the other six local authorities in the region. The city is Heerlen, the region is Parkstad, and the seven local authorities are: Heerlen (the largest municipality), Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Brunssum, Simpelveld, Voerendaal and Beekdaelen.
In short, the situation has evolved since our first report, which you can find here.

The press release is set out below.

Heerlen/Parkstad is going for European Capital of Culture 2033

The city and region are joining forces to bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2033 (ECoC33). Over the past few months, Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg has explored the opportunities and possibilities. As part of this process, discussions were held with municipalities, cultural and social organisations, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, young people and partners both within and across national borders. Experiences were also gathered from other candidate cities and former European Capitals of Culture. Throughout, the central question was: can we do this together, and do we want to?

The answer is a resounding yes. Roel Wever, Chair of the Executive Board of Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg and Mayor of Heerlen: “There is a great deal of enthusiasm, and the ambition is widely shared. Together, we have something special here. Now is the time to continue building our story and involve as many people, organisations and ideas as possible. For the future of the city and region. We can do this if we do it together. I believe in our strength.”

And with that, the next step begins: working together to build Heerlen/Parkstad 2033 through a first bid book. Residents, makers, young people, entrepreneurs, organisations and other stakeholders from within and outside the region are invited to contribute their ideas and take part. Ideas and initiatives can now be shared via https://heerlen2033.nl.

ECoC33 Is an Investment in the Next Generation

European Capital of Culture is about much more than culture; it is about everything that culture sets in motion. A bid offers opportunities to strengthen the region economically and socially, further develop neighbourhoods and districts, retain talent and create new connections. It is therefore an investment in the future of the region, within the context of Europe.

The announcement took place at Beroepscollege Parkstad in Heerlen. This is because young people play a crucial role in the European Capital of Culture process. This generation will shape the future of the region and will therefore take the lead in the process towards 2033.

Europe Is Part of Everyday Life Here
Parkstad lies at the heart of the Euregio: Europe is part of everyday life here. Connecting across borders comes naturally here, but is not always easy. The region also knows what major changes mean. The closure of the coal mines profoundly changed the region economically, socially and culturally. That experience will be carried forward towards 2033: the ability to create new perspectives after major, radical changes, with courage, depth, imagination and new ideas.

Towards the Bid
Over the coming months, an organisation will be established to lead and further develop the bid process. At the same time, work will begin on the bid: the plan with which Heerlen/Parkstad will apply for the title of European Capital of Culture 2033. The plan has not yet been finalised; ideas and contributions from Europe and the (Euro)region will form important building blocks. The content of the bid will be developed in depth with as many people as possible, including during city-regional conferences and various meetings held throughout Parkstad.

Official Procedure
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) will launch the official Dutch procedure for European Capital of Culture 2033 on 16 November 2026. Dutch cities will then be able to officially submit their candidacy and will have ten months to prepare their first bid book. The first bid books are therefore expected to be submitted in autumn 2027.

The seven Parkstad municipalities, among others, have expressed their support for the ambition to submit a bid. The matter will also be presented to the municipal councils in the coming period. Updates on the bid, meetings and activities will be available via https://heerlen2033.nl. Those interested in taking on a volunteer role can also register through the website.