This depends on many factors, not only a lack of strategy, but also and above all because, with the end of the year as capital, both public and private funding also comes to an end.

That is why nine cities have decided to come together to define a new horizon for the legacy, exchange experiences, and continue the work started with the title of European Capital of Culture.

Nine countries are joining forces to keep the momentum of European Capitals of Culture alive, even after the end of the year. Promoters from the Netherlands, Serbia, Hungary, Estonia, Germany, Finland, Latvia, Portugal and France are launching the European Capital of Culture Echo (ECoC Echo) project. Leeuwarden is considered one of the best examples in Europe of a Capital of Culture that has successfully followed up on its year as Capital of Culture and is therefore among the promoters. ‘A year as Capital of Culture like this is not a point of arrival, but a beginning,’ says director Immie Jonkman. ‘With ECoC Echo, we are looking for ways to keep the spark that was ignited during that year alive. By working together at European level, we learn from each other how to support positive change and draw new inspiration from it.’

From Leeuwarden to Latvia

The project brings together past, present and future European Capitals of Culture: Leeuwarden 2018 (Netherlands), Novi Sad 2022 (Serbia), Veszprém 2023 (Hungary), Tartu 2024 (Estonia), Chemnitz 2025 (Germany), Oulu 2026 (Finland), Liepāja 2027 (Latvia), Évora 2027 (Portugal) and Bourges 2028 (France). It also involves cultural partners and local and regional policy makers, such as the Association of Municipalities of Tartu County (Estonia), the National Development Centre (Hungary) and the Intermunicipal Community of Central Alentejo (Portugal).

Launch in Tartu

The official launch of the project took place in Tartu, Estonia, the lead city of ECoC Echo. During the launch, held from 27 to 30 May 2025, partners from all participating countries met to align plans and ambitions. As lead partner, Tartu will be responsible for the overall coordination, communication and programme management of the project.

Sille Talvet-Unt, representative of Tartu 2024 and ECoC Echo project manager, said: "The preparation and implementation of a European Capital of Culture has given a strong boost to cultural life and the economy in many regions. Now it is equally important to channel this momentum towards lasting and sustainable development,‘ said Sille. ’ECoC Echo offers a unique opportunity to learn from past and future Capitals of Culture and to bring new knowledge to our cities in the field of cultural organisation and international cooperation."

First knowledge transfer in Veszprém

From 6 to 8 October 2025, Veszprém hosted the first knowledge transfer seminar of the ECoC Echo project. The meeting focused on transferring knowledge about the legacy of the ECoC Veszprém-Balaton 2023 programme. Participants, including representatives of participating cities, cultural institutions and policy makers, shared practical experiences on topics such as cultural programming, infrastructure investments, financial sustainability, organisational structures and emotional impact.

Study visits were also organised to key locations in the region, such as CODE – Centre for Digital Experiences, ActiCity Dance and Movement Centre, Modern Art Centre, the renovated sports campus of the University of Pannonia, and some venues of the Veszprém–Balaton 2023 programme, such as the “Memory Machine” exhibition at the Laczkó Dezső Museum. Speakers at the sessions included Tibor Navracsics (Minister for Regional Development/former European Commissioner for Culture) and Gyula Porga (Mayor of Veszprém). The results of this first seminar will contribute to the further development of strategies within ECoC Echo to keep the legacy of the Capitals of Culture alive beyond national borders.

New energy for culture and the region.

Over the next few years, the nine countries will develop strategies to integrate the networks, knowledge and energy gained during their respective years into local plans. In this way, the legacy of the European Capital of Culture will become fertile ground for regional growth and new ways of organising culture.

The project has a total budget of around €2.27 million and is supported by the European Union's Interreg Europe programme, which supports interregional cooperation and helps governments across Europe develop better policies. The final results will be presented in Bourges, France, European Capital of Culture, at the end of 2028.