In 2026, a Finnish city will become a European Capital of Culture. Oulu, Savonlinna and Tampere are the three finalist cities candidates for the title. On 23 April 2021 they submitted their application to be European Capital of Culture in 2026. The panel visits to the candidate cities will be organized in May 2021. The name of the European Capital of Culture will be announced on 2 June 2021 when the panel meets in Helsinki. 

The Finns to produce a several million euro ice show of the beloved H. C. Andersen fairytale classic “The Snow Queen”, aimed at arenas and arena promoters starving for family audience content.

In 2026, the Slovak Republic will host the title of European Capital of Culture (ECOC). This prestigious title will be shared in 2026 by two cities from two European Union (EU) Member States: one Slovak and one Finnish.