The pre-selection panel for the European Capital of Culture 2031 in Malta met on 3 and 4 November at the Valletta Design Cluster. Following deliberations, the independent panel of experts recommended Victoria, Gozo to move forward to the final round of the process.
Malta opened applications on 7 October 2024, and two municipalities submitted bids by the 25 August 2025 deadline. If the Maltese authorities endorse the panel’s recommendation, the shortlisted candidate will have until summer 2026 to finalise its application. The panel will meet again in Valletta to recommend the city to hold the title.
Valletta was announced as Malta’s first European Capital of Culture in 2018. That year left a legacy through with new cultural venues such as the Design Cluster and the National Community Art Museum contributing to Valletta’s regeneration.
Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef said:
“The process for European Capital of Culture 2031 in Malta has entered its next phase. The shortlisted city will have the opportunity to build on the legacy of Valletta 2018 while creating new opportunities for cultural cooperation and exchange across Europe. Malta, and Gozo’s, rich culture and traditions are stellar examples of Europe’s cultural diversity. The forthcoming Culture Compass for Europe will strengthen the role of culture in EU policymaking and the European Capital of Culture initiative further. I wish Victoria every success in the next phase of the process. This initiative has a strong impact on tourism, investment, social inclusion and international cooperation. It also contributes to strengthening a shared European identity.”
The European Capitals of Culture celebrates diversity, engages communities, and fosters cultural and regional development before, during and beyond the title year.
More information on the evaluation can be found here.
In 2031, Spain will also host a European Capital of Culture, with its pre-selection rounds scheduled for February 2026.
