Limassol and Larnaca have been shortlisted as candidate cities for the European Capital of Culture 2030, the Deputy Ministry of Culture announced on Thursday.
The results of the expert panel’s deliberations were revealed during a press conference at the Deputy Ministry of Culture. In the final selection stage, scheduled for late 2025, the panel will recommend one Cypriot city to be awarded the prestigious European Capital of Culture title for 2030.
The selection committee comprises ten members appointed by European institutions and organisations, plus two members—Athena Aristotelous Cleridou and Marios Joannou Elia—appointed by the Deputy Minister of Culture.
Five Cypriot candidacies—Ayia Napa, Kourion, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia—presented their visions and plans to the committee of 12 European experts in February.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture, as the responsible managing authority, oversees the competition to select the Cypriot city that will hold the European Capital of Culture title for 2030. The entire process is being organised in close cooperation with the European Commission.
The European Capital of Culture designation for 2030 will be awarded to one city from Cyprus, one from Belgium, and one from a third country (a candidate country or potential EU accession candidate).
Cyprus previously hosted the initiative in 2017, when Paphos became the first Cypriot city to be named European Capital of Culture.
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