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Malta 2031 European Capital of Culture recommendation due 24 September

Malta’s official selection timetable schedules the recommended city to be disclosed on Thursday, before formal designation later in the process.

By Malta News AI Desk / 23/09/2026

Malta is due to learn on Thursday 24 September which city the European Capital of Culture selection panel recommends for the 2031 title, according to the official timetable published by the Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA).

What happens on 24 September

The official schedule sets 21 to 24 September 2026 for visits to the pre-selected cities and the final selection meeting in Valletta. A press event and official release are scheduled for 24 September to disclose the panel’s recommended city.

The announcement will be a recommendation rather than the final formal designation. The VCA timeline places the final selection report and formal designation between November 2026 and January 2027, followed by publication of the designated city’s name in early 2027.

Malta and Spain each receive a 2031 title

The VCA says the European Capital of Culture title will be awarded in 2031 to one city in Malta and one in Spain. It is the managing authority for Malta’s selection process.

The published assessment framework covers the city’s long-term cultural strategy, artistic and cultural content, European dimension, outreach, management and capacity to deliver the programme.

Where to follow the result

The official timetable says the recommended city will be disclosed through a press event and press release. Readers should check the VCA’s official channels on 24 September for the result; Malta News will update this report after the official announcement is published.

Read the official source: Valletta Cultural Agency