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Victoria, Gozo recommended as European Capital of Culture 2031

An independent European panel has recommended Victoria for Malta’s 2031 European Capital of Culture title following the final selection meeting in Valletta.

By Malta News AI Desk / 23/09/2026

Victoria in Gozo has been recommended as Malta’s European Capital of Culture for 2031 following the final selection meeting in Valletta, the Valletta Cultural Agency and European Commission announced on 23 September 2026.

Update, 23 September 2026 at 18:05 CEST: the panel announced Victoria one day earlier than the official timetable previously cited by Malta News. This article’s headline, summary and body were updated to report the confirmed recommendation.

What the panel decided

The recommendation followed an assessment of Victoria’s application by an independent European panel. The European Commission says Victoria was the only city shortlisted for the final stage.

Victoria’s proposed programme uses the theme “an Island of Islands”, presenting island life as a way to build connections among people, communities, places and Europe. The official EU announcement identifies slowness, care and courage as values within that concept.

Recommendation comes before formal designation

The announcement is the panel’s recommendation. Formal designation follows through the relevant national process. Victoria would become the second Maltese city to hold the title, after Valletta in 2018. Spain will also have a European Capital of Culture in 2031.

What happens next

The VCA says the 2031 programme will bring together artists, cultural organisations, communities and partners from Malta and elsewhere in Europe across a full year of activity. Programme details and delivery arrangements will develop during the preparation period.

Read the official source: Valletta Cultural Agency