Victoria has been recommended as European Capital of Culture 2031 in Malta, following the final selection meeting held today in Valletta.
This marks a significant milestone in Malta’s cultural journey, eight years after Valletta held the European Capital of Culture title in 2018.
The announcement took place at the Valletta Design Cluster, following presentations by Victoria 2031 Għawdex to the European panel in the presence of the Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta Maria Elena Despott, the Minister of Arts, Culture and National Heritage Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, and the Chairman and CEO of the Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef and Catherine Tabone respectively.
The European Capital of Culture 2031 programme will place Victoria at the centre of a year-long programme of cultural activity, bringing together artists, cultural organisations, communities and partners from Malta and across Europe.
The final selection follows a process that began with the submission of applications by Maltese cities. Victoria was shortlisted following the pre-selection meeting held in November 2025, and subsequently developed its final bid for consideration by the independent expert panel.
The European Capital of Culture initiative aims to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the common cultural values that connect Europeans, while strengthening the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities and their communities.
The European Capital of Culture title is one of the European Union’s flagship cultural initiatives. Since its establishment in 1985, the initiative has enabled cities across Europe to showcase their cultural diversity, develop European partnerships, widen participation in culture and use culture as a driver for long-term social, economic and urban development.
