European Youth Capital 2027: Who’s it gonna be?
When you think about dynamic cities in Europe full of opportunities for young people, Chișinău, Fuenlabrada, Málaga, Parma, and Skopje should come to mind! These vibrant cities are the European Youth Capital (EYC) 2027 title finalists, each reimagining what it means to be young within the city. Soon, one of them will emerge as the European Youth Capital 2027. Let’s dive into what makes each of these cities standout for young people 👇
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Chișinău, Moldova
Moldova’s capital has fully embraced the power of young people. Their journey toward the candidacy has been marked by engaging activities designed to foster personal development, inclusivity, and European integration. From summer schools to flash mobs, Chișinău has made sure that young people are not only heard but also actively shape the city's present and future.
We cannot help but mention the Municipal Youth Forum, where the challenges and needs of the city’s young residents were discussed. This initiative sparked debates on Chișinău’s European future, creating a space where young people could actively contribute. Events like the Chișinău Youth Fest brought together over 100,000 young participants, celebrating youth culture and the city’s candidacy.
"These opportunities will improve youth leadership, community and cultural interaction in order to build a better and more progressive Europe" Chișinău’s team points out. After all, their biggest aspiration is to facilitate the creation of "generation of young people conscious of their obligations and capable of enacting change throughout Europe".
Fuenlabrada, Spain
Did you know that Fuenlabrada is one of Spain’s youngest cities, with more than a fifth of its inhabitants up to 20 years old? With all these young people in mind, the city has put inclusivity, youth leadership and empowerment at the core of its European Youth Capital 2027 application. Led by its Youth Council, the city ensures that young people from all backgrounds are part of the conversation. Through a mix of participatory processes, workshops, and self-managed cultural activities like exhibitions and festivals, Fuenlabrada’s young residents have taken centre stage.
A standout initiative, the Creative Summit, brought young people from diverse associations, gender equality collectives, and organisations of persons with disabilities to the city’s skatepark, where they shared ideas on culture, sports, mental health, and sustainability. Digital engagement is also strong, a Telegram channel with nearly 3,000 members amplifies young people’s voices citywide.
"[Our] vision as EYC 2027 is to empower youth to lead urban regeneration, foster innovation, and implement inclusive policies" says Fuenlabrada’s team. The city aspires to boost youth participation in governance and leave a legacy of youth empowerment, social inclusion and creativity.
Málaga, Spain
This city is looking to its rich cultural heritage to shape its future. Their application draws inspiration from the Generation of 1927, a group of Málaga-born thinkers, artists and writers, like Pablo Picasso and María Zambrano, who shaped Spain’s cultural and democratic legacy. The city is hoping to encourage young people to continue that legacy by leading social progress, democracy, and youth participation, not just in Málaga but across Europe.
Public forums – "Ágoras", digital platforms, and the formation of a Youth Council are at the core of Málaga’s journey so far. This Council works closely with the local government, offering young people a key role. From organising hackathons in schools to launching youth-led urban planning projects, Málaga also encourages its young residents to develop innovative solutions for the city's challenges like mental health and employment issues.
"Our goal is to ensure that by the end of 2027, more than 5 million young people will have participated in our initiatives, leaving behind a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable city for the next 100 years and beyond" Málaga’s team states as they envision a city where young people, inspired by the legacy of the past, will help shape the cultural and political future of Europe.
Parma, Italy
Parma’s candidacy has relied on its Youth Commission, a group of self-organised young people from diverse backgrounds, which has been pivotal in co-designing the city’s vision and programme as a candidate for the European Youth Capital 2027 title. What’s their role? To ensure that the voices, needs and aspirations of young people are integrated into every aspect of the European Youth Capital candidacy.
From public debates, summer schools and festivals to workshops, Parma’s young residents have addressed critical themes such as intergenerational justice, social inclusion, sustainability, and opportunities for young people. The introduction of the Youth Test in Parma’s legislative processes has been a game changer, ensuring that young people directly influence policy decisions.
"We aspire to create a vibrant city where youth are at the forefront, driving solutions that bridge the generational gap" Parma said. Their vision is to establish a model of generational transition for other European cities to follow, promoting continuous dialogue between the old and young.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Updated 12/11/2024: Skopje withdrew its candidacy.
Skopje has its future mapped out! The European Youth Summer Olympic Festival is coming to the city in 2025, while 2028 is Skopje’s European Capital of Culture year. What’s left? Well, the European Youth Capital title of course! As a finalist for 2027, this vibrant city is dedicating its energy to its young residents. Their goal is to make Skopje a hub of innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
"Imagine a city where creativity knows no bounds!" says Skopje’s team. They’re planning everything, from festivals, innovative workshops, and collaborative projects centering on youth culture, to art installations that will transform the streets of the city and tech initiatives. So far, they’ve organised public consultations, hosted brainstorming sessions, and partnered with the National Youth Council and over 50 youth organisations.
Guided by their European Youth Capital motto, "One Voice, One Vision”, Skopje's team emphasises: "This is more than just a title for Skopje, it’s a call to action for every young person in our city and Europe to step up and shine!"
So, who’s it gonna be?
The decision for the European Youth Capital 2027 is coming up—stay tuned to see which city will emerge!
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