European Youth Capital
The European Youth Capital is a title that turns one city each year into the go-to place for young people’s energy, creativity and action. For 12 months, the chosen city becomes a living stage for bold ideas and innovative projects designed and led hand-in-hand with young people. It’s all about showcasing how meaningful youth participation can bring lasting change and create a more inclusive Europe.
How does it work?
Cities across Europe can apply to become the next European Youth Capital through a process run by us once a year. Applications should be developed together with local youth organisations, making sure that young people are at the centre of the city’s programme. After three rounds of feedback and assessment by an independent jury, the winning city is announced. From there, it has two years to develop its plans before they get to show all of Europe their unique take on this title.
This year’s European Youth Capital
In 2025, Lviv became the first Ukrainian city to hold the European Youth Capital title. The year began with a three-day celebration, including a grand opening at the Lviv Opera House, attended by both local participants and international guests. Over the year, Lviv has been implementing a carefully planned youth strategy focusing on developing youth infrastructure, such as youth centres, international exchanges, and hosting a variety of local events.
What's coming next?
Looking ahead to 2026, the title went to Tromsø, Norway’s “youngest city”, where nearly half of the population is under 35 years old. So, what should you expect? Tromsø’s team has committed to make the city and the Arctic a better place for young people to live, work and create, with a strong focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Indigenous identity and traditions are also at the core of their application, promising a year that highlights both innovation and heritage.
Podgorica is the European Youth Capital 2028 🔥
It’s one of Europe’s youngest capitals - gaining capital status after the country's independence in 2006. It’s in a country negotiating EU accession, a Western Balkan frontrunner, and it's a city recognised by a strikingly modern Millennium Bridge. Montenegro’s vibrant capital Podgorica has officially been awarded the title of European Youth Capital 2028 🇲🇪
Curious about previous years?
Since 2009, over 10.000 events have been held and cities have secured tens of millions in additional funding to make their programme a reality. Thousands of volunteers, over 12.000, have helped bring these projects to life, proving the power of youth participation.
- 2009 - Rotterdam, Netherlands
- 2010 - Turin, Italy
- 2011 - Antwerp, Belgium
- 2012 - Braga, Portugal
- 2013 - Maribor, Slovenia
- 2014 - Thessaloniki, Greece
- 2015 - Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2016 - Ganja, Azerbaijan
- 2017 - Varna, Bulgaria
- 2018 - Cascais, Portugal
Want your city to be the next European Youth Capital?
The application process is straightforward and designed to put young people at the heart of your city’s vision. The first round of applications usually runs from December to February, during that time an informative webinar takes place in December and shortlisted cities are announced in March or April. These cities then move to the second round of applications which opens in June, while the third and final round takes place in October, after the cities have received full feedback to improve their applications in August. Finally, the winner is revealed in November when the European Youth Capital Ceremony takes place.
Key Documents and Resources
Open Research studies and publications
Related news
European Youth Capital 2028: We have a winner!
It’s one of Europe’s youngest capitals - only gaining capital status in 2006. It’s in a country negotiating EU accession, a Western Balkan frontrunner, and a city recognised by a strikingly modern Millennium Bridge. Montenegro’s vibrant capital Podgorica has officially been awarded the title of European Youth Capital 2028.
Five cities, one title: The European Youth Capital 2028 finalists
When you think about European cities where young people are shaping their communities, Chișinău, Leeuwarden, Paralimni, Pernik, and Podgorica stand out. These five cities are the finalists for the European Youth Capital (EYC) 2028 title. Since one of them will soon be named European Youth Capital 2028, here’s a closer look at what makes each of them unique.
Lviv: A City of "Controlled Rebellion" transforming cultural heritage into action
Lviv is no stranger to reinvention. As the European Youth Capital 2025, the city is showing the rest of Europe how tradition and innovation can fuel each other and how young people are turning their cultural heritage into the heartbeat of change. Read our article to find out more.