Moldova opens applications for European Capital of Culture 2033 candidacy

The National Office for Cultural Development (ONDC) has launched a national competition to select the city that will represent the Republic of Moldova in the race for the title of "European Capital of Culture 2033."

Cities and municipalities across the country, regardless of size, are invited to submit their applications by October 4, 2026. Candidates must demonstrate the administrative and financial capacity necessary to develop and implement an extensive cultural program.

The selection process will consist of two stages: an initial evaluation of application files followed by a second stage where selected localities present their cultural projects to an independent jury. The evaluation will be based on six criteria, including long-term development strategy, the European scale of the program, artistic content, implementation capacity, public involvement, and administrative management.