Just announced: Aalborg aims to become the cultural capital of Europe

Aalborg has big cultural ambitions. In 2032, the European Capital of Culture will be selected from Denmark and Bulgaria.

Now, Aalborg is officially throwing its hat in the ring.

There is political support for submitting a bid, which the mayor and the councilor for culture believe could lead to tremendous development for the city and region.

This is stated in a press release from Aalborg Municipality.

Aiming to strengthen culture

Culture creates experiences, brings people together, and drives growth. Aalborg now wants to enhance this even further in the region. Since 1985, the EU has designated one or more European Capitals of Culture each year.

It was Copenhagen in 1996, Liverpool in 2008, and most recently Aarhus in 2017.

In 2032, the cultural capitals will be located in Denmark and Bulgaria, and Aalborg is now entering the competition. The Finance Committee supports allocating DKK 3 million in the 2026 budget to prepare an application to submit to the EU.

“If Aalborg becomes a European Capital of Culture, people will really notice. I’m sure it will be something remembered for generations. It’s not just about a single year filled with culture. The cultural life and the city will feel the impact in the lead-up years, of course in 2032, and also long after.

There will be cultural activities and events across the municipality, and I’m convinced that we will come out stronger, sharper, and enriched — both culturally and as a society. Becoming a European Capital of Culture means urban development, regional branding, and European perspective. Aalborg has so much to offer — now it’s our turn,” says Lasse Frimand Jensen, mayor of Aalborg Municipality.

A community-driven application

Being a European Capital of Culture means a year-long celebration of a city’s art and culture. More than 60 cities have held the title so far, selected by an independent expert jury from the EU. In 2025, Chemnitz (Germany) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia) will hold the title.

Cities are chosen based on their cultural program, which must have a strong European dimension, involve citizens of all ages, and contribute to long-term city and regional development.

“Culture can elevate us. Give us new insights and grand experiences. Aalborg as a European Capital of Culture would provide a significant cultural boost to Aalborg and all of North Jutland for the next ten years. We need to build a strong application together — the entire cultural scene, associations, business community, tourism sector, countless volunteers, and ideally all the municipalities in North Jutland. Together we must showcase all we have to offer — and be innovative so we set new and higher common goals,” says Jes Lunde, councilor for Health and Culture in Aalborg.

Experience as a foundation and culture as a driving force

Aalborg Municipality will now begin preparing a so-called “bid book,” where applicant cities must describe their cultural capital profile, present a proposal for a cultural and artistic program, outline the European dimension, and explain how they will carry out the event in terms of organization, financing, and facilities.

Aalborg has solid experience hosting large events in recent years. Several Tall Ships Races, the DGI National Sports Festival in 2017, and in 2025, Aalborg will host the elite sports event “DIF DM-Week” for the third time.

“I’m thrilled that we have broad support to begin the work toward making Aalborg the Capital of Culture in 2032. This will concern all of us. Aalborg has gone through a long transformation, where culture has always been a key driver. We have an interesting cultural heritage, and we are now at a place where we are relevant, curious, and courageous. In a world marked by tension and uncertainty, we truly want to contribute to positive development through cultural exchange, European collaboration, and enriching communities,” says Lasse Frimand Jensen.

Applications for the 2032 title must be submitted in 2026. They will be evaluated in 2027, after which the official winning cities will be selected. That leaves four years to prepare and build up activities for the event year.