While the European Year of Youth (2022) is coming to an end, cities seeking additional opportunities to support youth leadership are encouraged to apply to be the next European Youth Capital. This title is awarded to a European city to help them empower local young people, boost youth participation, and showcase their innovative ideas, projects and activities that aim to raise young voices and bring youth perspectives to all aspects of city life.

The European Youth Capital title has brought communities together since 2009, helping to create liveable city ecosystems for young people. The current Youth Capital is ICLEI Member Tirana (Albania) with upcoming Youth Capitals being: Lublin (2023), Ghent (2024), and Lviv (2025). Apply now to make your city the 2026 capital!

The winning municipality is provided with support to open new opportunities for young people to shape their communities’ social, economic and political faces. Throughout their European Youth Capital year, the city shall engage with young people and celebrate their contributions to urban life. The title furthermore allows the winning city to spotlight its innovation in this field, and involve residents in co-creation. They furthermore get to pave the way for other European cities, and improve relationships with peer cities that also prioritise their young residents.

The application process is an opportunity for decision-makers and youth organisations to work together, discuss young people’s priorities, and receive feedback from an expert group on their proposals.

The competition is open to any local authority from Member States of the Council of Europe, which are parties to the European Cultural Convention. The deadline for applications is 6 February 2023.

For more information and to apply, visit the European Youth Forum website.