

from the ground of culture to the
clear skies


ecoc
01 / history
The 35-year tradition of celebrating culture and diversity in Europe returns to Slovakia.
For the first time in 2013, the European Capital of Culture title was awarded to a Slovak city,
Košice.
02 / present
Through the ECOC Initiative, the European Union has helped kickstart the cultural life, connect communities, promote tourism, improve the infrastructure, enhance the image of the city, and improve the quality of life in many European cities. This time, eight Slovak and 3 Finnish cities are applying for the title. Let’s use this opportunity and make use of our potential – through culture, we can expand to the whole Europe.
03 / future
In 2026, one Slovak and one Finnish city will be honoured by the prestigious ECoC title. The main goal of the ECoC project is not just to celebrate European cultural diversity, but also to bring all European nations closer together through mutual understanding and tolerance.
about
the project

timeline
17 December 2019
The ECoC 2026 call was published by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic.
15 December 2020
Deadline for submitting the first version of the bid book (pre-selection).
February 2021
Presentation of the Banská Bystrica ECoC 2026. Pre-selection of candidates for the 2nd bid.

August 2021
Deadline for submitting an updated version of the bid book (2nd bid).
September 2021
The shortlisted ECoC cities will be visited by the selection committee.
September – November 2021
Presentation of the shortlisted ECoC 2026 projects. Final selection.

December 2021
Appointment of the European Capital of Culture.
2022 – 2025
Development, preparation and implementation of the ECoC projects.
2026
ECoC 2026.

Address:
Československej armády 26
974 01 Banská Bystrica

contact

