Aalborg has officially declared its intention to become European Capital of Culture in 2032, the next time the title will be awarded to a city in Denmark. The announcement was made by Aalborg Municipality, which will allocate 3 million DKK (approx. €400,000) in its 2026 budget to prepare a formal application to the European Union.
The move has strong political backing from the local council and is framed not merely as a one-year celebration, but as a long-term cultural investment. According to Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen (Social Democrats),
“It is not just a culmination with a lot of culture in one year. The cultural life and the city will feel the effects of this commitment in the years leading up to 2032, during the year itself, and well beyond.”
Cultural vision rooted in regional development
The title of European Capital of Culture is awarded annually to two cities from different EU member states. In 2032, the selected cities will come from Denmark and Bulgaria. Since the launch of the initiative in 1985, over 60 cities have held the title, including Copenhagen (1996) and Aarhus (2017).
Aalborg’s campaign stresses the potential benefits for the city and the broader North Jutland region. Jes Lunde, the alderman for Health and Culture, emphasized that the application will be a collective effort:
“We must work together to build a strong application: the cultural sector, associations, business community, tourism, volunteers, and ideally all municipalities in North Jutland.”
The bid will highlight the transformative role of culture in regional identity, cohesion, and economic development. Local authorities see the candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen Aalborg’s international profile and to use culture as a catalyst for community engagement and innovation.
Building on experience with large-scale events
Aalborg plans to develop a comprehensive bid book, a key document required in the selection process. This will outline the city’s cultural profile, a proposed artistic programme, plans for European collaboration, and detailed implementation strategies.
The city draws on a solid track record of organising large public events. It has previously hosted the DGI Landsstævne in 2017 and several editions of the Tall Ships Races. In 2025, Aalborg will also host the Danish Championship Week (DIF DM-ugen) for the third time.
Mayor Jensen noted that Aalborg has undergone a significant transformation over the past decades, evolving from an industrial centre into a cultural hub.
“We have an interesting cultural heritage, and we stand at a point where we are relevant, curious and courageous. In a world of tensions and uncertainty, we wish to contribute to positive development through cultural exchange, European cooperation and enriching communities.”
Selection process and next steps
The application deadline for the 2032 European Capital of Culture title is in 2026. An independent panel of experts will then evaluate the proposals and announce the selected cities in 2027. The chosen cities will have four years to prepare for the cultural programme.
Aalborg’s initiative signals a renewed ambition in Denmark’s cultural landscape and could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s development. With a strong focus on inclusivity, regional cooperation, and European values, the city’s bid aims to make a lasting impact beyond the event itself.
