Lublin has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2029. This prestigious title brings numerous cultural, economic, and social benefits, serving as a strong driver for further development. It also increases opportunities for securing European funding, which will positively impact infrastructure growth as well as social and cultural initiatives.
The selection process took place in two stages. All participating cities submitted their initial applications by September 15, 2023. After evaluation by an international panel of experts, a shortlist of finalist cities was announced, including Lublin, Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, and Kołobrzeg. The final decision was based on the assessment of the cities’ detailed program proposals and direct presentations before the commission.
“The past two years have been a time of intense work and the realization of many valuable projects and events in the spirit of the RE:UNION idea. Now, we have several years of preparation ahead, where we will translate the concepts from our application into concrete actions. I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and contributions to this great success. Once again, we have proven that Lublin’s culture and its people have enormous potential,” said Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of Lublin.
Lublin’s final application for the European Capital of Culture 2029 was a comprehensive, 100-page document outlining the city’s program, organizational, and financial plans, as well as its vision for the future. It was developed collaboratively with residents, artists, community organizers, cultural animators, and activists. A key moment in the competition was the visit of the European expert panel representatives to Lublin on September 18, followed by the city’s final presentation to the judging panel on September 24.
RE:UNION
Today, the most highly rated programs are those that showcase Europe’s cultural richness and diversity, emphasize the core civilizational values of the European Union, and strengthen the sense of community and integration. Lublin’s application theme – RE:UNION – aligns with this trend, representing a unique meeting, dialogue, mutual care, and a fresh perspective on the city.
The European Capital of Culture competition was established 40 years ago in Greece. Each year, selected cities across Europe host cultural celebrations aimed at strengthening European integration and showcasing the cultural heritage of EU member states. Every European Capital of Culture prepares a year-long program highlighting the city’s, region’s, and country’s cultural potential, as well as its international and European connections.
To date, more than 60 cities have held the title. In Poland, it has been awarded twice—first to Kraków in 2000 (granted outside of the competition process) and then to Wrocław, which celebrated its European Capital of Culture year in 2016.
Discover more lublin2029.pl/en/idea-of-reunion/ and lublin2029.pl.
Lublin as a MICE Destination
From a MICE, Lublin’s selection as the European Capital of Culture 2029 presents numerous opportunities. The title will attract international conferences, cultural congresses, and industry expos, especially those related to arts, heritage, and creative industries. As the city enhances its visibility and infrastructure, it will become a more attractive location for corporate events, incentive travel, and association meetings. Lublin can position itself as a key cultural and creative hub, offering networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities that will benefit the MICE sector.
With increased funding and investment, Lublin will develop or modernize conference venues, hotels, and transport systems, improving its capabilities to host large-scale events. This development will not only expand Lublin’s MICE infrastructure but also promote public and private sector partnerships to support high-quality event management services. The city’s growing cultural scene will also appeal to incentive travel groups, as Lublin becomes an exclusive destination offering cultural experiences tied to the European Capital of Culture program. This will likely lead to tailored incentive packages, featuring VIP access to exhibitions, concerts, and festivals, making Lublin even more attractive to businesses looking to reward employees or partners with unique travel experiences.
In the long term, the European Capital of Culture title will significantly strengthen Lublin’s global brand, positioning it as a desirable destination for future international conferences and exhibitions. The city’s new cultural and creative identity will ensure repeat business from MICE planners, who will look to Lublin for inspiring and dynamic event locations. Additionally, Lublin will host more academic, cultural, and creative industry summits, fostering cross-sector collaborations and attracting EU-funded MICE events focused on arts, sustainability, and digital transformation.
For MICE professionals, Lublin’s new status is an exciting opportunity. The city is poised to become a premier destination for cultural and creative conferences, offering world-class experiences in a vibrant, growing market.
