19 municipalities will compete for European Youth Capital 2025

The selection features municipalities from across Europe, including the Ukrainian city of Lviv

Today, the European Youth Forum announced the 19 cities that will compete for the title of European Youth Capital 2025. The title itself is more than just a token of appreciation, as it serves as a tool to empower local authorities across the continent to give young people the space and attention they deserve.

A big list of contenders

This year 19 municipalities will compete for the title of European Youth Capital- one of the most prestigious signs of recognition for effective youth policy on the continent:

• Alimos (Greece);
• Antalya (Turkey);
• Azuqueca de Henares (Spain);
• Burgas (Bulgaria);
• Chisinau (Moldova);
• Dubrovnik (Croatia);
• Fuenlabrada (Spain);
• Gratwein-Straßengel (Austria);
• Izmir (Turkey);
• Komotini (Greece);
• Ljubljana (Slovenia);
• Lviv (Ukraine);
• Madrid (Spain);
• Mosjøen (Norway);
• Pordenone (Italy);
• Savona (Italy);
• Stara Zagora (Bulgaria);
• Strumica (North Macedonia);
• Tromsø (Norway).

The selection process is underway, Source: European Youth Forum

The past, the present and the future

The European Youth Capital (EYC) has been around for more than ten years now, and as the title has shifted from city to city, it has left a strong impression. From 2009 in Rotterdam to 2022 in Tirana, the EYC has been a force for empowering young people to take a more active role in building a better Europe.

At the same time, according to Tirana Mayor, Erion Veliaj, this year's titleholder, young people in the Albanian capital have a chance to build on their European identity while being a part of a larger community.

According to Elke Decruynaere, Alderman for Education, Upbringing and Youth in Ghent, Belgium, the title-holder for 2024, the agenda priorities for the city, like more green space and sustainable mobility match what young people want. This creates formidable momentum for policy decisions, that can only be amplified by the title.

TheMayor.EU is a partner for European Youth Capital and you can follow us for more exciting updates on the events in the programme.