Proceede to content
Proceede to content

In numbers

1,228.74 km2 Leuven & Beyond
565.049 inhabitants
176 nationalities
61.287 students
32 cities & municipalities
455 inhabitants/km²
42,5 average age
36% green/m²

Leuven & Beyond are European Capital of Culture 2030 - with a mindset full of LOV

Leuven & East Brabant to be European Capital of Culture 2030. Together with the entire region, we are breaking out of our bubbles and building radically new connections, against polarisation and against the climate crisis. All the best to our fellow candidates Molenbeek for Brussels, Namur, Ghent, Kortrijk and Bruges.

LOV2030 are European Capital of Culture 2030

Leuven & Beyond won over the jury with the bid book LOV2030 - HumanNature. Do you have a question about the bid? Ask our LOVbot via the window at the bottom right!

Be inspired 10 most frequently asked questions about LOV2030

Leuven, together with the East Brabant region, has submitted its candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030. But what exactly is a European Capital of Culture? And why did Leuven submit its candidacy? Discover here an answer to the 10 most frequently asked questions.

Will you become a LOVer?

Becoming a European Capital of Culture offers the opportunity to tackle major challenges together, such as climate change and inequality. It also strengthens culture, welfare, the economy, tourism and the hospitality industry in our region, both during and after the festive year.

Vacancies

Now that Leuven & Beyond has been officially designated European Capital of Culture 2030, LOV2030 is looking for three key figures:

Would you like to help make LOV2030 a reality? Check out the vacancies and apply before 24 January 2026.

Networking event or public activity? There is always LOV for you

  • LOVely friend
  • public event

Walk for nature

17 May tot 31 December 2030
Heverlee, Leuven
  • LOVely friend
  • public event

Expo 'The pursuit of knowledge'

10 October tot 22 February 2026
M Leuven, Leuven
  • LOVely friend
  • public event

Expo 'Routes to knowledge'

10 October tot 22 February 2026
University Library, Leuven
  • LOVely friend
  • public event

Sunday offline

08 November tot 27 March 2026
Barbóék in M, Leuven
  • LOV2030
  • Networkevent

Conference Culture & Care: A Joint Call for Change

26 February tot 27 February 2026
Leuven
  • LOV2030
  • Networkevent

Summit of LOV II

Tue 19 May 2026