Leuven signs European charter for sustainable and inclusive culture

Today, September 3, the city of Leuven has signed the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on Sustainable Culture, a European charter for a more sustainable and inclusive cultural sector in the city.

The signing marks an important step in Leuven and the region's ambition to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030. The decision on this will be made on September 24.

With this commitment, Leuven joins a network of cities actively working towards a cultural sector with a reduced climate impact while simultaneously increasing social engagement. The charter, a Eurocities initiative, brings together sixteen priorities, divided into two pillars: the ecological transition of culture and events, and inclusion in and through culture.

Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven, emphasises the importance of this step: “By signing the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on sustainable culture, we are not only demonstrating a strong European commitment, but we also committing to concrete actions that we share with other European cities. We are strengthening Leuven as an inclusive, sustainable, and climate-neutral city that breathes culture and takes the lead.”

Bert Cornillie, Alderman for Culture, also underscores the value of the charter: “Sustainability and inclusion are not preconditions, but core values for our numerous cultural institutions and creators. With this charter, we reinforce the path we have already taken. We will share our experiences and learn from other European cities. That is the strength of this network.”

André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, states: “It is fantastic that Leuven is the 55th European city to sign the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on sustainable culture. Cities are the beating heart of Europe, home to over 75% of our population and where change takes root. Leuven is a powerful example of how culture can foster resilience, spark creativity, and make European cities more vibrant and hopeful.

Leuven and Beyond: European Capital of Culture 2030

This commitment is fully in line with Leuven 2030, an initiative through which the city and its partners are working together to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The Call to Action builds on Leuven 2030’s guiding principles, ensuring the initiatives are mutually reinforcing.

It is also an important milestone within LOV2030, Leuven’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2030. Sustainability and inclusion are enshrined as guiding principles in a dedicated charter for the implementation of the 2030 programme. Intendant Lore Baeyens explains: “LOV2030 is an exercise in radical connection, based on the themes of human, nature, and innovation. This is impossible without inclusion and care for the planet.” Intendant Stijn Devillé adds: “By signing this charter, Leuven is making it clear that our candidacy is not just about 2030, but about a lasting change in how we experience and organise culture.”

The LOV2023 team submitted a bid book on July 14 and will defend its candidacy on September 17 and 22. On September 24, the twelve-member European jury will announce which city will hold the title in 2030.

About Eurocities

Eurocities aims to make cities places where everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, move around safely, have access to high-quality and inclusive public services, and benefit from a healthy environment. The organisation achieves this by connecting more than 200 larger European cities, representing some 150 million people in 38 countries. They also collect evidence of the impact of policymaking on people to inspire other cities and EU decision-makers.