Leuven and the region of East Brabant join forces

The city of Leuven and the region of East Brabant are joining forces to win the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030. More than twenty East Brabant municipalities have already confirmed their commitment today during the mayors' meeting, and more will follow. Cooperation with the region is one of the spearheads in the first bid book (the official application) that will be submitted on September 2. The region – home to more than half a million residents – is committed to a new and future-oriented story in which the connecting power of culture, art and heritage is central.

“Our city and our region have everything it takes to become a European Capital of Culture,” says Mohamed Ridouani, mayor of the city of Leuven. ”Collaboration is in our DNA, and we are convinced that it is the only way to move forward and strengthen the entire region. By joining forces with the regional municipalities, local citizens' initiatives, art and heritage organizations, associations, companies and knowledge institutions, we want to shape our shared future in the East Brabant region and play a pioneering role as a future lab for Europe.

Co-creation

The region has been involved in the preparations for the candidacy for quite some time, such as during various meetings with the Dream Team 2030 – a team of 30 ambassadors from various backgrounds from Leuven and the region – or more recently during the networking event Summit of LOV, where the region helped to build the program. This participatory approach will not only be continued, but also developed further to achieve true co-creation.

Leading role for the region .

Winning the title will strengthen cultural life in the region and at the same time is a huge opportunity to tackle broader social challenges such as mobility, spatial planning and innovation or the relationship between city and countryside together. By working together with citizens, organizations, knowledge institutes, entrepreneurs and companies at all levels, the region of East Brabant can grow into a leading example for all of Europe.

Further steps

• These municipalities have currently expressed their commitment to the project: Aarschot, Begijnendijk, Bekkevoort, Bierbeek, Boortmeerbeek, Boutersem, Diest, Geetbets, Haacht, Holsbeek, Keerbergen, Kortenaken, Kortenberg, Linter, Lubbeek, Oud-Heverlee, Overijse, Rotselaar, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Tervuren, Tielt-Winge, Tienen and Tremelo. There is a lot of interest in the other municipalities and discussions are still in full swing.
• The first bid book (official candidacy) will be submitted on September 2. At the end of October, a European jury will select the cities that will proceed to the next round.