Call for Applications Open for the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2028
16 February 2026, Barcelona, Spain. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in partnership with the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), has officially launched the call for applications for the title of Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2028 (MCCD 2028).
The initiative will designate two cities from different shores of the Mediterranean to lead a year-long cultural programme in 2028 aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and regional cooperation.
Open to local and regional authorities in all UfM member states, the call invites cities of any size — coastal or inland — to submit proposals that combine a strong local cultural vision with a clear Euro-Mediterranean dimension. Selected cities will implement a comprehensive programme throughout 2028, engaging civil society, educational institutions, cultural actors, and local communities. The programme will culminate in a major celebration on the Day of the Mediterranean on 28 November 2028.
Applications will be assessed against defined criteria, including programme quality, Euro-Mediterranean added value, civil society engagement, governance and management capacity, financial viability, communication strategy, environmental considerations, and cooperation modalities between the two designated Capitals.
The evaluation process will be coordinated by the Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the UfM Secretariat, the ALF Secretariat, and the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM).
Applications must be submitted online no later than 31 August 2026 at 12:00 CEST.
Cities interested in applying are encouraged to participate in upcoming online information sessions. To join, they are kindly invited to send an Expression of Interest to info@medculturecapital.com by 15 March 2026. Further details on the session will be shared directly with registered cities.
