Cities of the Republic of Moldova in the Competition for European Capital of Culture 2033: Culture, Tourism and Local Development

Cities of the Republic of Moldova Invited to Apply for the Title of “European Capital of Culture 2033”

Localities across the Republic of Moldova are encouraged to enter the competition to select the city that will represent the country in the European race for the title of “European Capital of Culture 2033”. Applicants must present a coherent cultural vision, a realistic programme and projects capable of generating long-term benefits for the community and local development.

A National Competition Ahead of the European Stage

The city that will represent the Republic of Moldova will be selected through a national competition, which constitutes the first stage of the country’s participation in the European programme. Any eligible locality may submit an application, provided that it presents a well-founded cultural strategy and a programme with a long-term impact.

Applications may be submitted until 4 October, both electronically and in physical format. The competition rules and participation requirements are set out in the official documentation.

Tartu – An Example of Transformation through Culture

A relevant model for cities in the Republic of Moldova is Tartu, Estonia, which was designated European Capital of Culture in 2024. The title contributed to enhancing the city’s international visibility, attracting more than one million visitors and generating hundreds of cultural events.

The experience of Tartu demonstrates that preparing for such a distinction is a long-term process. The local authorities began preparations approximately seven years in advance, while the competition to become European Capital of Culture was highly competitive.

Hannes Rum, a former European Commission representative in Estonia between 2013 and 2016, points out that the success of a bid depends not only on political support, but primarily on community involvement.

“This artistic concept was not created by politicians, but by the community. Of course, political support is important, but it is not the decisive factor,” said Hannes Rum.

A University City with Strong Historical Links

Tartu is recognised as one of Estonia’s leading academic and cultural centres. The city has built its reputation around the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, which has become an important centre of intellectual and academic development in the region.

The university also has significant historical ties to the Bessarabian region. Among the figures who signed the 1918 Declaration of Independence and studied in Tartu were Pantelimon Halippa, Ion Inculeț and Ion Pelivan, who attended the university between 1905 and 1908.

According to Hannes Rum, during the period of the Russian Empire, young people from peripheral regions had limited access to universities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. As a result, many young people from Bessarabia, Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia studied at the University of Tartu, then known as Dorpat.

“The City of Good Thoughts and Intelligent People”

Hannes Rum, who studied at the University of Tartu for seven years, describes the city as a place deeply connected to European values and capable of turning opportunities into development initiatives.

“There is a saying that Tartu is the city of good thoughts and intelligent people. The people here are much more connected to European values and know how to make the most of opportunities,” he said.

The former European official’s personal experience also reflects his strong attachment to the city. Although he later pursued his professional career in Tallinn, Rum says that his years in Tartu remain among the most important periods of his life.

Culture as a Driver of Economic Development

Tartu has a diverse cultural infrastructure, including institutions such as the National Museum, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum and the Tartu City Museum. During the year in which it held the European title, the city’s cultural agenda was built around the concept of “Arts of Survival”, through an extensive programme of events and exhibitions.

In total, more than 1,000 cultural events were organised, supported by a budget of approximately €26 million. The programme contributed to an increase in visitor numbers and generated significant economic benefits for the local community.

An Opportunity for the Cities of the Republic of Moldova

The experience of Tartu demonstrates that the European Capital of Culture title can go beyond the scope of a cultural project, becoming an instrument for the economic, tourism and international development of a city. For the Republic of Moldova, the 2033 competition therefore represents an opportunity for localities to capitalise on their heritage, creativity and cultural potential.

The first stage is the national competition to select the city that will represent the Republic of Moldova. Applications may be submitted until 4 October, both electronically and in physical format.