Gozo’s Victoria will be European Capital of Culture 2031

An independent European Capital of Culture selection panel on Wednesday announced that Victoria, Gozo, has been approved to hold the title in 2031. 

The announcement followed a two-day pre-selection meeting held at the Valletta Design Cluster and a tour across various sites on the sister island. 

It also brought to an end an application process more than two years in the making.  An independent panel of experts appointed by the European Commission and national authorities reviewed the comprehensive bid submitted by the artistic team appointed by the city of Victoria.  

The bid is made up of the proposed cultural programmes, and long-term strategies for social, cultural, and economic impact.
Announcing the decision, Suvi Innilä, the chair of the selection panel said they had the privilege to learn about the characteristics, challenges, and dreams of Gozo. 

The panel consisted of nine experts from seven countries across europe.

“I would like to announce that the panel has decided to recommend the bid,” she said, igniting cheers and joyful embraces from the Victoria team.  

The European Capital of Culture initiative, launched in 1985, celebrates the richness and diversity of cultures across Europe while promoting sustainable urban and regional development through culture. 

Valletta held the title back in 2018. The capital city had been Malta’s first submission which ran uncontested.  

The race for which Maltese (or Gozitan) city will next wear the European Capital of Culture crown first began in 2024. 
Both Victoria, Gozo, and Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta, had originally thrown their hats in the ring.   

However, in November 2025, Vittoriosa failed to make it passed the first hurdle. 

Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, said: “Congratulations to Victoria for being recommended as European Capital of Culture 2031 in Malta. Built around the theme ‘Island of Islands’ , Victoria’s bid reimagines Gozo as an archipelago of connected communities, landscapes, and cultural practices. Explored through three different curatorial nodes – Coast, Salt and Waves – the bid captures the many dimensions of islands life, reflecting a strong community spirit and rich cultural heritage, while confronting the hard truths of island life and above all the right of young people to stay and build a future home.”

In a statement, the Nationalist Party said this is a moment of pride for us all – Gozitans and Maltese alike.

The PN commends the work, preparation and commitment of the Foundation that led Victoria’s bid, which were crucial in securing today’s announcement that Gozo’s capital city will hold the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture in 2031.

In particular, the PN congratulates the Victoria Local Council, led by Mayor Brian Azzopardi, and the Gozo Regional Council, led by Samuel Azzopardi, who also served as Chairman of the Victoria 2031 Foundation. Together with a dedicated team, they worked tirelessly to make the bid a success.

What began as a dream has now become a reality, thanks to the important contribution of everyone who, across different sectors, played a part in this bid and helped Victoria bring honour to the Maltese Islands.

The work of all those who contributed to this achievement means that Victoria, together with all its residents, will now have the honour of representing us in Europe through this important title.

Victoria31Għawdex will be an opportunity not only for the people of Victoria, but for the whole island of Gozo and for all Gozitans. Above all, it is an achievement that should make us proud at a national level.

The PN said it has always believed in the unique character of Gozo and in what makes the island stand out in the Mediterranean. Now, thanks to the work of those who believed wholeheartedly in this vision, that character will be recognised and celebrated at European level.

PN Leader Alex Borg also congratulated the entire team and pledged his full support for this initiative, while urging the Government to provide all the assistance necessary to ensure that this achievement leaves a lasting legacy for Gozo and the Gozitan people.

The Gozo Tourism Association said this is a moment of immense pride for Gozo and its people. For a small island community, this achievement represents a significant milestone and a recognition of the rich cultural identity that has been nurtured and preserved through generations. 

The GTA said it is confident that Victoria, together with the wider Gozitan community, will rise to the occasion and successfully demonstrate the cultural richness with which the island is endowed.

Over the next four to five years, this journey will undoubtedly inspire and mobilise the local community, encouraging active participation in a platform that will place Gozo firmly on the European cultural map. Beyond its cultural significance, the European Capital of Culture title also represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen Gozo’s tourism appeal and raise the island’s international profile as a distinctive Mediterranean destination, the GTA said.

The extensive exposure, increased visibility and promotional opportunities have the potential to attract new visitors, diversify tourism markets, and encourage year-round travel, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of the local tourism industry.

Through strategic investment, cultural development, community engagement, enhanced international visibility, and sustainable tourism growth, European Capital of Culture 2031 should serve as a catalyst for long-term cultural and socio-economic development that will continue to benefit Gozo long after the celebratory year has passed, the GTA said.  

The Gozo Business Chamber also welcomed the selection of Victoria as the European Capital of Culture for 2031. The Chamber acknowledged the consistent and considerable effort put into this venture by all concerned and is glad that it could contribute through the Board of Governors of the Foundation, and in providing an adequate consultation platform when needed.

The Chamber deems Victoria 2031 as a fundamental step for Gozo’s economic and social development in the coming years. The island’s vibrant cultural scene reflects its unique identity and Victoria 2031 will serve as a platform where through culture we will acknowledge Gozo’s changing realities while paving the way to support an evolving cultural scene.

The Chamber said it believes that with the support and commitment of all concerned, including the Government, social partners, and the Gozitan community this can prove to be a unique platform for a sincere exchange on Gozo’s community and identity.  

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