The Euro-Mediterranean region boasts a rich and diverse heritage, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. A melting pot of different languages and traditions, the region shares a heritage and a deep sense of identity and belonging. Today, this legacy continues to inspire our shared values and aspirations, reminding everyone of the importance of building bridges and fostering understanding between cultures. In that spirit, the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean launched the “Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue” during their 7th Regional Forum in November 2022.

There are 2 Capitals with one city from the North and one from the South of the Mediterranean to highlight the cities’ rich Euro-Mediterranean cultural identities. The goal is to involve their populations in all their diversity and show on the Day of the Mediterranean (28 November) their beauty, resilience, and strength within the shared identity of being Mediterraneans. 

The two Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2025 are Tirana (Albania) and Alexandria (Egypt).

Moreover the Call for Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue 2026 open till the 7th of July 2024.