09/12/24 (Agence Europe) – On 6 December, the Committee of Experts on European Capitals of Culture recommended the Swedish city of Kiruna to become European Capital of Culture for 2029. This choice, validated after evaluating the bids from Kiruna and Uppsala, makes it the third Swedish designation, after Stockholm (1998) and Umeå (2014). Located in the north of Sweden, Kiruna aims to promote its unique identity, which combines Arctic and industrial heritage, through an innovative cultural programme. An urban relocation project is also planned. The selection criteria include a strong European dimension, the involvement of local players and sustainable spin-offs. In 2029, Kiruna will share the title with Lublin (Poland) (see EUROPE 13491/26), in accordance with the rules governing the Union’s action concerning the European Capital of Culture, which established for this year that the designated cities would represent Sweden and Poland. (NP)