ECOC Echo – Maximising the impact of European Capitals of Culture beyond the spotlight year

Funder: Interreg Europe
Duration: 01.05.25 – 30.04.2029

ECOC Echo is a European partnership dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) continues to benefit regions long after their spotlight year. Since the 2020s, ECoC titles have increasingly been awarded to cities in peripheral regions, involving not just the city but also their wider hinterland. This project addresses the challenge of sustaining the momentum, cooperation, and innovation generated during the ECoC year, transforming them into long-term drivers of regional development and social cohesion.

ECOC Echo is a catalyst for transforming the unique experience of the European Capital of Culture into lasting regional development, ensuring that the benefits reach communities across Europe for years to come.

The project’s main goals are to

• Strengthen the role and capacity of regional stakeholders as amplifiers of the ECoC legacy.
• Improve the effectiveness of policies and initiatives that help regions make the most of their ECoC experience.
• Foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across ECoC cities and regions in Europe, building a strong network for learning and exchange.

Results

• Cross-regional knowledge exchange: Partners share successful models and lessons learned, adapting proven approaches to their own contexts.
• Policy improvement: New strategies and action plans are developed to embed culture and creativity into regional development.
• Capacity building: Workshops, study visits, and peer learning strengthen local policymakers, cultural leaders, and stakeholders.
• Sustainable legacy: Practical tools and recommendations are produced to ensure the cultural, social, and economic impacts of the ECoC year endure.

Policy instruments are addressed

The project specifically targets the improvement of key regional and national policy instruments that shape the cultural, social, and economic legacy of the ECoC. These include:

• Tartu County Development Strategy 2040 (Estonia)
• Liepaja State City and Southern Kurzeme District Development Program (Latvia)
• Cultural Strategy 2030 of City of Oulu (Finland)
• Development Plan of the City of Novi Sad 2023–2030 (Serbia)
• Cultural Strategy 2030 of the City of Chemnitz (Germany)
• Regional Cultural Strategy of Centre-Val de Loire Region (2022–2028) (France)
• Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme Plus (Hungary)
• Alentejo Regional Programme 2021–2027 (Portugal)

Each of these policy instruments will be reviewed and improved through interregional learning, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of best practices to ensure that the ECoC legacy is embedded in regional development strategies for years to come.

Impact

• Stronger regional cooperation: The project forges lasting partnerships between cities and regions, supporting joint initiatives and resource sharing.
• Enhanced cultural and creative sectors: Regions are better equipped to support creative industries, cultural education, and innovation.
• Long-term societal benefits: The project uses culture as a catalyst for social inclusion, economic growth, and community well-being.
• European added value: By aligning strategies and sharing knowledge across borders, the project strengthens Europe’s cultural landscape and cohesion.

Partners and regions:

• Estonia: Foundation Tartu 2024 (Lead Partner), Association of Municipalities of Tartu County
• Latvia: Liepaja Central Administration, Foundation Liepaja 2027
• Finland: City of Oulu, Oulu Culture Foundation
• Serbia: Foundation “Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture”
• Germany: City of Chemnitz
• Hungary: Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Jsc.
• Netherlands: Arcadia (legacy organisation of Leeuwarden 2018, advisory partner)
• Portugal: Association Evora 2027
• France: Centre-Val de Loire Regional Council

Associated policy authorities

City of Novi Sad (Serbia), Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development (Hungary), Intermunicipal Community of Alentejo Central (Portugal)

Contact:

Sille Talvet-Unt
ECOC Echo overall coordinator
Tartu 2024
Phone: +372 5109278
E-mail: sille.talvet-unt@tartu2024.ee