• Lead a year-long cultural programme
• Work hand in hand with civil society
• Build partnerships across borders
• Celebrate the Day of the Mediterranean on 28 November

The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in partnership with the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), has officially launched the call for applications for the title of Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2028 (MCCD 2028).

The initiative will designate two cities from different shores of the Mediterranean to lead a year-long cultural programme in 2028 aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and regional cooperation.

Open to local and regional authorities in all UfM member states, the call invites cities of any size — coastal or inland — to submit proposals that combine a strong local cultural vision with a clear Euro-Mediterranean dimension. Selected cities will implement a comprehensive programme throughout 2028, engaging civil society, educational institutions, cultural actors, and local communities. The programme will culminate in a major celebration on the Day of the Mediterranean on 28 November 2028.

Applications will be assessed against defined criteria, including programme quality, Euro-Mediterranean added value, civil society engagement, governance and management capacity, financial viability, communication strategy, environmental considerations, and cooperation modalities between the two designated Capitals.

The evaluation process will be coordinated by the Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the UfM Secretariat, the ALF Secretariat, and the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM).