The Belgian city of Leuven has joined the growing list of 55 major European cities that have signed the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on Sustainable Culture.
The Call to Action, launched in 2023 as a partnership between Eurocities and the northern French city of Lille, champions both environmental consciousness and inclusive culture at the local level.
A signing ceremony involving Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven, and André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, was held at Leuven city hall.
Speaking at the signing, Mohamed Ridouani, emphasised the importance of this step. “By signing the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on sustainable culture, we are not only demonstrating a strong European commitment, but we are also committing to concrete actions that we share with other European cities,” stated Mayor Ridouani.
By signing, Leuven has committed to the Call to Action’s 16 priorities, recognising the intersectional nature of green and cultural policy.
These priorities include harnessing the potential of digital technology, more responsible use of resources, increasing citizen participation in policy development, and local training on environmentally conscious practices.
“I am delighted that Leuven is the 55th European city to sign the Eurocities Lille Call to Action on sustainable culture,” said André Sobczak. “Cities are the beating heart of Europe, home to over 75% of our population and where change takes root.
We are committing to concrete actions that we share with other European cities
“Leuven is a powerful example of how culture can foster resilience, spark creativity, and make European cities more vibrant and hopeful.”
The Call to Action is a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive cultural landscape across Europe. By working together, cities can lead the way in driving positive change and fostering a greener and more inclusive future.
A cultural capital
Leuven could soon be uniquely positioned to give this effort an extra boost as one of the few cities on the shortlist for the 2030 European Capital of Culture.
Leuven’s LOV2030 team will present its candidacy for the Capital of Culture later this month. Following this, on 24 September, a twelve-member European jury will announce which city will hold the title in 2030.
Each chosen capital tends to see a heightened international profile, increases in tourism, and new cultural opportunities. Currently, the two capitals are the German city of Chemnitz and the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica.
Boasting dozens of events daily, the 2025 culture capitals are also using their platforms as a teaching opportunity. Chemnitz is sharing its industrial heritage, while Nova Gorica is promoting modern, green transformation while sharing its long history and lessons of reconciliation.
In 2030, Leuven hopes to prove that not only can the principles of the Call to Action co-exist, but they complement each other. Leuven’s signing will boost its profile as a climate and culture leader.
The city continues to reflect what a European Capital should stand for: culture, creativity and innovation
To this end, even while making strides towards the goal of becoming culture capital, Leuven has kept its goal of becoming a net-zero city front and centre. Its commitment to the Call to Action is fully in line with Leuven 2030, an initiative through which the city and its partners are working together to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
“We are strengthening Leuven as an inclusive, sustainable, and climate-neutral city that breathes culture and takes the lead,” said Ridouani.
Sobczak agreed: “The city continues to reflect what a European Capital should stand for: culture, creativity and innovation, community cohesion and a lasting impact.”
Situated about 25 kilometres east of Brussels and home to KU Leuven, Leuven has already been recognised for its forward thinking as Europe’s Capital of Innovation in 2020.
___________
For more information, visit the city of Leuven website.
Find out more about the Eurocities Lille Call to Action for low carbon and more inclusive culture.
