The European Youth Capital is an annual title awarded by the European Youth Forum, aimed at enabling young people to actively shape life in their city through innovative programs, cultural events, community development, and new models of participation. By winning the title for 2028, Podgorica joins a network of European cities that recognize young people as key drivers of social change.

In the final stage of the competition, Podgorica competed against strong European candidates: the city of Paralimni from Cyprus, Pernik from Bulgaria, Leeuwarden from the Netherlands, and Chișinău from Moldova.

“This title is a recognition of our city’s development strategy, which sees its young people as a driving force. Podgorica has proven that it has the vision, energy, and capacity to become a regional center of youth, innovation, and creativity. This success belongs to all young people who believed in our city and actively contributed to its development,” said Podgorica’s mayor, Prof. Dr. Saša Mujović.

“I am proud that Podgorica has once again shown that it is boldly moving toward European standards. This title is an important step forward and confirmation that our city is ready to offer young people more space, more opportunities, and more chances to shape the community. I would like to thank all partners and participants who contributed to this great success,” stated the President of the Capital City Assembly, Dr. Jelena Borovinić Bojović.

The Capital City of Podgorica will soon present a detailed plan of activities and projects that will be implemented during 2028

Podgorica is one of Europe’s youngest capitals - gaining capital status after the country's independence in 2006. It’s in a country negotiating EU accession, a Western Balkan frontrunner, and it's a city recognised by a strikingly modern Millennium Bridge. 

Podgorica’s ~200,000 residents often describe their city as a place where “everyone knows everyone, or someone who knows someone.” It’s intimate, connected, and community-driven. And that closeness has become the driving force behind its European Youth Capital vision. Because Montenegro is small - around 630,000 people - this title isn’t only for Podgorica’s youth. It’s for all young Montenegrins, with the city aiming to spark a domino effect of good practices nationwide. A strong emphasis is placed on reaching underrepresented youth: from rural areas, Roma communities, LGBTIQ+ young people, and youth with disabilities, to all those who face socioeconomic barriers.

And with Podgorica perfectly placed between the Adriatic Coast and the Dinarides mountain range, natural cross-border connections make it an ideal hub for Balkan youth cooperation.

As Podgorica’s team put it, “Podgorica envisions becoming a youth-centred city that is dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable, where young people actively participate in governance, drive social change, and lead innovation,” and being European Youth Capital 2028 will be "a national moment of unity, showing how young people can lead the country’s European future.”

Podgorica’s European Youth Capital journey is all about transforming the city into a place where “Youth [truly] Makes the City.” That means investing in infrastructure, capacity, and long-term support.

Since 2009, over 10.000 events have been held and cities have secured tens of millions in additional funding to make their programme a reality. Thousands of volunteers, over 12.000, have helped bring these projects to life, proving the power of youth participation.

The next European Youth Capital will be: 2026 - Tromsø, Norway; 2027 - Parma, Italy; 2028 - Podgorica, Montenegro. 

Applications for the European Youth Capital 2029 are now open here.

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