The project manager of Nikšić 2030 – European Capital of Culture, Mato Uljarević, and the manager of the Nikšić 2030 office, Nemanja Popović, attended the three-day Opening Ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Oulu 2026, during which this Finnish city officially launched the program of one of Europe’s most significant cultural initiatives.
As part of the official program, the Nikšić delegation met with Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission, as well as with numerous European officials and representatives of cities and cultural institutions across Europe, including past and current European Capitals of Culture. These meetings contributed to the exchange of experiences, the strengthening of international cultural cooperation, and further positioning of Nikšić within the European cultural space.
The city of Oulu, located in northern Finland, holds the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for 2026, with a program entitled “Culture Climate Change”, which connects art with contemporary social and environmental challenges, promoting a rich and sustainable cultural scene in northern Europe.
The opening ceremony on the city square was officially inaugurated by the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, during which the “Oulu Peace” declaration was proclaimed, calling for tolerance, creativity, and the shared celebration of diversity through artistic and technological projects throughout 2026.
The opening program included more than 200 events at over 20 locations in the city center, featuring music, theatre, and visual performances, art installations, light and acrobatic shows, most of which were free and open to all visitors.
This marks the first time that the Nikšić delegation has attended the opening ceremony of a European Capital of Culture as a representative of a title-holding city.
