This report presents the findings of the First Interim Evaluation of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) Action 2020–2033. The evaluation had two main objectives: (i) to assess the Action’s Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance, Coherence, and EU Added Value, with a particular focus on its long-term legacy; and (ii) to identify potential improvements for a successor initiative post-2033. The evaluation covers the experience of cities that held the ECoC title between 2013 and 2023, as well as bidding cities for the 2020–2028 titles under the current legal basis.

The study employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach. It included 64 stakeholder interviews across EU, national, and local levels; six focus groups with experts, titleholders, and candidate cities; and a public consultation collecting 60 responses. Eight in-depth case studies explored city-level implementation and legacy. A targeted literature review and mapping of 199 resources, 38 statistical indicators, and data from previous evaluations were used to inform a structured analysis against 60+ indicators. A final validation workshop supported the refinement of findings and recommendations.