Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 (MB2030) is, first and foremost, a European project. Since we began preparing our application to become European Capital of Culture, the team has been constantly forging links across the continent.
Towards an inclusive and generous Europe
We wanted to place sharing and European identity at the heart of our approach. The numerous trips and meetings over the last few months are living proof of this: they have given substance and momentum to this collective ambition, laying the foundations for a cultural vision nourished by international dialogue.
A candidacy fuelled by numerous exchanges across Europe
Numerous trips and emblematic collaborations have marked our journey and enriched our candidacy, including:
- Bodo, Norway
- Brussels, Belgium ‘Spring Workshops’
- Chemnitz, Germany
- Larnaca & Limassol, Cyprus
- Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Nikšić, Montenegro
- Nova Gorica, Slovenia
- Oulu, Finland
- Turin, Italy
We are convinced that culture can be a lever for building a fairer and more open future for all Europeans. That is why we have travelled throughout Europe, sharing a wide range of tools, experiences and ideas through exchanges over the last few years.
Find out more about four key exchanges.
Molenbeek & Brussels, Belgium “Spring Ateliers”
The Spring Ateliers is a two-day event organised by MB2030 alongside the ULB, the VUB and the Brussels Academy. Numerous local partners, artists, academic representatives and experts from around the world came together to share their best practices.
Around fifty people from all over Europe took part in this workshop. Lviv, Chemnitz, Košice, Marseille, Skopje, Rotterdam, Jenin, Gorizia and Liepāja met with Molenbeek to answer a key question: how can generosity (sadaka) transform the social, cultural and urban future of cities in 2030?
In addition to the European speakers, partners from Ukraine, Palestine, Congo and South Africa also enriched the debate with their vision of Europe.
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
MB2030 took part in the 14th Culture Next conference. It was an opportunity to remind everyone that investing in culture also means investing in dialogue, peace, well-being and social cohesion.
Through rich exchanges between the 90 participants, from diverse backgrounds across Europe, the 50 European candidate cities and European Capitals of Culture present reinforced a conviction: Europe needs culture more than ever.
Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Four young ambassadors from Molenbeek took part in a pan-European artistic gathering in Slovenia to represent the MB2030 bid for European Capital of Culture. They proudly showcased the cultural richness, diversity and spirit of SADAKA in their municipality, the youngest in Belgium in terms of demographics. Between meetings, exchanges, performances and discoveries, this intercultural experience will remain unforgettable for these young people from Molenbeek.
Here is proof of this in Zakaria’s testimony: “This trip was culturally and personally enriching. We had some unforgettable encounters… We made our mark on this edition of Summer School 2025 and put Molenbeek on the map of Europe! I became aware of our differences: for some, it is a strength, for others, a challenge.”
Bodo, Norway
MB2030 took part in the Assembly of European Regions (AER) for four days in Norway. During this event, we presented our vision of generosity. At the heart of the discussions were various workshops on youth civic participation and inclusion through culture.
More than a dozen exchanges at the European level
