The countdown has begun for Izmir, a finalist for the title of European Youth Capital in 2026. At a meeting in Brussels attended by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer, spokesperson Zeynep Payzanoğlu, representing the youth in Izmir, answered the jury's questions. The results will be announced on November 27th in the city of Lublin, Poland.

The winner of the European Youth Capital title, in which Izmir is a finalist, will be announced in Lublin, Poland, on November 27th. Izmir will be competing against Malaga in Spain, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tromso in Norway, and Vila do Conte in Portugal in the final. The winning city will be awarded the title of European Youth Capital.

Announcement through a ceremony
Izmir is a candidate for the European Youth Capital title, which the European Youth Forum awards each year to empower young people, increase youth participation, and strengthen European identity in different European cities. The candidacy process for the European Youth Capital began in January 2023 with the "City and Youth" meeting of Izmir Youth Initiatives. Positive responses were received from events, education, workshops, fairs, and preparations held throughout the year.

Yesterday, a jury meeting was held in Brussels, attended by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer. Zeynep Payzanoğlu, spokesperson for the Youth Capital 2026 Platform, represented the youth in Izmir and answered the jury's questions. The city that will win the title of the 2026 European Youth Capital will be announced at a ceremony in Lublin, Poland, on November 27, 2023.

The winning city will become the center of youth activities
During the application process for the European Youth Capital, the goal for Izmir was to create a model for youth policies under the objectives of "The Honor of Youth Identity and Youth Rights." The main objectives included making Izmir the center of youth activities and youth policy, increasing the respectability of youth identity, promoting and preserving multiculturalism through the dynamism of youth.

If Izmir receives the title of the 2026 European Youth Capital, the plan is to implement the first sustainable local youth policy in Turkey, initiate a governance model that ensures the participation of youth in all aspects of life starting from Izmir, build a multicultural youth city, make Izmir the central hub for youth activities in Turkey, and transform Izmir into an internationally attractive center for tourism, employment, education, and culture and arts for young people.