Kiruna, a city in northern Sweden, has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2029, alongside Lublin in Poland.

This decision was announced by an expert jury appointed by the European Commission, marking the third time a Swedish city has received this honor, following Stockholm in 1998 and Umeå in 2014. Kiruna's successful bid highlighted its unique blend of indigenous cultures, such as the Sami and Kven, and its advancements in technology, including the world's largest underground mine and a space base.

The competition was fierce, with Uppsala, a city known for its historic cultural institutions and universities, also vying for the title.

Kiruna's victory is seen as a chance for its minority communities to shine on a European stage, as emphasized by local politician Mats Taaveniku, who expressed gratitude to the jury and excitement for the future.