With the current framework expiring in 2033, the proposal keeps the two-stage competition but introduces fewer, more focused selection criteria, allows groups of cities — including cross-border groups — to apply jointly, and gives third-country participants greater flexibility. It strengthens monitoring from the start of the competition, links the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize to legacy commitments through a two-instalment system, adds youth and civil-society voices to the expert panel, and introduces an explicit basis for withdrawing the title or prize where conditions are not respected.