2. Project Examination

Candidature dossier

After the six-month candidature phase, all candidates enter the project examination phase during which they present a detailed candidature dossier based on defined specifications. These candidature dossiers are used as the basis for the work of BIE Enquiry Missions that are carried out in candidate countries.

Enquiry Mission

Enquiry Missions are organised in each candidate country. They are composed of one of the Vice Presidents of the BIE, one or more Delegates of BIE Member States or experts, as well as the BIE Secretary General. These Enquiry Missions assess the feasibility and viability of the Expo project, the political and social climate of the candidate country and city and the support of relevant parties (government, local authorities and citizens) for the project.

The following elements are evaluated:

• The proposed opening dates of the Expo (maximum 6 months)

• The proposed theme of the Expo and the development of the theme

• The overall objectives and anticipated results of the Expo

• The level of support for the Expo among citizens, special interest groups, political groups and businesses

• The legislative, organisation, operational and financial measures taken by relevant authorities, including support for developing countries

• The communications strategy to promote the Expo

• The location of the proposed Expo site, and the city and region

• The planned content of the Expo in terms of pavilions and programming

• The development and post-use plans for the Expo site

• The expected number of participants and the nature of participation

• The number of expected visits and visitor profiles

• The planned accommodation facilities for visitors and staff

• The feasibility plan including budgeting

• The estimated cost of participation

The results of the Enquiry Missions are compiled in a report that is reviewed by the BIE Executive Committee, which forwards the projects it finds viable to the General Assembly. Member States are asked to approve the projects taken into consideration, which will progress to the final vote.

Project campaign

In order to garner support for their Expo project, candidate countries carry out international campaigns as soon as they have submitted their candidature to host an Expo.

During each General Assembly of the BIE held between the notification of candidature and the final vote, candidate countries present their Expo project to delegates of BIE Member States.

3. Election

At the end of the project examination phase, BIE Member States, on the principle of one country one vote, will elect the World Expo 2030 host country by secret ballot during a BIE General Assembly set to take place in late 2023.

Member States base their decision on the findings of the Enquiry Missions, the appeal of the proposed Expo theme and whether it is relevant for their participation in the Expo, as well as their bilateral relations with the candidate countries.

In the case of more than two candidates, a country must receive a two thirds majority in order to be elected in the first round. If no proposal receives a two thirds majority in the first round, the proposal that receives the least votes is eliminated. This procedure carries on until only two candidates are left. The host country will then be elected by a simple majority.

After a country is elected host country, it continues to work closely with the BIE to formalise the Expo project by submitting a Registration Dossier that must be approved by the BIE General Assembly.