Each year, cities chosen as European Capitals of Culture – in 2011 Tallinn, and Turku – provide living proof of the richness and diversity of European cultures. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe.
More than 40 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture so far, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, and Cracow to Porto.
A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what it plans to do for a year that has to be exceptional. Its programme for the year must meet some specific criteria.
Purpose
The European Capitals of Culture initiative was set up to:
- highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures
- celebrate the cultural ties that link Europeans together
- bring people from different European countries into contact with each other's culture and promote mutual understanding
- foster a feeling of European citizenship.
In addition, studies have shown that the event is a valuable opportunity to:
- regenerate cities
- raise their international profile and enhance their image in the eyes of their own inhabitants
- give new vitality to their cultural life
- raise their international profile, boost tourism and enhance their image in the eyes of their own inhabitants.
Selecting a Capital of Culture
The Council of the European Union is the only institution that can award the title of European Capital of Culture.
From 2011, two cities – from two different EU countries – are European Capitals of Culture each year.
The procedure for choosing a city starts around six years in advance – though the order of Member States entitled to host the event is fixed before then and is organised in two stages. It involves a panel of independent experts in the cultural field responsible for assessing the proposals. Once designated, the preparations of the European Capitals of Culture are monitored.
List of cities already chosen
Chronological list of Member States entitled to host the events
More on the selection procedure
Quick links
Past European Capitals of Culture
Good practice for European Capitals of Culture
History of the European Capitals of Culture initiative