December, 17th. 2014 - The European Capital of Culture

BRUSSELS - The European Capital of Culture is an initiative launched by the European Union in 1985, designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe, celebrate the cultural features Europeans share, increase European citizens sense of belonging to a common cultural area and to celebrate the contribution of culture to the development of cities. At the same time, since the launching of the initiative, experience has shown that the event triggers several opportunities; such as the regeneration of the cities where it takes place, the raising of the cities international profile, the enhancing of the image of the cities in the eyes of their own citizens, a boost of new life into a city's culture as well as the boosting of tourism. The election of European Capital of Culture is made six years in advance, when the selected host Member States publish a call for applications, usually launched by the Ministry of Culture. In this regard, cities interested in being a part of the initiative, must submit a proposal for consideration. This long period of time is necessary due to the preparation that such a complex event necessitates. Until today, the initiative has awarded more than 50 cities within the territory of the European Union. The cities elected for 2014 are Umea (Sweden) and Riga (Latvia), while the ones selected to host these events in the following years are Mons (Belgium) and Plzeň (Czech Republic). Every year, the cities receive a financial contribution from the European Union through the European funding program, Melina Mercouri Prize, in order to help the selected cities to finance cultural activities or the renovation of some historical monuments and be ready for the event. Mons (Bergen in Dutch) is a small Belgian city located southwest of Brussels. The city is famous for its historical monuments, such as the collegiate Church of St. Waudru, the Town Hall that dates from the 15th century or the Press House, built in the 17th century. At the same time, Plzeň (Pilsen), is known worldwide for its beer: Pilsner. It is the third largest city in Czech Republic and it can offer a rich cultural history for visitors, especially due to its main Square, Náměstí Republiky, which is the biggest square in Czech Republic. The initiative was born in Greece and it has become the biggest and most successful cultural project within the European Union. 2015 is a special year for the event, since it marks the 30th anniversary of the initiative. The European Capital of Culture is meant to improve and strengthen the cultural ties in Europe as well as to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Europe as a whole.

References

One Europe-European Capital of Culture 2015, 21st of September,2014

Creative Europe - Supporting Europe's Cultural and Creative Sectors