Since its inception in 1985, under the auspices of Melina Mercouri, Greek Minister of Culture, the European Culture Capital Initiative (CEC) has been a key platform for the appreciation and promotion of European culture. Originally called “European City of Culture”, this idea has evolved into a program that encourages cities to explore their traditions, project the future and streamline their cultural networks. As an incentive, the European culture capitals that prepare a high quality cultural program receive an award of 1.5 million euros, funded by the European Union (EU), through the Creative Europe Program.
Over time, this program included objectives that aim to highlight the richness and cultural diversity of the European continent, to promote a feeling of common belonging and strengthen the role of culture in the social and economic development of cities and regions. Participation in this program has brought to the participating cities enough benefits, which are evident: increased tourism, improvement of international image and economic development. The cities that receive this title have found in culture a powerful tool of urban regeneration and social revitalization.
However, the process of application to the European capital of culture is demanding. Each candidate city must demonstrate, through an evolutionary detailed plan, its vision and ability to create a significant and lasting cultural impact. From the initial presentation of the proposal to the final selection, applications are evaluated by an independent expert panel that accompanies and guides cities during the long preparation process, which lasts seven years. The European culture capitals are officially designated four years before the year in which activities occur, allowing an extensive period for planning and implementation.
In this preparation should include a plan to face the recurring challenges that this title entails, starting with the need to find balance between the increase in the flow of tourists, the preservation of local identity and the impact on the way of life of residents and as well as between Promotion of sustainable tourism and the safeguard of cultural, natural and immaterial heritage. In addition, to ensure a lasting legacy, it is essential to involve local communities, reflecting the social diversity of the region, promoting an inclusive participation, from urban areas to rural areas. This balance is essential for the impact of the event to extend over time, consolidating a future of cultural and social prosperity.
The European Parliament, within the scope of the Culture and Education Commission (cult), plays an important role in the areas of culture, education, sports, youth and the preservation of EU values and principles, having established as priorities, among others, to This legislature the preservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of European cooperation in creative areas.
In this sense, it is imperative to continue to fight for the financial reinforcement of programs such as Creative Europe, which finances the collaboration between cities and the promotion of cultural activities, and the EU cohesion funds, essential for the encouragement of social inclusion. These instruments not only offer monetary contributions, but also provide technical support and guidance for the implementation of policies that ensure the success of the CEC and its sustainability in the medium and long term.
This year, three cities were selected for the European capital of culture: Tarti (Estonia), Bad Ischl (Austria) and Bodø (Norway). Recently, in the context of a Mission of the European Parliament, organized by Cult, I visited Bad Ischl, which allowed me to closely observe the positive impacts that the CEC initiative represents for a city. As part of this initiative, Bad Ischl, known for their historical value and the charm of alpine landscapes, attracts international attention and values their cultural roots, investing in new infrastructure, attracting new audiences and involving their population in a vast program of events and cultural activities.
In 2027, it will be the turn of Évora to receive the title of European capital of culture, becoming the fourth Portuguese city to obtain this statute, after Lisbon (1994), Porto (2001) and Guimarães (2012). Évora, whose historic center is classified as a world heritage by UNESCO, represents a meeting of cultures that makes Alentejo a unique region in Europe. This title offers a valuable opportunity for Évora and Alentejo to develop new cultural infrastructures, promote more sustainable tourism, attract and diversify audiences and create an inclusive program that values the region’s diversity.
The success of this project depends on a collaborative action between the government, the municipalities, the local communities and the EU. Municipalities, with their proximity to citizens and in -depth knowledge of their realities, are the key to ensuring that culture is rooted in the region and that the legacy is really lasting. The government that, through the Ministry of Culture, coordinates and ensures that the project reaches national projection. The EU, with its support programs and policies, offers financial resources and the guidance necessary to assist these cities, so that this impulse is truly transformative.
If we want to build a sustainable future and preserve the cultural legacy of next generations, it is essential that culture occupies the prominent place it deserves in the heart of Europe, recognizing it as a fundamental force for economic, social and human development. The ambition of the EU must be clear: to build a more cohesive, prosperous and resilient Europe, where the multiple cultural voices, large or small, can be heard and celebrated.
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