European Capital of Culture is a title awarded annually by the European Union for a period of one year. This title aims to demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage in Europe and to increase the understanding of the citizens of Europe for one another
background
At the suggestion of the then Greek minister of culture, Melina Mercouri, the title became one in 1985 European city of culture created. The aim was to make the diversity of cultures in a uniting Europe known to a broad public. Funding has been earmarked for this purpose, and certain criteria must be met in order to be approved. In 1999 the title was changed to European Capital of Culture.
Due to the enlargement of the EU, it was decided that the title would be awarded to at least two cities annually until 2018, one of which is from the old member states and a second from the new.
For the cities and regions, this title is associated with a financial and personnel expense, even if it is limited by the funding. The advertising effectiveness of this award should not be underestimated, as numerous cultural events are held in the corresponding year. But also in the following years the cities usually benefit from the improved infrastructure.
List of Capitals of Culture
For more years and links to cities see List of European Capitals of Culture at Wikipedia.
European cultural months
From 1992 to 2003 there were also the so-called European cultural months. They were similar to the Capital of Culture years, but were shorter and less extensive.
| year | city | country | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Krakow |  Poland | |
| 1993 | Graz |  Austria | |
| 1994 | Budapest |  Hungary | |
| 1995 | Nicosia |  Cyprus | |
| 1996 | St. Petersburg |  Russia | |
| 1997 | Ljubljana |  Slovenia | |
| 1998 | Linz | Austria | |
| 1998 | Valetta |  Malta | |
| 1999 | Plovdiv |  Bulgaria | |
| 2000 | no | ||
| 2001 | Basel |  Switzerland | |
| 2001 | Riga |  Latvia | |
| 2002 | no | ||
| 2003 | St. Petersburg | Russia |
literature
Andreas Salewski: Páfos - European Capital of Culture. Travel guide, 184 pages, with lots of pictures and travel tips. Achter-Verlag Weinheim 2017, ISBN 978-3-9-8176-745-2
