WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE?

This title that is granted by the European Parliament, elects a method as a approach and mutual understanding between citizens of the European Union. The project was launched on June 13, 1985 at the initiative of the Greek culture minister, Melina Mercouri.

The European Cultural Capital designation is awarded to two European cities per year, during which they have the opportunity to showcase their cultural activities in relation to the rest of Europe and with it the possibility to transform their cultural structures through the participation and cooperation with the other peoples of Europe.

The objectives of this initiative are:

. Highlight the richness, diversity and shared characteristics of European cultures.

. To promote greater mutual acquaintance knowledge between European citizens. To promote awareness of belonging to the same community "European"

Criteria to be followed in formulating the agenda of the European Capital of Culture:

. To promote cooperation between cultural , artists and cities in the relevant Member States, as also in any sector of culture.

. To highlight the richness of cultural diversity in Europe.

. To highlight the common aspects of the European cultures.

The European Dimension concept covers mainly this two aspects:

Topics.

It refers to the themes that highlights the city's contribution to a common European cultural heritage and emphasize the city's current participation in the European cultural life. This is about the city, showing its European aspects.

. How to organize events that forms the agenda of the event.

The concept of the City and Citizens covers mainly two aspects:

.The people's participation. To Build a European Capital of Culture attractive and participatory.

Lasting nature of the event. It should devise a catalyst event in a medium and long term.