After a two-day meeting in Brussels, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture Expert panel announced on 25 September that the city of Bodø has been recommended for the European Capital of Culture 2024 title in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate to EU membership.
Two cities from Bosnia and Herzegovina was also in competition, Banja Luka and Mostar.
Started in 1985, European Capitals of Culture have developed into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the EU’s most appreciated activities.
The goal of the scheme is more relevant than ever: it is to provide Europeans with opportunities to learn more about each other’s cultures, to enjoy their shared history and values and to experience the feeling of belonging to the same community.
Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner responsible for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, said:
“In 2024, we will once again have a European Capital of Culture beyond the European Union. After Novi Sad (Serbia) in 2021, it will be the turn of Bodø to be under the spotlight for a year. I am convinced that the city and its region will use this opportunity to reinforce their cultural and other connections with the European Union. I hope that this title will also boost the city’s cultural vibrancy and ambitions, bring culture and cultural heritage right to the heart of its various communities and promote intercultural dialogue in the region. Visitors from all over Europe and beyond will have the possibility to discover the city and its cultural assets, but also to appreciate the diversity of cultures on our continent. I am confident that Bodø will reap the long-term cultural, economic and social benefits that the European Capital of Culture title can bring.“
Source: europa.ba
