Connecting citizens with European Capitals of Culture

On 26 January, Renew Europe CoR President François Decosterjoined a delegation of CoR members to Tartu, Estonia, to launch the city as one of the 2024 European Capitals of Culture under the slogan "Arts of Survival".

Several liberal leaders met to exchange knowledge and know-how on the organisation and impact of initiatives by European Capitals of Culture.

This visit was organised by CoR member and Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas, from ALDE Party member Eesti Reformierakond, as part of Renew Europe CoR's initiative to work together and connect citizens with Europe through European Capitals of Culture. 

Last year, Decoster travelled to Timișoara, Romania for the launch of the 2023 European Capital of Culture, and discussed with Mayor Dominic Fritz how culture can play an important role in municipalities.

In 2024, there will be three European Capitals of Culture: Bad Ischl (Austria), Bodø (Norway) and Tartu (Estonia).

In 2025, the liberal city of Nova Gorica (Slovenia) will become the next European Capital of Culture, followed by Oulu (Finland) in 2026 and Liepaja (Latvia) in 2027.

The European Capital of Culture initiative uses culture as a tool to regenerate European cities and boost entrepreneurship and tourism, providing a yearlong celebration of local arts and culture.