Limassol and Larnaca shortlisted for European Capital of Culture 2030 title in Cyprus

Limassol and Larnaca are the two cities that make up the shortlist of candidate cities in Cyprus in the competition for the European Capital of Culture 2030.

The result was announced by the Chairman of the Expert Group, Anthony Attard, during a press conference held at the Deputy Ministry of Culture, in Nicosia in on 27 February.

Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Kourion were left out of the shortlist. The name of the winning city will be announced in December 2025, at a meeting of the Expert Group.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, stated that the European Capital of Culture competition “highlights the historically important role of cities in shaping cultural identity and in disseminating culture to the wider civil society.” Through the competition, she pointed out, “the common cultural elements of European countries, together with the diversity that simultaneously characterizes European culture, contribute to closer interaction and more substantial mutual understanding among the peoples of Europe.”

Kassianidou stressed that the Republic of Cyprus and in particular the Deputy Ministry of Culture as the managing authority support the institution and the efforts of the candidate cities of Cyprus, “in order to strengthen every form of cultural expression, to create new paths of artistic and intellectual creation, to achieve the coupling of ancient with traditional and modern culture and the interconnection of cultural heritage with tomorrow’s legacy in the culture of Europe.”

At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Culture noted that “through the institution of the European Capital of Culture, Cyprus also highlights its commitment to the sovereign principles and values of the European Union, to the principles of democracy and peace, equality and respect for human rights, including cultural rights.”

“Cypriots are ourselves victims of the violation of cultural rights by Turkey’s illegal, barbaric military invasion of our territories in 1974,” she stressed, adding that “we cannot but be vigilant for their preservation and promotion in our lives and in the lives of every European citizen.”

“Culture must be a key pillar of the strategy of every state, as it contributes to sustainable development and social cohesion,” emphasized the Deputy Minister of Culture, noting that the Government of Nikos Christodoulides “has demonstrated in practice the promotion and support of artistic creation at multiple levels.”

“The interest of cities in claiming the title of Capital of Culture is not accidental, since in addition to the economic benefits, European cooperation and exchange of ideas are also promoted. At the same time, cities are given the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage and enhance creativity and art through cultural dialogue and citizen participation,” said Vasiliki Kassianidou.

“Culture plays a key role in sustainable development and undoubtedly has a significant positive influence on individuals and social communities. Let it be our goal for every city in Cyprus to become a capital of culture,” she concluded.

The Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Nikolaos Isaris, noted that ‘’for the past four decades, the European Capitals of Culture initiative has shown a light on the richness of Europe's cultural diversity and has empowered European cities to highlight their unique character, history and cultural identity.’’ At the same time, he said that the initiative ‘’has promoted mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue among European citizens, while fostering a stronger sense of collective European belonging.’’

‘’The aim is clear. By celebrating culture, we bring European citizens closer together, enabling them to interact in a language of constructive engagement,’’ Isaris said, adding that ‘’the European Capitals of Culture is also about discovery. About new experiences and the continued shaping of a shared legacy.’’ 

‘’The European Capital of Culture initiative has become such an established tradition that it has almost become synonymous with the European project itself’’, he went on to say. ‘’These are signs that involve the European values of a shared history, solidarity, democracy, freedom of speech and mobility, and the fight against all types of discrimination,’’ he pointed out. 

Isaris stated that ‘’becoming a European capital of Culture is perhaps one of the single most impactful actions a city can take to raise its profile in Europe and beyond.’’ As he said, ‘’it's an opportunity for strategic and sustainable investment in culture with the mobilisation and involvement of the local population for the benefit of their daily lives.’’ 

The Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus noted that ‘’the initiative strengthens the bond with the city's own citizens, while it also raises the city's profile to the other 450 million Europeans’’. He also indicated the need for the candidate cities ‘’to outline a vision for the future and for their citizens, a vision of long-term city development with a clear European dimension that puts culture and artistic expression as well as the mobilisation of the local population and civil society at the very heart of their efforts’’. 

Addressing the delegates of the candidate cities, Isaris expressed his certainty ‘’that the bidding process has provided an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, mobilisation and engagement that will serve your cities well in the future, regardless of today's outcome.’’ Furthermore, he congratulated all participating cities and encouraged the shortlisted cities to refine their candidacies until next autumn, when the panel meeting in Cyprus again in December will recommend the final winner.’’

On his part, the Chairman of the Expert Group, Anthony Attard, pointed out that this year marks a significant milestone for the European Capital of Culture initiative. ‘’Forty years after its inception by Melina Merkouri, Europe has indeed changed, as have its cities and citizens, yet its mission to bring Europeans closer together through culture remains as valid, if not more urgent than ever before,’’ he noted.

‘’The road towards 2030 and its legacy will be another opportunity for Cyprus and a Cypriot city to shine even further on the global stage, not just as a cultural connector with Europe, the region and beyond, but also as a creative catalyst for the benefit of its citizens, its artists and communities,’’ he continued. 

‘’Our task as a panel was to analyse each bid along the following six criteria, contribution to the long term strategy, cultural and artistic content, European dimension outreach, management and capacity to deliver,‘’ Attard said. 

(Source: CNA)