The inauguration of Chemnitz as ECOC 2025 will take place on 18 January; under the motto “See the Unseen“, the city aims to empower civil society through community-led cultural projects and to create a network of “European Democracy Makers”. Nova Gorica, together with the Italian border town of Gorizia, will start its ECOC journey on 8 February. This cooperation will create the first “European Capital of Culture without Borders“.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said he looked forward to a “whole year of celebrations showcasing the diversity, identities and values of European cultures while highlighting what brings European citizens together in celebration of our diversity, identities and values. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the impact of this prestigious initiative over the last 40 years.”

The European Capital of Culture title enables cities to boost their local and regional development through culture. It also provides long-term cultural, economic and social benefits for cities and their surrounding regions.

To be selected for the 2025 initiative, cities had to establish a cultural programme with a strong European dimension and promote the active participation of their city’s communities. In recognition of the quality of their preparations, the Commission has awarded the two European Capitals of Culture for 2025 the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize (funded by the Creative Europe Programme). Commissioner Micallef will present the Mercouri Prize during his participation in the opening ceremony of Chemnitz on 18 January, where he will also deliver a speech.

More information is available on the European Commission’s website.