Aarhus en Paphos Europese Cultuurhoofdsteden 2017, Valletta Cultuurhoofdstad in 2018 (en)
On 17 May, the Council officially designated Aarhus (Denmark) and Paphos (Cyprus) as European Capitals of Culture 2017. 1
Valetta, in Malta, was also designated - one year ahead of the normal time schedule so as to have sufficient time to prepare the city for the event- as one of the two European Capitals of Culture 2018. 1
A Dutch city - which will be designated next year - will also hold the title in 2018.
Choosing a city starts around six years in advance and involves a panel of independent experts in the cultural field responsible for assessing the proposals.
The formal designation of these three cities as European Capitals of Culture is not the end but the beginning of the process to the success of the event.
Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe.
1 In accordance to Decision No 1622/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006