The Riigikogu supports continuation of the European Capitals of Culture action

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali pointed out that both Tallinn and Tartu were very good examples of the impact of the title, and culture as an economic sector. “Thanks to the title of the Capital of Culture, Tallinn opened up to the sea in 2011 with the creation of the Culture Kilometre. Many of the initiatives that have been launched in Tartu as part of the European Capital of Culture programme are planned to be continued after the end of this year, so the benefits will be long-lasting there as well.”

“Capitals of Culture get a lot of attention, the title brings visibility and tourists to the cities and their surrounding areas, but there is more. Through the European Union’s Capital of Culture action, culture can be developed as an economic sector,” Tali said. “Of course, for us, it is also important for us to preserve cultural identity, promote cultural history and create wider networks.”

The positions approved by the European Union Affairs Committee state that Estonia considers it important to continue with the Capital of Culture action, but it is also necessary to ensure the conditions that would allow the municipalities and cities of small countries to compete for the title. Estonia also believes that it is important to involve cultural experts who are familiar with the circumstances of the candidate country in the election process of the Capital of Culture. Estonia also thinks that the European Capital of Culture prize should be larger in order to raise the quality of the initiative.

The positions of the Government on the public consultation for the 2024 interim evaluation of the European Capitals of Culture action were presented by Minister of Culture Heidy Purga and Adviser on European Union Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Kadri Jauram. The European Union Affairs Committee decided by consensus to support the positions presented by the Government, taking into account the opinion of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

The aim of the consultation is, among other things, to provide input for the selection of the European Capitals of Culture after 2033. By today, the title of the European Capital of Culture has been awarded to more than 60 cities.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu supports continuation of the European Capitals of Culture action

Source: Parliament of Estonia