Brussels, 10/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - The panel responsible for selecting the European Capital of Culture for 2015 recommended after its meeting in Prague that the title be awarded to Pilsen. The other Czech city still in the running was Ostrava. “Pilsen presented a high quality bid, full of energy and creativity. I am confident that Pilsen will prepare an exciting programme of events, with a strong European dimension, which will appeal to the public at large”, commented Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.
In accordance with the 2006 decision establishing the European Capital of Culture, the Czech Republic and Belgium will be the two host member states in 2015. In February 2010, the panel had recommended the Belgian town of Mons for the title. The Council of Ministers will officially designate Mons during November 2010 and Pilsen in May 2011.