21/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Opening of festivities in Kosice. On 20 January, European Commissioner for Culture Androulla Vassiliou officially kicked off activities in Kosice, the Slovak city that is European Capital of Culture 2013, along with Marseilles. Vassiliou was accompanied by Slovak Vice-President of the Commission Maros Sefcovic for the occasion, and she hailed the “very special moment” that this event means for Kosice, the first Slovak city to hold this honour. “I am sure that the city, region and country will seize this opportunity to boost long-term development and make the most of the cultural, economic and social benefits that the year will bring”, Vassiliou said. (IL/transl.fl)