Brussels, 11/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European panel in charge of monitoring preparations by the 2014 European Capitals of Culture, Riga (Latvia) and Umea (Sweden), has recommended that the European Commission should award them the Melina Mercouri Prize in recognition of the work they have achieved. Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner responsible for Culture said: “I congratulate both cities on their thorough preparations”. The second monitoring meeting on the 2014 Capitals of Culture took place in Brussels in April. In its report, the European panel congratulates the two cities on the quality of their preparations and recommends they be awarded the Melina Mercouri Prize. The programme prepared by the two cities includes a strong European dimension, reflected in the themes chosen and through the involvement of artists and cultural operators participating in the events.
As part of its culture programme, the European Union usually provides €1.5 million for each European Capital of Culture, to help them fund their cultural events. Since 2010, this funding has been in the form of a prize in honour of Melina Mercouri and is awarded in recognition of the quality of preparations as a capital of culture. This prize, however, is not automatic and the host city must respect the commitments made during the selection phase and follow the recommendations by the monitoring and assessment panel, particularly by ensuring the European dimension of the themes chosen. (IL/transl.fl)