20/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - Matera and Plovdiv to be European capitals of culture 2019. On Tuesday 19 May, the Culture Council adopted a decision designating Plovdiv (Bulgaria) and Matera (Italy) as European capitals of culture in 2019, based on a Commission recommendation founded on reports from the selection panel and the positive opinion of the European Parliament. Plovdiv will be the first Bulgarian city to become a European capital of culture. After Florence in 1986, Bologna in 2000 and Genoa in 2004, Matera will be the fourth Italian city to carry the title. The European Capitals of Culture initiative was launched in 1985 and over 40 cities have since been designated. The goal is to promote better understanding between European citizens and to strengthen a feeling of European citizenship, while showcasing the richness of European cultures. (IL)