06/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – In 2023, three cities will share the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’: Elefsina in Greece, Timișoara in Romania and Veszprém in Hungary. This is the result of a long wait as the pandemic disrupted the schedule (see EUROPE 12577/22). The Vice-President of the European Commission, Margarítis Schinás, will visit Athens on Monday 9 January for a handover event. The aim of this recognition is not only to highlight the cultural diversity of the EU, but also to boost tourism and contribute to the development of cities. To be eligible, applicants must develop a cultural programme with a strong European dimension that encourages citizen participation. In 2022, Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), Kaunas (Lithuania), Novi Sad (Serbia) were honoured. (HS)