21/09/23 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 20 September, the European capitals expert panel recommended the city of Skopje (North Macedonia) for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028 “beyond the EU”. This category is reserved for EFTA/EEA countries or EU candidate countries. “I am convinced that the city and its region will use this opportunity to reinforce their cultural and social ties with the European Union”, said European Commission Vice-President Margarítis Schinás. The final selection was between Budva (Montenegro) and Skopje. In 2028, there will be two other Capitals of Culture. The first should be České Budějovice, in the Czech Republic, while the second, which will be selected in December, will be in France. (HS)