European Capitals of Culture: an initiative putting culture at the heart of European cities with EU support for a yearlong celebration of art and culture. 

The European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) initiative is designed to:

• Highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe 
• Celebrate the cultural features Europeans share 
• Increase European citizens' sense of belonging to a common cultural area 
• Foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities 

In addition to this, experience has shown that the event is an excellent opportunity for: 

• Regenerating cities
• Raising the international profile of cities
• Enhancing the image of cities in the eyes of their own inhabitants 
• Breathing new life into a city's culture 
• Boosting tourism