Larnaca: Larnaca has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2030, representing Cyprus in a prestigious cultural initiative. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Deputy Ministry of Culture in Nicosia, where it was revealed that Larnaca emerged victorious over Limassol in the final phase of the competition.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou emphasized that the selection process followed stringent regulations to ensure fair treatment of all candidates. The Cypriot city will share this esteemed title with Leuven, Belgium, and Niksic, Montenegro. Kassianidou also announced an increase in funding for the European Capital of Culture from 6.5 million to 10 million euros, supporting the winning city's cultural initiatives from 2026 to 2031.
Kassianidou praised the efforts of all candidate municipalities, including Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, and West Limassol, for their dedication to promoting culture both in Cyprus and Europe. She highlighted the hard work of Larnaca and Limassol teams during the final phase, acknowledging their commitment to cultural development.
The Deputy Minister reiterated the significance of the European Capital of Culture initiative, which underscores the role of cities as cultural hubs. Winning this title is expected to bring recognition and development opportunities, allowing Cyprus to showcase its rich cultural heritage and modern creative potential.
Kassianidou also noted the initiative's alignment with the government's goal of positioning Cyprus as a cultural gateway between Europe and other regions. She commended both Larnaca and Limassol for their contributions to cultural progress and emphasized the state's commitment to supporting these efforts.
Richard Khnel from the European Commission echoed these sentiments, recognizing the initiative's role in fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding across Europe. He applauded Larnaca and Limassol for their strong proposals, encouraging them to continue promoting cultural diversity and European values.
Toni Attard, Chairman of the Committee of Experts, expressed gratitude to both cities for their compelling bids and acknowledged the difficulty in making the final decision. The announcement of Larnaca's selection was met with enthusiasm and marks a significant milestone for the city.