Skopje, September 21 — Skopje has been declared the European City of Culture for 2028. The decision was announced at the House of European History in Brussels, after the presentation of the programs of the two finalists Skopje and Budva, Montenegro.
In 2028, the capital city of Macedonia will share the title with České Budějovice, Czech Republic and a city in France, yet to be designated in December 2023.
"The program will begin implementation in January 2024, and during the following years, united Macedonian and European artists will participate in hundreds of cultural events that will culminate in 2028", the mayor of Skopje, Danela Arsovska said after the decision was announced. The city of Skopje announced the idea of candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2014 as part of the city's European integration efforts.
In the period from 1985 to 2021, this title was awarded to about 60 cities from 30 European countries, including several cities from Southeast Europe, and since 2021 also to cities from candidate countries for the European Union.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting our European Way of Life said:
In 2028, we will once again have a European Capital of Culture beyond the European Union. After Novi Sad (Serbia) in 2022 and the upcoming Bodø (Norway) in 2024, it will be the turn of the city of Skopje (North Macedonia) to take on the mantle for a year.
I am convinced that the city and its region will use this opportunity to reinforce their cultural and social ties with the European Union. I hope that this title will also boost the city’s cultural vibrancy and ambitions, bring culture and cultural heritage right to the heart of its various communities and promote intercultural dialogue in the region.
I am confident that the city of Skopje (North Macedonia) will reap the long-term cultural, economic and social benefits that the European Capital of Culture title can bring.
More information on following link: https://culture.ec.europa.eu/news/skopje-recommended-to-become-the-european-capital-of-culture-2028-in-a-candidate-country