Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033

The Committee on Culture and Education unanimously adopted the recommendation for second reading contained in the report by Marco SCURRIA (EPP, IT) on the Council position at first reading in view of the adoption of a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 and repealing Decision No 1622/2006/EC.

The agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council amounts to a realistic and balanced compromise. It provides for:

• a stream-lining of the selection procedure,
• sustainability of infrastructural investments,
• access to additional sources of EU funding, and
• the possibility for a city to lead a regional bid.

The committee also recommended that the European Parliament approve the Council’s first-reading position, without amendment.