To mark the 30th anniversary of the European Capitals of Culture initiative, EU Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Commissioner Tibor Navracsics participated in a number of events in Mons (Belgium), the 2015 Capital of Culture together with Plzeň (Czech Republic).

Speaking at the events, Navracsics said:“Becoming a European Capital of Culture brings a breath of fresh air to cities, boosting their economic and social development. It is a great example of how culture can bring people together and help us to better understand each other and our shared communities.”

Over the three preceding decades, 50 cities across Europe benefitted from this award, which has matured into one of the most ambitious and recognizable cultural projects across Europe. The European Capitals of Culture has helped place art and culture at the centre of cities’ development, increasing tourism and investment and rejuvenating urban communities across Europe.

As part of celebrations in Mons, Navracsics joined Mons mayor and former Belgian PM Elio di Rupo and other members of the town council to dedicate a street in the Walloon city to Melina Mercouri, who came up with the idea.

Athens had been the first European Capital of Culture in 1985.