The Importance of Culture for the Development of Europe’s Regions and Cities

The 10th meeting of the EDUC Commission and international conference on The Importance of Culture for the Development of Europe’s Regions and Cities, was held on 28 September 2011 in Sofia.

Members of the Commission for Education, Youth, Culture and Research (EDUC) with the Committee of the Regions gathered in Sofia. The main focus of the agenda was the European Capital of Culture initiative: its perspectives, how to render its effects more durable and sustainable, and how to streamline the selection process.

The meeting was followed in the afternoon by a conference of regional and local authorities  from all over Europe on The Importance of Culture for the Development of Europe's Regions and Cities. The participants were addressed by Androulla Vassiliou, Member of the European Commission.

„I am delighted that you have decided to address such important topic The Importance of Culture for the Development of Europe's Regions and Cities. This subject is close to my heart. I am convinced that culture has a central role to play in European economy recovery”. Commissioner Vassiliоu emphasizes “that this conference takes place in the capital city in a new member state” in the moment when her team is working on proposals for the new phase of European Capital of Culture beyond 2019 and Sofia conference “could not have come at the better time”.

The city of Sofia was chosen to host this important event after a contested competition with other European cities.