The EU Commissioner and Ministers confirmed the designation of Donostia-San Sebastian (Basque Country) and Wroclaw (Poland) as 2016 European Capital of Culture.
The Commissioner and Ministers at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council of the European Union confirmed officially the designation of Donostia-San Sebastian (Basque Country) and Wroclaw (Poland) as 2016 European Capital of Culture.
The Council’s confirmation was the last step in the designation as European Capital of Culture before a jury supervises the preparations for the announced schedule.
Donostia-San Sebastian was chosen from among six Spanish cities – including Burgos, Córdoba, Las Palmas, Segovia and Zaragoza – to share the title with Polish city Wroclaw in 4 years´ time.
Under the slogan «peace and co-existence», Donostia-San Sebastian’s candidacy was based on exploring the ways in which culture and education can contribute to building a diverse, pluralistic and peaceful Europe. A total of ten people made up the delegation from the Gipuzkoa capital, including mayor Juan Karlos Izagirre and his predecessor Odon Elorza.
The panel was made up of thirteen cultural experts, six of which were named by the country in question (Spain), more specifically its Minister of Culture. The remaining seven were selected by the European Parliament. The final result was a joint decision agreed by the Euro Chamber and the Council of the European Union.