Larnaca was officially declared the European Capital of Culture for 2030 on Thursday after an intense battle with the rival city of Limassol.

The expert group that issued the final verdict consisted of ten members appointed by the European Commission, as well as two Cypriot experts selected by the Deputy Minister of Culture.

Earlier this year, the deputy minister approved an increase in financial assistance to the program from six million to ten million euros.

The Municipality of Nicosia congratulated Limassol and Larnaca on reaching the final of the competition, calling this achievement recognition of their commitment to the promotion of European cultural creativity and heritage.

It was stated that the municipality would continue to support the chosen city and the wider importance of the institution for Cyprus and European cooperation.

Limassol expressed satisfaction with reaching the final round, and the Municipality of Larnaca stated that it was thrilled with the outcome and proclaimed its vision of a city that is “open, sustainable and accessible.”

Cyprus will share the title of European capital in 2030 with one Belgian city (Leuven, Molenbeek or Namur) and one city from a non-EU country.

Among the eligible countries are EU candidate countries, potential candidate Kosovo, and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Lviv in Ukraine and Niksic in Montenegro have already submitted applications.

This will be the second time Cyprus will accept this title, after Paphos in 2017, which shared this honor with Aarhus in Denmark.

The announcement ends the intense struggle between Larnaca and Limassol, both cities have spent years meeting the expectations of the European Capital of Culture institution.

In the months leading up to the final assessment, Larnaca received support from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and Minister Kostas Koumis often used the podium to promote the city.

Koumis expressed the need for coordinated planning, effective cooperation between private business and the state, as well as a communication strategy that reinforces the unique character of Larnaca.

The tourism sector of Larnaca has been steadily developing, reaching a 13.4% share in the national tourist flow, and now the city offers about 6,000 places in 100 accommodation facilities.

Local cultural organizations also played a central role in revitalizing Larnaca’s bid.

The organization “Larnaca 2030”, which has played an important role in shaping the cultural narrative of the city, has launched a series of local initiatives aimed at revitalizing the outskirts of the city.

Led by local artist Antonis Giarridis, the event included visual exhibitions, outdoor studios, music, and group dinners.

Limassol has conducted an equally determined campaign. Mayor Yannis Armeftis praised the dedication and enthusiasm of the Limassol 2030 team and the civic pride of the city’s residents.

Limassol’s reputation as a cultural and economic hub formed the basis of his application, backed up by months of preparation and a wide network of participants who sought to showcase Limassol’s cosmopolitan energy.

The Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Viras, described the city’s path since applying in 2022 as a “collective effort.”

He acknowledged that the competition with Limassol “was fierce,” but expressed confidence in Larnaca’s ability to offer “significant cultural value in return.”

https://russiancyprus.news/news/society/hotly-contested-bid-sees-larnaca-crowned-eu-cultural-capital-for-2030/