The Irish city of Cork has received the accolade of being “European Capital of Culture” for 2005. Cork will therefore take over the mantle from Lille (France) and Genoa (Italy), which in 2004 held a series of events to “contribute to bringing the peoples of Europe closer together”, as requested by the EU in conferring the annual “title”. Starting this year the procedures for designation have changed, but the original aim remains unvaried (the first “capital” was Athens in 1985), namely that of “fostering the richness, diversity and common characteristics of European cultures” by helping “to improve mutual understanding between European citizens”. The chosen city must organize events that involve exponents of the cultures of other cities of the member states, promote dialogue between the cultures of Europe and other cultures of the world, enhance the urban historical and architectural heritage, and improve quality of life in the city.
