Nicosia and Pafos are the two candidate cities that were preselected for the designation of the European Capital of Culture in 2017, outbidding the third candidate city, Limassol.

The decision, taken by a special selection committee, comprised by experts, was announced by European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou, during a Press Conference at the Ministry of Education and Culture, in Nicosia.

Vassiliou said the preselected candidacies will have the chance to work further on their bid, before the final selection stage, on September 2012, when the team of experts will finalize its decision. The city to host the European Capital of Culture is expected to be announced on May 2013 by the Council of Ministers of the EU, the Commissioner noted.

She further said that early January a report by the team of experts will be made available, containing suggestions to both candidate cities on how to improve their bids. The report will also explain the reasons for deciding against the Limassol bid, the Commissioner said.

Speaking on the broader goals of the European Capital of Culture, Vassiliou referred to the promotion and celebration of Europe’s rich cultural heritage and of common understanding and intercultural dialogue.

Minister of Education and Culture Giorgos Demosthenous said from his part that his Ministry will reinforce financially the final selection with 5 mln euros for covering the city’s operational costs, starting from 2013.