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Selection of Cities
Capitals are chosen by an international panel of thirteen members, six of whom are appointed by the country concerned and seven by the EU institutions. While the final decision rests with the Council, their endorsement of the panel's decision is considered a formality.
Candidates must fulfil three main criteria: integrating a true European dimension, reinforcing cooperation among EU countries with the support of the public and highlighting the role of the city in the formation and development of culture in Europe.
Successful candidates must also devise a programme with a lasting impact that contributes to the long-term cultural, economic and social development of the city concerned.
Selection process for 2016 in Spain and in Poland
For 2016 there was announced on 30.9.2010 in the case of Spain the short-list of cities who made it further than the first round consisting of 15 cities. The cities now preparing more fully their bid are Burgos, Córdoba, San Sebastián, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Segovia and Zaragoza. Malaga was one of the cities which did not make it. In the final end, San Sebastian made it.
As for Poland, from the final five cities - Gdansk, Warszawa, Lublin, Katowice and Wroclaw - Wroclaw made it. For the final report of this selection procedure see
http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/doc/ecoc/selection_report_poland2016_en.pdf
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After the consultation process took place in 2010-11, the EU Commission published a report of its findings to allow for further considerations as to how the selection process should look like beyond 2019:
« EU Commission | Keys to Success »