European Capitals of Culture: Current issues and future prospects

Between 1985 and 2012, 45 cities have held the title of European Capital of Culture. The success of the initial concept was such that in 1999, the Council of the EU transformed it into a Community action, and created a more transparent rotational system for the designation of the titleholder. Nowadays, the European Capitals of Culture are mainly seen as a "mega-event" backed by private investment and sponsorship which, along with the symbolic celebration of European cultural identities, is closely tied to the economic success of the operation.