The expression of interest launched last November, ended on 31 March this year and Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) received nominations from two authentic pearls of Maltese beauty and charm: Birgu for Malta and Victoria for Gozo.In managing the nomination process, Victoria seems to be one step ahead, having already established the Foundation that will manage the process.

The Gozo Regional Council has announced the official registration of the Victoria 2031 Foundation, marking a significant milestone in Gozo's cultural development. Completed on April 3, 2024, this crucial step enables the foundation to commence its mission to spearhead Gozo's bid for the prestigious title of European City of Culture 2031, the regional council said in a statement. 

“Formed with the vision of harnessing Gozo's rich cultural tapestry, the Victoria 2031 Foundation is committed to creating a bid that reflects the aspirations and values of the entire community. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the foundation will engage stakeholders, organizations, and the public through participatory processes and extensive research,” the regional council said. 

"We are thrilled to announce the registration of the Victoria 2031 Foundation, a pivotal moment in Gozo's cultural journey towards the European Capital of Culture 2031" said Dr. Samuel Azzopardi, President of the Gozo Region. "Our mission is to showcase the vibrant heritage of Gozo while fostering unity and creativity within our community." 

Victoria, also known among the native Maltese as Rabat (which is the name of the old town centre) or by its title Città Victoria, is an administrative unit of Malta, and the main town on Gozo. Victoria has a total population of 6,901 (as of March 2014), and is the most populous settlement in Gozo.

The area around the town, situated on a hill near the centre of the island, has been settled since Neolithic times. Victoria is the name given on 10 June 1887 by the British government on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, at the request of Pietro Monsignor Pace, Bishop of Gozo (Monsignor Pace later became Sir Pietro Monsignor Pace, Titular Archbishop of Rhodes and Bishop of Malta). However, many Gozitans, mainly older Gozitans, still often refer to it by the name Rabat. It is usually known as Rabat, Gozo to distinguish it from the town of Rabat on the main island of Malta.

Birgu also known by its title Città Vittoriosa ('Victorious City'), is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour in the South Eastern Region of Malta. The city occupies a promontory of land with Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. Birgu is ideally situated for safe anchorage, and over time it has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities.

Birgu is a very old locality with its origins in medieval times. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as capital and main city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands would need to obtain control of Birgu due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. In fact, it served as the base of the Order of Saint John and de facto capital city of Malta from 1530 to 1571. Birgu is well known for its vital role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.

In the early 20th century, Birgu had a population of over 6000 people. Over the years this decreased, and stood at 2,629 in March 2014. The local population speaks the Cottonera dialect, which is, however, most limited in Birgu.