Next year the European Union's European Capital of Culture programme will celebrate its first 40 years. An important date as we have already written here.

It is an honour to have participated these days in the meeting organised by Eu Japan fest in Tokyo to present some of the most interesting Japanese artists to all the European capitals of culture.

If there is one person who knows the world of European cultural capitals better than anyone, it is Sylvain Pasqua. And not only because of his professional role, but also because he cares about the future of a united Europe and its cities.

The picture of the next European Capitals of Culture is becoming more and more defined.

The European Capital of Culture competition desired by the European Union is about to reach an important milestone: the 40th anniversary of its birth. In 2025 this competition will celebrate the so-called “Ruby Wedding” with European cities. A marriage with the many regions of Europe, with the territories which, as in every marriage, has experienced positive aspects, in most cases, and negative aspects.