The meeting held in Brussels with representatives of the European Commission, and in particular with Marie Imbert, Coordinator of the European Capitals of Culture, provided a valuable opportunity for discussion and in-depth analysis at this early stage of the process, thanks also to the contribution of an authoritative figure who will guide the development of the bid with advice and guidance.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Pesaro, Daniele Vimini, and the Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Urbino, Lara Ottaviani, accompanied on this occasion by MEP Matteo Ricci, who, whilst still Mayor of Pesaro, had already initiated discussions with the European Commission itself regarding the path towards 2033.

The discussion also clearly outlined the timeframe within which to proceed: the first expression of interest is expected in early 2027, whilst the actual call for proposals will follow in the subsequent months, between late 2027 and early 2028. This timeline reinforces the need to continue, right from now, the work of listening, co-designing and compiling the application dossier, drawing on the wealth of experience, relationships and expertise gained over recent years.

The proposal presented in Brussels attracted attention precisely because it consistently embodies the European spirit of the bid: not a bid by a single city, but a polycentric project uniting Pesaro and Urbino and involving the entire province. It is the same vision that, ever since the end of Matera 2019, had accompanied the announcement of the intention to run together towards 2033, with the aim of making the bid a shared resource for the whole province.

It is upon this foundation that the tangible legacy of Pesaro 2024 is now built, having successfully extended its reach to the 50 municipalities in the area, thereby establishing a widespread model of participation and cultural planning. This experience represents a decisive strength with a view to 2033 as well, as it demonstrates how the success of Pesaro 2024 can evolve into a new era for Europe, founded on institutional collaboration, regional growth and the active involvement of local communities.

In this context, the town of Fano plays a particularly significant role, alongside the region’s other major centres, as part of a network capable of bringing together the province’s cultural, tourist and industrial strengths. This role now appears even more strategic in light of the recent discovery of the Basilica of Vitruvius, unearthed during excavations in the heart of the city: a find of extraordinary scientific and cultural value that strengthens Fano’s international profile and enhances the potential of the entire province within the European narrative of the bid. The mayor of Urbino rang the mayor of Fano to explain that this meeting in Brussels would take place to gather useful information for the bid project and that a joint meeting involving all three cities would soon be held to ensure Fano’s direct involvement in the project.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of naturally involving the local areas of the Marche Region, as well as the regional authority itself, in the belief that a strong candidacy must stem from a broad, regional and multi-level alliance capable of strengthening the European profile of the entire Marche system. With this in mind, the agreed working plans envisage the full involvement of the other four provincial capitals of the Marche – Ancona, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno – dedicating an entire quarter to each, and thus a specific programme season within the Capital’s year, in order to showcase their identities, projects and cultural networks. It will be natural to begin this journey in Ancona, building on and as a legacy of the ‘Ancona 2028 Italian Capital of Culture’ project, by fostering dialogue between national and European trajectories and systematising the experiences gained by the regional capital.

During the meeting, the importance of establishing stable relationships with past and future European Capitals of Culture, as well as with Italian Capitals of Culture, was also emphasised, with a view to developing co-planning initiatives, exchanging expertise and building international partnerships.

The same approach applies to neighbouring regions and to planning that transcends administrative boundaries, forging connections at an interregional level as well. The candidacy of Pesaro and Urbino for 2033 could, in fact, become the focal point of a vast cultural area spanning the Adriatic and the Apennines, capable of linking the coast and the hinterland, the Marche region and neighbouring territories, and historical heritage with contemporary innovation.

Work over the coming months will therefore follow the direction set out in Brussels: consolidating the joint initiative between Pesaro and Urbino, strengthening the province’s involvement, expanding the network within the Marche region and across regions, and preparing well in advance for the 2027 event. This journey began some time ago, with its roots in the announcement made at the close of Matera 2019, and today it draws new strength from the credibility built up through Pesaro 2024 and the quality of the joint project presented at European level.