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.

The multidisciplinary network "CECCUT" aims to analyse the European Capital of Culture initiative as a tool for urban cohesion in cross-border areas of the European Union. The focus will be on three main themes proposed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union concerning the European Capitals of Culture for the period 2020-2033.

There is no recovery or future for Europe without culture. The European cultural ecosystem is convinced that Europe needs a new Cultural Deal, a transversal, overarching framework that should demonstrate the EU’s political commitment to place culture at the heart of the European project.