Vilnius launches Capital of Culture year in EU parliament

Lithuanian MEPs have welcomed the launch of a programme celebrating the country's capital, Vilnius as next year’s European Capital of Culture.

In an official launch in the European parliament, ALDE deputy Jolanta Dickute said the occasion offered a chance to “showcase" the best of the country’s culture and heritage.

She said, “I am delighted the city was chosen for this prestige event. It is a beautiful city and I hope we can live up to all the high expectations.”

Her comments were echoed by Lithuanian EPP deputy Laima Andrikiene, who said, “It is a great opportunity and I am sure we will rise to the occasion.”

Another of the country’s MEPs, Socialist member Justas Paleckis, commented, "The year 2009 is the best opportunity to see the unique capital of a new EU member state, situated at the centre of the continent, at the crossroads of many cultures, languages, religions and architectural styles."

Lithuania will meet the bulk of the estimated €110m cost of the programme. Vilnius is sharing next year's event with the Austrian city of Linz.

Elona Bajoriniene, director of the Vilnius culture programme, told this website, “In Lithuania, we are, to some extent, still living in a sort of twilight zone, whereby the country is still relatively unknown to the rest of Europe.

“I am sure this event will give us the chance to demonstrate what a wonderful country it is and open us up to the rest of the world."

She said there would be an “extensive” programme encompassing more than 900 events throughout the year, many of them free of charge to the public.

She said the concept behind the 2009 programme is “Culture Live“, which she said means that everyone will be invited to become an artist in Vilnius.

She said, “Not only the professional artists but every resident and visitor to the city will be invited to come and create."

Speaking in parliament, Rytis Martikonis, Lithuania’s permanent representative to the EU, said, "Vilnius is the most important city for Lithuanians. I believe that next year, when Lithuania will celebrate its millennium anniversary and five years of membership of the EU, Vilnius, as the European Capital of Culture, will become an important city for the whole of Europe."

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