TALLINN - Tallinn has been named European Capital of Culture 2011, an honor awarded annually by the European Commission. Tallinn earned the celebrated title for its success in "bringing the peoples of Europe together."
A special nine-member committee announced the news to the Estonian Ministry of Culture on March 28. Tallinn will share the title of European Capital of Culture with its Finnish neighbor, although the specific city has not yet been chosen.
Initially, there were four cities in the running: Tallinn, Tartu, Parnu and Rakvere. By the final round old rivals Tallinn and Tartu 's the country's two largest cities 's were in a close race.
Tallinn City Mayor Juri Ratas said the mark of distinction was excellent news for residents of the capital and all of Estonia.
"The year 2011 will be a very good year for Estonia," Ratas said. The mayor emphasized that, in accordance with Tallinn's plans, the entire country would participate in hosting the cultural event. "I believe that, in the eyes of evaluators, our idea to involve the entire country was one of Tallinn's strongest assets," Ratas said, adding that there had been broad international support for the capital's nomination.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Kaia Jappinen said she was eager to sign a cooperation agreement with Estonia's runner-up city.
"The work of the Tartu team definitely deserves recognition, and we hope all of their best ideas will be carried out in 2011, if not earlier," Jappinen said. This appeased Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom, who had expressed hope that Tartu would be nominated as European Capital of Culture during his speech at the city's Town Hall.
"I hope the residents of Tallinn won't be annoyed when I say that Tartu is the cultural capital of Estonia and hopefully will become the cultural capital of Europe," Solyom said before the official nomination was announced.
The president mentioned his hometown of Pecs, Hungary, which has won the distinguished title for 2010.
Solyom was in Tartu on an official visit, meeting with Mayor Laine Janes and Tartu University rector Jaak Aaviksoo. He was accompanied by Estonian President Arnold Ruutel.
