RIGA - Latvia's capital city Riga beat out Cesis and Liepaja for the nomination of being 2014 European Capital of Culture.
"Riga has great potential for being the European Capital of Culture," said EU education and culture commissioner Jan Figel.
Riga, together with the Northern Swedish town of Umea as joint European Capital of Culture in 2014 announced the European Commission.
"Bearing this title for one year will certainly place this city in thespotlight and create enormous potential for it to develop locally andraise its profile across Europe," added Figel.
The decision will be made formal in May of 2010 by the EU council of ministers.
"But success will not be automatic: to benefitfully, Riga will have to develop its program for 2014 and be givenall the political and economic support needed. This is the beginning ofa great adventure!" wrote Figel in a statement.
The cities vying forthe title have to prepare a cultural program meeting fairly strictcriteria relating to the European dimension of the event and theparticipation of its citizens.TheEuropean dimension is illustrated by the subjects chosen and thecooperation between artists and players in the cultural field invarious countries, all working together for the event.Theprogram must also have a lasting impact and contribute to thelong-term cultural, economic and social development of the city.
