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Friday, September 24, 2004

Sibiu, European Capital of Culture 2007

The fact that Sibiu was chosen, along with Luxembourg, as the European Capital of Culture 2007 is, at least in my opinion one of the the city's mayor, Klaus Johannis, glory.

The city’s officials initially wanted Sibiu to run for this title for 2008. But at the beginning of this year, in February, they received the invitation from Luxembourg to run together with them in 2007.

Sibiu's application had the considerable advantage of being supported by the Luxembourg Duchy, which had already taken all the necessary steps for the candidacy and was interested in sharing this title with Sibiu. It was an occasion Sibiu could not afford to miss, because this type of support was very important.

Why did Luxembourg want to support Sibiu, and how did the nomination procedure go?
Klaus Johannis explains it: "The explanation is to be found in the common history of Hermannstadt and Luxembourg: the first settlers who founded the city on the banks of Cibin, Villa Hermanni (later called Hermannsdorf, and then Hermannstadt) in the 12th century originated from the area where nowadays lays the Great Duchy of Luxembourg. Luxembourg inhabitants and Sibiu Saxons have had the joy of discovering that they can even today talk and understand each other in a language, which, although it evolved over time, still keeps many common traits. On April 5 2004 Sibiu took the exam to become the European Capital of Culture 2007. The project was presented in Brussels in front of the European Commission and the jury. At the end of April, the jury of the European Commission recommended Sibiu for the title of the European Cultural Capital of 2007. The news came at the end of May: Sibiu was chosen, following the final vote from the Council of Ministers of Cultures of the European Union, as European Capital of Culture 2007. The 25 ministers of culture voted unanimously for Luxembourg and Sibiu to be selected for this title together. The vote of the council of ministers was the final point of the nomination procedure that had begun in February."

We, as Romanians, and especially the ones involved in the Tourism Business, are of course very happy and proud the Sibiu project was successful. It is a fantastic opportunity both for the Romanian business and culture. The timing is important both for Sibiu and Romania as 2007 is the date when we are supposed to enter the European Union. As much honor as this title gives us, it is also an obligation. A lot of hard work lies ahead of the Sibiu inhabitants. In two years they have to settle many things. They are not dealing with a complete and coherent cultural program but also with infrastructure problems. In 2007 Sibiu will be a passport for Romania, a passport to Europe.

As Klaus said:"The mission sure is pleasant but we know it won't be easy"

The Jury and the European Comission said that the Sibiu 2007 program's strong points are its multiculturalism, its European dimension, the organizational structure and its sustainability.

Posted by Cristian C. Francu : 9/24/2004 01:42:00 pm