At the request of the Ville d'Esch-sur-Alzette, the Government cabinet has agreed in principle with respect to state funding of the project "European Capital of Culture 2022"; the Ville d'Esch-sur-Alzette is preparing its candidacy in cooperation with other municipalities in the Pro-Sud municipal association and neighbouring municipalities.
The government plans to fund 67% of the total estimated budget of €62 million.
The title of European Capital of Culture is awarded each year to a maximum of one city in each of two Member States - for the year 2022, the two Members States entitled to host the European Capital of Culture action are Luxembourg and Lithuania.
Last July, the Luxembourg government, through the Ministry of Culture, launched an open call for applications for cities to host the European Capital of Culture 2022. The award criteria include 1. Contribution to the long-term strategy; 2. European dimension; 3. Cultural and artistic content; 4. Capacity to deliver; 5. Outreach; 6. Management.
In addition, the city is expected to receive the Melina Mercouri prize (worth €1.5m).
