RIGA, Jan 29 (LETA) - Valmiera has also submitted its bid for the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2027, the city's spokeswoman Kristine Melevce told LETA.

The decision was supported by Valmiera city council on January 28. The goals of the program will be to promote the city's and county's economic growth, development of nationally and internationally competitive culture environment, renovation of culture infrastructure, recognition on national and international level, development of educated, active, creative and environmentally friendly society.

As reported, Latvian local governments may submit their applications for running for the European Capital of Culture to the Culture Ministry by June 4.

In 2027, the title of European Capital of Culture will be awarded to one Latvian city and one Portuguese city. This is the second opportunity for Latvia to receive the title of European Capital of Culture. In 2014, the title was awarded to two European cities - the capital of Latvia, Riga and Umea in Sweden.

So far, also Liepaja, Jurmala, Cesis, Jekabpils, Kuldiga, Daugavpils and Jelgava, Jurmala together with Tukums county have voiced their readiness to run for the title