Riga, Feb 4 (LETA) - More than 500 different events are planned in the program of Liepaja 2027, representatives of the Liepaja municipality informed the Culture Ministry on Wednesday.

As Zita Lazdane, Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Department of the foundation Liepaja 2027, informed LETA, the meeting of the Supervisory Board discussed the most important issues regarding the progress, achievements and next steps of the European Capital of Culture program.

Lazdane said that last year was an important preparatory phase, strengthening partnerships, developing the content of the program and laying the groundwork for a wide range of events in the coming years. Particular attention has been paid to project development, international cooperation and ensuring transport infrastructure and accessibility to Liepaja and the regions.

Lazdane revealed that 45 percent of all events in the program are projects developed by core partners, 15 percent - projects developed through open calls for proposals, 40 percent - projects produced by Liepaja 2027.

A wide variety of events will be implemented across the region, with approximately 60 percent of them taking place in Liepaja, approximately 20 percent in Dienvidkurzeme municipality and approximately 20 percent in Kuldiga municipality.

In 2027, the busiest months of the program will be summer - June, July and August.

Around 46 percent of events are expected to have 1,000 to 5,000 visitors, around 17.5 percent - 5,000 to 10,000 visitors, around 12.5 percent - 10,000 and more visitors, and the rest - up to 1,000 visitors.

Lazdane emphasized that targeted international communication activities will continue, strengthening the visibility of Liepaja and the region in the European cultural space and building long-term cooperation.

The Supervisory Board took note of the current budget and future financial plans, emphasizing responsible, transparent and targeted use of resources.

As reported, Liepaja was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2027 in 2022. The final round of the European Capital of Culture 2027 competition was between three Latvian cities - Daugavpils, Liepaja and Valmiera.

The title of European Capital of Culture has been awarded annually since 1985. It is awarded annually to no more than one city in each of the two Member States of the European Union, according to a specific order set out in a calendar. This calendar foresees that in 2027 the title of European Capital of Culture will be awarded to two Member States, Latvia and Portugal.

Each of these two countries will select one city to be awarded the title of European Capital of Culture on the basis of the recommendations set out in the selection report of an international and independent jury, and will notify the award to the EP, the EU Council, the EC and the ERC no later than four years before the year of the European Capital of Culture title.

The two newly selected European Capitals of Culture will also be eligible for the EUR 1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize, as selected by the jury.