Sarajevo: With Sarajevo as Europe's Capital of Culture 2014 we could send an important signal. Doris Pack MEP

The European Parliament today decided to call on the Commission and the Council to award the Title of European Capital of Culture exceptionally to Sarajevo in 2014. The Chairwoman of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament, Doris Pack MEP, said: "Sarajevo holds a special place in Europe's history and culture. With this nomination, we could send an important signal for the multi-ethnic character of the city and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which could cause a change of thinking in the political factor of the country. Furthermore, this city shows how much Europe has failed and how important it is to work together."

It would be particularly significant as Sarajevo was the scene of the attack that triggered the First World War in 1914. During the war in Bosnia from 1992 to 1996, Sarajevo endured the longest siege in the history of modern warfare.

"In the most difficult of circumstances, the city has preserved and cared for its intercultural character. For this reason, the city deserves to prove its immense intercultural potential", concluded Doris Pack. Sarajevo has applied for this title in exceptional circumstances and has already made extensive preparations.

For further information:
Doris Pack MEP, Tel: +33-3-88177310
Stella Mancini, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-473-866138

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.