The city of Novi Sad, Serbia, is one of three cities in Europe to hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2022. The other two cities are Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg, and Kaunas in Lithuania. Holding the title of European Capital of Culture gives cities the chance to boost their image, put themselves on the world map, promote sustainable tourism and rethink their development through culture.

Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “During the pandemic, culture was vital in our societies. It enabled the circulation of ideas and brought our communities closer together, beyond borders. This is exactly the ambition of the European Capitals of Culture initiative, which comes back in force in 2022 with three dynamic title-holders.

Novi Sad is the first European Capital of Culture in Serbia. The year-long cultural programme of Novi Sad aims to further connect the city’s and region’s cultural community and inhabitants with the EU and reinforce their links with the rest of the Western Balkans area.