The Ukrainian Institute and cultural figures from all over Europe have proposed to the European Council to give Kyiv a symbolic status of the European Capital of Culture and Peace 2022. This was reported by the Ukrainian Institute press service.
The appeal was also published as a petition, which has already been signed by 2,300 people.
The Ukrainian Institute sent a letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The letter signatories asked to make this decision as soon as possible, omitting usual procedure for considering applications for the "European Capital of Culture" title.
The European Capital of Culture is an effective instrument of EU cultural policy, launched in 1985 to celebrate Europe's cultural wealth and diversity. Each year, the European Council grants this status to 2-3 EU cities, which implement a wide program of cultural events throughout the year. The title of European Capital of Culture allows the city to promote itself in other EU countries, attract investment, build cultural infrastructure and develop tourism potential.