2017 European Youth Capital: 10 cities in contention.
Ten cities have submitted their applications to become the 2017 European Youth Capital before the deadline of 20th February.
The cities: Vicenza (Italy), Galway (Ireland), Kaunas (Lithuania), Varna (Bulgaria), Alcobendas (Spain), Cascais (Portugal), York (United Kingdom), Perugia (Italy), Oieras (Portugal) and Newcastle (United Kingdom) are all in the running to be awarded the 2017 European Youth Capital. The winner will be announced in November 2014.
Since Rotterdam, the first European Youth Capital, in 2009, the title has been an opportunity given to European cities, for the period of one year, to showcase, through a multi-faceted program, its youth-related cultural, social, political and economic life and development.
Being a European Youth Capital encourages the implementation of new ideas and innovative projects by and for young people. It also helps to strengthen the relationship between the city and the European institutions. It is a great way to increase youth participation at local level, but also linked to their role in Europe.
Candidate cities are selected according to their program, budget proposal and local support (from local government and youth organisations). The applications will now be analysed and discussed by a high level jury composed of members from city networks, private sector, media and the academic world. The applications also take into consideration the recommendations made by a focus group of young people from all over Europe.
This year, the European Youth Capital is Thessaloniki, in Greece. More than just an opportunity, the title is a great hope for many of Greece’s young people suffering from social and economic exclusion. Many events are scheduled throughout 2014, such as exhibitions, festivals, competitions, concerts and much more.
Many exciting and ambitious proposals and activities have been presented in the cities application to be the 2017 European Youth Capital.
In the meanwhile, it’s time – as they say in Thessaloniki – to already book a flight to Cluj-Napoca (Romania) in 2015 or Ganja (Azerbaijan) in 2016.
Stay connected on the European Youth Capital to keep updated on everything about this great one-year opportunity which is open to every European city.
More info: European Youth Capital website
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