Both the Polish city of Wrocław and the Spanish city of Donostia-San Sebastián were recommended for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016 by an independent selection panel. The formal nomination by the EU's Council of Ministers will take place in May 2012. Following the decision on Wroclaw, Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, stated: "I am very happy to see so much enthusiasm in Poland for the 2016 title and I congratulate Wrocław. Many cities presented excellent bids, so Wrocław's success is a great accomplishment. I hope it will make the most of this unique opportunity, as the title can bring significant cultural, economic and social benefits for the city and its surrounding area. I wish every success to Wrocław and urge it to see the title as part of a long term cultural strategy." Referring to the selection of Donostia-San Sebastián, the Commissioner stated: "The competition in Spain for the 2016 title attracted 15 eligible bids – the highest we have seen since the launch of the European Capital of Culture initiative in 1985. I congratulate Donostia-San Sebastián, and I hope it will make the most of this unique opportunity to bring long-term cultural, economic and social benefits to the city and its surrounding area." Poland and Spain are the two Member States hosting a European Capital of Culture in 2016. The list of countries hosting the title until 2019 was laid down in a decision of the European Parliament and Council of Ministers in 2006. The cities have to prepare a cultural programme with a strong European dimension and foster the participation of citizens living in the city, in its surroundings and abroad. The European dimension is reflected in the chosen themes and the way in which the events in the programme are organised (cooperation between cultural operators in different EU countries is encouraged). The programme must also have a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term cultural and social development of the city. Following Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) this year; Guimarães (Portugal) and Maribor (Slovenia) will be European Capitals of Culture in 2012; Marseille (France) and Kosice (Slovakia) in 2013; Umeå (Sweden) and Riga (Latvia) in 2014; and Mons (Belgium) and Plzen (Czech Republic) in 2015. 26 years and more than 40 cities later, the European Capitals of Culture stands out as one of the European Union's must recognised cultural initiatives. Its primary objective is to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the features they share, and to encourage a sense of belonging to Europeans of all ages and lifestyles. Over the years this event has evolved and its social and economic benefits have also become increasingly apparent and recognised. Sources: • Press release: “Wrocław to be the European Capital of Culture in Poland in 2016” (21 June 2011) • Press release: “Donostia-San Sebastián to be the European Capital of Culture in Spain in 2016” (28 June 2011) • News of DG EAC on Wrocław and Donostia-San Sebastián • More information on European Capitals of Culture