Following the initiative of Ibrahim Spahic, Director of the International Festival Sarajevo – “Sarajevo Winter”, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on 2 May 2011 calling for Sarajevo to be awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2014 in an exceptional procedure. The European Festivals Association (EFA) supports this move and encourages other cultural organisations to do so as well. The resolution initiated by Doris Pack, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, states that ”this would be an important step towards transcending past European divisions and showcasing the New Europe by awarding the title of European Capital of Culture to a city which was the site of such tragic events in the course of the 20th century.” Sarajevo has a special place in European history and culture and will commemorate several important anniversaries in 2014: the 30th anniversary of XIV Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo and the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I. MEP Doris Pack stressed: "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." The City Council of Sarajevo and local cultural operators have undertaken extensive preparations in their candidature for this title. For example the Sarajevo Winter Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2014, will dedicate that edition to “Peace, Art, Freedom”. Letters of support can be sent to Sarajevo Winter Festival (ibrosa@bih.net.ba). Further information can be found on www.sarajevskazima.ba and www.sarajevo.ba.