The title should leave more behind than a packed events calendar and a pile of dismantled stages
The European Capital of Culture is set to shift from a mainly one-year programme of events to a title with a lasting legacy.
The overhaul, which, if approved, would apply from 2034, was announced on Thursday and centres on five main changes.
One of the most significant is long-term planning. From the moment they apply, cities will have to think about what happens after their year in the spotlight. They will also face more checks later on to see whether they actually did what they promised.
That verification process will determine whether they receive the Melina Mercouri Prize, which is paid only if a city meets the commitments made during the selection process.
