STAKEHOLDERS in Gozo
have welcomed the announce-
ment that Victoria has been
shortlisted to compete for the
title of European Capital of
Culture 2031, while Birgu's
bid did not advance past the
pre-selection stage.
The Gozo Business Cham-
ber, said the bid provides
an opportunity to showcase
Gozo's regional distinctive-
ness within a European con-
text. Represented through
the Board of Governors of the
Foundation, the Chamber said
it will continue to work with
other stakeholders toward
this objective. "Gozo has al-
ways expressed itself through
culture," the Chamber said,
noting that culture has been
an important vehicle to high-
light the island's identity. It
added that the bid presents
an opportunity to continue
working together as a com-
munity toward a common
goal that demonstrates Gozo's
unique regional identity.
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2025 • ISSUE 070 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY
gozotoday
CONTINUES PAGE 4
Author Andy
Joung to
launch Tide of
War at Arthall
in Gozo
€1.00
Victoria could be European
Capital of Culture 2031
CONTINUES PAGE 3
Increase in
students from
Gozo enrolling
in tertiary
education,
NSO finds
LAURA CALLEJA
lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt
Victoria's shortlisting now leads to a final selection phase, during which it will further develop its cultural programmes, demonstrate long-term
strategies for social, cultural, and economic impact, and host visits from the panel of experts
GOZO and Comino recorded a
small increase in student enrol-
ments during the 2023-2024 aca-
demic year, with a total of 1,551
students pursuing post-second-
ary and tertiary education, ac-
cording to figures published by
the National Statics Office (NSO).
Victoria, Gozo has been
shortlisted for European
Capital of Culture 2031,
with stakeholders praising
the island's unique
cultural identity
PAGE 6
