Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541124
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The Gozo Tourism Associa- tion described the shortlisting as a remarkable opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of Gozitan culture across Europe while promoting sustainable urban and regional development through culture. The Association expressed con- fidence that Rabat, Gozo will craft a compelling and varied cultural programme under- pinned by long-term strategies that deliver social, cultural, and economic impact. The Association noted it looks forward to September 2026, when the final decision will be made, and remains hopeful that Rabat, Gozo will impress the panel with its vision for cul- ture-led regeneration, commu- nity engagement, and sustaina- ble cultural development. Gozo Minister Clint Camill- eri expressed his satisfaction with the result. He highlighted Gozo's vision as an "Island of Villages," and said initiatives like this help to valorize the island's heritage and identity. "There is no doubt that Gozo as a full region has the credentials to become the European Capital of Culture," Camilleri said. He added that the entire Gozitan community supports the bid and aims to bring the success of Valletta 2018 to Gozo. Camill- eri also thanked the President of the Region, Dr Samuel Azzo- pardi, the Board, and the Mayor of Rabat, Brian Azzopardi, for their dedication, and confirmed that the Ministry for Gozo will continue to fully support the nomination. A two-day pre-selection meeting was held at the Val- letta Design Cluster, where an independent panel of experts appointed by the European Commission and national au- thorities reviewed bids from both Maltese cities. Victoria, Gozo, and Birgu, Malta, sub- mitted their candidacies earlier this year. Suvi Innilä, chair of the selection panel, said they had the privilege to learn about the characteristics, challenges, and dreams of both cities before announcing that Victoria, Gozo had been shortlisted. The European Capital of Cul- ture initiative, launched in 1985, celebrates the richness and diversity of cultures across Europe while promoting sus- tainable urban and regional development. Valletta held the title in 2018 as Malta's first sub- mission, which ran uncontest- ed. Minister for National Herit- age, the Arts and Local Govern- ment Owen Bonnici welcomed the announcement, stating that it reflects Gozo's strong cul- tural vision, creative ambition, and sustainable development through the arts. Victoria's shortlisting now leads to a final selection phase, during which it will further de- velop its cultural programmes, demonstrate long-term strat- egies for social, cultural, and economic impact, and host vis- its from the panel of experts. The final decision is expected in September 2026. Final decision is expected September 2026 From left: Samuel Azzopardi, president of Gozo Regional Council, Victoria Mayor Brian Azzopardi, Gozo's bid's artistic director Austin Camilleri EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2031: