Valletta has been unanimously nominated European Culture Capital 2018 during a ceremony at St John’s CoCathedral this afternoon.

The selection panel was persuaded that there is the will, drive and ambition as well as the strongly needed esteem to make Valletta European capital of culture, a news conference has been told.

Accepting the nomination, Culture Minister Mario de Marco said:

"We are all proud citizens of Valletta... This is an important moment for the artistic and cultural community."

The minister said that Valletta should not concentrate simply on the programme of activities for 2018 but on teh legacy that it would leave behind.

The formal nomination will take place in May.

In a statement, Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for Culture said:

"I congratulate Valletta on its successful bid. I am happy to see the enthusiasm generated in Malta for the European Capital of Culture title. I am confident that Valletta will develop an exciting programme of events with a strong European dimension and that the title can bring significant long-term cultural, economic and social benefits for the city and its surrounding area. I wish every success to Valletta."

Bidding cities are assessed on the basis of criteria laid down by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. These criteria state that the cities should prepare a cultural programme with a strong European dimension and foster the participation of citizens living in the city, its neighbourhood and the whole country.

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.

The Netherlands and Malta are the two member states hosting a European Capital of Culture in 2018.