The Nicosia municipality on Friday congratulated Limassol and Larnaca for progressing to the second stage of the bidding process to become the European capital of culture in 2030.

“This distinction is a recognition of their creativity and commitment to preserving and promoting European cultural creation and heritage. We congratulate the candidate cities which, with their vision and proposals, highlighted the cultural diversity and dynamics of Europe,” the municipality said.

It added that it “remains on the side of the cities which have been selected, supporting the institution and its importance for Cyprus and for European cultural cooperation”.

Limassol and Larnaca are the final two bids left standing after the European Commission’s panel of experts visited Cyprus for “pre-selection hearings” involving the five initial bids, which had also been submitted by Ayia Napa, the Curium municipality and Nicosia.

The Limassol bid expressed its delight at making it through to the final two, while the Larnaca bid said it is “super excited and thrilled”.

“Together, we are co-creating the Larnaca of tomorrow. A city and region that is inclusive, committed to sustainability, and accessible for all. The Larnaca of care, culture and hope. Let’s continue this terrific journey together,” it said.

Meanwhile the Curium municipality also congratulated Limassol and Larnaca on their success, and wished both bids “all the best as they continue their European journey toward the title of European capital of culture”.

“Curium’s candidacy gave a voice to smaller communities, to areas on the periphery, highlighting challenges that are now more visible and pressing than ever. Our belief in the power of culture to inspire, mobilise, support, and empower communities has never been just a theoretical approach. It is the foundation on which we will continue to build,” it said.

Cyprus will be one of three countries to host a European capital of culture in 2030, with the title set to be shared with one of Leuven, Molenbeek, and Namur in Belgium, and one city in a non-European Union member state.

Cities in EU candidate countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine, potential candidate country Kosovo, and European free trade association (Efta) members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may all submit bids.

So far, bids for 2030 have been submitted by the Ukrainian city of Lviv and the Montenegrin city of Niksic.

2030 will be the second time Cyprus has hosted the European capital of culture, with Paphos having held the title in 2017, sharing with the Danish city of Aarhus.