The European Commission proposed that Timisoara become the European Capital of Culture only in 2023, in the context in which the pandemic had a negative impact on tourism and cultural initiatives.
Against the background of the coronavirus crisis, the Commission decided to offer the cities of Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland), which currently hold this title, the opportunity to retain the status of European Capitals of Culture until 30 April 2021. Thus, the two cities will have the chance implement the initiatives and programs planned for this year, but blocked by pandemic restrictions.
At the same time, the Commission proposes that Novi Sad (Serbia), which was to be the European Capital of Culture in 2021, postpone this program until 2022, and Timisoara and Elefsina (Greece) to take the title in 2023.
Before the pandemic, Timisoara waited in 2021, when it was to become the European Capital of Culture, more than 800.000 tourists to spend at least one night in the city and over 200.000 visitors - who come and go on the same day, number 2,5, XNUMX times higher than last year.