With the start of 2025, two cities take up the mantle of European Capitals of Culture: Chemnitz (Germany) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia). Throughout the year, they will host cultural events, exhibitions and performances, “highlighting – according to a statement from the Commission – the richness of our shared European cultures”. The celebrations this year have an extra dimension, as 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the European Capitals of Culture initiative. The inauguration of Chemnitz as capital 2025 will take place on 18 January. The city “aims to reinforce the role of civil society through community-driven cultural projects and build a network of ‘European makers of democracy’”. Nova Gorica will start its run on 8 February. In this framework, the city intends to “grow together with the bordering Italian city of Gorizia”, becoming a “borderless European Capital of Culture”. EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef said: “I look forward to a whole year of celebrations showcasing the diversity, identities and values of European cultures while highlighting what brings European citizens together in celebration of our diversity, identities and values”. The Commission has awarded the two 2025 European Capitals of Culture with the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize, funded under the Creative Europe programme.