ECOC Cancels Meeting in Vilnius
ECOC Meetin in Linz, October 2008
In the wake of drastic budget cuts and the dismissal of Vilnius’09’s director, Linz09 and nine past and future European Capitals of Culture have cancelled their conclave that had been set for March in the Lithuanian capital.
The budget of Vilnius 2009 European Capital of Culture has been cut by 40% on short notice. Director Elona Bajoriniene was forced out in late February. “We are convinced that these steps will have serious negative repercussions—not only for Vilnius and Lithuania with respect to their prestige in Europe, but also for the Capital of Culture initiative as a whole,” was the wording of a statement just released by 10 past, present and future European Capitals of Culture. In reaction to these steps taken by the Lithuanian government, the ECOC Network also cancelled its meeting planned for March in Vilnius.The ECOC Network is an alliance of the current, former and upcoming European Capitals of Culture. Its mission is to facilitate collaboration among them.
