A total of 14 Romanian cities were in the race for the European Capital of Culture 2021, but only four remained in the race.

Bucharest, Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara are on the shortlist of candidate cities. The big winner will be announced next year.

The 14 Romanian cities which competed for this title were Alba Iulia, Arad, Bacau, Baia Mare, Brasov, Braila, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova, Iasi, Sfantu Gheorghe, Suceava, Timisoara, and Targu Mures. The competition is organized by the Ministry of Culture.

The European Capital of Culture initiative was developed in 1985. The 2015 European Capitals of Culture are Mons in Belgium and Plzen in the Czech Republic. Romania’s Sibiu held this title in 2007.

European Capital of Culture 2021: Which are the Romanian cities that are competing for this title? 

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com