Members of the Selective Panel, famous figures of European culture, emphasized the vitality and enthusiasm of the project drafters. The panel expressed its confidence that Vilnius will be able duly prepare and implement an ambitious programme of the capital of culture.

 In April, the Vilnius city delegation led by Mayor Artūras Zuokas presented the project "Vilnius, the European Capital of Culture 2009" in Brussels. A project concept, main trends of the programme, development of urban infrastructure, budget forecasts and expected management structure have been presented to the Selective Panel for the European Capital of Culture. After familiarization with the projects submitted by the cities, the experts delegated from the EU institutions that form the Selective Panel expressed their opinion (recommendation) on artistic value of the programme and readiness of the applicant to become the European Capital of Culture. The report prepared by this panel will be addressed to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council. After the European Parliament expresses its opinion on the nominations, the Council of European Culture Ministers considering recommendation of the expert panel may officially designate the applicant city as the European Capital of Culture not later than within three months.

 The main theme of the project „VILNIUS CV (Creativity and Vitality)“ is Vitality of European culture. This project aims to reveal European identity of Vilnius. The preliminary programme of cultural events consists of 18 big projects.
The Vilnius project ensures European dimension of cultural events, all-year-round implementation of the programme, engagement of various social, age and interest groups, special attention to the projects implemented together with the other European Capital of Culture, Linz city, and continuity of the programme.

 The Lithuanian capital is one of the most prepared cities of new EU member countries to link traditions of the European culture with nowadays challenges. While preparing to this programme and during its implementation, the city will aim not only to reveal and actualize historical links of culture but also to expand this cultural experience with other European countries and create new values of European culture.
 Since 1996 Vilnius city actively seeks the title of the European Capital of Culture and participates in cultural events of other European capitals. In 2001, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania applied to Education and Culture Commissioner of the European Commission asking the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions to designate Vilnius as the European Capital of Culture 2009. The aim of Vilnius to become the European Capital of Culture is provided in the Strategic Plan of Vilnius City for the years 2002 – 2011. The project „Vilnius, the European Capital of Culture 2009“ is a part of the programme for celebration of Lithuania‘s 1000th anniversary.
T he title of the European Capital of Culture is granted to cities since 1985, when on the initiative of the then Minister of Culture of Greece Melina Mercouri the EU Council approved the programme „The European Capital of Culture“.