Barroso believes in the success of Turku's cultural year

During the visit, which was organised by the City of Turku and the Turku 2011 Foundation, President Barroso was introduced to the Capital of Culture project and other topical issues taking place in the city.

-I have heard that the Capital of Culture year has started well in Turku, and now as I’ve seen the places and events of the year, I’m very impressed. I believe that the Turku 2011 will have long-term impacts on the whole city and the region, said José Manuel Barroso.

-I am very impressed. I have known about Turku’s culture and history, but I’ve never been here before. I came to support this capital of culture year. I have understood that the year has started well. I want to congratulate the city of Turku of what they have done so far. I believe that the year will be a success.

Barroso reminded that culture is an important thing. A city that manages to combine it’s citizens and culture will benefit from that capital of culture year in years to come.

José Manuel Barroso told the media that he likes the way that Turku has combined the citizens of the city to the progress of the city. He sees that a city working this way benefits the most from the capital of culture year.

Cay Sévon, Managing Director of the Turku 2011 Foundation, which prepared and is now coordinating the Capital of Culture project, was also very pleased that the President of the EU Commission came to Turku right at the start of the year.

- In recent years, President Barroso has made the effort to visit the European Capitals of Culture, which is an indication of the increasingly important status of the Capital of Culture at the forefront of EU cultural policy. We were proud to show President Barroso the wonderful Logomo cultural arena, its exhibitions and songs from the highly popular 'Middle-Aged Hair' musical.

- We believe that President Barroso was impressed with the Turku Capital of Culture programme and, in particular, its well-being perspective, said Cay Sevón.

Culture, Baltic Sea region and Turku's longer-term objectives hand in hand

Mayor Aleksi Randell gave a presentation on the city’s international strategy and objectives. Topics discussed included EU regional policy and its significance for Finland’s cities and their surrounding areas, and EU Strategy for Baltic Sea Region. Turku has played an active role in its preparation and implementation.

- Turku is an active participant in Europe, especially the Baltic Sea region. Our aim is to promote interaction and business, so that the Turku region develops as part of a wider European entity. This visit also strengthened the diverse connections of our city to the heart of European decision-making, said Mayor Randell.

The visit was hosted by Mayor of Turku and Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Turku 2011 Foundation Aleksi Randell, Chairperson of Turku City Board Minna Arve, Chairman of the Board of the Turku 2011 Foundation Christoffer Taxell, and Managing Director of the foundation Cay Sevón.