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The prize of EUR 1.5 million is awarded in recognition of sound preparations by the host city, Riga City Council's Public Relations Department informed LETA.

Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs (Harmony Center) said the award proved that the preparatory work for Riga's Capital of Culture title next year was continuing successfully. "We are planning an exciting year-long program, as well as bringing the city's infrastructure in order for the upcoming events. For instance, the reconstructed Ziemelblazma Culture Center will be an excellent place for the World Choir Games, one of the key events next year," said Usakovs.

The European Commission's officials praise the Latvian team's convincing work as well as the support from the city and the state for the project.

Riga's European Capital of Culture program includes more than two hundred events in a variety of art and culture genres, and these events will significantly diversify Riga's traditional program of cultural events.

The program is being developed in collaboration with artists, public administration and municipal organizations; many of the events planned for the European Capital of Culture will take place in unusual places in the city – in not just downtown Riga but also in the suburbs.