At the Round Table on interethnic tolerance in Subotica (31st August 2007) held in the framework of the EU supported project: Local Partnerships for Tolerance, LDA in co-operation with the host city authorities submitted the proposal to the Council of Europe to be included in the Pilot Programme: European Intercultural cities. Following this expression of interest, the delegation of the Council of Europe (DG Culture) visited Subotica in a fact finding mission. The delegation was composed of: Ms. Irena Guidikova, Mr. Phil Wood and Mr. Paresh Solanka. They were having separate meetings with the representatives of the city authorities, civil society organisations, cultural institutions, local media and media in minority languages. Particular area of interest were innovative specific forms of intercultural governance, activities of civil society organisations, cultural programmes and local media.

Selection process

Eleven cities have been identified by an 8-member international interdisciplinary panel as possible participants in the pilot phase of the Intercultural Cities programme. These cities have demonstrated a strong political will and commitment to the programme’s objectives, relevant and convincing previous experience, a bold vision, and readiness to provide or seek the necessary resources for a successful participation in the programme.

A key criteria for participation is the understanding of the objective and holistic method of the programme by city authorities, civil society organisations, local media, and social and cultural institutions. Cities need to have the administrative and financial capacity, so that they can support and participate in the process.
The programme team is carrying out exploratory visits to the shortlisted cities before a final decision on which cities will take part in the pilot. The visits take place until the end of March. All selected cities will meet for a kick-off event in Liverpool on 3 May 2008.