Quick, what were the cultural capitals of Europe in 2007? Can’t answer that question? Well, I venture to say that many EU citizens would have been at a loss as well. (For the record, the answers are Sibiu, Romania, and Luxembourg.)

So what exactly is the European Capital of Culture? According to the Web site of the European Union, the initiative was launched with the purpose of bringing the peoples of Europe closer together. It kicked off in 1985, and has since seen its cultural and socio-economic influence grow through the number of visitors attracted to the cities bearing the title. Some of the cities that have served as Cultural Capitals in the past include Cork, Ireland; Genoa, Italy; Lille, France; Graz, Austria; Brugge, Belgium; Salamanca, Spain; Oporto, Portugal; and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Up until 2004, cities were selected on an intergovernmental basis; now and for the time being, they will be selected by a panel of experts from the culture sector. Ultimately, cities will be selected from among European Member States in order of their accession to the union.

The cities for 2008 have already been announced. They are Liverpool, England, and Stavanger, Norway.

Some of the highlight’s of Liverpool’s program include a Nativity-themed musical broadcast, a waterfront concert, a contemporary art festival, a Gustav Klimt showing at the Tate Liverpool, an international exhibition celebrating railways and Tall Ships races starting from the River Mersey.

Stavanger’s offerings will include a Nordic music week, contemporary dance, and the creation of a “Geo-park” from objects salvaged and recycled from the petroleum industry