Timișoara 2023 – a year beyond expectations. The title gave Timișoara the opportunity to develop its collective intelligence and character as a city.

Going back to 2012-2016, when we very much wanted to win the title, we knew it wasn't about who "deserves" or "who needs" the title, but the difference would be the clarity and strength of the story for what culture means in Europe, with the values and challenges it goes through. Then we realised that actually the most difficult thing is to remain confident and persevere.

The quality and richness of the programme exceeded all my expectations, especially the energy and vigour of the projects proposed in spring 2023. In addition, a large number of projects integrated social themes and strove to adapt cultural content for people with different abilities to understand and participate.

The title gave Timișoara the opportunity to develop its collective intelligence and character as a city.