The idea was the brainchild of Melina Mercouri, who back in 1983 was Greece's culture minister. Strongly believing that culture was not given the same emphasis as politics and economics, she devised a project for promoting European cultures within the EU's member states.

Originally entitled The European City of Culture, the programme was launched in the summer of 1985, with Athens taking the lead to showcase its diverse attractions.

Since then, many others have taken on the role, and recently two or more cities have hosted the programme, notably in 2000 when Avignon, Bergen, Bologna, Helsinki, Krakow, Prague, Reykjavik and Santiago de Compostela all staged cultural line-ups.

Many European cities have used their year in the spotlight to give their cultural base a complete makeover and to reinvigorate their international image.

A surprise choice last year, Liverpool is a prime example as it capitalised on its cultural offerings, of which being home to The Beatles was perhaps the most famous.

In the 1980s and 1990s, cities were selected principally for their cultural history, events they were already running and their infrastructure and financial wherewithal.

However, since 2004, the EU has come to realise that granting the cultural capital mantle serves as a catalyst for the host city's development. As a result, the social and economic effects are now considered.

The impact of the programme has emphasised the unity and diversity of the EU. While the EU continues to be divided by such issues as languages and currencies - only 16 of its 27 members use the euro - culture is something every nation has in common. Although many of the events staged in host cities are one of a kind, others will remain in place as permanent mementos.

In Vilnius last month, Magdalena Abakanowicz unveiled her new sculpture, entitled Conjurer, at the Europos Parkas Museum. Specially created to commemorate the city's cultural status this year, the sculpture is as much a symbol of the country's independence as its commitment to modern art.

And cinema buffs are in for a year-round treat as Vilnius is screening 52 classic films from around the world, one for every week of the year.

On the banks of the Danube, Linz has changed slowly over the years and is embracing its cultural role with alacrity. Throughout the summer, the past three decades of the city's history are being displayed at the Nordico Museum in a special exhibition dubbed 'City in Luck'.

Some 100 interviews with Linz residents, documents from momentous events, analysis of upheavals and significant events are all on show to grant a graphic commentary on everyday life. Young sports aficionados are also catered to, with 500 under-15 soccer players from previous cultural capitals taking part in the Youth European Soccer Cup. The youngsters will be encouraged to experience the rest of the city's cultural diversions.

Many states are clamouring to join the ranks of the EU. First in line are the three official candidates - Croatia, Turkey and Macedonia - while the western Balkan states of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are officially recognised as potential candidates. In time, it is likely that they will all be accepted, stretching the EU's borders to the doorstep of Asia as it welcomes the Balkans into its fold.

Each country will broaden the cultural net of the spreading family of nations.