Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska and Jan Truszczynski, Director-General of the European Commission's DG for Education and Culture, discussed Tuesday in Brussels on successful realization of the EU programme 'Culture 2007-2013' in Macedonia, absorption of the EU funds, particularly in the sphere of publishing, as well as the support of festivals and cultural cooperation with other countries.

Kanceska-Milevska welcomed the initiative for including Macedonia in the new EC programme 'Creative Europe', as well as the EC financial support of the country via the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) funds, which "stimulates the local development and creates conditions for realizing of cultural events," the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.

Following the trend of all European countries, one of the top priorities of Macedonia's Ministry of Culture is the development of creative industries, Kanceska-Milevska told Truszczynski. To that effect the Ministry of Culture adopted a strategy, she said.

The EC, Truszczynski said, has drafted a document on culture in local and regional development, as well as other instruments for unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries.

Kanceska-Milevska proposed for Skopje to be awarded with the title the 'European Capital of Culture', saying that it was ready for such an honor.

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. A number of European cities have used the City of Culture year to transform completely their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally. Only European cities within the EU member states are eligible - other European cities are not. However, the EU council can designate one city from a non-EU country for a given year, if that city's designation is approved unanimously in the council.