COUNCIL DECISION

of 27 May 2004

on the European Capital of Culture event for the year 2008

(2004/659/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Decision No 1419/1999/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 establishing a Community action for the European Capital of Culture event for the years 2005 to 2019(1), and in particular Articles 2(3) and 4 thereof,

Having regard to the Selection Panel report of February 2004 submitted to the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council in accordance with Article 2(2) of Decision No 1419/1999/EC,

Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission of 27 April 2004,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Liverpool is designated as ‘European Capital of Culture 2008’ in accordance with Article 2(1) of Decision No 1419/1999/EC.

Article 2

Stavanger is designated as a ‘European Capital of Culture 2008’ in accordance with Article 4 of Decision No 1419/1999/EC.

Article 3

Both cities designated shall take the necessary measures in order to ensure the effective implementation of Articles 1 and 5 of Decision No 1419/1999/EC.

Done at Brussels, 27 May 2004.

For the Council

The President

O'DONOGHUE

(1)

OJ L 166 of 1.7.1999, p. 1