I would like to thank all the cities which have put Europe to the fore during their year as Capitals and I wish the European Capitals of Culture every success for the next 25 years."
Ma tahaksin tänada kõiki linnu, kes seadsid Euroopa nende aastate jooksul esiplaanile, ning ma soovin Euroopa kultuuripealinnade projektile edu järgmiseks 25 aastaks.”