April 8, 2017 - Valletta 2018 – European Capital of Culture (ECOC) has been awarded the Melina Mercouri prize of €1.5 million in view of its strong European dimension and citizens’ involvement, particularly through the education and capacity building programmes. Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Micallef said “The award of the Melina Mercouri prize shows that the European Commission recognises our efforts in developing a strong programme whilst also transforming previously forgotten spaces into creative hubs. The participation of Maltese and Gozitans in Valletta 2018 along with the infrastructure projects taking place in Valletta, will ensure a lasting legacy beyond 2018”.