An inter-ministerial committee has been set up to help localities in Malta interested in becoming a European capital of culture in nine years time bid for the title.

Towns and villages may apply individually or in groups - Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa may enter together under Cottonera, for example.

Culture Minister Dolores Cristina said that the people were the most important element in this 25-year-old EU initiative.

“We want the people’s ownership over the locality’s bid as only that can ensure success,” she said.

The minister said that this was an opportunity to showcase Malta and show other countries what it really meant to be Maltese and what made the country unique.

Applications close in 2013. They will be judged by panel of six local judges and seven from other European countries.