On Friday, the Danish city of Aarhus was recommended as one of two European Capitals of Culture to be chosen for 2017 by an EU selection panel.

The panel chose Aarhus to represent Denmark, with either Nicosia or Paphos in Cyprus also to be nominated by European Union governments when a final decision is made in May next year, the European Commission said in a statement.

“I congratulate Aarhus on its successful bid. I am sure the city and its citizens will participate with enthusiasm,” said European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multi-lingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou.

More than 40 cities have already used the title to great effect to further their artistic reputations or wider regeneration goals, such as Athens or post-industrial Glasgow.

This year’s EU capitals of culture are Guimares in Portugal and Maribor in Slovenia. The title passes to France’s Marseille and Kosice in Slovakia next year and 2014 sees Sweden’s Umea and Latvia’s Riga take the honour.

Belgium’s Mons and Plzen of the Czech Republic adopt the mantle in 2015, followed by Wroclaw in Poland and San Sebastian in the Basque Country of Spain in 2016.

Malta’s turn will come in 2018 but the designation of Valletta as the European City of Culture has not yet been approved.