Wroclaw was among five Polish candidates (alongside Gdansk, Lublin, Katowice and Warsaw) in the running for the prestigious tourist-friendly title.
Now city will have the chance to host a series of cultural events to boost the local art scene and attract international visitors.
A Spanish city is expected to be named the other culture capital by June 30.
The final decision approving one Polish and one Spanish city as the European Capitals of Culture in 2016 will be taken by the Council of the European Union in the second quarter of 2012, after consultations with the European Parliament and the European Commission.
The selection panel consisted of 13 people, seven appointed by EU institutes and six Polish experts.
The title is not only prestigious but means 1.5 million euros for the winning city.
First title of European City of Culture has been awarded in 1985 and changed its name to European Capital of Culture in 2005.
Since three years ago, two cities bear it simultaneously – one ‘old’ member and one new member of the EU.
Source: The Warsaw Voice