Consequently, Maastricht’s candidacy will have a solid international and European character. The Euregion extends over three countries with three different languages, five cultures, several dialects, an extensive are of outstanding natural beauty which is suited to a variety of leisure activities, top-class restaurants and cafes with a relaxed ambiance, and a dynamic business environment.

The area offers many theatres, cinemas, museums and other cultural venues. It has an interesting mix of visual and performing art schools, artistic venues, galleries and studios, and festivals. Examples include the Nederlandse Dansdagen (Dutch Dance Festival) and Musica Sacra in Maastricht, the Pukkelpop music festival and the Week of Taste in Flanders in Hasselt, Cultura Nova in Heerlen, the Pinkpop music festival in Landgraaf, and the Design Biennial in Liège. In the field of folk culture, there are a number of religious festivals, and of course Carnival, which is celebrated throughout the region. Important institutions include the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum in Aachen; the Marres Centre for Contemporary Culture, Opera Zuid, and the Limburg Symphony Orchestra in Maastricht; Schunck in Heerlen; the Laagland youth theatre in Sittard; and the Liège Opera.