Pécs' application to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010 outlined their strategy and cultural planning. Their strategy was to present the cultural achievements of Pécs and Hungary in a European context, and showcase the cultural diversity of its region open to the Balkans. Their cultural planning focused on using culture to tackle the challenges of a post-industrial city, shifting towards culture by transforming old industrial sites into art spaces and fostering creative industries. They planned cultural events from 2006-2009 focused on heritage, education, environment, and religion to promote multiculturalism and cultural decentralization.