Global pandemic of COVID-19 disease distinguished the year 2020 and inevitably caused an economic crisis, that surged also to cultural and creative sectors. Due to worldwide strict rules and banned public events, gatherings, performances, and manifestations, cultural and creative sectors are one of hardest hit industries by the pandemic. Rijeka and Galway, European Capitals of Culture in 2020, had to cancel or postpone all events and programmes planned during their designated year. The purpose of this thesis is to explore positive influences of the ‘European Capitals of Culture’ initiative on cities Rijeka and Galway, as well as look into how these cities have dealt with the turbulent conditions caused by the pandemic. Analyses have shown that both Rijeka and Galway have benefited from the title as a European Capital of Culture, with regards to cultural scene, image, and social status, while the influence on financial status is unknown. This thesis found that Rijeka’s leadership has been successful in their reaction to, so far unseen, pandemic conditions, while Galway’s leadership has been a bit less successful in dealing with the same conditions. 2020 has pointed on the importance of high quality risk and crisis management, as well as proven that the implementation of crisis management is necessary when managing such important and prestigious European cultural events.