Italy and Slovenia’s presidents attended official ceremonies on Saturday to inaugurate the European Capital of Culture 2025, jointly held by Gorizia and Nova Gorica.
For the first time, two neighbouring towns, Gorizia in northeastern Italy and Nova Gorica in western Slovenia, are sharing the prestigious title. Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar marked the occasion at a ceremony in Europe Square, where hundreds of artists took part in GO!25 cultural events on both sides of the border.
The title holds deep significance for the two towns, which were part of the same city until 1947. After World War II, the Treaty of Paris established new European borders, splitting Gorizia in two and limiting movement between Italy and the former Yugoslavia.
Importance of cross-border cooperation
In his speech, President Mattarella highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and the role of EU membership in strengthening ties between the two nations.
“In a world characterised by growing tensions and conflicts, by the abandonment of cooperation as a founding element of international life, Slovenia and Italy have shown that it is possible to choose the path of collaboration,” Mattarella said.
He described Nova Gorica and Gorizia as symbols of the new Europe: “Freedom, where a wall once stood. Friendship, where forced separation once prevailed. Cooperation, where there was once distrust. These cities are a sign of hope in a continent wounded by war and rapid change.”
President Pirc Musar emphasised the event’s historic significance, calling it “a day of a century-old vision of peace, freedom, good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, friendship, and love.” She also noted the profound symbolism of the inauguration taking place on Slovenian Cultural Day.
“Together with our neighbours and friends from Italy, we are launching the European Capital of Culture, which for the first time unites two cities, two countries, and two nations,” she said.
The European Capital of Culture 2025 – GO!25 – programme features 400 cultural events throughout the year. For details, visit the official website.
