The exhibition "European Capital of Culture 2025 - Nova Gorica-Gorizia as a European model of cross-border cooperation" opened at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on the sidelines of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly. Prior to the ceremony, a roundtable discussion highlighted this unique cross-border initiative embodying shared European values and experience. The exhibition presents, through artistic expression and dialogue, experience of two cities and two countries united by cooperation and a shared cultural vision.
When Nova Gorica, in Slovenia, was nominated as the European Capital of Culture 2025, its Italian neighbour, Gorizia, was involved from the beginning.
Ambassador Berta Mrak, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the Council of Europe, said:
"It takes time to rebuild on the ground what was divided for so long. I am truly proud of the courage and political will that both mayors demonstrated, reconnecting the two cities through culture."
Mayors of twin towns
"In today's Europe, when more fences are being built, we are rowing against the flow: we asked the Mayor of Gorizia to join forces in promoting our shared values, especially through culture. We are two small cities with a troubled past - but with a big heart," said Samo Turel, Mayor of Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
Rodolfo Ziberna, Mayor of Gorizia, Italy said that "culture is the most powerful instrument you can have for integration," and that "has healed the wounds of the two world wars".
Opening the exhibition, Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge emphasised that, last year, Nova Gorica and Gorizia presented their history, traditions and culture to the world through more than 800 events, including parades, opera, dancing, music and exhibitions.
"'Go! 2025' was the name of the initiative, and it was a true celebration of unity, shared European values, and a history that proves - over and over again - that in Europe we have more in common than that which divides us."
Indeed, the experience of division and the reunification of the towns still resonates today, as Ambassador Mrak explained:
"When some politicians today are trying to spread hatred or incite violence, we should recall the stories of my grandparents, and of many others from their generation. The stories of horror, destruction, loss, and pain brought on by war. Instead, we should be inspired by these two cities and learn from their experiences."
