At the event marking the Statehood Day in Stuttgart, with a focus on European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia

On 8 July 2025, a ceremonial event marking the Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia was held at the premises of the law firm Gleiss Lutz in Stuttgart. The event was co-organized by the representative office of the Slovenian Tourist Board in Germany. This year’s celebration focused on presenting the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia, which connects Nova Gorica and Gorizia in a unique cross-border cultural dialogue.

The event was co-organized by the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia in Stuttgart, led by Dr. Matthias Karl, and brought together more than 90 representatives from the fields of diplomacy, politics, business, tourism, media, and other participants from the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

In addition to the ceremonial addresses by the Honorary Consul and the Consul General, Maša Šiftar, the evening's keynote speakers were Andreja Repič Agrež, Head of Marketing for the GO! 2025 project, and Claus Paal, President of the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Region Stuttgart). The event was further honored by the presence of Dr. Patrick Rapp, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism and Sport of Baden-Württemberg.

The evening featured a rich presentation of Slovenian culture and cuisine. Musical accompaniment and the performance of the Slovenian and European anthems were provided by the ensemble Črna Mačka, while the gastronomic experience with Slovenian specialties was curated by the restaurant Weinstube Träuble from Stuttgart, which has Slovenian roots. Adding the final touch was a tasting of premium wines from Goriška brda, perfectly complementing the story of Slovenia as an outstanding destination for culture and gastronomy, especially in the context of this year’s European Capital of Culture.

Guests followed the event with inspiration and a renewed awareness of the richness of Slovenian cultural heritage, as well as interest in future activities within the European Capital of Culture 2025.

The Slovenian Tourist Board extends its gratitude to all participants and co-organizers for this excellent promotional event in Stuttgart, and especially for the opportunity to highlight this year’s main communication theme: art and culture, and the GO! 2025 project.