29/01/2026
Interest in the effects of the first cross-border ECoC continues unabated in 2026
The model of cross-border cooperation between the two Goricas continues to resonate throughout Europe and provides a basis for new initiatives. Yesterday, the presentation day for GO! 2025 presentation day concluded with a round table discussion at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg. The discussion was proudly led by Belgian Member of the European Parliament Andries Gryffroy, Chair of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education, and Media of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The event was accompanied by working meetings and the opening of an exhibition under the patronage of the Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe.
The long-term effects of the first cross-border European Capital of Culture continue. As Gryffroy wrote, "the legacy of the ECC will resonate well beyond 2025, as these two cities are a laboratory for the future of Europe – a space for cross-border cooperation, coexistence, and joint creation."
At the round table, the mayor of Gorizia, Rodolfo Ziberna, praised the continuation of the long-term effects of the ECC and also highlighted new investments made because of the ECC, such as the DAG digital gallery in the Bombi tunnel. The mayor of Nova Gorica, Samo Turel, explained that discussions are still ongoing as to who will take over the management of integrated territorial investments in new infrastructure. The mayor of the Municipality of Nova Gorica, Samo Turel, explained that discussions are still ongoing as to who will take over the management of integrated territorial investments in new infrastructure, which are also financially costly. Mija Lorbek, director of GO! 2025, pointed out that it was the EPIC district that received the most praise from the ECC Evaluation Expert Council. She also emphasized the role of culture as a catalyst for development and peace in challenging areas and invited cooperation in the transfer of knowledge at the European level. An important part of the discussion was also devoted to the role of the EGTC GO, the results of the Interreg Small Projects Fund GO! 2025, and the multi-million visits to the cross-border digital platform, which is further proof that the long-term effects of the ECC are not an abstract concept but an already functioning reality.
On this occasion, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia also prepared an exhibition in honor of the GO! 2025 project, where, alongside Berti Mrak, Ambassador of the Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe, the audience was addressed by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who highlighted Nova Gorica and Gorizia as models of cooperation in today's conflict-ridden world.
The round table was also followed by a working meeting to exchange good practices and plan with the Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Mathieu Morizet, who links local good practices with national solutions. The round table was also attended by Matjaž Gruden, Director of the Council of Europe's new Directorate for Democracy, responsible for activities in the fields of media freedom, civil society, culture and cultural heritage, youth and education.
