
Nova Gorica – A delegation of three members from the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education visited Nova Gorica and Gorizia, which this year serve as the first cross-border European Capital of Culture (ECoC). The head of the delegation, Hannes Heide, stated at the conclusion of the visit that ECoC Nova Gorica-Gorizia 2025 exemplifies how culture and collaboration can cross borders and transform a shared history into collective advancement.
During the two-day visit, the Members of the European Parliament, including Heide, Manuela Ripa, and Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, along with Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec, engaged with experts and local representatives from various fields such as art, literature, cinematography, music, dance, cuisine, science, and theater to understand how the two historically divided cities are uniting and providing a model for Europe.
“I have visited many European Capitals of Culture, but ECoC Nova Gorica-Gorizia 2025 stands out as the most remarkable and impressive to date. Many individuals are deeply committed to this initiative,” Heide remarked at the end of the visit. He emphasized that both Gorizias illustrate that the values that bring us together run much deeper than our divisions.
Nemec noted that GO! 2025 in Brussels is a success story. “It might not be as evident in the local community, but the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica-Gorizia represents an extraordinarily successful project with a truly exceptional message,” he added.
The MEPs also engaged with political figures from both nations, including the State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Culture, Marko Rusjan.
According to the ministry, Rusjan portrayed the European Capital of Culture project as more than a cultural event; it has evolved into a model of collaboration between two border cities and a symbol of overcoming divisions. He asserted that the ECoC is not only the largest cultural event in the region’s history but also evidence that culture connects and facilitates cooperation in other sectors.
The ECoC, featuring over 400 events, will culminate with a closing event in Nova Gorica from December 1 to 5. (October 29)












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