Gorizia and Nova Gorica Named European Capitals of Culture 2025

Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia, have been jointly designated European Capitals of Culture for 2025, marking the first cross-border candidacy for the title. The announcement was made from Piazza Transalpina, a symbolic location where the Iron Curtain once divided Yugoslavia from the West. The two cities, previously separated by the Italian-Yugoslav and later Italian-Slovenian border, have been effectively united since Slovenia joined the Schengen Area on December 21, 2007, which eliminated customs barriers. The bid, centered on the theme of overcoming borders, was promoted by the GO!2025 Nova Gorica Gorizia committee, which beat strong competition from Ljubljana and Piran within Slovenia. The project involves over 250 partners across Europe and aims to integrate art, technology, sports, economy, cultural heritage, tourism, and health. Chemnitz, Germany, a border city with the Czech Republic known for WWII battles, was also selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2025. The title, awarded annually to two cities from different EU member states, seeks to promote cultural diversity and integration, with notable economic success stories like Marseille. Italy will have its next turn to nominate a European Capital of Culture in 2033. In the meantime, the Italian government has established the Capital of Italian Culture project, with Parma currently holding the title for 2020-2021.