Take a look at the video we created in collaboration with ARD BR – a project exploring the story of Nova Gorica, the Slovenian European Capital of Culture, and its unique cross-border connection with its Italian partner town, Gorizia. A celebration of culture, unity, and shared history – https://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/video-1413202.html
We work closely with trusted voices across the region—people shaping policy, culture, and public opinion.
These are just a few of the experts, officials, and local leaders we’re currently in conversation with—or have recently interviewed. Upon request, we can reconnect with them and deliver timely, editorial-ready materials tailored to your story needs. Tell us more on which story would you like to co-develop with us?
In conversation with:
-
Mayor of Nova Gorica, Slovenia – Titleholder of the European Capital of Culture 2025
-
Mayor of Gorizia, Italy – Partner city to the European Capital of Culture 2025
-
Historian and curator of the exhibition Everyday Life Next to the Border (including topics such as smuggling, etc.)
-
Director of the institute managing the Nova Gorica/Gorizia European Capital of Culture 2025 project
-
Cultural event managers from Slovenia and Italy
-
Local Slovenian and Italian artists
A Note to Editors :
We treat our sources as collaborators. Our network is based on trust and respect—every interview is conducted with consent, integrity, and context in mind.
**
(Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy) are set to host over 450 events under the banner of GO!2025, a project that transcends national boundaries and symbolizes the power of unity in a fragmented world of today. For journalists, this is not just another cultural event—it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and European integration that demands to be told.
We have been covering this topic exclusively for over a year, gaining exclusive access to key protagonists on both sides of the border and uncovering many untold angles of this story. We have secured pre-interviews with figures such as Mija Lorbek (ECoC 2025 CEO) and behind-the-scenes access to unique locations, including the Nova Gorica-Gorizia border, to provide journalists with a solid foundation for their stories and give them a competitive edge.
Based on this, our clients can order an end-to-end service for covering this topic and gain access to intelligence reports with in-depth, actionable insights on their chosen subject. We help journalists craft compelling narratives when developing their storylines, and we offer detailed production plans with dates, times, and locations in the form of video production books, complete with on-the-ground support. This includes logistical assistance, arranging interviews, translations, and troubleshooting issues during production.
Dive into the full story below to uncover exclusive angles, insider access, and actionable insights tailored for journalists!
A Story of Reconciliation and Innovation
The ECoC 2025 project is rooted in the unique history of Nova Gorica and Gorizia, two cities separated by the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty after World War II. For decades, the border divided families, cultures, and economies. Today, the border is gone, but the legacy remains. The GO!2025 program aims to heal these historical wounds through four core themes: War and Peace, Creating the New, Smugglers, and Going Green.
From holographic reenactments of the 1947 border division to AI-powered art exhibitions, the project blends history with cutting-edge technology. The Borderless Music Festival in July 2025 will feature international acts like Ibeyi and Laibach, while the Smugglers’ Food Trail will explore the region’s complex past through culinary experiences. For journalists, these events offer a treasure trove of human interest stories, from divided families reuniting after 70 years to young artists collaborating across borders.
GO!2025 has Officially Opened on February 8 2025 with Spectacular and Symbolic Ceremony
Go!2025, the program of Nova Gorica and Gorica as European Capital of Culture, has officially opened on February 8 2025 with a spectacular and symbolic ceremony. Also in attendance will be the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.
A Year-Long Celebration of Culture and Creativity
Throughout 2025, Nova Gorica and Gorica will host a vibrant European Capital of Culture (ECoC) program, featuring music, theatre, art, and literature. Major concerts, exhibitions, and performances will highlight the region’s cultural diversity and cross-border collaboration. The GO!2025&Friends program will bring international stars like Alanis Morissette, Sting, and Robbie Williams, while workshops, street art, and community events will engage locals and visitors. Blending tradition with innovation, the year-long celebration will transform the cities into a dynamic cultural hub.
The Project Offers a Unique Angle on European Unity
The Nova Gorica-Gorizia partnership is more than a cultural event—it’s a model for European integration. The project has already received UNESCO endorsement for its focus on “cultural diplomacy and post-conflict reconciliation.” With a budget of over €200 million, it’s one of the most ambitious ECoC initiatives to date, funded by Slovenia, Italy, the EU, and private partners.
For journalists, the project offers a unique angle on European unity. It’s a story of how culture can bridge divides, foster economic growth, and inspire future generations. The BulevAR app, for example, gamifies cross-border interaction, rewarding users for learning each other’s languages and exploring cultural landmarks. This innovative approach has already attracted over 10 million views on TikTok and Instagram, making it a viral sensation.
Comparative Insights: Nova Gorica vs. Chemnitz
While Nova Gorica and Gorizia focus on cross-border collaboration, Chemnitz (Germany), the other ECoC 2025 host, is tackling urban renewal and industrial heritage. Both cities, once part of the Eastern Bloc, are now actively searching for their post-industrial identities and striving to reconnect with the West. With over a €60 million budget, Chemnitz is investing in digital art and labor history exhibitions. For journalists, the contrast between these two projects offers a fascinating lens through which to explore Europe’s diverse cultural landscape.
What’s in It for Journalists
As an investigator and facilitator for international media, we support journalists by providing storylines, planning production and create production books with logistical support.
We have compiled a comprehensive intelligence report on ECoC 2025, covering everything from historical context to advanced reporting angles, based on our research and pre-interviews with main protagonists. This report includes:
- Exclusive insights into the project’s funding, program structure, and long-term goals.
- Human interest stories, such as the smuggling chain going from East to West and families divided by the border.
- Comparative analysis with Chemnitz, offering a broader perspective on Europe’s cultural initiatives.
- Media strategy tips, such as including how to address misconceptions and avoid mistakes and which story angle to consider.
From Pre-Interview with Mija Lorbek, CEO of European Capital of Culture 2025 GO!2025
The interview (37 min) with Mija Lorbek, CEO of the ECoC 2025 project, revealed invaluable insights: the initiative is a European gesture aimed at healing historical wounds and building a shared future through cross-border collaboration between Nova Gorica and Gorizia. It emphasizes youth engagement, innovation (like holographic re-enactments and AI art), and sustainability (e.g., reforestation and carbon-neutral events), ensuring a lasting legacy beyond 2025. Despite challenges like historical tensions, the project has turned them into opportunities, projected to attract 500,000 visitors and create 1,200+ jobs, boosting the local economy. These insights provide journalists with compelling angles on reconciliation, innovation, and sustainability, making ECoC 2025 a story of unity and transformation. Contact us to access more exclusive pre-interviews, transcriptions, intelligence reports, and logistical support for your coverage! The pre-interviews are available as:
- Transcripts only,
- Transcripts+audio clips
- Transcripts+audio clips+video clips+analysis of key quotes and angels.
End-to-End Support for Journalists
If you’re a journalist looking to cover ECoC 2025 or other events in the Region, we can provide:
- Access to the full intelligence report, packed with data, insights, and story ideas, exclusive pre-interviews.
- Interviews with key figures, including project leaders, artists, and local residents.
- Logistical support, from arranging visits to securing exclusive access to events.
- Multilingual communication in English, German, Slovenian, Croatian, Italian and Serbian, ensuring seamless collaboration.
NewsCollective.org: Covering the West Balkans Region (ex-YU)
Strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern, Western, and Central Europe and the Balkans, we specialize in uncovering stories that resonate across borders and captivate global audiences. Whether you need help crafting a compelling storyline, planning a seamless production, or navigating complex logistical challenges, our expertise and extensive network ensure you can focus on storytelling while we handle the rest.
Don’t Miss Out on This Story
The ECoC 2025 project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore the transformative power of culture. From the grand opening in February 2025 to the final events in December, this is a story that will captivate audiences worldwide.
Contact us today to get the full intelligence report, arrange interviews, and secure your place at the forefront of this cultural revolution. Let’s work together to tell a story that transcends borders and inspires millions.
________________________________________
We work closely with trusted voices across the region—people shaping policy, culture, and public opinion.
These are just a few of the experts, officials, and local leaders we’re currently in conversation with—or have recently interviewed. Upon request, we can reconnect with them and deliver timely, editorial-ready materials tailored to your story needs – or contact us over WhatsApp for a quick question.
Follow the Story:
• ECoC 2025 Press Portal: www.go2025.eu
• Hashtags: #Borderless2025 #ECoC2025 #NovaGoricaGorizia
