8 February 2025, will be remembered in our hearts as a historic day

In her speech, President Pirc Musar highlighted the historic significance of the day, saying it was "a day of a century-old vision of peace, freedom, good neighbourly relations and mutual respect, of friendship and love between us". She also emphasised the profound symbolism of the event. "It is heart-warming that on Prešeren Day, in Europe Square, where we became part of the European family more than thirty years ago, together with our neighbours, our friends from Italy, we are inaugurating the European Capital of Culture, which for the first time in its history brings together two cities, two countries, two nations," she said. She recalled that we were inaugurating the 2025 European Capital of Culture "in the year that marks 80 years since the end of World War II, on the ruins of which the survivors shook hands with each other, forgave each other, and, on the basis of reconciliation between nations, promised each other: never again war and trampling on humanity. The European Union, our common homeland, still stands on this foundation today, on a promise of and a commitment to peace, freedom, good neighbourly relations, mutual respect – a promise that we must never, ever renege on."

"Nova Gorica, hand in hand with neighbouring Gorizia, is taking up the responsible title of European Capital of Culture as a unique conurbation aware of its past, but above all with a responsibility for our common future and generations of our children, who deserve to live in peace and freedom, to be able to develop their creativity," said the President. In conclusion, President Pirc Musar emphasised the vital role of art and culture in shaping the future and extended her gratitude to all the creators who had contributed to the development of the rich and varied programme. She expressed particular appreciation to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, for his presence, friendship and unwavering support for the values of peace and cooperation between the two countries. She also expressed her confidence that the European Capital of Culture 2025 would further strengthen the ties of cooperation between Slovenia and Italy, thus contributing to a stronger and more united Europe.

In the morning, President Pirc Musar laid a wreath at the monument to poet France Prešeren in Ljubjana's Prešeren Square. On the eve of the holiday, President Pirc Musar and her husband, Dr Aleš Musar, attended the state ceremony marking the Slovenian cultural holiday, which included the presentation of the Prešeren Awards and Prešeren Fund Awards for 2025.