interviews: Sophie Renhuldt
In a bid to harness collective strength and unlock untapped potential, a coalition of 17 municipalities, predominantly Italian, nestled amidst the Karst region with its Slovenian linguistic minority, is embarking on a transformative journey. Spearheaded by Pierpaolo Roberti, the regional councillor for Local Autonomies, this ambitious endeavor heralds the inception of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation dubbed “Kras-Carso”.
The inaugural steps of this initiative unfolded at the Regional Palace in Trieste, where the participating municipalities, both Italian and Slovenian, sealed their commitment through a formal letter of intent. This pact pledges concerted efforts towards fostering sustainable development across the cross-border expanse of the Classic Karst. Central to their agenda is the cultivation of slow tourism, alongside broader objectives aimed at bolstering economic, social, and territorial cohesion within the European Union, transcending internal market barriers.
Echoing sentiments of optimism, Aleksander Jevšek, the Minister of the Republic of Slovenia for Cohesion and Regional Development, expressed profound satisfaction in being part of this historic juncture. He underscored the significance of this collaborative venture for both nations, emphasizing its potential to forge a robust framework for future cooperation. With a portfolio vested in European funds and Interreg, Jevšek foresees this alliance as a pivotal catalyst for advancing bilateral ties and fostering synergies that extend beyond geographical confines.
Moreover, Jevšek underscored the potential for this agreement to galvanize joint efforts in civil protection, leveraging past successes in emergency response as a springboard for future endeavors.
For Matej Arčon, the Minister of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenes Abroad, this momentous occasion signifies a watershed moment in the annals of regional history. Embracing the spirit of unity, Arčon expressed hope that the envisioned projects would transcend mere geographical boundaries, emphasizing their intrinsic value and tangible impact on the community at large. As he aptly encapsulated, “We are embarking on a new trajectory together, where the essence of our endeavors transcends the confines of geography, illuminating a path towards collective prosperity.
To capture the multifaceted perspectives shaping this cross-border collaboration, we interviewed David Pizziga, the head of Gal Carso. Reflecting on the significance of this border-crossing endeavor, Pizziga offered invaluable insights into the aspirations driving this collective effort.
