(ANSA) - ROME, 23 GEN - Two cities are divided by a border, like two halves of a circle, where the easternmost corner of the Latin world meets the Slavic world. Gorizia, the millennial town, and Nova Gorica, the futuristic one, now become one to celebrate European culture, art, and unity. It is with a spectacular and symbolic ceremony, also attended by the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, that Go!2025, the program of Nova Gorica and Gorica as European Capital of Culture, will officially open on February 8. A unique event in the history of the European Community: never had two cities divided by a border shared the title, let alone two cities separated (in 1947) by such a guarded and delicate border throughout the Cold War. There are four main themes: War and Peace, The Making of the New, Smugglers, and A Lot of Green. It starts with the February 8 cross-border ceremony, From Station to Station, in which 11 European ministers of culture will also participate and which will have its heart in the iconic Transalpine Square/Tgr Europe, halfway between the two states. Confirmed artists include Remo Anzovino, Daddy G (Massive Attack), and Andy Smith (Portishead). Events not to be missed include the Friendship March and Europe Week (May 1-9), Tastes without Borders to visit the whole region through gastronomy (Sept. 26-28), and the Final Ceremony with Christmas Lights Lighting (Dec. 1-5). In between are events such as the Festival of Complexity, the exhibition dedicated to Zoran Mušič, a tribute to Franco Basaglia, Dodecalogo, a transgenerational docu-fiction by director Tomi Janežič, and Anja Medved's documentary on World War II witnesses. Plus: the May Day March in various European border cities, the Biennial of Young Artists of Europe and the Mediterranean, a focus on architect Edvard Ravnikar, who designed Nova Gorica, exhibitions on Andy Warhol and Steve McCurry, and the Peace Trail, which is also a candidate for UNESCO. In the summer, live performances by Alanis Morissette, Sting, and Robbie Williams star in the parallel GO!2025&Friends program (Info: www.go2025.eu). (ANSA).