The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia announced in the previous weeks that a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund and a contribution from the Republic of Slovenia has been approved for the Europe Square/Transalpine revitalisation project. The co-financing amounts to €1,530,464.42 - of which the EU contributes €765,232.21 and the Republic of Slovenia the remainder (€765,232.21). The Municipality of Nova Gorica is also contributing from its own resources (maximum amount of €383,213.90).

The funds will be used by the EGTC GO for a project to develop the area between Nova Gorica and Gorizia, which includes the creation of a cross-border public space for all residents and visitors, the creation of a single, cohesive, clearly identifiable urban area linking the two urban entities by creating a physical and symbolic space to foster broader intercultural cooperation, the acquisition of landscaped urban areas that will enable the implementation of programmes of public interest, the ECOC GO!2025 programmes, and the organisation of various cultural, social, educational and other events.

Due to the very nature of the square, which is cross-border and connects two cities, the financing of the infrastructure works and the improvement of the square is also cross-border. The project for the renovation of the Europe / Transalpina Square, managed by the EGTC GO, is financed with European funds managed by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia; with European funds managed by the Republic of Slovenia; with funds from the Slovenian state budget and with funds from the Municipality of Nova Gorica. Both countries recognised this project as a strategic investment and decided to co-finance this joint border area.
Work on site is well underway: it started in February. The laying of pipes, the installation of utilities and storm water drainage infrastructure, the laying of the cement base for the paving of the square and the excavation of the fountains have all been completed. The stone laying is mostly complete and the central part of the square, more specifically the area around the mosaic, will be next. The installation of two fountains on the boundary line is also planned. In December, the work is expected to be completed, with the installation of public lighting and about 50 more benches, and the planting of 30 trees in the whole area around the square.