The CENTRAdapt project partnership convened in the cross-border urban area of Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia) for its official Kick-Off Meeting on 14-15th October 2026. The twin cities, which recently served as the European Capital of Culture under the motto Go! Borderless, provided a highly relevant backdrop for a kick-off meeting of an initiative dedicated to enhancing climate change adaptation across administrative boundaries.
The meeting was hosted by EGTC GO, an institution recognized for its long-standing work in fostering cross-border integration. Within the project framework, EGTC GO acts as a key territorial partner, offering a real-world testing environment to pilot new adaptation methodologies and support the development of a joint cross-border Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
Because climate and environmental risks do not stop at national borders, effective resilience strategies require close institutional cooperation and shared territorial planning.
Technical discussions and work plan
The multi-day agenda focused on aligning the partnership’s strategic goals and operational workflows for the initial project phase:
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Territorial analysis: Assessing the specific vulnerabilities and conditions of the three target cross-border regions.
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Capitalization of prior results: Reviewing existing tools, risk assessment methodologies and data sources from previous European initiatives to ensure efficient transfer and scale-up.
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Work package roadmap: Establishing concrete project milestones, communication protocols and joint delivery timelines for the upcoming semester.
Field study and cross-border best practices
The meeting concluded with a targeted study visit showcasing successful cross-border urban regeneration and resilience practices implemented by the host territory:
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EPICenter: An exhibition and community space demonstrating how shared historical heritage and reconciliation can serve as a foundation for future territorial development.
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Revitalization of Transalpine Square and railway areas: Urban transformation of the former border zone – once physically divided by a wall – into an integrated, shared public space facilitating cross-border mobility and contacts.
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Dual-Function retention infrastructure: A newly realized public amenity near the border featuring an integrated basketball court designed to serve as a stormwater retention basin. The project stands as a prime model of multifunctional urban infrastructure combining neighborhood liveability with climate defense.