On 10 February 2026 at 5 p.m., the University of Verona hosted a public debate within the Calendario civile programme, dedicated to the history, memory, and legacy of the borderland after the signing of the Osimo Agreements of 1975. The event, titled Italy and Slovenia Between Divided Memories and Disappearing Borders, took place in Aula Messedaglia at the Cloister of Santa Maria delle Vittorie (Lungadige Porta Vittoria 41).
The round table featured:
Dr Borut Klabjan, Science and Research Centre of Koper – Capodistria
Dr Benedetto Zaccaria, University of Padua
The discussion was moderated by Dr Giovanni Bernardini of the University of Verona.
In his presentation, Dr Borut Klabjan also introduced the research project OPEN BORDERS, which examines historical transitions, cross-border mobility, and transformations of the border landscape at the intersection of Italy and Slovenia.
The event shed light on the issue of divided memories on both sides of the Slovenian–Italian border, which has become an everyday cross‑border space without physical barriers since Slovenia’s entry into the Schengen Area. The speakers highlighted the intertwining of historical narratives in contemporary social and political contexts and discussed how a shared European memory is being shaped.
Students of the University of Verona who attended this and at least three other events within the Giorno della Memoria programme and submitted a written reflection were eligible to receive 1 CFU credit for their participation.
