Cities in Transition: a Practical Approach to Understanding and Conceptualizing Cross-Border Cooperation in Gorizia-Nova Gorica

This paper explores cross-border cooperation (CBC) through the lens of Practice Theory, focusing on the case study of Gorizia-Nova Gorica on the Italian-Slovenian border. The central question is: what makes cross-border regional spaces emerge and hang together? The study argues that traditional economic evaluations overlook the complex socio-cultural interactions that are crucial for genuine integration. By emphasizing ‘communities of practice’, the research highlights how shared practices and collective identities shape cross-border regions. The originality of this research lies in adopting a humanistic practice approach, providing a comprehensive under- standing of the interplay between socio-cultural and economic factors in EU integration efforts, especially under contemporary socio- political crises. The main findings indicate that the formation and maintenance of these regions are deeply influenced by everyday practices and the collaborative efforts of local communities, suggest- ing pathways for enhancing integration through cultural and social engagement alongside economic strategies.