Trieste: Alfano, European City of Science 2020; success for Italy

Rome - Trieste will host the 2020 edition of the prestigious EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), the biennial European forum that brings together over 4000 researchers, politicians and entrepreneurs from European countries to discuss research and innovation issues. "A great success for Italy and a deserved recognition of the role of Trieste, a historic crossroads of knowledge and cultures and a center of convergence for European border enlargement policies," said Angelino Alfano, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.The topic chosen for the Trieste edition is "Freedom for Science, Science for Freedom".

The event will take place from July 4 to 10, 2020. The ESOF Supervisory Board has officially announced that it has selected the northeast Italian city of Trieste, which is home to international scientists and has always played a role of political, economic and cultural mediation towards the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The host cities for previous editions of this high-profile conference were Stockholm in 2004, Monaco in 2006, Barcelona in 2008, Turin in 2010, Dublin in 2012, Copenhagen in 2014 and Manchester in 2016. Preparations are under way for the 2018 edition in Toulouse. "A victory that has been jointly supported by our institutions, which have always believed in the importance of scientific cooperation for promoting intra-European dialog. It is very significant that this wonderful news arrives today, as Trieste is hosting the Western Balkans Summit that brings together 13 heads of state and government to discuss the future of Europe and its borders."

Trieste is going through a crucial stage in its role of political and cultural intermediation between the European Community and the Balkan countries. The Western Balkans Summit (July 11-12, 2017) is under way, attended by the heads of state and government of 13 countries, who have gathered together to discuss the expansion of the European Union to include the Balkan area (Berlin Process). Two events will run alongside the official initiatives: the Civil Society Forum, with the involvement of leading scientists and representatives of cultural organizations and civil society; and the Youth Forum, a session dedicated to young people, which will be held at the University of Trieste. Finally, on the afternoon of July 12, the General Secretariat of the Chambers of Commerce of the Western Balkans will be inaugurated at the Chambers of Commerce in Piazza Borsa.