Fifty years of the Treaty of Osimo: Legacy of dialogue and peace

10. 11. 2025

• Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
• Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Rome
• Government Office for National Minorities

Fifty years ago, on 10 November 1975, the Treaty of Osimo (agreement on the development of economic cooperation) was signed in the Italian town of Osimo between the then Yugoslavia and Italy. These documents represent one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the post-war period for both countries and constitute a lasting milestone in their bilateral relations.

Their validity in mutual relations was confirmed by Slovenia and Italy on 31 July 1992, through an exchange of notes, whereby both countries committed themselves to respecting the Treaty, which is still considered one of the foundations of international legal relations between Slovenia and Italy.

Signed shortly after the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act, the Treaty of Osimo followed the principles of overcoming divisions and creating a peaceful coexistence between states, which were also specified in the Act. In addition to the final settlement of the state border, the Treaty was of key importance and formed the basis for resolving issues relating to both national communities - the Slovenian community in Italy and the Italian community in Slovenia. It also accelerated the strengthening of economic ties and enabled the first joint infrastructure projects, which contributed to the development of border areas, cultural exchange and the deepening of people-to-people contacts.

Over the past decades, Slovenia and Italy have gradually built mutual trust and overcome obstacles for the benefit of both nations, national communities and populations on both sides of the border. Today, the two countries are jointly developing successful projects in the economic, scientific, cultural and other fields, thereby enriching both societies. The level of relations between the two countries since the signing of the Treaty of Osimo is best reflected in this year's first cross-border European Capital of Culture, jointly conceived and implemented by Nova Gorica and Gorizia. Both Slovenia and Italy are rightfully proud of this project.