The quality of life in Friuli Venezia Giulia: a region between tradition and innovation

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Out of 107 Italian provinces, that of Gorizia is the best in Italy for young people. This is what emerges from the 2025 survey on the quality of life by generational groups conducted by Il Sole 24 Ore. But it is not only Gorizia that shines: the collected data show that all four provinces of Friuli Venezia Giulia achieved good results in the different categories, a sign of the overall high quality of life of the region. A balance of economic development, efficient services, environment and social cohesion makes this north-eastern corner of Italy a model to watch carefully.

A detailed analysis of the data from the provinces shows that they all collect top ten positions in various areas. Trieste ranks fourth overall for quality of life of young people thanks to a high percentage of university graduates, cultural liveliness and good urban equity. For the 0-14 age group, Trieste is seventh in Italy and stands out for beingfirst in social spending for families and children and fifth in the number of paediatricians. Pordenone emerges as the province of Friuli Venezia Giulia with the best quality of life for the elderly (21st nationwide), with seventh place for social spending for the elderly, but also stands out positively for the 0-14 age bracket, excelling in access to municipal services for children. Udine ranks eighth nationally for the quality of life of children, thanks to excellent results for access to childcare services. But the one that stands out for the quality of life of young people is undoubtedly Gorizia, for the second consecutive year in first place nationally. The city's cultural events, the presence of the university and the job opportunities - with a high percentage of permanent contracts - make the province suitable for young people. This is also why, with its Slovenian 'twin' Nova Gorica, it is European Capital of Cross-border Culture.

One of the most emblematic initiatives of 2025 for the Region is, precisely, GO!2025 - Nova Gorica and Gorizia European Capital of Culture, an event celebrating cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia. It is the first European Capital of Culture shared between two cities and two countries, a strong symbol of peace, inclusion and European identity. GO! 2025 aims to overcome physical and cultural barriers between the two societies, demonstrating that cross-border governance has a positive impact on the growth of European peripheries, indispensable pieces in the mosaic of the Union. This event has already brought investment in infrastructure, urban regeneration, new cultural spaces and a rich programme of exhibitions, concerts, workshops and international meetings. GO!2025 also represents an opportunity to relaunch Gorizia, which becomes a perfect example of how culture can be an engine for development, dialogue and quality of life, in a region that has always made the coexistence of peoples and languages a founding value.

However, it is not only culture that makes Friuli Venezia Giulia a good place to live. The varied Friulian economic fabric also contributes: alongside the manufacturing industry, which remains a historical pillar, innovative sectors such as mechatronics, biotechnology and ICT are developing. Not forgetting the agri-food industry, which, with typical products such as San Daniele ham and Collio wines, contributes to the economic well-being and enhancement of the territory, with positive repercussions also from the tourism point of view. Favourable tax policies and streamlined bureaucracy also contribute to attracting investment from abroad, making the area even more attractive and confirming itsrole as a bridge between Western Europe and the Balkans. A role that makes the region a strategic point for commercial traffic, thanks above all to the presence of the port of Trieste.

The environmental and landscape aspect should not be overlooked. Friuli Venezia Giulia offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from the Friulian Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea, passing through the Collio hills. This heterogeneity makes the area highly appreciated by tourists, including those who prefer a slow and sustainable holiday. This is another reason why, looking at the tourism figures for 2024, it can be seen that arrivals in the region grew by 5.4% compared to the previous year, reaching 3.10 million, divided into 1.79 million foreigners (+8.2%) and 1.31 million Italians (+1.8%). Total presences thus stood at over 10 million (+2.9%), with a substantial component of foreigners (+4.8% to 6.14 million). Finally, the heterogeneous cultural dimension must also be considered: a linguistic diversity (Italian, Friulian, Slovenian and German) and a long history of coexistence between different ethnic groups have generated a climate of tolerance and dialogue that is reflected in daily life and in public policies.