Month: July 2025

IVY has truly given me the opportunity of a lifetime. It offered me a professional and personal experience that I would not have been able to achieve on my own. Thanks to this programme, I have come to understand how cooperation between different European countries works in practice, especially when it comes to supporting local communities and achieving goals that would otherwise be unreachable without collaboration and solidarity.Although I started this experience only a short time ago, I have already learned a great deal. I have grown more confident and have developed greater self-esteem by working in a dynamic environment and communicating with colleagues and people from across Europe and beyond. Every day, I feel increasingly inspired by the dedication of those involved in these projects. Through IVY, I discovered what Cohesion Policy truly means — not just in theory, but as a concrete tool for fostering regional development and for promoting European Territorial Cooperation. I’ve seen firsthand how essential this cooperation is in supporting local actors who work daily to make a difference in their communities. Currently, I am actively involved in assisting my team with the evaluation and discussion of various cross-border cooperation projects. What unites them all is a shared foundation: the belief that cooperation makes us stronger. It is incredibly rewarding to witness how these ideas take shape and become reality. Observing people passionately discuss project ideas — often with genuine excitement and sparkles in their eyes — is both moving and motivating. Before that, I had the chance to support our team in promoting Interreg and European Territorial Cooperation through outreach events across the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. From the University of Trieste to the University of Udine, I met many individuals who share the same values and aspirations. Engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds — all in the same room, united by a common European spirit — was an indescribable experience. If it weren’t for IVY, none of this would have been possible. This experience is not only enriching but also deeply transformative. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn in the field, work on real projects, meet passionate young people, and take part in building a more connected, inclusive, and united Europe. Thank you, IVY, for this unforgettable journey. – Alessio, IVY Reporter at RCO FVG – Interreg Italy-Austria. Learn more about RCO FVG – Interreg Italy-Austria. Click Here

Hello everyone! My name is Arthur, and I’ve been volunteering as an IVY Project Partner in Burgas, Bulgaria, within the SturNet project, which is part of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. It’s been an inspiring experience, and I’m excited to share a glimpse of the work we’ve been doing and what I’ve learned along the way. What is SturNet about? SturNet stands for the protection of one of the Black Sea’s most iconic and endangered species: sturgeons. These majestic fish, which have existed since the age of dinosaurs, are now critically threatened by pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. The project aims to track sturgeon populations and analyze their habitats to provide scientific data and decision-making tools that support conservation. Another key goal is to build a network of organizations across the region, all committed to sturgeon preservation. My role as an IVY volunteer I’ve joined the Protection of Biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, the lead partner for this project, where I support the communication activities. My tasks include writing the project newsletter, creating content for social media, and attending events such as trainings and seminars to help spread the word about the importance of marine biodiversity. One of the highlights of my mission was taking part in a field trip on the Black Sea near Primorsko, where we collected water samples for eDNA analysis, a cutting-edge method used to detect the presence of sturgeons or invasive species that may threaten them. A day to remember That sunrise over the Black Sea will stay with me for a long time. It was breathtaking to be out on the water, contributing in a small way to the preservation of such a unique ecosystem, and learning hands-on how marine biologists work to monitor biodiversity in real time. Who benefits from this project? SturNet not only supports the survival of sturgeons, but also aims to raise awareness among policymakers, inform private stakeholders such as fisheries, and educate the general public about the need to protect shared marine resources. It’s a project that connects science, decision-making, and cross-border cooperation. What I’ve learned This experience has taught me how deeply involved the European Union is in funding and supporting biodiversity initiatives. I’ve seen how synergies between different projects and countries can lead to concrete, field-level action. The transnational scale of the programme makes perfect sense when dealing with environmental issues that go beyond borders. A meaningful experience For me, this IVY mission has been more than just a professional opportunity. It allowed me to bring to life some of the theories I had studied in territorial diplomacy, to discover marine biology and ecosystems, and to practice my skills in strategic communication. I’ve also had the joy of discovering a new country, a new city, and even a new language. – Arthur, IVY Project Partner at Protection of biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, for the Interreg project SturNet, under the programme Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Learn more about Protection of biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation Click Here Learn more about Interreg project SturNet Click Here

In the following report I will show the activities carried out by me during the first month and a half of volunteering, from 14 April to 26 May 2025. My role in the Foundation is to collaborate with the INCUBTRANS project, which aims to create a cross-border incubator between Galicia and Northern Portugal. This should support and stimulate the sustainable creation of new companies in the territory. When I started, I had a meeting with Pilar del Oro and my colleagues, Mariña and Paz, to explain how the programme and the Foundation in general worked. I also made a video presentation about my work as an IVY volunteer at the FGE, to be posted on the Foundation’s social networks, which can be seen at this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJi1uZCIt5n/ During this month and a half, I have been collaborating in the preparation of the workshop for entrepreneurs in the Chaves-Verín area and contacting the partners. I also helped my colleague Paz to create a document with the lines of funding and aid programmes that they can benefit from. Among these lines, there are grants from the autonomous community (Galicia), Spain, Portugal and the European Union. I have attended two of the on-line pilot meetings with the partners to set up this activity. I have created a registration form in Portuguese and Spanish, a Qr code to access them and I have collaborated in the creation of the poster by designing some proposals. On 26 May 2025 I attended the INCUBTRANS workshop in Chaves, a training in business training for the rural tourism sector organised as part of the INCUBTRANS project, at the headquarters of ADRAT. – Sofía, IVY Project Partner at Galicia Europa Foundation, for the Interreg project INCUBTRANS, under the programme Interreg POCTEP Learn more about Galicia Europa Foundation Click Here Learn more about Interreg project INCUBTRANS Click Here

Hi everyone! I’m Fotini, and I’m thrilled to be a volunteer for the INFIRE project through the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) programme. I’m currently based in Athens, Greece, where I’m volunteering with Dynamic Vision PC, a consultancy company offering innovative solutions in areas such as environment, communication, health, and technology. Being hosted by such a dynamic and supportive team has made this experience not only productive but incredibly inspiring. The project I’m contributing to is called INFIRE – INnovative FInancing solutions for climate planning of REsilient and carbon neutral living areas. It addresses one of the most pressing challenges we face today: how to effectively finance and implement climate action at the local and regional levels. In the Euro-Mediterranean area, where climate change is already having significant environmental, social, and economic impacts, there’s an urgent need for more resilient, carbon-neutral communities. INFIRE focuses on providing a holistic and integrated approach to climate resilience, tackling issues such as energy efficiency, the decarbonization of buildings, renewable energy production, sustainable mobility services, and nature-based solutions. What I find especially important is how the project emphasizes the involvement of all relevant stakeholders—from local authorities to citizens—because that’s where real change begins. As a volunteer, I’ve been supporting Dynamic Vision in various ways: helping with the project’s tasks, contributing to internal organization, and enhancing communication efforts. This has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I’ve learned how to organize my work more efficiently, improved my English skills, and—most importantly—learned how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Everyone at Dynamic Vision has been incredibly kind and welcoming. Being surrounded by such knowledgeable, polite, and dedicated professionals has shown me what it truly means to work as part of a team with a shared purpose. Volunteering for INFIRE has been a valuable journey so far. I feel proud to be part of a project that not only addresses critical environmental goals but also promotes sustainable and inclusive development across Mediterranean communities. It’s empowering to know that even small contributions—like mine—can help advance the mission of building a greener, more resilient future. Thanks for reading about my journey—I’m excited to keep learning, contributing, and growing with this amazing initiative! – Fotini, IVY Project Partner at Dynamic Vision P.C., for the Interreg project INFIRE, under the programme Interreg Euro-MED. Learn more about Dynamic Vision P.C. Click Here Learn more about Interreg project INFIRE Click Here

Since I started my volunteering journey as an IVY (Interreg Volunteer Youth) with the Città Metropolitana di Torino, I’ve had the chance to take part in the PITER+ GRAIES ClimaLab project. This initiative brings together Italian and French mountain communities to tackle a wide range of challenges, all connected to climate change – from water scarcity and forest degradation to biodiversity loss and stagnant local economies, often accompanied by a lack of awareness about these issues. The project’s main goal is to build a shared cross-border strategy for climate adaptation and territorial resilience in the alpine region. What makes GRAIES ClimaLab particularly innovative is its Living Lab approach: a collaborative method where local communities, institutions, researchers, and stakeholders come together to co-design and test solutions in real-life conditions. It’s a space for experimentation, learning, and mutual empowerment – where adaptation strategies are not imposed top-down but emerge through participatory processes. As a volunteer, I’ve been actively involved in communication and outreach, supporting the organisation of the launch event from multiple angles and helping amplify the voices of scientists, political leaders, and community representatives. One of the most inspiring moments so far has been witnessing the kick-off event, where both Italian and French partners gathered to present the strategy and reflect on shared responsibilities. It was clear that cross-border cooperation is not just a technical matter, but something rooted in trust, long-standing relationships, and shared vision. Coming from a more technical academic background, this experience is enriching my understanding of European governance and cohesion policies. I’m discovering how strategies and funding frameworks actually translate into actions that support local communities and make the green transition more inclusive and effective. It’s a new perspective for me, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this process. – Laura, IVY Project Partner at Metropolitan city of Turin – Città Metropolitana di Torino, for the Interreg project PITER+ GRAIES ClimaLab – PCC, under the programme Interreg France Italy-Alcotra Learn more about Metropolitan city of Turin Click Here Learn more about Interreg project PITER+ GRAIES ClimaLab- PCC Click Here

Hey everyone! I’m Vilém, coming from Czechia, fresh out of university and diving straight into an awesome new adventure with the Interreg project. This time, I’m exploring things from behind the scenes! The project, called Biodivercity (Städte.Gärten.Vielfalt. / Mestá.Záhrady.Rozmanitosť.), is super aligned with my studies in spatial planning, so naturally, I jumped right in! Right now, I’m volunteering at the environmental NGO Global2000 in Vienna, and our partner city is Bratislava. The city where I enjoy spending time and which holds so much hidden potential. I though each city has its own vibe and specific projects, our big mission is shared: bringing more nature and biodiversity into urban spaces. Here in Vienna’s 20th district, we’re working on greening Jägerstrasse, and it’s pretty coo. Locals can adopt small garden spaces right on their street. Over in Bratislava, people are reviving the historic Koch Garden, turning what was a forgotten spot into a buzzing, vibrant community space. My first month here was packed full of action! We kicked things off with a super inspiring workshop in Vienna, teaming up with partners from Bratislava. We shared tons of ideas about increasing biodiversity and creating green spaces, explored community projects like shared libraries of things, community gardens, and wrapped up the day with an awesome street-based botanical workshop. The next week was even more hands-on. I got to work directly with local residents excited to transform Jägerstrasse. We started early, bringing in special soil, planting seedlings, and building wooden enclosures. Locals arrived eager to pitch in, kids got busy creating their own cool plant tags, and by the evening, what had been a dull street was bursting with life and color. It felt amazing seeing the transformation happen right before our eyes! We regularly connect online to keep each other updated on our progress, and in early June, we even organized bilingual guided tours in Vienna and Bratislava with support from the European Open Parks and Garden Weekend iniciative. And I even attended a meeting with the French Ministry of Culture – it was quite an experience! This is a big part of our cross-border efforts, making EU policies like cohesion and Interreg accessible and understandable through real, engaging experiences. On top of all that, we had a blast at Vienna’s first-ever Klimafest in the Favoriten district. Our Interreg booth taught kids and teachers that biodiversity isn’t just important in massive places like national parks—it matters just as much on your local street or school playground! These highlights are just a peek at what I’ve experienced so far as an Interreg Volunteer Youth. I’m really hopeful that the European Commission keeps supporting this amazing initiative. Young volunteers can genuinely make a difference in building stronger communities and promoting unity in today’s unpredictable world. If you’re curious, check out Interreg initiatives in your area. You might discover your role can have a bigger impact than you ever imagined! – Vilem, IVY Project Partner at Global 2000 Umweltschutz organisation, for the Interreg project Städte.Gärten.Vielfalt, under the programme Interreg Slovakia – Austria Learn more about Global 2000 Umweltschutz organisation Click Here Learn more about Interreg project Städte.Gärten.Vielfalt Click Here