Behind the Scenes of Transnational Cooperation – My volunteering experience at Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE
Billy Joel was right…Vienna did wait for me! Hi, my name is Shannon and I am 23 years old. Coming from France, I am an IVY Reporter for Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE and for the past three months I have been exploring my dream city while getting familiar with the Interreg jargon. The Programme Manual was my first introduction to how projects are guided and supported throughout their implementation. I was struck by how clear and well-structured the framework is for our projects. Then, I stopped reading and started speaking. I reviewed the programme social media channels and website with fresh eyes, bringing the youthful boost I was asked to add. The Joint Secretariat carries out the implementation of the programme. We support and follow 150 projects working together across nine countries (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republik, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Poland), for a smarter, greener, better connected and better governed central Europe. Projects range from launching demand-responsive transport services (DREAM PACE) to creating cooler spaces in cities (Ready4Heat), training healthcare students with virtual reality (VReduMED) and giving vulnerable communities a stronger voice (GEtCoheSive). From the communication unit, I have an eye on these projects, and I am part of the daily expression of concrete cooperation, from the drafting of the newsletter to communication on project websites. I get to write project stories, highlighting transnational cooperation when tackling shared challenges. Some projects might even get some extra attention through a social media reel, as sometimes it is simply easier to say out loud why a project deserves to be seen. That is also why we launched two Reel series this summer, with me taking over the programme’s social media. One is taking stakeholders and curious citizens behind the scenes of cooperation, and another one puts the focus on the future of transnational cooperation. And when I am not playing with the camera, I walk the streets of the Austrian capital, where the FOMO (fear of missing out) gets me every time. My list of places to visit keeps growing, from open-air opera at the Rathaus and trying out all the vegan restaurants in town, to day trips across the border to Bratislava. I am grateful to experience it all with IVY, which combines cooperation that builds bridges between regions and communication that builds bridges between people. – Shannon, IVY Reporter for the programme Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE
LAG OpenLeader: managing a bottom-up strategy that empowers local actors
Hi there, I’m Beatrice and I am part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth initiative! I am currently based in northeastern Italy, volunteering within the Italy-Austria Interreg Program. Here, I volunteer at the Local Action Group (LAG) OpenLeader, which has been involved in the Interreg program for over ten years. The strategy I am volunteering on is the HEurOpen strategy, which involves two additional LAGs: the Italian LAG EuroLeader and the Austrian LAG Region Hermagor. Together, these three LAGs coordinate the HEurOpen strategy, a CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) strategy under the fourth Interreg priority. CLLD strategies are characterized by a bottom-up approach, meaning that local communities become the main actors in shaping the development of their territories. Local actors, such as small enterprises, local entities and organizations, research centers, educational institutions, are those who best understand the needs of their communities. They are therefore directly involved in project activities, as well as in community engagement and decision-making processes fostering active democratic participation. In this way, the CLLD represents a framework of initiatives that enhance and value border regions. As a Local Action Group, we actively support local actors in finding partners, developing ideas, and transforming them into solid and concrete project proposals. My role as an IVY volunteer As an IVY at LAG OpenLeader I primarily support communication activities related to the HEurOpen strategy, promoting the value of the CLLD approach and highlighting approved projects currently under implementation through social media channels. In addition, I contribute to the day-to-day management of the CLLD activities by assisting colleagues in supporting partners with the development of their project proposals and helping prepare meetings and events with project partners and other stakeholders. I regularly attend meetings with the CLLD HEurOpen management group; this allows me to gain insight into how the strategy is coordinated and implemented, as well as how cooperation among partners is structured. Furthermore, I participate in meetings with the consortia working to build synergies and develop joint projects. As part of these activities, my colleagues and I occasionally travel within the HEurOpen area, between Italy and Austria, to meet the project partners. What I appreciate most about the HEurOpen strategy is seeing how local actors bring their ideas to life through concrete projects. It is inspiring to observe how they come together to address local challenges through cross-border cooperation. I can truly see how the CLLD Interreg strategy fosters dialogue between border regions, helping communities get to know each other and work together for the well-being of their territories. This gives me so great hope for a more cohesive and collaborative Europe! – Beatrice, IVY Project Partner at Local Action Group OPEN LEADER soc. Cons. A r.l. – CLLLD HEurOpen , for the Interreg Italy-Austria project MGMT-HEO – Strategy HEurOpen
My IVY experience at the Joint Secretariat Interreg Italy-Austria
I am Aurora, and during my IVY experience within the Interreg Italy- Austria programme I had the opportunity to visit and make videos about several projects that promote interregional cooperation, support local communities and foster sustainable development across borders. In particular, the Interreg Italy–Austria programme places strong emphasis on the CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) approach, a method within European Union Cohesion Policy. CLLD is a bottom-up model where local communities actively participate in designing and implementing development strategies. Instead of decisions being made at a higher institutional level, local stakeholders, such as municipalities, associations, schools, and businesses, collaborate to identify needs and shape projects that respond to their territory. One example I visited is a cross-border project in the Terra Raetica region (a cross-border Alpine region spanning parts of northern Italy, western Austria, and Switzerland) focused on marble quarries and mining heritage. The project aims to valorise the historical and cultural significance of mining by connecting tourism, education, and local economic activities. It includes museum development, guided tours, school programmes, and the creation of cycling and rail tourism routes. What makes it a clear example of CLLD is its bottom-up nature: local actors such as museums, schools, and regional partners collaborate directly to decide how to preserve and promote their shared heritage, ensuring that the project reflects local needs and knowledge. Overall, this experience showed me how Interreg projects go beyond cross-border cooperation. They actively empower communities to take part in shaping their own development, turning local heritage and resources into shared opportunities for sustainable growth and stronger regional identity. – Aurora, IVY Reporter for Interreg Italy-Austria.
From Learning to Regenerating: My IVY Experience with Regenera4MED
Hi! I’m Emma Cozens, an IVY volunteer working with B.Link Barcelona Strategic Projects on the Interreg Euro-MED project Regenera4MED. During my volunteering period in Barcelona, I’ve had the chance to live and work in a city that perfectly reflects the spirit of European cooperation. Barcelona is a vibrant, multicultural, and dynamic place, where different cultures, ideas, and people come together. It’s also a city facing real challenges linked to tourism and sustainability, which makes it the perfect environment to work on a project like Regenera4MED. Regenera4MED brings together partners from across the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Croatia, and Slovenia) to co-create and test a regenerative tourism model. The goal is not just sustainability but actively improving the places we visit and live in, while helping regions adapt to climate change. As part of my IVY experience, I’ve been involved in a wide range of tasks. I’ve supported cross-fertilisation activities, connecting with other European projects to exchange knowledge and identify collaboration opportunities. I have also helped organise the mentoring process for different regenerative tourism experiences across the Mediterranean, bringing together experts, local actors, and pilot initiatives to co-create a shared framework for these experiences. One of the most valuable parts of this experience has been the people I’ve worked with. My colleagues at B.Link have been incredibly supportive from day one, always willing to share their knowledge, guide me through new tasks, and make me feel part of the team. Their support has made a huge difference in my learning process and overall experience. Most of my work takes place in the office, supporting coordination, research, and communication tasks behind the scenes, but what makes it especially exciting is knowing that all this work contributes to real actions that will be implemented on the ground in the future. Our office is in Gràcia, a really nice neighbourhood full of libraries and cozy cafés and we work in a shared co-working space with other professionals, which makes the environment even more dynamic and inspiring. What I enjoy the most about this experience is seeing how European cooperation works in practice. It’s not just policies on paper, it’s real collaboration between people, regions, and ideas. Projects like Regenera4MED show how EU initiatives can have a tangible impact on local communities by promoting more responsible tourism and creating new opportunities. One project I follow closely is CCAM Proving Region. Its main goal is to establish a centre of excellence in the border region focused on the research and deployment of automated vehicles. While the project started as a collaboration between Flemish and Dutch partners, its ambition goes beyond the region. It aims to connect experts from across Europe and contribute to the wider development of automated mobility within the European Union. This shows how Interreg projects not only support local communities but can also have a broader European impact. Being part of IVY has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, while contributing to something meaningful. It’s inspiring to be part of a project that shows how tourism can become a force for positive change. – Emma, IVY Project Partner at B. Link Barcelona Strategic Projects, for the Interreg Euro MED project REGENERA4MED – Towards a Mediterranean model of Regenerative Tourism as Climate Change adaptation and risk prevention
From Learning to Experiencing EU Cooperation First-Hand in Flanthers-Netherlands
My name is Brian Pattikawa, I am 23 years old, and I recently graduated from a Master’s in European Studies at KU Leuven in Belgium. After finishing my studies last year, I wanted to gain more practical experience within European institutions and projects. That is why I decided to volunteer for six months at Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland. At Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland, we monitor and support different projects that promote cross-border cooperation between Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium) and the Netherlands. Although I have only been here for two months, I have already been involved in several projects and learned a great deal. These projects generally fall into four categories: social and labour market, environmental, innovation, and borderless cooperation. Each project has its own specific goals, but they all contribute to the broader aim of EU Cohesion Policy: reducing economic, social, and territorial disparities between regions. What all these projects have in common is their cross-border nature. They are based in the Flanders–Netherlands border region and involve both Flemish and Dutch partners working together towards shared objectives. One project I follow closely is CCAM Proving Region. Its main goal is to establish a centre of excellence in the border region focused on the research and deployment of automated vehicles. While the project started as a collaboration between Flemish and Dutch partners, its ambition goes beyond the region. It aims to connect experts from across Europe and contribute to the wider development of automated mobility within the European Union. This shows how Interreg projects not only support local communities but can also have a broader European impact. However, one challenge I have noticed is the limited visibility of Interreg among the general public. For example, during the kickoff event of CCAM Proving Region, it became clear that although Interreg helps fund these initiatives through the European Regional Development Fund, this role is not always widely recognised. I observed something similar with another project, “Otter across borders”, which focuses on reintroducing otters to the border region. While the project is well known in Belgium and the Netherlands and even featured on national television, Interreg’s involvement is often not mentioned in media coverage. My role at Interreg focuses on improving this visibility. I contribute by promoting projects through articles and social media on our Interreg channels. I also represent Interreg at project events and during interviews, aiming to present our work in a positive and accessible way. This helps people better understand what Interreg is and how it supports these initiatives. Through this experience, I have also realised that Interreg is sometimes seen simply as a funding source. However, it plays a much more important role. Interreg supports regional development through a bottom-up approach, bringing partners together and facilitating cooperation across borders. The success of these projects depends not only on funding but also on strong collaboration between partners. In this sense, Interreg acts as a bridge between local projects and the European Union. I believe that one of our key goals as Interreg Youth Volunteers is to make this role more visible. Whether through communication, maintaining relationships with project partners, or simply talking about Interreg in our daily lives, we can help people better understand its value. Interreg is not just about funding, it is about cooperation, connection, and building a stronger Europe from the ground up. – Brian, IVY Reporter for the Joint Secretariat Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland (Vlaned)
Financing a Resilient Mediterranean: My Journey with INFIRE
Hello everyone, My name is Alexandros Stefanakis, I am 22 years old and I am proudly collaborating with the Interreg Euro-MED INFIRE project as an IVY Volunteer. For the past few months, I have been hosted by Dynamic Vision, a dedicated project partner based in Athens that has warmly welcomed me into the intersection of green finance, climate planning, and regional cooperation. This experience has broadened my perspective on how intrinsically important innovative financing is; not only to meeting the EU’s 2030 climate targets, but also to the actual implementation of resilience strategies across the Euro-Mediterranean region. By way of introduction, the project INFIRE (Innovative Financing solutions for climate planning of REsilient and carbon neutral living areas) is concerned with addressing a pressing reality. The slow transition towards climate neutrality in our region is often stalled by a significant “funding gap”—the inability of public authorities to properly evaluate and mobilize the capital needed for large-scale green investments. My personal journey as an IVY with INFIRE has been inspiring and intellectually engaging. One of my highlights thus far has been contributing to the project’s communication and engagement strategies, ensuring that complex financial concepts are translated into a narrative that resonates with local stakeholders. Working with the team at Dynamic Vision, I have experienced how we act as the “Communication Manager” for the entire consortium, identifying dissemination opportunities that capture the interest of general audiences and encourage younger generations to take an active role in climate neutrality. It has been a pleasure to support the Region of Peloponnese in promoting the Kalamata Mobility Hub, which will provide solar-powered charging for e-bikes and scooters, directly benefiting the daily lives of citizens. My previous studies often focused on the “what” of climate change—the science and the policy. However, this interactive and professional platform at DYNAMIC VISION has been a welcome change, focusing on the “how”—the actual financial mechanisms that turn a plan on paper into a photovoltaic roof or a nature-based solution in a municipal schoolyard. As an Interreg Volunteer Youth, my role is centred on stakeholder engagement and communication. I take part in project meetings, co-creation workshops, and discussions related to the development of the Nordic Bridge digital portal. I help review and reflect on the feedback gathered from these sessions, which I find particularly interesting to be part of. Alongside this, I engage directly with youth organisations, and other non-academic stakeholders to help build community engagement around the Nordic Bridge concept, making sure young people become active partners in shaping the platform rather than passive users. I am looking forward to the next half of my journey and eagerly await to see what the rest of the year brings in terms of new learning experiences within the IVY journey. Every day brings new knowledge, new perspectives, and new motivations, as I help build the INFIRE Transfer Kit to share our solutions with regions across Europe. I am grateful for the journey thus far and the opportunity to contribute to a project that not only recognizes the urgent need for a greener Mediterranean, but also actively builds the financial bridges to make that sustainable future a reality. – Alex, IVY Project Partner at Dynamic Vision, for the Interreg Euro-MED project INFIRE – INnovative FInancing solutions for climate planning of REsilient and carbon neutral living area
