My IVY experience – Hernán Rodríguez Iglesias
Having adapted to the organisation and the new working environment, I am now in a position to explain what an IVY volunteer does, how much he/she gets involved in his/her project and how formative it can be. In my case, I am part of the INCUBTRANS project, although thanks to the Galicia Europa Foundation I have been able to learn about other POCTEP projects, and my knowledge about funding opportunities and European events is now much greater than before. INCUBTRANS aims to create a cross-border incubator in the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion to promote sustainable business creation, skilled employment and value creation in this border area. In other words, it seeks to facilitate entrepreneurship and digitalisation, to make the area more attractive and to tackle both depopulation and population ageing. It focuses on issues such as the agro-industrial sector, digitalisation and the search for young talent. In line with this, for example, I have participated in an event organised by the Galicia Europa Foundation, called: “New opportunities in the agro-industrial sector”, which precisely brought together and trained entrepreneurs from the wine and almond sector, both Spanish and Portuguese, to face the internationalisation of their SMEs and make them more competitive at a global level. On the other hand, apart from the presence and participation in events, we also must take into account the day-to-day work in the office. Writing press releases, following up on communication with partners and maintaining regular correspondence to ensure coordination is part of the experience. In addition, you have the opportunity to meet many of your project partners, people who possess the skills to teach you numerous things, and you get to explore the organisational models and ways of working of a wide variety of entities. All this, plus the training part of approaching such large and new projects in a theoretical way, generates a lot of knowledge, and takes you out of your comfort zone, so it’s a great experience, whether you have a special interest in how Europe works, or are looking to improve your knowledge. – Hernán Rodríguez Iglesias, Interreg Project Partner at Galicia Europa Foundation in the framework of INCUBTRANS project Discover more about INCUBTRANS Click Here
First Steps as an IVY Volunteer for the CO2 PACMAN Project
Hi everyone! I’m Myrto Constantoulaki and I’m so excited to be a volunteer for the CO2 PACMAN Project through the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) program. I’m based in Athens, Greece, and volunteering with the European Public Law Organization (EPLO). This experience has been an incredible opportunity to contribute to an innovative project tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: climate change. The CO2 PACMAN (COoperation and CO-designing PArtnership for CliMAte Neutrality) project is part of the Interreg Euro-MED program, which focuses on greener living and helping Mediterranean islands transition to climate neutrality. The project brings together people and organizations from different sectors to create strategies for cutting carbon emissions and adapting to climate challenges. It’s currently making a big impact on the islands of Brac (Croatia), Crete (Greece), and Elba (Italy), where it’s introducing fresh ideas and tools to tackle emissions in areas like energy, transport, water, and tourism. What’s even cooler is that it combines technical solutions with community input, making it a model that other regions can replicate. As a volunteer, I’ve been lucky enough to dive into the project’s communication and engagement activities with EPLO. I help create materials to spread the word about the project’s goals and successes and support efforts to engage citizens and stakeholders. It’s been amazing to see how collaboration—between citizens, businesses, and public authorities—can spark real change. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about the importance of teamwork and participation in tackling global challenges like climate change. Mediterranean islands have unique struggles, like limited resources and increased vulnerability to climate change. The CO2 PACMAN project is empowering these islands with the tools and strategies they need to reach carbon neutrality Volunteering for this project has been a great experience so far. Not only do I get to contribute to something meaningful, but I’m also gaining valuable skills in communication and project management. Being part of a team working toward a greener future is truly inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to read about my experience! I can’t wait to share more updates as the project moves forward. Myrto ConstantoulakiIVY Volunteer for CO2 PACMAN Project at European Public Law Organization (EPLO) Discover more about CO2 Pacman Click Here
Supporting Cooperation in the HU-SK-RO-UA Region
My name is Karolína, and I am currently volunteering with the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) initiative at the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme, based in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. This Programme’s main goal is to promote cross-border cooperation for a Resilient and Green Border Region, a Healthy and Attractive Border Region, and a Cooperating Border Region. The regions involved include parts of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, all of which benefit from improved environmental conditions, economic development, and strengthened partnerships. The total cooperation area covers 83,057 km², which is comparable to the size of Austria. Our Programme operates within a unique and challenging area, especially given the current war in Ukraine. This situation complicates many aspects, including organising in-person events or inviting representatives from all participating countries. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission of fostering collaboration and development. As part of the consultation process for the Post-2027 Interreg programmes, one of our key responsibilities is to host information sessions and workshops at universities within the HUSKROUA programme area. These events allowed students to not only receive updates on cross-border cooperation but also voice their opinions on the future of such collaborations, which are highly relevant to their generation. Our goal was to visit universities (and also one high school) in every participating country, we visited Centrul Universitar Nord din Baia Mare in Romania, Gymnázium Poštová 9 and Katedra politológie FF Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika in Slovakia, Miskolci Egyetem and Nyíregyházi Egyetem in Hungary and Uzhhorod National University in Ukraine, introducing the Programme’s work, encouraging participation in surveys, and raising awareness of the IVY initiative, which offered valuable opportunities for young people to gain insights into the workings of Interreg and cross-border cooperation addressed by their own age group. With these events I was able to connect with diverse communities and hear the opinions of youth across the borders. Raising awareness of Interreg’s work and the opportunities it offers will remain one of my main goals as an IVY volunteer. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to see how cooperation across borders can drive positive change, even in challenging circumstances. It’s inspiring to witness how communities come together to overcome shared obstacles and work towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Being part of this process not only broadens my perspective but also reinforces the power of collective action in addressing global challenges. – Karolína, IVY Reporter at Joint Secretariat of the Interreg NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme Discover more about Interreg Next Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Click Here
Strengthening cross-border cooperation: my experience in the Italy-Slovenia Interreg Programme
Hello everyone! Today my goal here is to convey my enthusiasm for volunteering in Interreg. First of all, let’s break the ice by introducing myself! I am Irene, IVY Reporter at the Veneto Region – Regional support office of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme. So that you know the incredible opportunity I have, my office view overlooks the fascinating palaces and the lively calli of Venice. It has been four months since I have been welcomed in Interreg and I want to share with you which are the main tasks I accomplish in my daily routine as part of the team of the Italy-Slovenia Interreg Programme office at the Veneto Region. After having received an adequate training, I immediately immersed myself in communication activities aiming to promote the regional participation in the Programme, committed in enhancing cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia. Among others, I draft news for website publications and I produce materials as vehicle to reach citizens, including the postcard I distributed to students so as to engage them in the post-2027 Consultations. Additionally, I am working on the production of fact sheets to inform the society of the Venetian participation in the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme and to highlight the contribution they make to the financed projects. Not only my role includes office-based activities but I have also been engaged in several events as well as in the 6th Monitoring Committee of the Programme held in Venice on the 2nd and 3rd October 2024. During my permanence here, I have definitely enhanced my understanding of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), one of the two objectives pursued by Cohesion policy, the European Union strategy to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion among regions. On the 15th of November 2024 I received the honourable opportunity to participate in Brussels in the “Youth for Future Cooperation – On the Road to Interreg GO!” conference at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission: in this occasion, IVY volunteers and alumni discussed together and presented to the DG REGIO their insightful recommendations for the future of territorial cooperation. By now, I feel I have gained enough experience to totally recommend this inspiring opportunity. Besides improving my communication skills, I am to gain unique experiences and contributing to the successful implementation of cooperation – essential for a solid Europe – makes me really full of pride. Although during the volunteering moments of challenge may occur, overcoming difficulties is a chance to foster both personal and professional growth. To conclude, being IVY volunteer is an immense pleasant experience you cannot miss!
My IVY experience in bringing Sustainable Procurement to life with ProcuraMED
Hey everyone, I’m Athanasios Magalios, and I’m currently volunteering with ProcuraMED as part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) program, in Patras – Greece, a sunny, beautiful city right by the sea! This experience has been a wonderful opportunity to work on a project that promotes eco-friendly and innovative public procurement across the Mediterranean. ProcuraMED’s main mission is to support local governments and public institutions in adopting “green” procurement policies. This means encouraging the selection of products and services that are environmentally sustainable and innovative, helping shift economies towards greener practices. ProcuraMED brings together a diverse partnership across nine regions. These partners include municipalities, energy agencies, and development organizations such as the Municipality of Narni and Terre di Siena Lab (Italy), MedCities (Spain), IrRADIARE (Portugal), the Department for Development and International Projects of Zenica-Doboj Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina), University of Patras (Greece), BSC Poslovno Podporni Center Kranj (Slovenia), STRATAGEM ENERGY LTD (Cyprus), and the Regional Energy Agency North (Croatia). Each one of them brings specialized knowledge to help local authorities incorporate green procurement in fields from civil engineering to regional development. As part of my role, I’m diving into the regulatory landscape of Green Public Procurement (GPP) and Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) in Greece and the rest of the EU countries. I review current legislative frameworks, gather best practices, and help adapt guidelines to fit regional needs. I’m also involved in creating materials for a media campaign and supporting events, like an informative info-day and targeted thematic sessions for public and business stakeholders. These sessions help build a common understanding and provide practical tools for integrating green criteria. By collecting and sharing data from these sessions, insights are provided into local practices and help shape our outreach strategy. With the creation of communication materials, I help spread the word about our project and encourage communities to join the movement. The thing I love the most in ProcuraMED is the collaborative spirit. Witnessing partners from diverse backgrounds work together to support environmental sustainability is incredibly inspiring. Each workshop and training session is a step closer to a greener, more innovative Mediterranean region!
Volunteering for Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme
Hi there, my name is Sakina Belahcen, and I have been an IVY volunteer supporting the Managing Authority of the Romania-Bulgaria Interreg Programme for nearly three months. My role involves assisting with communication, event organization, and the Post 2027 citizen consultation. Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme The Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to enhance the Romanian-Bulgarian cross-border area from 2021 to 2027. This EU cross-border cooperation programme addresses regional challenges and fosters projects that have a significant cross-border impact, benefiting residents, businesses, and institutions. Building on the successes of previous programmes, it invests in climate change, risk management, environmental protection, resource efficiency, sustainable transport, employment, and workforce mobility. The programme has a total budget of 207,457,162 euros, and its beneficiaries include public administrations, businesses, NGOs, universities, research institutions, civil society, and environmental and business support organizations. The funds are allocated across four priority axes: A well-connected region A green region An educated region An integrated region Eligible areas include seven Romanian counties (Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Calarasi, Constanta) and eight Bulgarian districts (Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra, Dobrich). The Managing Authority, where my IVY experience is taking place, is responsible for the programme’s overall administration and expenditure certification. Hosted by the Romanian Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration, I am working and learning about cohesion policy in the cross-border area along with six Romanian colleagues and one other IVY volunteer. My IVY Experience So Far Welcomed by the city of Bucharest, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and dynamic cultural scene, I was able to learn a lot about the work of Interreg in the Eastern European region. The Managing Authority is located right next to the Romanian Parliament, in the premises of the Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration. I also had the chance to discuss and connect with various professionals working in other Interreg bodies such as the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme or the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, learning more about their work and impact in the region. Touching a bit on all the subjects covered by Interreg, I am able to expand my experience by discovering various projects in the field of education, sustainable tourism, connectivity, and more, taking place in the cross-border region. As soon as I arrived in Romania, I was directly involved in the programme activities, having the opportunity to intervene at Craiova Law University to not only present the impact of the programme for the cross-border region Romania-Bulgaria but also discuss the topic of youth involvement in the EU and share potential opportunities that young Europeans can take advantage of in the region, such as the IVY programme. We engaged in an active discussion with young Romanians. So far, my experience has granted me many opportunities to travel and gain knowledge on development in Eastern Europe. I also had the opportunity to participate in the kick-off meeting of the DISMAR project in the Bulgarian city of Ruse, discovering firsthand the achievements of projects under the Interreg programme and discussing with active beneficiaries. More generally, I am also greatly involved in communication campaigns on the programme website and social media channels, creating posts to promote the projects under the programme and encourage potential beneficiaries to apply to the new call for proposals. Last but not least, I am currently planning to organize a Citizen Engagement Activity in the region under the European Commission and the Association of European Border Regions on the theme of sustainable tourism and cohesion policy. So, stay tuned for more info! Overall, I would greatly encourage European youth to apply for an IVY experience. It is the perfect opportunity to develop your early career in European cooperation, discovering many fields of action and being able to discuss with professionals involved in various stages of European development, while experiencing a fulfilling multi-cultural experience. – Sakina, IVY Reporter for the Managing Authority Interreg Romania-Bulgaria Learn more about the Interreg Romania – Bulgaria Programme Click Here
