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Hi guys! I’m Stefanos, I come from Greece and I’m currently spending my 3rd month as an IVY volunteer in the Interreg Europe project «Shared Mobility Action Programmes Exchange – SMAPE». I’ve obtained an Integrated Master in Civil and Transport Engineering and now, with the help of the IVY Programme I can extend my academic experience by working alongside the University of West Attica in Athens, which is my Host Organization. It’s been almost three months since I started my IVY journey through the SMAPE project and, if I’m being honest, it has exceeded my expectations. Volunteering in the scope of organizing project events and material such as questionnaires, requires creative thinking which I am really excited to be doing. Recently, I participated in the organization of an online stakeholder meeting, where mayors from small islands of North Aegean Region were invited to exchange opinions regarding local policy developments of shared mobility. It was a great opportunity to meet and discuss with people from local authorities, aspects of shared mobility. As a whole, the IVY experience is really a chance to get in touch with a concept I’ve never touched on—Shared Mobility, and as you can see I’ve already put it into practice! Due to the transnational aspect of Interreg Europe, I have managed to come across people from various sectors and around different countries of Europe, and I’m really thankful to the UniWA and the IVY team. Both teams have really made my IVY journey remarkable, and I’m sure I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. I’m super excited for what’s to come!! – Stefanos, IVY Project Partner at SMAPE Project under Interreg Europe programme Discover more about Interreg Europe Click Here

Hello, I’m Eleni, an “IVY” reporter (volunteer) at the Managing Authority (M.A.) Interreg 2021-2027, based in Thessaloniki, Greece. In the programming period 2021-2027, the M.A. manages five Cross-border Cooperation Programmes, co-bunded by the EU, which are Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- Albania, Interreg VI-A Greece- Bulgaria, Interreg VI-A Greece- Cyprus, Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- North Macedonia and Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- Italy. As an IVY Reporter, I have the opportunity to delve deeper into the Cross-border Programmes, to promote cooperation between Greece and the Programmes’ participating  countries. In cooperation with the Μ.Α. Communication Manager, Ms. Symi Pasalidou, I help to communicate and promote the idea of Interreg, in the context of the Post 2027 Consultation, which focuses on the future cohesion policy (post 2027) and, in particular, on the future of Interreg Programmes. To achieve this, in cooperation with the M.A., we designed and implemented surveys for the Interreg Programmes; Greece- Bulgaria, Greece- Cyprus and Greece- North Macedonia, collecting data from stakeholders (organisations and citizens) living in the eligible areas of the Programmes’ participating countries. In an effort to engage youth in the EU cohesion policy, we also targeted young people, as it is essential that they have an effective voice about the future of Interreg in the next programming period 2028-2034, with their fresh and innovative ideas. Through the consultation, I realised how the different target audiences (communities) face common social and economic challenges in the context of cooperation, and what is the impact of such initiatives. In parallel, together with my fellow volunteer, Ms. Eleni Kokkini and the MA Communication manager, we contributed to outreach communication activities. More specifically, we participated in the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), an international event, attracting more than 220.000 visitors, from September 7 to 15, which brings together businesses, organisations and government bodies as well as citizens. At the TIF, we engaged with a wide range of visitors in an effort to raise awareness about Interreg programmes and encourage their participation in the post-2027 consultation. The event was an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges, barriers and needs of the community. Overall, my volunteer experience has been valuable and I am grateful that both the IVY organisation and the MA Interreg 2021-2027 gave me the opportunity to contribute to fostering cross-border cooperation. This experience has not only allowed me to develop my communication and data analysis skills but has also strengthened my commitment to building a more united and prosperous Europe. Eleni Patlaka, IVY Reporter for the M.A. of Interreg Greece- Bulgaria, Greece- Cyprus & Greece- North Macedonia. Discover more about Managing Authority Interreg 2021-2027 Click Here

The CEI BOOST Interreg Europe project focuses on advancing digital innovations to support the circular economy by fostering collaboration among partners from nine countries. By improving the circular economy and encouraging dynamic cooperation, the initiative seeks to enhance policies for the local, regional, and national implementation of digital tools and processes. By employing innovative digital approaches, the project seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, including regional government authorities, research institutions, universities, business support organizations, innovation agencies, and technology hubs, to promote sustainable development. Especially, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and France are among the project partners. Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) gain from the project’s emphasis on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous business models, which helps create a more sustainable and cooperative future. The solutions implemented in this framework will contribute to waste reduction, improved resource efficiency, and the promotion of sustainable business models. Participating in the IVY Program as part of this project has been an immensely boosting experience that offered numerous opportunities to actively contribute to its objectives. This volunteering role allowed me to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to significant tasks. I volunteered closely with stakeholders from the Region of Western Greece and project partners, building connections and raising awareness about the project’s mission and objectives. Through my involvement, I helped generate interest in the project’s efforts to advance digital innovations for the circular economy. It is important to refer my contribution to the meeting that took place among the project’s partners. Particularly, I attended the 9th online PC meeting on November 07, 2024. Moreover, I was involved in preparing the upcoming stakeholder meeting of the project, which will likely take place in January, where good practices from the Region of Western Greece will be presented and discussed with stakeholders. Also, I attended the Webinar on Citizen Science for Policy, on December 10, organized by the Policy Learning Platform. Overall, I was excitedly working with relevant stakeholders to offer perspectives impacting the project’s advancement. In this position, I was able to raise awareness, make connections, and learn more about the project’s goals. – Anastasia, IVY Project Partner at CEI Boost project under the Interreg Europe programme Discover more about the Interreg project CEI Boost Click Here

Hello everyone! My name is Chiara, and I’m a proud IVY Volunteer for the Interreg Italy-Switzerland Programme, currently based in Milan. As an IVY reporter, my role is to lead a public consultation aimed at Citizens and Stakeholders, with the goal of shaping the future of cross-border and transnational cooperation in the upcoming programming period, post-2027. This task is not just about gathering opinions—it’s about ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard, helping to guide the direction of these crucial initiatives. This experience has opened doors to a world that was previously unfamiliar to me. It has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand the vital role that cooperation plays in cross-border regions. Despite the linguistic, economic, and cultural differences that exist, it’s remarkable to see how people can unite to create meaningful projects that benefit entire populations across various sectors, whether in economic development, environmental sustainability, or social inclusion. For example, the ITA-CH Programme spans a vast area of 38,000 km², connecting regions on both sides of the Italian-Swiss border. In Italy, it involves Lombardy, Piedmont, the Province of Bolzano, and Valle d’Aosta, while on the Swiss side, the Cantons of Ticino, Graubünden, and Valais. The programme allocates significant resources to support sustainable, inclusive growth and to strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion in these border areas. Through these initiatives, Swiss and Italian organizations, institutions, and associations are able to collaborate on projects that benefit both sides. One of the most enriching aspects of this experience has been the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds and ages. I’ve met individuals, who are new to this field, as well as seasoned professionals who have dedicated years to upholding these values of cross-border cooperation. For example, I had the pleasure of working alongside Olga, a fellow IVY Volunteer from the Interreg Italy-Austria Programme. We met in Bolzano to conduct interviews together, exchanging experiences and learning from each other. It was a perfect example of how these programmes build bridges, not just between regions but also between people. These encounters have greatly enriched my personal and cultural knowledge, and for this reason, I hope to serve as an example for others who may wish to embark on this journey and engage with the world of cross-border cooperation. – Chiara, IVY Reporter at Interreg Italy – Switzerland  Discover more about Interreg Italy-Switzerland Click Here

As an Italian who had lived for seven months in Nice, a vibrant and charming city on the French Riviera only 30 km away from the Italian border, I have gained a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in cross-border cooperation between France and Italy. Living and working there made me realise the importance of enhancing every day’s people life and overcoming obstacles by joining forces together. That is why I decided to become an IVY Reporter at the Managing Authority for the Interreg France-Italy ALCOTRA Programme, at the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region in Lyon. First things first, let me introduce myself. I am Giorgia, and one of my main tasks as an IVY volunteer is to support the post-2027 consultation process for the future of Cohesion Policies within the ALCOTRA programme. This year, the European Commission’s DG Regio has called upon all Interreg programmes to engage citizens and stakeholders in discussions about the future of Interreg. ALCOTRA as well launched two online surveys, which will be available online until the 1st of October. Among my tasks, I have supported the drafting of the two online surveys, and I am organising events and in-person meetings involving young people to further discuss about the future of the programme and collect valuable data to enrich our consultations. Finally, I will contribute to outlining the report on the consultation results to be submitted to the European Commission by the end of the year. These consultations are vital for the next programme regulation, which will be implemented at the end of the current programme phase in 2027. Without consulting and understanding the needs of citizens and stakeholders, Interreg programmes would not be able to allocate funds to projects. Therefore, they would not be able to improve the daily lives of European citizens. Moreover, being an IVY volunteer for the past two months, I could deepen my understanding of European territorial cooperation and Cohesion policies within the ALCOTRA territory. Not only have I gained knowledge in the cooperation field, but I also have developed new skills which will be helpful in my professional career. Since I had the opportunity to develop new skills, both professional and personal, I am looking forward to the rest of my journey as an IVY Reporter. If you are interested as well in boosting your knowledge and raising awareness on what the EU does locally to improve our every day’s life, join the IVY squad and I am sure you will live an unforgettable experience! – Giorgia M. , IVY Reporter at Managing Authority of France – Italy ALCOTRA Discover more about Interreg France-Italy ALCOTRA Click Here

Hello all! I’m Olga and I’m currently deployed as an IVY Reporter for the Interreg Italy-Austria Programme. But what is IVY? What is Interreg? Not a lot of people know of these programs, and even I was not aware of their existence until recently, when I was looking for possible volunteering experiences in a European country. And it is certainly a pity, considering the opportunities that the European Union makes available through these programs and initiatives. With this little post I hope to bring some clarity and knowledge about the opportunities and the concrete work that are facilitated by Interreg, and more generally by the EU. Interreg is a key financial tool that contributes to the implementation of the so-called “Cohesion Policy” and its priorities. Established by the end of the 80’s, the Cohesion Policy is, first and foremost, the concrete manifestation of the EU’s interest and effort to promote a harmonized and balanced, hence fruitful, development of the different regions and territories included in its political area. The Cohesion Policy is a key component of the EU strategy to reduce economic and social disparities between its member states and to achieve this goal, this policy allocates significant funding to support hundreds of programs and projects. Between the programs funded by the Cohesion Policy, we can find Interreg. Interreg, put simply, is a financial tool that supports cooperation across borders through project funding. Interreg was started in 1990 and focused only on cross-border cooperation (Interreg A); over time it expanded and today there are other so-called “Strands of Cooperation” that go beyond the local borders, supporting larger scale initiatives (Interreg B: transnational cooperation) and network-building to facilitate exchange of best practices at a pan-European level (Interreg C: interregional cooperation). I am specifically an IVY: an Interreg Volunteer Youth. If you’re a young citizen from 18 to 30 years old, you can apply for this initiative. If chosen you will be able to volunteer in one of the various Interreg programs, and so to live in the European Country where Interreg activities are coordinated, supported by a financial compensation. This is a great opportunity to learn how the cooperation is reinforced with the aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly by the border regions. The idea of Interreg in the Strand of cross-border cooperation is to enhance a sustainable and inclusive growth and promote the well-being of people living in regions lying directly on the borders. To this end, local problems are jointly addressed by cross-border actors, such as firms, research centers, public institutions, schools, local action groups, to find together solutions, products or procedures that can tackle challenges related to transport, health, environment, and sustainable energy, among others. These joint solutions also need to address global challenges, such as climate change, green transition, and social inclusion. As an IVY, it is my task to promote and share the results of the projects funded by Interreg Italy-Austria, but I have a more specific task related to the consultations post-2027, needed by the European Commission to collect information on how to deliberate for the future of Interreg. Thanks to this specific job, I have interviewed over 30 partners that live and work in Austria and in Italy. They have offered me a valuable insight on their cross-border experience so far. Interreg has made possible for them to travel, meet, exchange opinions and practices and learn from different perspectives. Every partner has highlighted how borders facilitate, rather than diminish, the will and the opportunity to work together to build something good for their territory: to “give something back” is always at the center of every project funded by Interreg IT-At. Against the gloom of a “nationalistic” ghost over the European Union that is leading to raising walls and closing doors, Interreg shows that cooperation across borders is very well-received and it’s blossoming: from developing workshops with a participatory approach for school students to motivate and inform them on sustainable mobility and climate change (Project Mobility for Future | Interreg Italy Austria), to develop a common cross-border ecosystem that aims to capacitate the introduction of circular processes in the food production chain (Project FOODIS | Interreg Italy Austria). In addition, thanks to IVY I’m also meeting new people, making friends, learning about a different place and culture (every Italian region has a different culture) and this is also a personal and professional enrichment. I can only recommend this experience, especially if you feel like a small fish in an immense and indifferent ocean: Interreg showed me that it is by starting small that you get to be big. – Olga Abbiani, IVY Reporter at JS Interreg Italy – Austria Discover more about Interreg Italy-Austria Click Here