Youth for European cities: Urban cooperation in EU cohesion policy
As part of the Citizens’ Engagement Activities (CEAs) under the IVY initiative, Julia hosted “Youth for European Cities: Urban Cooperation in EU Cohesion Policy”—a hands-on event designed to bring the goals of Cohesion Policy closer to the next generation. Held in a Parisian school, the CEA welcomed 45 participants, most of whom had little prior knowledge of the EU or its cohesion strategy. Through a creative mix of discussion, poster-making, and case studies from the URBACT programme, students were introduced to the real-world value of EU-funded cooperation between cities. The event demonstrated how urban challenges like mobility, night-time safety, and public space management are tackled through collaborative solutions across Europe. By drawing connections between Paris and their hometowns, the students began to understand—not just in theory, but in practice—how ideas can travel across borders and improve lives. “Even with a young audience that doesn’t know much about EU policies it still worked to get them to engage” Julia noted. “In the end, they were basically doing urban cooperation without even realising it.” Julia was joined by two colleagues from URBACT, whose presence brought an extra layer of authenticity and energy to the session. Their joint effort helped demystify Cohesion Policy, turning policy talk into something accessible. Reflections with the teachers underscored a key success: making EU policy feel real. Creating memorable, meaningful experience—proof that strong engagement just the right approach. This CEA showed that young people can connect with Europe—especially when we meet them where they are, speak their language, and let them co-create the conversation.
Bridging Galicia: A Citizens’ Engagement Activity Brings EU Cohesion Policy to Life in Rural Galicia
At the heart of the Galician countryside, in the coworking space “A Estación” in Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, Bridging Galicia brought together 23 curious and engaged participants for a Citizens’ Engagement Activity (CEA) all about the European Union’s Cohesion Policy. Organised by Hernán Rodríguez Iglesias, Agustina Essain Diaz, and Camila Perez Senande, the event aimed to make EU opportunities feel more real and relevant—especially in rural and cross-border regions where the impact of these policies is often most needed, but least understood. Throughout the day, participants explored how the EU supports everything from entrepreneurship to regional development. Experts broke down complex topics like European grants and the POCTEP programme in an accessible way, while IVY volunteers shared their own experiences working on cohesion-related projects. One of the most engaging parts was the hands-on workshop, where small teams worked together to tackle real challenges—like rural depopulation and youth outreach—and proposed solutions grounded in EU policy tools. It created a dynamic atmosphere, full of thoughtful conversation and creative thinking. Participants touched on issues like how to keep rural villages alive, and the struggles of building strong communities across borders. The feedback was clear: people really value what the EU offers, but often find it hard to access or understand all the opportunities out there. The mix of formal and informal moments, including coffee and lunch breaks, helped build connections and made the event feel both informative and personal. It wasn’t just about learning—it was about sharing, reflecting, and building a stronger sense of community. In the end, Bridging Galicia was a great reminder of why CEAs matter. They bring important policies closer to people’s everyday lives—and show that rural areas are not just recipients of EU policy, but also key players in shaping Europe’s future.
Youth Vision on Cohesion Policy and Sustainable Tourism in the Romania-Bulgaria Cross-Border Region
Two cross-border universities, two regions, two events, a joint theme, a common consultation, one shared youth vision and over 130 participants! This is how the IVYs, hosted by the Managing Authority of Interreg Romania-Bulgaria, described their Citizen Engagement Activity event. The IVY Reporters of the Interreg Romania-Bulgaria, Kyriakos Kourtidis and Sakina Belahcen organized a Citizens’ Engagement Activity (CEA) event in partnership with the Managing Authority of the Programme, taking place at two cross-border Universities, on 22nd of October 2024 at “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, in Bulgaria, and on 25th of October 2024, at Universitatea OVIDIUS din Constanta, in Romania. The events were attended, in total, by approximately 130 participants, including students, esteemed professors, and even colleagues from neighboring Interreg programmes. Staying true to their IVY motto, “Youth for Territorial Cooperation”, they managed to connect the university students of two cross-border regions and their universities under the theme of “Youth Vision on Cohesion Policy and Sustainable Tourism in the Romania-Bulgaria Cross-Border Region.” In this framework, students were introduced to the EU Cohesion Policy and its key Structural and Investment Funds. The event showcased how Cohesion Policy contributes to national and regional development by presenting concrete examples from the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border area. Furthermore, the event introduced a number of interactive activities to collect youth perspectives on Cohesion Policy in the region. Among them, the Kahoot session—with an award for the winning team—was a big hit, helping students retain key information in a fun, and collaborative way. In this context, the poster-making activity proved to be a great success as well. Students were invited to reflect on how the EU could further promote growth and opportunities within their region by illustrating their thoughts creatively, whether through statements, drawings, or collage etc. As a result, the students took ownership of the EU Cohesion Policy and shared their views on how to improve it as active European citizens. The highlight of the event was a photo contest, which showcased the unique natural and cultural heritage of the cross-border region. In total, talented young photographers submitted more than 30 pictures, which the Interreg Romania Bulgaria programme can use for future communication activities. The photo contest winners were awarded a stay on the opposite side of the border, fostering cross-border exchanges. Most importantly, Sakina and Kyriakos provided the Interreg RO-BG programme with two very successful consultation sessions, by including in the event – in close cooperation with the Managing Authority – the public consultations for the future of Interreg programmes post 2027. This event, led by young Europeans for young Europeans, was funded under the Interreg Volunteer Youth initiative that supports IVY’s in organizing local events, known as Citizens’ Engagement Activities (CEA), aiming to inform citizens about the achievements of European Regional Policy Text and Photos: Kyriakos Kourtidis and Sakina Belahcen
EU begins with YOU(TH)
On the 12th of September, the University Ca’ Foscari in Venice hosted the event EU Begins with You(th), organized by Emma. The event was designed and developed to directly engage young people in European Union initiatives. The agenda was divided into two sections. The first part focused on explaining what Cohesion Policy is and how it reduces disparities between EU regions, emphasizing EU territorial cooperation and highlighting the local benefits and impact of the policy. Various EU initiatives aimed at youth were then presented, with testimonials from individuals currently or previously involved in these initiatives. The goal was to foster a direct dialogue between the youth and institutional representatives. Participants listened to these experiences, gaining insights into how these projects offer valuable opportunities for learning, as well as personal and professional development. The session concluded with an explanation of the Consultation Post-27, highlighting its importance for gathering input from young people about the future of the Interreg program. Later on, the form was completed by all participants. The second part of the event was a workshop. Participants were divided into two groups to discuss and answer three key questions: How can more young people be attracted to initiatives and projects? What are the obstacles to territorial cooperation for youth? In which fields is there a need to develop more projects? This part of the event was successful. They felt empowered to express their opinions about shaping the future of the EU, actively contributing to the consultations on the Interreg program and proposing new ideas for their involvement. A key takeaway was that participants had a lot to contribute and were eager to share their views. Through this interactive and participatory approach, the event created a valuable space for dialogue between young people and European institutions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUwNseiGbOI Text and Photos: Emma Magistri
Interreg Cooperation Day 2024: Youth Engagement for the Future of Cohesion Policy
The event “La Giornata della Cooperazione Interreg 2024: la parola ai giovani per il futuro della Coesione”/ “Interreg Cooperation Day 2024: Youth Engagement for the Future of Cohesion Policy” took place on September 5th as the last step of the Consultation process conducted by Beatrice Tassotti, IVY Reporter for the Italian National Contact Point of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme. The process consisted of two key phases: a series of video interviews with students held in July 2024 and the seminar itself held on 5 September 2024 at the Hotel Excelsior in Lido di Venezia, in the prestigious setting of the 81th Venice International Film Festival. The event sought to involve students and experts in a conversation about Cohesion Policy and the future of Interreg. Moreover, it provided an opportunity to present circular economy projects funded by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and to raise awareness of the benefits those projects bring to EU regions. The main goal was to connect young people to the realities of EU cooperation by making them active participants in discussions about the future of Europe, specifically through the lens of Cohesion Policy and Interreg programmes. Through video interviews, live discussions and interactive games students were able to voice their opinions, interact with experts and gain deeper insight into the impact of these programmes. The seminar served as a platform for students to share their thoughts publicly, with video messages from a former representative of the Youth Council of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (Giulio Bernasconi) and an Project Administrator of the Interreg Volunteer Youth initiative (Milena Pallotta) adding inspiring insights to the dialogue. A Q&A session and a light lunch facilitated further interaction between participants and experts, fostering engagement on the future direction of EU investments. The event was promoted through Beatrice’s personal digital and offline channels, on her social media and via her network of contacts collected thanks to previous experiences in the field of youth involvement in international opportunities. This ensured widespread awareness of the relevance of this event and interest in the topics discussed. With the support of her host organization, Regione del Veneto, logistical and promotional materials were provided. The realization of this event was possible thanks to the financial support of the European Commission and the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR). Thanks to their funding, a professional photographer and video maker (Ilaria Toma) followed the project, a private boat service ensured accessibility for all participants and everyone received a personalized sustainable gadget at the end of lunch. With a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the event not only informed young people about EU policies but also encouraged active participation in shaping the future of European cohesion and cooperation. Text Author: Beatrice Tassotti Photos: Beatrice Tassotti, Ilaria Toma
INTERREG Talks Alentejo
INTERREG Talks Alentejo is av event organizad by IVY Volunteer Rui at the University of Évora, in Portugal, on 22 May 2024. The event, in the frame of a Citizen Engagement Activity, aimed to explore how transnational cooperation and EU policies are shaping innovative, sustainable regional development. Participats were invited to engage with leaders and change-makers on the topic of Cohesion Policy and Territorial Cooperation, during two debate sessions. Concrete achievements of Cohesion Policy were presented, especially on topics as youth entrepreneurship, social innovation and talent retention.
