On 8th May 2025, from 09:00 to 16:30, a Citizens Engagement Activity titled You(th) Shape EU took place at the Polytechnic University of Ancona, Italy. The event was organised with the involvement of IVY Project Partners Riyanka Anna George and Lana Joketic from Interreg IPA Adrion.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness among young people about the EU Cohesion Policy and to reflect on youth involvement in shaping the future of Europe. The participants were young people aged 18 to 35, including students from EU countries, students from accession countries, and students from accession countries currently living in EU member states.
You(th) Shape EU created an open space for participants to share their thoughts on Cohesion Policy and the broader process of European integration. The event highlighted the obstacles young people face when trying to engage with European institutions and emphasized the need for stronger inclusion of youth in decision-making.
The programme began with an opening session by Andrea Perna, Professor and General Secretary of UNIADRION. It was followed by a panel on Europe’s economic, social, and territorial cohesion in light of EU enlargement, featuring Giulia Bettin, Professor at the Polytechnic University of Marche, and Filip Miličević, EUSAIR Pillar 5 Coordinator (TBC), alongside Dea Hrelja from T33 (TBC).
Participants then engaged in a Survey & Mentimeter session using data collected in advance through a pre-event online photo contest and questionnaire launched one month before on LinkedIn. A more detailed survey was also completed during registration. The session encouraged youth-to-youth exchange based on shared challenges and experiences.
In the afternoon, two parallel workshops were held. The first focused on social cohesion and was moderated by Riyanka Anna George, with speakers Francesco Chiapparino, Filip Miličević (TBC), and Meral Todri (TBC). The second, led by Lana Joketic, addressed territorial cooperation and youth engagement, with contributions from Ana Nikolov, Clarissa Amichetti, and Eva Omahen (TBC).
The event concluded with a Youth-to-Youth session, a competition announcement, and a city tour.
