
Coucou!
I am Martina, a Project Partner for the MARITTIM’TRAITE project. I began this journey in October 2024, and it has already been an incredibly rewarding experience. From the start, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamics of EU Cohesion Policy, particularly cross-border cooperation and the unique challenges faced by maritime and insular regions of France and Italy.
The MARITTIM’TRAITE Project
The MARITTIM’TRAITE project – launched in March 2024 and funded by the Interreg MARITTIMO programme, with deep roots in the Quirinal Treaty – aims to promote transnational cooperation between several maritime and insular regions of France and Italy. Specifically, it brings together Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia, and Corsica to focus on Priority 5 of the Interreg MARITTIMO programme: “Better cross-border governance.”
To achieve this, project partners cooperate by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, with mutual understanding serving as the first step toward long-lasting collaboration. Moreover, the project seeks to bridge the gap between populations by empowering young people – and not only them – through mobility opportunities. This ensures that future generations play an active role in fostering collaboration, breaking down barriers, and building lasting connections across Mediterranean regions. Last but not least, the project aims to amplify the voices of island communities in policy discussions, advocating for their specific needs at regional, national, and European levels.

What I Appreciate the Most
As part of the MARITTIM’TRAITE project, I’ve been involved in various activities that allow me to directly contribute to the project’s goals. I have attended several important meetings and events, which are essential for gathering data and supporting the development of key documents. One of the most impactful tasks I have worked on is the mobility landscape report, which compares mobility systems in Italy and France, helping to identify the most effective ways to improve cross-border connections.
What I value most about this project is the opportunity to propose ideas. It’s inspiring to see young people come together, collaborate on topics I’ve proposed, and gain valuable experience in cross-border cooperation. The project’s emphasis on empowerment and collaboration has given me a broader understanding of how cooperation can be cultivated and sustained between regions with shared challenges.

Looking Ahead
MARITTIM’TRAITE is not just about addressing immediate challenges; it’s about laying a solid foundation for future collaborations between these Mediterranean regions. By fostering lasting partnerships through a deeper understanding of one another and promoting cross-border mobility, the project is shaping a future where youth, local stakeholders and island communities continue to collaborate and work toward common goals. This will ensure the resilience and sustainable growth of these territories, which face shared challenges.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an impactful project. The work I’m doing is broadening my perspective on regional cooperation, and I look forward to continuing my journey with MARITTIM’TRAITE and contributing to its long-term success.
– Martina Maddaluno, IVY Project Partner for MARITTIM’TRAITE Project under the Interreg Maritimo Programme