Hello everyone! I am Alicia Kerekes, an Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) currently volunteering in the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, Branch Office in Valencia. And I would love to tell you more about it!
Firstly, I would like to introduce myself better. I grew up in Spain with Romanian origins, which strongly shaped my values and sparked my interest in international cooperation. It was during my experience as an intern at the Spanish Embassy of Libya (in Tunisia) that I realized I wanted to dedicate myself to enhancing transnational cooperation between Europe and its Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods. However, after completing my Master’s in International Relations, with a focus on Europe and the Middle East, I felt disconnected from real-world action: I was looking forward to learning more practical skills and tangible ways to contribute to regional cooperation. So, the opportunity to become an IVY reporter in Interreg NEXT MED was perfect!
During these months, I was fortunate to learn a lot about the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, thanks to my colleagues. Interreg NEXT MED’s mission is to foster transnational cooperation across the Mediterranean by supporting key joint projects. And why is it particularly valuable? Because it does not only include EU countries, but also countries from the Southern shore of the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean region continues to face numerous challenges that transcend borders, from environmental threats and climate change to political instability and social inequalities. These pressing regional issues require true cooperation and dialogue to build a brighter future for the region. And this is precisely what the Programme aims for: joining forces to contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, harmonious, and resilient Mediterranean. I encourage you to explore the projects that have been funded in the past here and the human stories behind them!
As for my tasks, I am in charge of supporting the communication team: from helping with the preparations for the Second Call for Proposals to giving a hand in preparing events, and to contributing to the Programme’s Social Media. My main goal is to increase the visibility of transnational cooperation among young people and encourage their involvement in the Programme. I believe Mediterranean youth are a central component of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and a driving force for positive change in the region, something that should be potentiated.
My first months have been really rewarding. I am gaining experience and developing valuable skills in the international cooperation field. Equally important, I have the chance to be part of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme and contribute to a more collaborative Mediterranean region. I am deeply grateful for the IVY opportunity 🙂
– Alicia, IVY Reporter for the Interreg NEXT MED Branch Office for the Western Mediterranean
