IVY has truly given me the opportunity of a lifetime. It offered me a professional and personal experience that I would not have been able to achieve on my own. Thanks to this programme, I have come to understand how cooperation between different European countries works in practice, especially when it comes to supporting local communities and achieving goals that would otherwise be unreachable without collaboration and solidarity.
Although I started this experience only a short time ago, I have already learned a great deal. I have grown more confident and have developed greater self-esteem by working in a dynamic environment and communicating with colleagues and people from across Europe and beyond. Every day, I feel increasingly inspired by the dedication of those involved in these projects.
Through IVY, I discovered what Cohesion Policy truly means — not just in theory, but as a concrete tool for fostering regional development and for promoting European Territorial Cooperation. I’ve seen firsthand how essential this cooperation is in supporting local actors who work daily to make a difference in their communities.
Currently, I am actively involved in assisting my team with the evaluation and discussion of various cross-border cooperation projects. What unites them all is a shared foundation: the belief that cooperation makes us stronger. It is incredibly rewarding to witness how these ideas take shape and become reality. Observing people passionately discuss project ideas — often with genuine excitement and sparkles in their eyes — is both moving and motivating.
Before that, I had the chance to support our team in promoting Interreg and European Territorial Cooperation through outreach events across the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. From the University of Trieste to the University of Udine, I met many individuals who share the same values and aspirations. Engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds — all in the same room, united by a common European spirit — was an indescribable experience.
If it weren’t for IVY, none of this would have been possible. This experience is not only enriching but also deeply transformative. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn in the field, work on real projects, meet passionate young people, and take part in building a more connected, inclusive, and united Europe.
Thank you, IVY, for this unforgettable journey.
– Alessio, IVY Reporter at RCO FVG – Interreg Italy-Austria.
