On 20 March , Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) proudly marks its 8th anniversary! Since its launch, IVY has empowered over 1000 volunteers in 25 of the 97 eligible countries, fostering collaboration and strengthening the visibility of European Territorial Cooperation. Together, IVY volunteers have contributed to: 11 Stories of European Cooperation 50 Citizens’ Engagement Activities to promote Cohesion Policy Over 50 Interreg programmes hosted a volunteer (including 1 Macro-Regional Strategy) Around 400 Interreg projects hosted a volunteer A growing network of +50 IVY Alumni   This milestone is a testament to the power of joint actions in building a more connected and resilient Europe. To showcase the impact of IVY in a dynamic way, we’re excited to introduce an interactive map—a space where current and former volunteers can find themselves, explore others’ contributions, and strengthen connections within the IVY community. A heartfelt thank you to all volunteers, mentors, colleagues, and staff members who have made IVY such a success. Your dedication and commitment continue to shape the future of European cooperation. Explore the interactive map below and discover the incredible journey of IVY volunteers!

On 5 March 2025, the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) and the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) initiative participated in the GEAR UP! Sarajevo Events at Europe House, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Organized by the Adriatic and Ionian Euroregion (AIE), the event focused on Global Citizenship Education (GCE) and sustainable development. AEBR Secretary General and IVY Project Director, Martín Guillermo-Ramírez, spoke at the “European Networking Seminar: UN Agenda 2030 as a common denominator to mainstream global education and sustainable development in Europe and the Neighboring countries.” on the role of youth in advancing the UN Agenda 2030. He highlighted IVY’s impact in fostering cross-border cooperation and empowering young people in the Western Balkans. The event featured Networking Talks on widening partnerships and youth engagement in the SDGs, along with an Info Day presenting funding opportunities. AEBR-IVY engaged with key stakeholders, reinforcing partnerships for youth-led initiatives in cross-border cooperation. AEBR-IVY’s participation underscored its commitment to youth involvement in cooperation. We look forward to further collaborations, ensuring young voices shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The IVY Alumni Network is expanding, bringing together almost 50 current and former IVY volunteers who wish to stay connected beyond their volunteering experience. This dynamic community continues to grow as more alumni join to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and support each other’s professional and personal journeys. As part of this evolution, the core group has expanded from four to six members, welcoming Eleni and Spyridoula on board. Additionally, the group is now structured into four Working Groups, each focusing on key areas to enhance the network’s impact: ✅ Promoting Cohesion Policy✅ Building Partnerships & Networking✅ Developing a Peer-Mentorship Programme✅ Communication Meet Eleni and Spyridoula Name: Eleni Patlaka Nationality: Greek Age: 23 Place where volunteered: Greek Managing Authority of Interreg 2021-2027 Studies/Interests: Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, University of Macedonia Why did you decide to join the network? My IVY experience and involvement in the Post-2027 Harvesting Report highlighted the urgent need for greater youth participation in decision-making processes. By joining the IVY Alumni Network, I aim to build on this momentum, contribute actively to fostering regional cooperation, and support others in realizing their potential to drive meaningful change. Name: Spyridoula Valasiadou Nationality: Greek Age: 28 Place where volunteered: Interreg Greece-Bulgaria project EnvironmentYou, in Greece Studies/Interests: International and European Studies, Financial Management, Data Analysis, Public Administration Why did you decide to join the network? I joined the IVY Alumni Network to be part of a global ecosystem where collaboration meets innovation. It’s not just about connections — it’s about exchanging transformative ideas, accessing a wealth of diverse expertise, and being inspired by changemakers from every corner of the world. For me, it’s the perfect platform to amplify my impact, fuel my growth, and contribute to solutions that shape the future. Their involvement marks an exciting step forward for the IVY Alumni Network, reinforcing its mission to stay connected, collaborate, and grow together.  With the IVY Alumni Network expanding, it’s time to give it a visual identity! A logo competition is now open, inviting creatives to design a logo that represents the spirit of the network. If you have an idea, don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark! Find out more and submit your design here! Are you a current/former IVY volunteer and would you like to get involved? Join the IVY Alumni Network today!