Shaping the Future of Interreg: Insights from the IVY Volunteers’ Consultation

Following the European Commission’s DG Regio invitation to all Interreg programmes to consult citizens and stakeholders on the future of Interreg, the IVY initiative conducted an extensive consultation in 2024 with current and former volunteers to gather their perspectives on Territorial Cooperation post-2027.

This unique effort, spearheaded by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR), captured valuable insights from 63 participants representing diverse regions and experiences.

Key Findings

The IVY Consultation on Future Interreg engaged current and former IVY volunteers aged 18 to 39, based in Europe and partner countries. A notable 68% of respondents had volunteered in border regions, offering a front-row view of cross-border challenges and opportunities.

Participants highlighted Interreg’s significant contributions in areas like environmental sustainability, cross-border cooperation and regional development. Specific strengths included fostering cultural exchange, advancing green initiatives and improving public services in underserved areas. 

However, they also identified areas for improvement, as the current complex procedures, lack of awareness about Interreg’s impact among local communities and the need for more engagement with youth, underrepresented groups, and marginalised communities

Recommendations for the Future

The volunteers proposed several strategies to enhance Interreg’s impact post-2027, such as a simplified bureaucracy, introducing micro-grants and streamline procedures to attract smaller organisations, boosting communication and outreach, using more social media channels to increase awareness and use plain language in communications, prioritising inclusivity and strengthening sustainability, with a special focus on green infrastructure and joint mechanisms and regulations.

This consultation underscores the transformative potential of Interreg when combined with fresh perspectives from youth and grassroots organisations. 

The results collected from all Interreg programmes, including IVY, have been collected by the European Commission’s DG Regio and will be presented at the Interreg GO! event in March 2025 – where youth groups, such as IVY, have been guaranteed a dedicated moment to discuss the results and recommendations.   

All the inputs will be taken into consideration for the future direction of Territorial Cooperation, shaping Interreg post 2027!

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