My name is Kyriakos Kourtidis, and I’m from Thessaloniki, Greece. I hold a Master’s in International and European Studies and I am currently pursuing a second Master’s in Shipping and Sea Transports: Economics and Politics. Recently, I completed a six-month experience as an IVY Reporter within the Managing Authority of the INTERREG Programme, Romania-Bulgaria. Since October, I’ve been a Youth4Cooperation: Cross-Border Ambassador, focusing on island regions and the impacts of insularity, a topic that I became passionate about during my time with the CPMR Islands Commission.
You recently participated in the Youth for Future Cooperation event in Brussels, organized by the European Commission’s DG REGIO, as an IVY Volunteer and a representative of Cross-Border Ambassadors. Could you share the key takeaways from the event?
To begin with, I can’t think of a better way to spend the final day of my IVY experience than working alongside over 100 young people and EU officials involved in EU programmes, projects, and policies, all united by the same core value, cooperation, our Union’s birth Certificate, as we work together to shape its future.
So, what happens when you bring together 100+ young professionals and stakeholders from the cross-border cooperation community in Brussels to discuss and shape the future of EU cooperation programmes? The answer is a surge of positive energy, enthusiasm, and a stream of fresh ideas for the future of Cohesion policy and Interreg.
In my case, wearing two “hats” as both an active IVY and a Cross-Border Ambassador, while also being acquainted with youth councils, it was an incredible experience to finally see in person so many people I had often seen behind a screen and say, “hello, I’m Kyriakos, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you”.
But this event was not simply a networking occasion. We didn’t just meet to discuss, we acted. A final declaration was drafted, containing clear recommendations and proposed actions for policymakers on the future of Interreg. As the European Commission prepares to introduce its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the need for innovative, inclusive, and “out-of-the-box” approaches became increasingly clear during the event discussions, especially the importance of ensuring that youth perspectives are heard and considered when defining the future of Interreg programmes. Acting as a rapporteur for the break-out session on the existing cooperation structures, I also took note of the group’s resolution that for the EU to enhance cooperation across borders, youth voices matter!
What is your favourite memory as an IVY Volunteer?
I have many great memories from my experience as an IVY but some stand out more than others. Attending the Youth for Future Cooperation event in Brussels, organized by the European Commission’s DG REGIO, was a definitely a highlight, as was participating in the EU Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days—my very first major EU event. But, If I were to choose a single fond memory from my experience, it would undoubtedly be the moment my fellow IVY colleague, Sakina Belahcen, and I realized that our Citizen Engagement Activity event was a resounding success, far exceeding our initial expectations. Two cross-border Universities, two regions, two events, a joint theme, a common consultation, one shared youth vision and over 130 participants! This perfectly illustrates just how much IVYs can achieve within the short span of their experience.
What are your plans now that your IVY experience has ended?
First of all, I would like to emphasize that although my IVY experience has officially ended, I remain a member of the IVY community through my involvement with the IVY alumni group and its activities. Indeed, as I realized during my participation in the Youth for Future Cooperation event in Brussels, once an IVY, always an IVY, whether your experience ended yesterday, a month ago, a year ago, or even 10 years ago. In my view, the IVY community has never been as connected as it is today, bringing together former and current IVYs. It’s worth noting that many former IVYs have taken up the mantle of EU territorial cooperation by continuing to work within Interreg programmes and projects. As a former IVY myself, I will continue following the path of territorial cooperation, having accepted the position of a project officer within the Joint Secretariat of an Interreg Programme.
What advice would you give to other young people interested in territorial cooperation?
My advice to young people interested in territorial cooperation is to stay open-minded and seek opportunities beyond their own countries, even in places they’ve never visited before. The EU provides numerous mobility opportunities, including Interreg Volunteer Youth. Embrace them, travel, learn and develop professionally and personally!
To new IVYs, my advice is to be courageous, take initiatives, and not shy away from the prospect of increasing responsibilities. In particular, I encourage you to organize Citizen Engagement Activity events and actively engage with cross-border communities. Be creative, but also stay realistic and remember that even the best ideas may not be feasible if local circumstances don’t allow for them.
Finally, I advise IVYs to immerse yourself in the Interreg programmes. EU Territorial Cooperation is a specific professional field, and as IVYs within Interreg programmes you have the chance to gain valuable inside knowledge. The window closes quickly, so take the opportunity to learn as much as you can, be curious and ask questions. Remember, the time will come when your experience as an IVY will open new doors for you.
To all the young people committed to EU territorial Cooperation—Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVYs), Cross-Border Ambassadors, Youth Council members—whether I had the chance to meet you in person in Brussels or only online, I’d like to say: “Till next time”.
