Month: December 2024

Hello everyone! Today my goal here is to convey my enthusiasm for volunteering in Interreg. First of all, let’s break the ice by introducing myself! I am Irene, IVY Reporter at the Veneto Region – Regional support office of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme. So that you know the incredible opportunity I have, my office view overlooks the fascinating palaces and the lively calli of Venice. It has been four months since I have been welcomed in Interreg and I want to share with you which are the main tasks I accomplish in my daily routine as part of the team of the Italy-Slovenia Interreg Programme office at the Veneto Region. After having received an adequate training, I immediately immersed myself in communication activities aiming to promote the regional participation in the Programme, committed in enhancing cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia. Among others, I draft news for website publications and I produce materials as vehicle to reach citizens, including the postcard I distributed to students so as to engage them in the post-2027 Consultations. Additionally, I am working on the production of fact sheets to inform the society of the Venetian participation in the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme and to highlight the contribution they make to the financed projects. Not only my role includes office-based activities but I have also been engaged in several events as well as in the 6th Monitoring Committee of the Programme held in Venice on the 2nd and 3rd October 2024. During my permanence here, I have definitely enhanced my understanding of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), one of the two objectives pursued by Cohesion policy, the European Union strategy to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion among regions. On the 15th of November 2024 I received the honourable opportunity to participate in Brussels in the “Youth for Future Cooperation – On the Road to Interreg GO!” conference at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission: in this occasion, IVY volunteers and alumni discussed together and presented to the DG REGIO their insightful recommendations for the future of territorial cooperation. By now, I feel I have gained enough experience to totally recommend this inspiring opportunity. Besides improving my communication skills, I am to gain unique experiences and contributing to the successful implementation of cooperation – essential for a solid Europe – makes me really full of pride. Although during the volunteering moments of challenge may occur, overcoming difficulties is a chance to foster both personal and professional growth. To conclude, being IVY volunteer is an immense pleasant experience you cannot miss!

Hey everyone, I’m Athanasios Magalios, and I’m currently volunteering with ProcuraMED as part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) program, in Patras – Greece, a sunny, beautiful city right by the sea! This experience has been a wonderful opportunity to work on a project that promotes eco-friendly and innovative public procurement across the Mediterranean. ProcuraMED’s main mission is to support local governments and public institutions in adopting “green” procurement policies. This means encouraging the selection of products and services that are environmentally sustainable and innovative, helping shift economies towards greener practices. ProcuraMED brings together a diverse partnership across nine regions. These partners include municipalities, energy agencies, and development organizations such as the Municipality of Narni and Terre di Siena Lab (Italy), MedCities (Spain), IrRADIARE (Portugal), the Department for Development and International Projects of Zenica-Doboj Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina), University of Patras (Greece), BSC Poslovno Podporni Center Kranj (Slovenia), STRATAGEM ENERGY LTD (Cyprus), and the Regional Energy Agency North (Croatia). Each one of them brings specialized knowledge to help local authorities incorporate green procurement in fields from civil engineering to regional development. As part of my role, I’m diving into the regulatory landscape of Green Public Procurement (GPP) and Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) in Greece and the rest of the EU countries. I review current legislative frameworks, gather best practices, and help adapt guidelines to fit regional needs. I’m also involved in creating materials for a media campaign and supporting events, like an informative info-day and targeted thematic sessions for public and business stakeholders. These sessions help build a common understanding and provide practical tools for integrating green criteria. By collecting and sharing data from these sessions, insights are provided into local practices and help shape our outreach strategy. With the creation of communication materials, I help spread the word about our project and encourage communities to join the movement. The thing I love the most in ProcuraMED is the collaborative spirit. Witnessing partners from diverse backgrounds work together to support environmental sustainability is incredibly inspiring. Each workshop and training session is a step closer to a greener, more innovative Mediterranean region!

Cohesion policy is the main investment policy of the European Union. It was created to alleviate the great territorial and demographic disparities in the European Union. Historically, the regional dimension was introduced in 1975 with the creation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and later in 1994 was created, in addition, the Cohesion Fund created especially to solve projects in member states whose economic conditions are lower than the EU average. The cohesion policy currently has guidelines that cover issues present in all regions of the member countries with the aim not only to counteract the inequalities of the regions, but also to achieve greater competitiveness among them, taking into account values such as sustainable development and environmental protection. The Interreg (European Territorial Cooperation) program, designed within the framework of the Cohesion Policy, aims to promote regional development through cooperation between European regions at different levels. Thus, Interreg is articulated around five cooperation axes: cross-border (Interreg A), transnational (Interreg B), interregional (Interreg C), ultraperipheral (Interreg D) and neighborhood (Interreg E). In the Euro-region of Galicia and Northern Portugal, which is where I currently live, more specifically in the Galicia Europa Foundation, an institution in which I collaborate as an IVY volunteer, three INTERREG projects are being developed in the youth area, which I will explain below. Eurocidade 2030 Is consolidated as a transversal cooperation project, as long as it is led and allows the realization of the corporate purpose of a European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) such as the Eurocidade Chaves-Verín. This EGTC is a group of cross-border municipalities with their own legal personality in Spain and Portugal and is responsible for jointly managing local competences with the aim of promoting the institutional, economic, social, cultural and environmental convergence of their entire territory. The project also facilitated the advancement of the strategic plan of the Eurocidade 2030 urban agenda, the strengthening of its web pages, the elaboration of a study to enlarge the eurocidade  or the strengthening of elements such as the cycle path, the thermal route or the smuggling route. In short terms, EUROCIDADE_2020 was a cross-border cooperation project that facilitated dialogue between the different actors in the territory of the Eurocity, consolidating cooperation between them, improving the preparation of the Chaves-Verín Eurocity for future challenges. The duration of the project is from January 2023 to December 2024. More information in: https://eurocidadechavesverin.eu/pages/589 Incubtrans The Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion Cross-Border Incubator (Incubtrans) project aims to create a cross-border business incubator for the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion. The aim of the project is to stimulate and support the sustainable creation of new companies, qualified employment and generate added value in the internal border territory of the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion. In this way, it is intended to promote cooperation to maximize the use of the endogenous resources of the territory and the development of key initiatives and sectors. How is this carried out? Through technology transfer that allows the development and implementation of new business models for SMEs, particularly in terms of internationalization, contributing to the empowerment of SMEs and the existing industry in accordance with the cross-border smart specialization strategies Galicia-North of Portugal. The duration of the project is from January 2023 to December 2026. Rural Youth Future Project The Rural Youth Future project (Enhancing the role of youth policies in sustainable rural development) aims to boost youth employment and to ensure quality jobs accessible to youth in rural areas. The target audience of this project is youth living in rural areas and facing the problems of poor job quality, unemployment and the digital divide, issues that affect multiple regions in Spain and Europe. The project is interested in promoting sustainable rural development, facilitating the access of youth living in rural areas to new job opportunities. From my experience in the months that I have been collaborating with the Galicia Europa Foundation, I have observed that all the projects that are in place seek to improve the development of the region. More information: https://www.interregeurope.eu/ruralyouthfuture In case of RuralYouthFuture they seek to incorporate knowledge and good practices that are developed and implemented in other countries to incorporate and apply them to benefit local Galician youth. In the case of Eurocidade 2030 and Incubtrans it is about sharing and applying knowledge in wool of the regions (north of Portugal and Galicia) that are part of the project for the better development of industries and training of young people in the local area. I emphasize again the relevance of the INTERREG program and what it represents in the development of projects that have a direct impact on citizenship, providing opportunities and improving communication between cross-border regions. -Agustina Essain Diaz, IVY volunteer at Fundación Galicia Europa for the RuralYouthFuture project.

Hi there, my name is Sakina Belahcen, and I have been an IVY volunteer supporting the Managing Authority of the Romania-Bulgaria Interreg Programme for nearly three months. My role involves assisting with communication, event organization, and the Post 2027 citizen consultation. Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme The Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to enhance the Romanian-Bulgarian cross-border area from 2021 to 2027. This EU cross-border cooperation programme addresses regional challenges and fosters projects that have a significant cross-border impact, benefiting residents, businesses, and institutions. Building on the successes of previous programmes, it invests in climate change, risk management, environmental protection, resource efficiency, sustainable transport, employment, and workforce mobility. The programme has a total budget of 207,457,162 euros, and its beneficiaries include public administrations, businesses, NGOs, universities, research institutions, civil society, and environmental and business support organizations. The funds are allocated across four priority axes: A well-connected region A green region An educated region An integrated region Eligible areas include seven Romanian counties (Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Calarasi, Constanta) and eight Bulgarian districts (Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra, Dobrich). The Managing Authority, where my IVY experience is taking place, is responsible for the programme’s overall administration and expenditure certification. Hosted by the Romanian Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration, I am working and learning about cohesion policy in the cross-border area along with six Romanian colleagues and one other IVY volunteer. My IVY Experience So Far Welcomed by the city of Bucharest, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and dynamic cultural scene, I was able to learn a lot about the work of Interreg in the Eastern European region. The Managing Authority is located right next to the Romanian Parliament, in the premises of the Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration. I also had the chance to discuss and connect with various professionals working in other Interreg bodies such as the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme or the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, learning more about their work and impact in the region. Touching a bit on all the subjects covered by Interreg, I am able to expand my experience by discovering various projects in the field of education, sustainable tourism, connectivity, and more, taking place in the cross-border region. As soon as I arrived in Romania, I was directly involved in the programme activities, having the opportunity to intervene at Craiova Law University to not only present the impact of the programme for the cross-border region Romania-Bulgaria but also discuss the topic of youth involvement in the EU and share potential opportunities that young Europeans can take advantage of in the region, such as the IVY programme. We engaged in an active discussion with young Romanians. So far, my experience has granted me many opportunities to travel and gain knowledge on development in Eastern Europe. I also had the opportunity to participate in the kick-off meeting of the DISMAR project in the Bulgarian city of Ruse, discovering firsthand the achievements of projects under the Interreg programme and discussing with active beneficiaries. More generally, I am also greatly involved in communication campaigns on the programme website and social media channels, creating posts to promote the projects under the programme and encourage potential beneficiaries to apply to the new call for proposals. Last but not least, I am currently planning to organize a Citizen Engagement Activity in the region under the European Commission and the Association of European Border Regions on the theme of sustainable tourism and cohesion policy. So, stay tuned for more info! Overall, I would greatly encourage European youth to apply for an IVY experience. It is the perfect opportunity to develop your early career in European cooperation, discovering many fields of action and being able to discuss with professionals involved in various stages of European development, while experiencing a fulfilling multi-cultural experience. – Sakina, IVY Reporter for the Managing Authority Interreg Romania-Bulgaria Learn more about the Interreg Romania – Bulgaria Programme Click Here

Hello! I am Emirjeta, an IVY Reporter for the Italian National Contact Point (NCP) of Interreg Euro-MED Programme in Florence. I started this journey in May, and from the very beginning it has been immensely enriching. It allowed me to dive into the intricacies of regional cooperation and the EU Cohesion Policy, while working closely with a dedicated and inspiring team. The colleagues at Regione Toscana have been exceptionally welcoming and supportive, which has made my transition into this role smooth and enjoyable.  The Interreg Euro-MED Programme The Interreg Euro-MED Programme is dedicated to fostering cross-border cooperation across the Mediterranean. Euro-MED brings together partners from 69 regions across 14 countries (10 EU Member States and 4 IPA countries) on the Northern Mediterranean shore, that have the same unified goal of creating a climate-neutral and resilient society that benefits all its citizens. The mission of the Euro-MED Programme is to build a lasting change in the Mediterranean by making the region smarter, greener, and enhancing governance among its stakeholders. The National Contact Point in Florence Regione Toscana is the Italian National Contact Point (NCP) for the Interreg Euro-MED Transnational Cooperation Program for the 2021-2027 programming period. The role of the NCP in Florence is pivotal in supporting the mission of the Programme, it provides essential information to national potential beneficiaries about the Programme, calls for projects, and the administrative requirements for submitting applications. The NCP also assists beneficiaries during project implementation, facilitating the communication and dissemination of knowledge, experiences, and project results.  My experience so far… In my role within the NCP, I have been involved in various activities that have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the Programme. I am helping with the creation of the Italian website for the Euro-MED Programme, writing short articles on specific topics, and disseminating news on social media. Additionally, I am assisting with the newsletter that will be shared in the following weeks.  I have already participated in multiple meetings regarding the Programme and reported on them, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the Interreg Euro-MED. Notably, I have also taken part in very important and formative bilateral meetings organized by the NCP with beneficiaries and project partners. During these meetings, we provide assistance to those seeking help with creating and presenting their projects, as well as offering information and clarifications about the Programme and the various ways they can participate. These interactions have been instrumental in enhancing my understanding of project development and stakeholder engagement. Currently, the 5th call for project applications is open, and I am actively helping the NCP with the organization of the Italian Info day, an informative session for stakeholders and Programme beneficiaries. I am happy about my decision to become an IVY and am very grateful for this opportunity. I have been learning a lot so far, and I hope to continue in this direction. This role is not only enriching me professionally but it is also broadening my perspectives on international cooperation and sustainable development. I look forward to contributing further to the Programme and making a positive impact through my volunteering work. – Emirjeta Ibrahimi, IVY Reporter at the National Contact Point Italy, for the Interreg Programme Euro-MED Learn more about the Interreg Euro-MED Programme Click Here