At the heart of the Galician countryside, in the coworking space “A Estación” in Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, Bridging Galicia brought together 23 curious and engaged participants for a Citizens’ Engagement Activity (CEA) all about the European Union’s Cohesion Policy.
Organised by Hernán Rodríguez Iglesias, Agustina Essain Diaz, and Camila Perez Senande, the event aimed to make EU opportunities feel more real and relevant—especially in rural and cross-border regions where the impact of these policies is often most needed, but least understood.
Throughout the day, participants explored how the EU supports everything from entrepreneurship to regional development. Experts broke down complex topics like European grants and the POCTEP programme in an accessible way, while IVY volunteers shared their own experiences working on cohesion-related projects.
One of the most engaging parts was the hands-on workshop, where small teams worked together to tackle real challenges—like rural depopulation and youth outreach—and proposed solutions grounded in EU policy tools. It created a dynamic atmosphere, full of thoughtful conversation and creative thinking.
Participants touched on issues like how to keep rural villages alive, and the struggles of building strong communities across borders. The feedback was clear: people really value what the EU offers, but often find it hard to access or understand all the opportunities out there.
The mix of formal and informal moments, including coffee and lunch breaks, helped build connections and made the event feel both informative and personal. It wasn’t just about learning—it was about sharing, reflecting, and building a stronger sense of community.
In the end, Bridging Galicia was a great reminder of why CEAs matter. They bring important policies closer to people’s everyday lives—and show that rural areas are not just recipients of EU policy, but also key players in shaping Europe’s future.
