Hello everyone!
My name is Chiara, and I’m a proud IVY Volunteer for the Interreg Italy-Switzerland Programme, currently based in Milan.
As an IVY reporter, my role is to lead a public consultation aimed at Citizens and Stakeholders, with the goal of shaping the future of cross-border and transnational cooperation in the upcoming programming period, post-2027. This task is not just about gathering opinions—it’s about ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard, helping to guide the direction of these crucial initiatives.
This experience has opened doors to a world that was previously unfamiliar to me. It has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand the vital role that cooperation plays in cross-border regions. Despite the linguistic, economic, and cultural differences that exist, it’s remarkable to see how people can unite to create meaningful projects that benefit entire populations across various sectors, whether in economic development, environmental sustainability, or social inclusion.
For example, the ITA-CH Programme spans a vast area of 38,000 km², connecting regions on both sides of the Italian-Swiss border. In Italy, it involves Lombardy, Piedmont, the Province of Bolzano, and Valle d’Aosta, while on the Swiss side, the Cantons of Ticino, Graubünden, and Valais. The programme allocates significant resources to support sustainable, inclusive growth and to strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion in these border areas. Through these initiatives, Swiss and Italian organizations, institutions, and associations are able to collaborate on projects that benefit both sides.
One of the most enriching aspects of this experience has been the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds and ages. I’ve met individuals, who are new to this field, as well as seasoned professionals who have dedicated years to upholding these values of cross-border cooperation. For example, I had the pleasure of working alongside Olga, a fellow IVY Volunteer from the Interreg Italy-Austria Programme. We met in Bolzano to conduct interviews together, exchanging experiences and learning from each other. It was a perfect example of how these programmes build bridges, not just between regions but also between people.
These encounters have greatly enriched my personal and cultural knowledge, and for this reason, I hope to serve as an example for others who may wish to embark on this journey and engage with the world of cross-border cooperation.
– Chiara, IVY Reporter at Interreg Italy – Switzerland
