Hello,

I’m Eleni, an “IVY” reporter (volunteer) at the Managing Authority (M.A.) Interreg 2021-2027, based in Thessaloniki, Greece. In the programming period 2021-2027, the M.A. manages five Cross-border Cooperation Programmes, co-bunded by the EU, which are Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- Albania, Interreg VI-A Greece- Bulgaria, Interreg VI-A Greece- Cyprus, Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- North Macedonia and Interreg VI-A IPA Greece- Italy. As an IVY Reporter, I have the opportunity to delve deeper into the Cross-border Programmes, to promote cooperation between Greece and the Programmes’ participating  countries.

In cooperation with the Μ.Α. Communication Manager, Ms. Symi Pasalidou, I help to communicate and promote the idea of Interreg, in the context of the Post 2027 Consultation, which focuses on the future cohesion policy (post 2027) and, in particular, on the future of Interreg Programmes.

To achieve this, in cooperation with the M.A., we designed and implemented surveys for the Interreg Programmes; Greece- Bulgaria, Greece- Cyprus and Greece- North Macedonia, collecting data from stakeholders (organisations and citizens) living in the eligible areas of the Programmes’ participating countries. In an effort to engage youth in the EU cohesion policy, we also targeted young people, as it is essential that they have an effective voice about the future of Interreg in the next programming period 2028-2034, with their fresh and innovative ideas. Through the consultation, I realised how the different target audiences (communities) face common social and economic challenges in the context of cooperation, and what is the impact of such initiatives.

In parallel, together with my fellow volunteer, Ms. Eleni Kokkini and the MA Communication manager, we contributed to outreach communication activities. More specifically, we participated in the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), an international event, attracting more than 220.000 visitors, from September 7 to 15, which brings together businesses, organisations and government bodies as well as citizens. At the TIF, we engaged with a wide range of visitors in an effort to raise awareness about Interreg programmes and encourage their participation in the post-2027 consultation. The event was an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges, barriers and needs of the community.

Overall, my volunteer experience has been valuable and I am grateful that both the IVY organisation and the MA Interreg 2021-2027 gave me the opportunity to contribute to fostering cross-border cooperation. This experience has not only allowed me to develop my communication and data analysis skills but has also strengthened my commitment to building a more united and prosperous Europe.

• Eleni Patlaka, IVY Reporter for the M.A. of Interreg Greece- Bulgaria, Greece- Cyprus & Greece- North Macedonia.