Hi, my name is Nasya Škerk, and I’m from Trieste, Italy – a city where cultures meet and borders blur. I’m currently volunteering with the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme as part of the IVY initiative, while also studying Diplomacy and International Cooperation at the University of Trieste. Growing up between Italy and Slovenia, I often struggled to define my identity within the borders of just one country. Balancing cultures has meant everything from mastering the art of good pasta to fully appreciating a proper ljubljanska – but in the end, there’s always a shared love for wine. That’s why working in cross-border cooperation feels so meaningful to me. It reflects the reality I’ve always lived – where things aren’t black or white, but full of nuance, shared spaces, and overlapping stories.
I’m part of the communications team, where we take care of the visual side of the Programme. I support the team in creating content, helping with event organisation, and contributing to the daily flow of communication – learning something new every day, and sharing a few laughs along the way.
You’re currently volunteering as an IVY Reporter for the Interreg Italy–Slovenia programme. What motivated you to apply for this mission?
I was first introduced to Interreg programmes by a professor whose passion for cross-border cooperation really struck me. Being part of the Slovenian minority in Italy, I’ve always felt like I belong to both countries—somewhere in between the two. That sense of dual identity made the idea of working to promote collaboration between Italy and Slovenia feel especially meaningful. It wasn’t just a professional opportunity, but a personal one—a way to pay tribute to my roots and actively contribute to a region that truly feels like home. Interreg Italy–Slovenia, to me, represents exactly the kind of space where I feel I belong.
You played an active role in supporting the organisation of the InterregGO event. What part of the experience did you find most inspiring?
What inspired me most was being genuinely involved in the planning process and treated as an equal from the very beginning. When I first applied as an IVY, I half-expected to be relegated to coffee runs—like Andrea from The Devil Wears Prada. But the reality couldn’t have been more different. I found myself surrounded by passionate, like-minded people who value trust and teamwork. Regardless of roles or titles, everyone is given the opportunity to take responsibility and contribute meaningfully. That level of inclusion and respect has been incredibly motivating.
In your view, how do events like InterregGO help involve young people in European cooperation and make it more approachable?
While events like InterregGO! are designed with young people in mind, I’m not entirely sure they reach as broad or diverse an audience as they could. Many participants were already familiar with Interreg—former IVYs or students in related fields—so the event may have felt more like a continuation than an opening door. Hosting the InterregGO! Youth event at a university, for example, might have unintentionally made it seem exclusive or academic, rather than accessible to all young people. Similarly, since the InterregGO! event was private, it limited the chance to involve those who might have stumbled upon it by interest. The intention was great, but I believe there’s still room to make these initiatives feel more open, relatable, and inclusive for all youth.
What advice would you give to other young people who are curious about getting involved in territorial cooperation?
Don’t be afraid to speak up and challenge the status quo. Passion is key—and so is having the courage to bring new ideas to the table. As young people, we offer fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, so our voices really do matter. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. If you care about building connections across borders, dive in, be bold, and don’t be afraid to make some noise.
What is your plan after your IVY volunteering experience?
After this experience, I’d love to keep working with the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme or contribute to similar initiatives at the European or international level. I’m planning to apply for opportunities like the Blue Book or Schuman traineeships to further grow and gain experience in this field. That said, something unexpected happened over the past few years—I fell in love with home. A while ago, I was convinced I’d never settle in Trieste. I thought I’d eventually leave for good and build my life somewhere else. But through experiences like Erasmus and studying abroad, I’ve had the chance to see the world—and I realized that nowhere feels quite like home. Now, more than ever, I feel a deep desire to bring back what I’ve learned and actively contribute to my territory. It would mean the world to me to combine my international background with a role that allows me to support the growth, connection, and potential of the place I belong to.
Thank you Nasya for sharing your passion, ideas and great input with us!
