WMT! contributes to a workshop at European Week of Regions and Cities 2025

We make transition! is one of the organisers of a workshop in the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels. One hour long workshop explores how territorial cooperation in the Baltic Sea region driven by a macro-regional strategy (EUSBSR) & an EU funding programme (IBSR) creates democratic, resilient, sustainable & economically viable places. Voices from policy, youth & local communities reflect on how shared governance, co-creation & citizen engagement empower people to shape their region. We showcase regional experiences in turning territorial cooperation into actions proven by Interreg projects Creative Circular Cities & We Make Transition! We welcome inspiration from other regions on building thriving territories together.

Moderator:

• Elena Kolosova, Interreg Baltic Sea Region, Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat, Senior Advisor for External Cooperation

Speakers:

• Esa Kokkonen, coordinator of the policy area Innovation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the Baltic Institute of Finland
  Speaking on integrating local needs into strategic policy frameworks and how the EUSBSR helps bring EU policies into use on the ground, turning strategies into tangible benefits for people and places.
• Martyna Blaszczyk, Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia
  Sharing practical experiences and lessons learned in engaging citizens at the local level in co-creating the future and shaping the region through Interreg projects Creative Circular Cities & We Make Transition!
• Silva Laure, Youth delegate, Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum
  Sharing perspectives on what “home” means to young people in the Baltic Sea region and what drives their sense of belonging, reflecting on the motivations for youth to stay, return, or engage locally, and how inclusive co-creation processes empower young people to actively shape their communities and futures.

Read more about the European Week of Regions and Cities and find the full event programme: here.