1 July 2025
How transnational cooperation is building Europe´s future with youth
Written by Anna Zaccaro
Explore how transnational cooperation is transforming Europe, from addressing climate change to fostering local economic growth. This exhibition highlights the powerful impact of collaboration beyond borders in shaping a stronger, more united future.
From 24 to 27 June 2025, the European Parliament became the vibrant home of the Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation exhibition, which brought the transformative power of Interreg to life.
Highlights from the opening ceremony
Sandro Gozi, MEP- Renew Europe Group
Interreg is not just a funding instrument—it’s a political project, a driver of innovation, and a pillar of European cohesion policy.
The exhibition, brought to life by the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVYs), was officially opened by the hosting Member of Parliament (MEP), Sandro Gozi. It offered a visual journey across the 13 Interreg Transnational Programmes, celebrating stories from European communities and drawing attention to how transnational cooperation is tackling some of Europe’s most pressing challenges. From climate resilience and digital inclusion to youth empowerment and green innovation, the stories highlighted the tangible impact of Interreg on communities across the continent.
The exhibition’s core message was clear: transnational cooperation is a mindset – a collaborative force that strengthens communities, breaks down borders, and builds lasting connections. The importance of youth in this movement was evident as the IVYs shared their personal experiences from Interreg projects, proving that youth are at the heart of Europe’s future.
Moray Gilland, Head of Unit for Macro-regions, Transnational, Interregional and External Cooperation, and Enlargement in the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy at the European Commission
The transnational programmes are a model of shared governance, engaging national authorities, regions and cities to tackle societal needs in large areas and looking at this exhibition, everyone will witness many stories that encourage and inspire.
Click through the gallery to view the pictures
eRural Resilience: Boosting Bio-Based SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region
During the exhibition, our eRural Resilience project was showcased as an innovative solution for supporting bio-based SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region. The project addresses the challenge of limited market reach in rural areas by providing digital tools and e-marketing strategies to help businesses expand online. With an online assessment tool, businesses receive tailored solutions to improve their digital skills, while local authorities play a vital role in supporting the growth of these SMEs. By working closely with 40 businesses, the project ensures that solutions are accessible, adaptable, and scalable, creating stronger, more resilient economies in rural regions.
MEP Sabrina Repp with Director of Interreg Baltic Sea Region Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat Ronald Lieske showing eRural Resilience panel during the opening ceremony. Picture on the left ©Bernal Revert
As the discussions on the future of transnational cooperation are ongoing, this exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the value of EU Cohesion Policy and the ongoing importance of Interreg’s contribution to Europe’s future. It underscores how, through cooperation, we build stronger regions and more resilient societies—one border at a time.
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