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Interreg Cooperation Day marks 15 years
Logo of Interreg Cooperation Day with the word "Cooperation" in multicolored text, featuring abstract shapes and the European Union emblem.
Home Interreg Greece–Cyprus, 16 October, IC DAY 2026

A mountain landscape with wind turbines shrouded in mist, overlaid with text reading “Cooperation Day” and a 15th-anniversary logo for Interreg Cooperation Day.

Energy for the Future: The Youth of Astypalea in Action

Within the framework of Interreg Cooperation Day 2026, the Interreg VI-A Greece–Cyprus 2021-2027 Programme is organizing the interactive educational event "Energy for the Future: The Youth of Astypalea in Action" on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 11:30 to 13:30, in Astypalea, with the participation of students from the Gymnasium with Senior High School Classes of Astypalea.

The event aims to bring young people closer to the concepts of sustainable development, energy transition, and European cooperation, highlighting the essential role they can play in shaping a greener and more resilient future. Through a dynamic and participatory approach, students will learn how the European Union and the Interreg Programme support actions that improve citizens' quality of life and strengthen cooperation between the regions of Greece and Cyprus.

Starting from Astypalea's unique identity as an island at the forefront of the energy and green transition, participants will explore real examples of co-financed energy efficiency and innovation projects. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate creatively, and propose solutions to the energy challenges affecting their local community.

The action combines knowledge, creativity, and participation, transforming students from mere spectators into active co-creators of the future. Through presentations, trivia games, and group workshops, they will develop cooperation and critical thinking skills while expressing their own vision for a more sustainable Astypalea.

Key Activities

  • Introductory presentation on the European Union and the Interreg Programme.

  • Interactive trivia game (Pre-Quiz).

  • Presentation of the Interreg Greece–Cyprus Programme and selected reference projects: ECOINO, ENERGIZE CULTURE, ClusTech, POLI-SYNERGIES PLUS, and FRESHNESS.

  • Group workshop on designing energy upgrade proposals for the school and the local community.

  • Presentation of the student group proposals.

  • Brief evaluation and feedback from participants.

The event represents a unique opportunity for the youth of Astypalea to experience firsthand how European projects contribute to addressing contemporary energy challenges and to be inspired to become agents of positive change for their homeland. Under the banner of active participation and cooperation, the initiative demonstrates that young people's ideas can serve as a driving force for a more sustainable and hopeful future.