MEP Sandro Gozi hosts youth exhibition on Transnational Cooperation in the European Parliament

Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation

From 24 to 27 June 2025, the European Parliament turned into a vibrant showcase of unity, vision, and youthful energy. The exhibition 'Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation' took centre stage, bringing to life powerful stories from across Europe and highlighting the real impact of Interreg programmes on local communities.

Organised by the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) and officially hosted by MEP Sandro Gozi, the exhibition offered a visual journey through the achievements of the 13 Interreg transnational programmes. These programmes, co-funded by the European Union, tackle challenges that know no borders - like climate change, social inclusion, youth engagement, and the digital transition. The exhibition featured posters, testimonials and stories from the ground, turning the abstract idea of 'cooperation' into something personal and tangible.

A celebration of unity and youth

MEP Sandro Gozi set the tone at the opening ceremony emphasizing that: 'Interreg is not just a funding instrument - it’s a political project, a driver of innovation, and a pillar of European cohesion policy.'

MEP Gozi’s message underlined Interreg's broader significance - not just as a tool for regional development but as a powerful vehicle for political and social transformation. His presence throughout the exhibition reflected a deep commitment to the values of cooperation and European solidarity.

Another important voice at the opening was Moray Gilland, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG REGIO, who reminded visitors of the systemic impact of these programmes saying '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.'

And they did. The stories on display spoke to real people, real places, and real change.

MEP Sandro Gozi: Why transnational cooperation matters

To better understand the spirit of the exhibition, we asked MEP Sandro Gozi why transnational cooperation is so crucial for Europe’s future - and what role young people play in shaping it.

He stated: 'I believe transnational cooperation is vital for the future of Europe. From tackling climate change to securing the digital transition and ensuring economic resilience, no EU Member State can address these challenges alone. Integrated approaches are more than ever needed in these turbulent times: transnational cooperation can ensure harmonious growth and widespread territorial, economic and social cohesion among EU countries, other than supporting a successful enlargement process through the active involvement of candidate countries in projects.'

Gozi’s words remind us that Europe’s strength lies in its unity - and that transnational cooperation is not a luxury, but a necessity. When asked what motivated him to support this exhibition, he shared a personal and political connection:

'Transnational cooperation really resonates with my political mandate and with my personal story. My work in the Parliament focuses for the biggest part on the promotion of transnational approaches to politics and to policies, be it on regional cooperation, in the promotion of EU competitiveness and strategic autonomy, and on the pursuit of a truly genuine European democracy. Most of all, I am very active on youth engagement into EU affairs, and I was positively struck by the engagement and enthusiasm of IVY Members, who came to Brussels from every corner of Europe to raise awareness about the added-value of transnational Interreg programmes. Europe’s future hinges on empowering the next generation to lead cooperation across borders. The stories of cooperation showcased in the European Parliament witness how transnational initiatives are central to our regional policy agenda.'

Young people at the heart of cooperation

The role of young people was unmistakable throughout the exhibition. The IVYs brought energy, insight, and a strong sense of European identity. MEP Gozi highlighted this essential contribution: 'Young people are the driving force of European integration and innovation in cross-border initiatives like Interreg. The ‘Youth for Future Cooperation - On the road to Interreg GO!’ initiative clearly showed the landmark role young people can have in addressing concrete recommendations to key policymakers. By embedding youth at the heart of Interreg, Europe cultivates innovation, cohesion, and democratic participation across borders. New generations can help ensure that cohesion funds gain greater visibility and play a central role in shaping investment priorities in European regions and cities. But beyond visibility, their involvement also brings fresh ideas, digital expertise, and a deep sense of European identity, essential elements for rethinking regional development. If we want Interreg and similar programmes to remain relevant and ambitious, youth participation must be institutionalised, not just consulted but empowered to co-design policies that reflect the realities and aspirations of tomorrow's Europe.'

What’s next for Interreg?

Looking to the future, MEP Gozi is optimistic but clear-eyed about the need for Interreg to adapt and stay ambitious. He said: 'The future of Interreg is bright, but it must continue to evolve to meet the new realities facing Europe. Interreg must continue to evolve to meet the new realities facing Europe. To address this and bolster cooperation, Interreg programs post-2027 must evolve by keeping an adequate level of funding, ensuring it reflects their crucial contribution to cross-border, transnational and interregional integration. It is also essential to uphold multi-level governance and joint project principles, while introducing flexibility to respond to crises, balanced with programmatic stability for long-term development.'

A powerful reminder

As the last visitors left the Spinelli Balcony on Floor 5 of the European Parliament, the message of 'Through the Youth Lens' remained: Europe is strongest when it works together and listens to its youth. The stories shared by the IVYs were more than project reports. They were proof of what happens when cooperation crosses borders, generations, and ideas.

The exhibition may be over, but its legacy lives on in the people, partnerships, and policies it inspired.