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Home News & Stories Young voices of Interreg showcase the impact of transnational Cooperation at the European Parliament
Poster for "Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation," hosted by MEP Sandro Gozi, held June 24-27 at the European Parliament, Brussels. EU and Interreg logos are visible on the bottom right.
News 12 June 2025

Young voices of Interreg showcase the impact of transnational Cooperation at the European Parliament

From 24 to 27 June, the European Parliament will host the exhibition Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation - a powerful showcase of how young people are shaping a more connected, inclusive and forward-looking Europe.
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This exhibition spotlights the transformative impact of Interreg and highlights the vital role of youth in building cross-border solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.

'The beauty of Interreg lies in its ability to bring European integration to life: it is the most tangible exercise of cooperation, uniting public and private entities, academic institutions, and NGOs across regions to deliver real, impactful results.'

Shared during consultations on Interreg’s future beyond 2027, this quote inspired the exhibition and underscores the importance of putting cooperation at the centre of the EU’s political dialogue.

Youth at the heart of European cooperation

The exhibition is led by Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVYs) - young Europeans who are bringing real stories from the ground into the spotlight.

Drawing on their personal experiences in Interreg projects, the IVYs reveal how transnational cooperation is delivering meaningful results across Europe’s 13 cooperation areas - from coastal resilience and green innovation to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.

Why transnational cooperation matters

Transnational cooperation is more than a funding mechanism - it’s a collaborative mindset.

It enables communities to:

  • Tackle shared challenges from climate change and digital transformation to youth unemployment and social inequality

  • Build inclusive, sustainable solutions in partnership with local authorities, researchers, NGOs and entrepreneurs

  • Strengthen European solidarity by creating lasting connections between regions and people

By pooling knowledge and resources across borders, Interreg projects boost impact, accelerate innovation and leave no one behind.

Local solutions, European impact

Interreg works through a bottom-up governance model, empowering regions and cities - the institutions closest to citizens - to shape and deliver projects that reflect real needs.

This approach:

  • Fosters community ownership

  • Strengthens democratic participation

  • Builds trust across borders

It is a model that has grown cohesion and reinforced Europe’s core values over time.

A visual journey through cooperation

The exhibition features 13 thematic posters, each highlighting a different story of cooperation. These stories are:

  • Real

  • Relatable

  • Replicable

They invite everyone - especially young people - to join the conversation and become part of a wider movement for a stronger, more united Europe.

Key information

  • Exhibition: Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation

  • Dates: 24-27 June

  • Location: European Parliament, ALTIERO SPINELLI Building, Floor 5, SPINELLI Balcony Area - 5G

Tag along and be inspired by the stories driving European transformation. Follow, share, and join the movement towards a greener, fairer and more connected Europe. We'll be posting on social media with the hashtags #InterregExhibition2025 #InterregYouth

The future starts now - and it’s in the hands of youth.