Youth declaration shapes the future of European territorial cooperation
Young people envision a future of territorial cooperation that breaks barriers, empowers border regions, engages all voices, and puts youth at the heart of policies. That vision is now reflected in a declaration that the Commission will use as a reference when drafting the Interreg Regulations for the post-2027 Cohesion Policy.
The European Commission has been carrying out numerous public consultations to gather citizens’ opinions across Europe about what European Territorial Coopeation should look like beyond 2027. One of them targeted young European citizens in particular. Around 100 youngsters from across Europe met last November in Brussels to voice their perspectives on the future of territorial cooperation beyond 2027. The culmination of their collaborative efforts is encapsulated in the “Declaration by Young People on the Future of Territorial Cooperation.”
The declaration articulates seven key recommendations, each accompanied by actionable steps for implementation. Central to these recommendations are four overarching themes:
- Integrating and empowering border regions preserving their uniqueness: Advocating for a more connected and inclusive approach in areas such as transport, education, and labor markets to strengthen border regions.
- Breaking down barriers: Emphasizing the need to simplify processes, thereby facilitating easier collaboration for individuals and businesses across borders.
- Involving everyone: Highlighting the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, particularly young people and underrepresented communities, in the cooperative framework.
- Mainstreaming youth: Prioritizing the inclusion of young people in all policy objectives, with a focus on enhancing education and communication efforts.
The proactive involvement of youth in shaping territorial cooperation policies underscores a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking Europe. By integrating the insights and recommendations of young people, Interreg aims to enhance its relevance and effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities.
For a comprehensive understanding, the full declaration is available here.
