The Youth4Cooperation Cross-Borders Ambassadors first mandate is coming to an end.
This year saw the launch of the Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors programme. This first-of-its kind initiative provides a platform for young Europeans committed to solve cross-border issues, and willing to voice their view at a European level.
The Border Focal Point Network (BFPN) in collaboration with Youth4Cooperation made this initiative possible and brought together 10 young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from 8 countries across the EU – each with their cross-border interests.
What does it mean to be a Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassador?
The Ambassadors were selected from an impressive pool of applicants to the open call launched in March 2024. The Ambassadors’ three-month mandate began on the 1st of May 2024. During that time, they participated in regular meetings with the European Commission Directorate General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO). They also participated in the Beyond Borders Breakfast Debates (a series organised by DG REGIO and the BFPN), wrote articles published on the BFPN and more. Through this process, the Ambassadors worked with DG REGIO to identify common issues and best practices at both the European and local level.
The initiative was a unique opportunity for young people interested in cross-border issues to connect with each other, share their experiences and apply their diverse perspectives to common obstacles.
"This experience broadened my perspective, especially through exchanging ideas with people from different countries," said Aleksandra Gierat (Minsk County, Poland).
In weekly videos published on our online platforms, the Ambassadors introduced themselves and their specific interests. From healthcare and social services to water management and sustainability, the Ambassadors covered a rich array of issues. Common threads united Ambassadors from different ends of the European map. Ninon Paulissen from Lille, a city near the France-Belgium-Luxembourg border, and Simon Jyrkäs, currently studying at Lund University, near the Finland-Denmark border, brought differing perspectives to a shared passion for cross-border transport services: while Ninon was interested in obstacles faced by cross-border commuters, Simon related the issue to the sparsely populated regions of northern Finland and the youth leaving their homes for better opportunities.
Such issues were discussed at monthly meetings between the Ambassadors and DG REGIO, during which the Ambassadors proposed solutions both at the level of policy and at the level of their communities.
Speaking about her experience, Ninon said: "We know we face cross-border obstacles. With this initiative, we see that there are not just obstacles but also solutions. What I liked about this programme is that it was solutions oriented."
The Ambassadors also shone a light on local issues in articles published on the BFPN. In an article on cooperation between Greece and North Macedonia, Maria Parthena Moula, explored how to tackle cultural friction, unemployment, and other issues by fostering shared values and empowering young citizens. Maria stressed the power of cultural exchanges, activities, and language courses to tackle counterproductive discourse. ‘Young people should […] be empowered to forge meaningful relationships and partnerships for a brighter collective future’, Maria writes.
Youth engagement was identified again and again as a key tool for tackling cross-border issues and raising awareness of EU initiatives such as Interreg at the local level. Education in schools, cross-border social activities and cultural exchange programmes would not only raise awareness of local solutions, but would also foster cross-border cooperation by promoting shared values.
The project highlighted one thing above all: the key to a cohesive Europe lies in its youth. Young people across Europe are taking action to tackle cross-border issues and are eager to do more. Decision makers must listen to youth and empower them to create the Europe of tomorrow.
You can check out the rest of the Ambassadors’ articles here:
What's next?
Following the success of this first intake of ‘Youth4Cooperation: Cross-Border Ambassadors’, the BFPN has launched a second call!
Both the first and second intake of Ambassadors will have the privilege of receiving a personal invitation from DG REGIO, European Commission, to join the ‘Youth for Future Cooperation’ in Brussels on 15 November 2024, where young people will contribute towards shaping the future of Interreg post-2027.
Applicants have until the 10th September 2024 to apply.
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