INTERREG VOLUNTEER YOUTH (IVY)
Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) is an initiative funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and managed by AEBR.
IVY offers young people the opportunity to volunteer in cross-border, transnational, interregional or outermost regions’ cooperation programmes and related projects. Volunteers support, promote, and report on the achievements of Interreg programmes and projects, while fostering cooperation and shared values across European borders and beyond. In doing so, they gain valuable professional experience, develop new skills, and benefit from personal growth.
By involving young people in territorial cooperation, IVY aims to strengthen civic engagement and foster a stronger sense of European citizenship. Volunteers experience cooperation first-hand, learn about Interreg achievements, and contribute to promoting the benefits of collaboration across borders.
Duration: March 2017 – December 2027
AEBR’s role in the IVY initiative:
AEBR is the beneficiary of the European Commission grant (DG REGIO) on IVY and is responsible for managing and implementing the initiative.
Target:
Host Organisations: Any Interreg Programme Representative or Interreg Project Beneficiary can become an IVY host organisation. Detailed information and application documents are available on the IVY website.
Young people
Young people aged 18–30 from 97 different countries can participate.
Activities:
IVY is structured around two main strands:
- Interreg Project Partners
Volunteers support the implementation of Interreg projects, contributing to activities such as solidarity initiatives, people-to-people projects, health-related actions, community-based activities, and other projects focusing on the social dimension of territorial cooperation. They are hosted by project beneficiaries involved in an Interreg project. - Interreg Reporters
Volunteers help disseminate information about the benefits of territorial cooperation by reporting on successful Interreg projects. They are hosted by Interreg Managing Authorities and/or Joint Secretariats.
Outputs / Deliverables:
The IVY programme contributes to:
- Increased visibility and attractiveness of Interreg and cross-border cooperation programmes among young people
- Greater knowledge of European Territorial Cooperation among the wider public
- Increased interest in cross-border cooperation initiatives
- Improved communication on Interreg programmes, particularly regarding solidarity aspects
Benefits for young volunteers
- Increased awareness of the benefits of cross-border cooperation
- Stronger sense of civic engagement and European citizenship
- Development of new skills and professional experience
- Improved language abilities
- Acquisition of transferable skills such as flexibility, adaptability, leadership, proactivity, creativity, self-confidence, and organisational skills
Citizens’ Engagement Activities
Through Citizens’ Engagement Activities, IVY helps to:
- Raise awareness about Cohesion Policy and its concrete results
- Highlight the added value of EU funding for territorial development
- Engage citizens into a dialogue on Cohesion Policy in their local contexts
Benefits for AEBR members
- Opportunity to host volunteers supporting Interreg programmes and projects
- Increased visibility of AEBR, particularly towards European institutions and DG REGIO
- Strengthened network of stakeholders involved in European Territorial Cooperation
- Greater awareness of cross-border cooperation among young people and citizens
Responsible persons in AEBR about the IVY project: Martín Guillermo Ramírez, Milena Pallotta, Bektha Djilidjel.
Link to IVY project website: https://www.interregyouth.com/
Contact: ivy@aebr.eu
Mobile phone: +49 176 420 90 666
Address: Association of European Border Regions c/o BISDN
Körnerstraße 7,
10785 Berlin – Germany