From June 24 to 27, 2025, the European Parliament welcomed the “Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation” exhibition, an event that celebrated the pivotal role of youth and transnational coooperation in shaping Europe’s future. Organised by a passionate group of Interreg Volunteer Youths (IVYs) and supported by Interreg transnational programmes, the exhibition highlighted the success stories of transnational cooperation. Hosted by MEP Sandro Gozi, the exhibition was officially opened with a warm welcome to participants, where he emphasized the crucial role of Interreg in advancing EU Cohesion Policy. “Interreg is more than just a funding tool; it’s a political initiative that provides European solutions to European challenges,” he stated, underscoring the importance of cooperation in addressing pressing issues across the continent.
The exhibition showcased a variety of impactful projects from across Europe’s 13 Interreg transnational cooperation programmes, tackling topics such as climate resilience, green innovation, youth participation, and joint emergency preparedness. These stories reflected the immense value of EU co-financed projects and the collective efforts of European regions to address challenges that no country can solve alone. Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE was represented by BorderlabsCE, a standout initiative that demonstrates the power of transnational cooperation in addressing the shared challenges of border regions. The project brings together multiple regions to test innovative solutions for issues such as cross-border governance, economic development, and community engagement. By fostering cooperation among local governments, businesses, and civil society, BorderlabsCE exemplifies how Interreg projects can lead to real change, promoting sustainable growth and cohesion across borders.
Sandro Gozi, in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of territorial, social, and environmental cohesion for a stronger Union. He praised border regions as “living laboratories of integration” and stressed that cooperation programmes like Interreg are crucial in promoting strategic investment, empowering local actors, and overcoming barriers that hinder the completion of the single market. For over 25 years, Interreg transnational cooperation programmes have successfully addressed challenges that transcend national borders, creating a model of shared governance that engages regions, cities, academia, NGOs, and entrepreneurs to respond to evolving institutional and societal needs. This vibrant exhibition was a reminder of the ongoing contribution of EU Cohesion Policy to strengthening regions and building lasting solidarity across borders. As the next programming period takes shape, the exhibition reaffirmed that initiatives like Interreg, exemplified by projects such as BorderlabsCE, remain central to Europe’s future.