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Jules volunteered as an IVY for the Inter-Religio project at the University of Strasbourg, an initiative between France, Germany and Switzerland. Right now he is a member at the Volunteers Centre Skopjie. We asked him to tell us about his experience and his thoughts on Territorial Cooperation.
After your experience as Interreg Volunteer, you volunteered at the Volunteers Centre Skopje. Why is volunteering important and what does volunteering give you in your opinion?
I think volunteering is a good way to get to know a wide range of different fields. In my case, Cross Border Cooperation on the one hand and youth work on the other. Also, volunteering allowed me to meet a lot of different people who are passionate about their work.
You took part in the #EURegionsWeek and in AEBR Annual Events. What have you learned from these events?
These unusual frameworks to talk about Cross Border Cooperation always surprise me with an incredibly wide spectrum of topics, both geographically speaking and also in terms of issues dealt with. For instance, we talked a lot about COVID-19, because it is impacting borders and cross border regions. I am always fascinated to discover people who are cross border practitioners from all corners of Europe. It is very stimulating and also very interesting to notice cooperation beyond the external border of the European Union or cooperation with IPA countries is always a source of stimulation.
You took part in the elaboration of the Youth Manifesto. How was this experience and why do you think it is important for young people to get involved in initiatives like this?
I think it is important because interregional cooperation is more necessary than ever with the rise of nationalism, we are witnessing across Europe. Also, knowing more about your neighbour makes you less vulnerable to these kinds of speeches.
Maybe youth can bring their input in making interregional cooperation language and practices more accessible to non-cross border practitioners. From my own perspective, I was able to add the insight I got from my IVY experience and the youth filed. I had the opportunity to take part in the Youth Dialogue during the European Regions Week this year, I was able to raise questions to Mr Lemaître, Director-General at DG Regio, it was a very enriching experience.
What is next for you Jules?
Right now I really enjoy interacting with a wide range of stakeholders from my team members in NGO in Sokpje. I have a motivation for cross border cooperation and I hope I would be able to bring my own input into this field.
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