AEBR leads the extension of the program Interreg Volunteer Youth until 2027
The Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) coordinates the new phase of the Interreg Volunteer Youth program known as IVY following the decision of the European Commission and DG REGIO to extend its duration until the end of December 2027. As the main managing body, ARFE is leading a strategic review process to adapt youth volunteering to the objectives of Cohesion Policy and to the current needs of cross-border projects across Europe. This extension managed by AEBR allows more young people to actively participate in the European Territorial Cooperation supporting the implementation of programs and improving the visibility of the benefits of regional integration.
Under the supervision of AEBR, the initiative introduces fundamental changes to ensure a more balanced distribution of volunteers among different host countries and organizations. One of the most relevant updates is that AEBR centralizes the process of selecting candidates who must submit their applications exclusively through the official website of the Association of European Border Regions to ensure transparency and equality of opportunity. In addition, the management of AEBR in this new stage includes the introduction of new financial support rates for participants and the promotion of citizen participation activities designed to increase the social impact of volunteers in their host communities.
The revision of IVY’s politics led by AEBR strengthens the youth role in the European institutional environment and consolidates the effectiveness of interregional projects. Through this renewal AEBR not only facilitates the exchange between volunteers and mentors, but ensures also that the available resources are aligned with the future challenges of european borders. Looking at 2027, AEBR is positioned as the essential engine for youth participation and the development of sustainable methods of territorial cooperation within the framework of the European Union and its partner regions.
