Joining Youth4Sea to reflect on the future of youth engagement in cross-border cooperation
15/06/2026
On 25 May 2026, ADRIJOROUTES took part in Youth4Sea – Ideas for the Future of Italy–Croatia Cooperation, the Annual Event of the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme held at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona.
The event brought together around 200 participants — including young people, project beneficiaries, institutional actors and Programme representatives — creating a space for dialogue on how to strengthen youth engagement and shape the future of cooperation across the Adriatic area.
Throughout the day, discussions highlighted a shared understanding: involving younger generations cannot remain an occasional exercise but requires continuity, trust and concrete opportunities for participation. Experiences from projects, institutional perspectives and collaborative working sessions contributed to building a collective reflection on the future of Interreg cooperation beyond 2027.
By participating in Youth4Sea, ADRIJOROUTES joined this broader conversation on how European cooperation projects can generate long-term value for communities and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable territorial development.
This perspective strongly resonates with the vision of ADRIJOROUTES, which promotes a new approach to Adriatic ports as cultural gateways connecting territories, people and local identities. Through the enhancement of maritime heritage and the development of sustainable and innovative tourism experiences, the project contributes to creating stronger links between communities and their cultural assets.
Particular attention during the event was dedicated to ensuring that youth participation becomes meaningful and accessible. Among the reflections emerging from the discussions, one message stood out clearly: opening opportunities is not enough if young people cannot easily access and recognise them.
Youth4Sea also represented an opportunity to showcase how the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme continues to invest in youth involvement through dedicated initiatives and long-term actions, reinforcing the idea that cooperation is built not only across borders, but also across generations.
ADRIJOROUTES shares this vision and remains committed to contributing to a more connected, inclusive and culturally vibrant Adriatic area.