The European Cooperation Day event “Youth and Greener Europe” brought together project beneficiaries and stakeholders from Estonia and Finland to share experiences and establish new connections for cooperation.
The event took place in Lappeenranta, Finland, on 27 September and was attended by over 70 participants. This year’s European Cooperation Day was focusing on a greener and sustainable future, also emphasizing importance of youth involvement in cooperation projects and activities.
Margarita Golovko, Head of European Territorial Cooperation Unit, Regional Development Department, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia, among other, highlighted in her opening speech the value of people-to-people cooperation and cultural cooperation, which undoubtedly is the basis for greater innovative projects. She also pointed out common long-term challenges in spheres of environment, business environment, public sector, academia, and SMEs to be addressed.
Petri Haapalainen, Ministerial Adviser, Team Leader for Cohesion and Interreg, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, in his addressing stressed the importance of ENI CBC programmes contribution in development of EU external border regions and noted the need to consider alternatives for the programming period 2021-2027 and new opportunities for co-operation across the Baltic Sea and the EU.
Best practices and results of implemented activities of projects focusing on environment and involving young people were presented by partners of projects “BioAware” and “BioStyrene” supported by Estonian EU external border programme and “Pure” and “Nesttec” co-financed by South-East Finland programme.
On site it was possible to get acquainted with the results of the development works of Võru Koreli Park (BioAware) through photo review, as well as to have a look on practical outcome of scientific research for the production of biodegradable material bioplastic (BioStyrene). Interesting approach of usage of invasive species tested by researches of Finland (Pure) and ways of attracting school children for building and programming of robots (Nesttec) were also presented.
Event offered a good platform for networking and opportunities for establishing new cooperation contacts, to learn from each other. Finding common spheres of interest and facing new directions were boosted through practical exercise.
Interreg funding opportunities for future regional development projects were introduced by Central Baltic and Baltic Sea Region programmes, and the Estonian EU external border programme presented the forthcoming launch of its Capitalization Call.
The event was moderated by Mr. Ding Ma, Liaison Manager of the Regional Council of South Karelia.
EC Day event “Youth and Greener Europe” was organized by Estonian EU external border programme and South-East Finland CBC programme.
Presentations. Financing opportunities.
Photo gallery of event. Photos by Lauri Heino.