Interreg is making Europe's democracy stronger. Do people know? - PL

The hackathon aimed to highlight how Interreg contributes to strengthening democracy across Europe. Participants were tasked with developing digital communication campaigns that demonstrate how Interreg adds value to the European Union by fostering territorial cooperation and addressing inequalities.
The following key messages emerged from the session and the group presentations:
1. Interreg builds bridges across borders
Key message: Interreg fosters connections across different regions and cultures, addressing shared challenges and promoting cooperation. This collaboration strengthens European democracy by ensuring that citizens, regardless of where they live, have access to the same opportunities.
Group 1: The campaign emphasized the need for intergenerational involvement, highlighting that policy makers, youth, and the general public all contribute to Interreg's success. Their digital strategy included social media campaigns, using platforms like Facebook and TikTok, and events tied to European days such as the 9th of May (Europe Day).
2. Interreg strengthens democracy through inclusivity
Key message: Interreg brings together policymakers, citizens, universities and NGOs to create projects that benefit all EU citizens. The programmes enhance democracy by inspiring collaboration across borders and sectors, allowing diverse groups to work together towards common goals.
Group 2: This group stressed the importance of networks in promoting Interreg’s success. They highlighted that policymakers should actively communicate the value of Interreg to broader audiences, ensuring that the programmes continue to grow. Their campaign proposed focusing on networks and fostering dialogue to promote successful projects. The slogan, "Interreg is democracy, respect," was central to their messaging.
3. Engaging the public to strengthen Interreg's impact
Key message: Interreg needs to resonate with the general public, not just policymakers. By showcasing how projects impact local communities, Interreg can make its initiatives more relatable and encourage public support.
Group 3: This group emphasized humanizing Interreg by focusing on the stories of individuals involved in projects. They proposed a strategy to educate younger generations on how Interreg operates, aiming to make them advocates for the program within their communities. The slogan, "Embrace Interreg," captured the essence of their campaign.
4. Targeting new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)
Key message: Newly elected MEPs may not fully understand the value of Interreg, and this audience requires targeted communication. The campaign proposed reaching these new MEPs through ambassadors from national contact points and representatives, delivering messages that demonstrate the tangible impact of Interreg projects.
Group 4: This group designed a focused campaign targeting new MEPs. They highlighted the complexity of Interreg and the importance of making its projects tangible. Their approach included a digital package (videos, flyers, audio materials) emphasizing the tangible outcomes of Interreg, with testimonials from beneficiaries of projects and sector leaders to make the message more relatable and concrete. The key message was, "Cooperation fosters democracy," with a focus on tangible project impacts.
Overall, the hackathon successfully generated a variety of creative approaches to communicate Interreg’s impact on European democracy. The recurring themes of inclusivity, tangible outcomes, human connection, and targeted communication were prevalent across all group presentations, showcasing the wide-ranging potential of Interreg to foster a more unified and democratic Europe.