On April 18, 2025, young people from Romania came together to share their thoughts on what it means to live near a border, what kind of cooperation their communities need, and what cross-border projects they would like to see in the future. Their answers reflected a realistic, yet hopeful view of regional challenges and the power of collaboration.
The first question they tackled was:
“Is living next to a border an opportunity or a disadvantage?”
Most students offered nuanced perspectives, recognizing both the opportunities and the risks that come with living near a border. On one hand, they appreciated the cultural diversity, the exposure to new ideas, and the educational experiences that cross-border life can offer. Some saw it as a gateway to new cultures and international friendships.
On the other hand, several participants expressed concerns linked to the current political-military context, especially the threat posed by nearby conflicts. Others pointed to the uneven infrastructure, isolation, or the potential for tensions between neighboring countries. For many, it wasn’t a simple “yes” or “no” — instead, they emphasized that context matters: peace, cooperation, and mutual respect make all the difference.
The next question focused on local needs:
“In the place where you live, what are the main topics where cooperation is needed?”
Students clearly prioritized youth participation and institutional collaboration. They highlighted the need for more partnerships between local authorities, high schools, and ethnic communities, particularly in multicultural areas like Tulcea. They suggested organizing shared activities, public forums, and collaborative meetings that bring together schools, NGOs, minority representatives, and public institutions.
Others emphasized that state institutions should get more involved in youth-focused centers and public spaces, supporting projects that reflect the interests and energy of local communities. Stronger ties with ethnic organizations and cultural ensembles were also seen as key to fostering inclusion and diversity.
When asked:
“Can you name an Interreg project that you find useful in the place where you live?”
Although participants couldn’t name specific Interreg projects, many were familiar with Erasmus+, DiscoverEU, and even Start-Up Nation. Some also mentioned EU-funded infrastructure and tourism development projects, such as cross-border bridges and regional road improvements. The responses showed that while awareness of EU opportunities exists, Interreg projects in particular still lack visibility at the local youth level.
On the topic of barriers, students reflected on:
“What are the biggest difficulties for cross-border and transnational cooperation in your daily life?”
Several students pointed to communication issues — not just language, but cultural misunderstandings and superiority complexes that can lead to conflict. Others noted a lack of effort from some communities to seek peaceful or inclusive solutions, even when dialogue is possible.
Some participants mentioned ethnic tensions in other parts of the world, like those affecting the Kurdish and Roma populations, as examples of how discrimination and division can hinder cooperation. At the same time, others felt they hadn’t personally observed any major difficulties in collaboration, but would be interested in meeting peers from other countries.
Lastly, students were asked to imagine the future:
“What would be the cooperation project of your dreams?”
Their answers were full of energy and creativity. Many dreamed of experience exchanges — youth from Tulcea traveling to other Romanian cities and hosting visitors in return. Others envisioned Danube Delta-themed projects, where volunteers could learn, explore, and protect the region through interactive workshops and ecological activities.
Some wanted to promote Tulcea through outreach in other cities, followed by guided tours for visiting participants. There were also ideas for Erasmus-style exchanges between County Youth Foundations, and projects focused on cleaning and preserving the Danube Delta — both for environmental and community-building impact.
One student even proposed a cross-border recycling initiative, where practical ideas like turning waste into useful items (like cigarette filters into eyewear) could combine sustainability with innovation.
💬 Final Thought:
This group of young people showed that they are deeply connected to both local identity and European values. They understand that cooperation doesn’t just mean shared borders — it means shared purpose, mutual respect, and creative collaboration.
From promoting cultural understanding to tackling environmental issues, their ideas prove that Romania’s youth are ready to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected future — not just for their country, but for the entire region.