POPRI EUSAIR Youth at the EUSBSR Annual Forum
The EUSBSR Annual Forum, dedicated to enhancing cooperation within the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, was held from October 29-31, 2024, on the island of Visby, Sweden. This event brings together key stakeholders—including researchers, civil society representatives, youth organizations, businesses, and local authorities from various Baltic Sea countries—to foster closer collaboration on issues like sustainability, security, and shared challenges in the region.
Among the attendees was Lara Kodrin, who, alongside her team, won the Slovenian POPRI competition in the student category with their project, Mobility Portal. She also participated in the POPRI EUSAIR Youth International Competition, held at the 9th EUSAIR Forum in Šibenik. The competition was hosted by the Croatian EUSAIR Presidency with support from the EUSAIR Facility Point (Interreg IPA ADRION 2021-2027) and coordinated by Primorska Technology Park in partnership with Adriatic and Ionian technology parks. Lara had the privilege of being invited to Visby to present the POPRI project, an inspiring example of youth entrepreneurship addressing contemporary challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian region. This opportunity was graciously facilitated by the European House Budapest.
At the Engagement Day during the Forum, POPRI was showcased as an innovative platform for young entrepreneurs eager to bring their ideas to life. Through engagement, mentorship, and guidance, POPRI empowers youth to tackle entrepreneurial challenges, promoting sustainable development and creating opportunities for new generations on national, regional, and international levels.
POPRI also participated in the roundtable discussion, “Vision to Collaborative Practice: Civil Society Cooperation among Macro-Regions,” which explored how civil society organizations like POPRI, in partnership with other stakeholders, can help strengthen EU Macro-Regional Strategies. Lara Kodrin emphasized the value of a creative approach to interregional cooperation, particularly in youth entrepreneurship. She highlighted how initiatives like POPRI can advance sustainable development and inspire innovative solutions that transcend national and regional boundaries, addressing pressing societal challenges through a collaborative, borderless approach.
Read more about POPRI EUSAIR Youth here!
