SALAM at the Europe, Let’s Cooperate Forum in Krakow
The SALAM team had the opportunity to participate in the 11th edition of the Europe, Let’s Cooperate Interregional Cooperation Forum, which took place on 19-20 March 2025 in Krakow, Poland. This year’s event was special as it marked the ten-year anniversary of the Policy Learning Platform, a key initiative designed to support interregional cooperation and policy learning across Europe.
The event was a valuable opportunity to explore the services offered by the Policy Learning Platform and engage in discussions with professionals from across Europe.
The meeting featured various presentations focusing on the results achieved by Interreg EU in the last three calls and the expectations from the European Commission. The discussion emphasized how projects contribute to improving regional and local policies by supporting interregional cooperation. A major point of focus was the role of regional governments in enhancing the effectiveness of public policies, particularly by providing input on regional needs and challenges.
Although SALAM is unique in its focus on employment and working conditions for migrants, the event provided some opportunities for connections. While most projects at the forum focused on vulnerable groups such as women or people with disabilities, SALAM’s focus on migrants set it apart.
A particularly notable interaction was with the Fundão municipality from Portugal. Their INVOLVIM - Informal and Voluntary Services for Work Based Immigrants project, which focuses on informal and voluntary services for migrants, sparked conversations about potential collaborations. The project deals with areas like housing and employment, aligning with SALAM’s core mission.
A key focus of the event was the Policy Learning Platform and its significant role in supporting both Interreg projects and regional governments. PLP services such as peer reviews, matchmaking sessions, and the Policy Helpdesk were highlighted as crucial tools to foster ongoing cooperation and regional resilience, particularly in regions neighbouring Russia (via Regio-silence).
The overall atmosphere of the event was highly collaborative and cooperative, providing ample opportunities for participants to engage in both formal and informal conversations. This helped attendees connect and gain insights from Interreg EU staff.
The poster exhibition area was another key highlight, with experts from other Interreg projects offering insight into social issues and policies affecting various vulnerable groups, including SALAM. A significant focus of these projects was on green policies and how regional policies can support migrants in the construction sector, including improving working conditions through education, training, salaries, and health services.
The forum provided valuable insights into the future of interregional cooperation and how SALAM can continue to contribute to improving policies for migrants. As the project moves forward, there will be opportunities for deeper collaboration with other regions and initiatives to improve working conditions and support the social integration of migrants across Europe.
The SALAM is excited to explore these possibilities and continue advocating for the inclusion of migrants in Europe’s evolving policy landscape.