Jems
Application deadline is 12 May!
- Storytelling
The journey begins in April 2026 with an inspiring kick-off event.
In May 2026, participants receive professional storytelling training through the Interact Academy. During these expert-led sessions, you learn how to identify the emotional core of your project, structure a narrative that captivates audiences and communicate your impact authentically.
You can register to the Storytelling training here.
With these skills in place, you submit your written story by June 2026.
From all submissions, six finalists are selected – six stories representing the very best of Interreg’s human impact. Being chosen as a finalist is only the beginning!
- Video Production
Each finalist receives comprehensive professional support to transform their written story into a high-quality video.
This includes script development, filming, editing and post-production. The entire process is provided at no cost.
The result is a compelling professional video and a permanent promotional asset worth thousands of euros, which can continue to support your project’s communication long after the competition ends.
In November 2026, all six finalist videos are launched simultaneously in a public social media competition across Europe. The campaign reaches hundreds of thousands of people, generating visibility and engagement at European level.
The video that captures the highest level of public support receives the Social Media Award.
- Grand Finale
The journey culminates at the Interreg Knowledge Fair event (tbc).
Before stepping onto the stage, finalists receive intensive performance coaching. They then present their story live in front of an audience of European cooperation leaders, policy makers and project representatives.
This is where stories move beyond the screen and come alive through creative performance.
During the final event, three awards are presented: the Interreg Slam 2026 – 2027 Winner, chosen by live audience vote; the European Commission Award, selected by representatives of the European Commission; and the Social Media Award.
Beyond these distinctions, every finalist gains professional development, creative production support and a European platform that amplifies project impact far beyond standard communication activities.
Why participate
Your project has created change. It has addressed shared challenges, connected communities or driven innovation. These stories deserve to be shared authentically with the people whose lives they touch and whose support makes them possible.
Participants benefit from:
- professional storytelling training
- a professionally produced video
- European-level visibility
- the opportunity to present at the Interreg Knowledge Fair (tbc)
Interreg Slam 2026–2027 provides the platform, the training and the audience your story deserves.
More info HERE.
