Programme communication capacity

Modern communication tools, and the skills to use them well makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of communication campaigns. In a rapidly changing sector, Interact aims to support those working in Interreg with both the tools and the skills needed to communicate their programme achievements. Interact has also identified areas of interest, including free-to-use design tools, as well as the incoming game-changing generation of AI tools.

Good communication techniques are important not just for communication officers, but for everyone working in Interreg. From using plain language to be better understood, storytelling techniques to hook your audience and more.

The work under this theme is particularly achieved through the ICON (Interreg Communication Officers Networks) and focusses on topical trainings. Previous trainings from Interact have included Essentials of Graphic Design, effective Storytelling, using AI as well as how to write copy for journalists.

On top of these trainings, Interact offers both short courses and certified trainings through the Academy. In addition, the Commission organised INFORM EU network also a number of trainings, all of which can be found below. Of course, this work is part of a package of activities coordinated to support primarily communication officers, but also colleagues with other specialisms who also take on communication challenges. 

Where to start

Linked below are a series of trainings and resources which can support you. It is also strongly encouraged that the communication officers of every Interreg programme join ICON, the Interreg Communication Officers Network, where (among other things), the annual training is organised.

We also offer various certified trainings and short courses on key skills for communication officers in the Interact Academy.

What we are working on

ICON meetings in 2026
We start the year with a short and practical online ICON meeting, designed as an easy entry point into the year ahead. This webinar will give communication officers a clear overview of the main plans, priorities, and activities for ICON in 2026, without taking more time than necessary.
Link to the ICON 2026 webinar page

The core ICON event of the year is the in-person annual meeting, planned for the first week of June in Turku, Finland. This meeting brings the ICON community together for deeper exchange, peer learning, and hands-on work on shared communication challenges. The detailed agenda and practical information will be published closer to the event.

Soft Skills training 
A Soft Skills training is planned for 20-21 May in Copenhagen (TBC). While not exclusively focused on communication, the programme will include a dedicated session on public speaking and presentation skills, focusing on clarity, confidence, and effective delivery.
Link to the Soft Skills training page

Certified trainings on the Interact Academy
Interact offers several certified communication trainings through the Interact Academy, combining practical learning with flexible formats. You can find all the courses on the Interact Academy platform:

• Video Making
  A guided certified training focusing on planning, filming, and editing videos for Interreg communication.
• AI for Interreg Communication
  A certified course exploring how AI tools can support communication work in Interreg, with a strong focus on practical use cases.
• Storytelling in Interreg
  A certified training linked to the Interreg Project Slam competition, focusing on narrative structure, clear messaging, and impact-driven storytelling.
• Fundamentals of Communication
  A certified course covering the core principles of effective communication, designed for communication officers as well as colleagues in other roles.
• Social Media Communication (self-paced)
  A fully self-paced certified course that participants can take at any time. There are no webinars or live sessions. Learners complete the online modules and a short, straightforward test at the end. Successful participants receive a certificate.

Contact

For more information please contact Nebojsa Nikolic.

Want to exchange on this topic?

Interact offers an online space for those working in Interreg Communication and Visibility to share information and exchange. You can find out more about our MS Teams environment on our Networks page, and see all our networks in our Portal. 

If you would like to learn more about this, please contact Nebojsa Nikolic.