On 24-27 June 2026, IANAP, together with a group of young participants, travelled to Basilicata, Southern Italy, to take part in the second phase of the Magna Grecia Project, coordinated by EXO. Through exercises, discussions and experiential activities, the group collaborated to create the Euromediterranean Charter – a document outlining the core values of an inclusive, democratic and culturally conscious community.
24 June | Exploring Matera and Its Cultural Identity
The second exchange began with a visit to Matera, where the group explored the TAM Museum and met an inspiring team who guided us through their vision of the city’s cultural identity. We continued with a tour of Matera’s unique landscape, discovering the historical layers that shape the heritage of Magna Grecia. This first day offered participants a deep connection with the region’s past and its contemporary cultural narrative.
25 June | Visiting Metaponto and Bernalda
The next day, the group visited the Metaponto area, including an ancient temple and the archaeological museum. There, participants had the opportunity to meet the museum’s staff, who shared valuable insights into the history of the site and the importance of cultural preservation. The day continued at Bernalda’s castle, where the core project activities were hosted. Participants from Greece and Italy worked together to identify elements that make a place unique, drawing parallels between meaningful locations in Thessaloniki and Basilicata. This exchange of perspectives helped shape ideas about the kind of community we aspire to build. Later, the group met the team behind PUPA, a local initiative run by motivated young people who support the community through creative projects and actions. Their work offered a powerful example of youth-driven local development.
26 June | Building the Euromediterranean Charter
The final day focused on the Island of Utopia, a concept created during the first exchange in Thessaloniki. Participants reflected on the characteristics of an ideal community and, through collaborative activities, drafted the Euromediterranean Charter – a set of principles and values that can guide communities across the region. The project concluded with a public event where local residents were invited to learn about the initiative and attend the presentation of the Charter.
This exchange offered participants the chance to connect with their cultural roots, discover the richness of the Magna Grecia region, and reflect on the type of community they wish to build. For IANAP, it was also a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, gain inspiration from diverse practices, and contribute to a shared vision for a more inclusive Euromediterranean future.
