The Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) was present at the 22nd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities, which took place in Brussels between 8 and 10 October 2024. The event, which brings together regional and municipal leaders and experts from across Europe, provided a unique platform to share initiatives and projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and inclusion in local communities.

On the morning of 9 October, the vice-president of the AMP, Jorge Vultos Sequeira, was the speaker at the EURegionsTalk event with the theme ‘Setting the standard for sustainable and integrated mobility in the Porto Metropolitan Area’, where he addressed crucial topics on sustainable and integrated mobility in the Porto Metropolitan Area. During his speech, he highlighted the challenges faced by the region and the innovative solutions that have been implemented to improve connectivity and promote a greener and more connected future.

The event was also attended by the president of CCDR NORTE - Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte (Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission), António Cunha, who also visited the stand of the AMP, whose theme this year was the Action Plan for AMP's Disadvantaged Communities, funded by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan, which was one of the highlights of the AMP’s participation in the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024. This project, which aims to combat social inequalities and promote inclusion, reflects the AMP's commitment to improving the quality of life of the region's most vulnerable populations.

The initiative focuses on creating strategies that enable social integration, access to essential services such as decent housing, education and health, and the promotion of employment and training opportunities for communities that have historically faced difficulties. The Action Plan also aims to strengthen local support networks, involving local authorities, community organisations and private entities to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the needs of these populations.

The implementation of this plan has been key to reducing social disparities within the AMP, contributing to a more cohesive and equitable region. During the European Week of Regions and Cities, the project was presented as an example of an innovative and integrated approach to deal with complex social challenges, showing how investment in disadvantaged communities can boost sustainable development and regional resilience.

By highlighting this project in Brussels, the AMP reinforced its role as a driving force in the development of inclusive policies, underlining the positive impact these initiatives have not only for local populations, but also for strengthening social cohesion across Europe, while strengthening regional and European partnerships.

The AMP would like to thank all the participants, visitors and collaborators who contributed to the success of this initiative.

Find out more about the event and AMP's participation here.

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