The Algarve formalized a proposal to intensify the transionic cooperation with Andalusia and Alentejo, during the meeting of the Plenary Council of the Alentejo-Algarve-Andaluzia () work community, held on May 8 at the Mértola Biological Station. The Presidency of the European was transferred to the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) to the 2025-2026 biennium.
In letter sent to the presidents of the Andalusian Board, Juanma Morenoand CCDR Alentejo, SUGA DA SILVAthe president of CCDR Algarve, JOSÉ APOLINARYproposed “The creation of working groups that reflect common priorities, to deepen synergies in strategic areas for the sustainable and cohesive development of the European.”
According to a statement of this Monday of the Algarve 2030 regional program, these groups should integrate “Public and private entities, universities, research centers, business associations, intercity communities, municipalities and local development organizations.”
Regional Priorities: Water, Mobility, Blue Economy
CCDR Algarve highlights as a priority “The joint work in the domain of water, biodiversity and health of soils”, with the objective of promoting “A more sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring water resilience of the three regions, mobilizing European funds for new sources and intelligent water management, protecting sensitive ecosystems in the Guadiana Valley.”
According to JOSÉ APOLINARYthis group will also work “In the preservation of emblematic species such as Iberian lynx, preventing and combating invasive species and promoting good practices to improve soil quality.”
In the area of mobility, the leader stressed the importance of “New international bridge between Alcoutim and Sanlúcar del Guadiana”, as well as “Faro-Huelva-Seville Railway Connection” and the appreciation of cyclable paths such as Eurovel 1 and the future bike path of Guadiana.
Economic level, the reinforcement of cooperation in the “Blue Economy”, Focusing on the navigability of the Guadiana, desalination, algae exploration and protection of the marine environment. The proposal also includes the suggestion that the European welcomes, in 2027, the European Sea Day.
Culture, Housing and Combating Climate Change
The president of CCDR Algarve also proposed a shared approach to “The integrated appreciation of the material and immaterial cultural heritage of the Raia”suggesting “Set cultural events and programs such as Spain and Culture Portugal” and the creation of “An Iberian Mobility Program in Tourism and Hospitality, like Erasmus.”
Regarding civil protection and climate change, it is suggested “the continuity of transionic cooperation in the management of risk and emergencies”, through the development of “Involving technological platforms” e “Joint actions for the prevention of forest fires”including a new phase of the Cilifo project.
Given the context of housing urgency, JOSÉ APOLINARY also proposed “The constitution of a special housing working group, to share good practices and public policies in access to accessible and social housing, with the support of the European Funds of Cohesion.”
Calendar and action methodology
According to the proposal, the working groups must be constituted by the end of July 2025 and present an action plan by September 30. Alternate semester meetings are planned between the three regions, with reports submitted to the European Coordination Committee.
To be concluded, JOSÉ APOLINARY underlined: “We intend to build common solutions for shared challenges and affirm the Algarve-Adaluzia Algarve-Adaluzia European as a space for cooperation, European sustainability and solidarity, innovation, entrepreneurship and quality of life for all citizens.”
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