Braga, Portugal

25-26 January 2024

#EPPCohesionMonitoring

Mission to Braga, Portugal, 25th and 26th January 2024

Welcome

Braga is a textbook example of good planning and management in combination with EU cohesion financing. Since 2014, Portugal has been enjoying 29 billion euro of cohesion investments at its disposal. By 2027, the country will have another 23 billion euro of cohesion financing. Unparalleled and impossible without the EU.

Andrey Novakov
Chair of the EPP Cohesion Monitoring Group

Portugal receives 23,500 million euros from the Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027. In order for this to be successfully implemented, it is necessary to involve the territories and, in particular, the municipalities. We must strengthen cohesion and our competitiveness. In Braga we will have the opportunity to hear directly from the entities that implement the funds and visit projects financed by the European Union.

José Manuel Fernandes
Member of the European Parliament

Portugal's experience with EU cohesion policy is a testament to the power of targeted investment in regional development, both for rural and urban areas. The projected additional funds by 2027 underlines the EU's commitment to fostering economic growth and social cohesion. Braga's success in leveraging these funds for projects ranging from emission-free public transport systems, social housing, and strengthening public infrastructure exemplifies how such investments can lead to tangible improvements in quality of life and environmental health.

Carlos Coelho
Member of the European Parliament

Background

Our goal is to show cohesion policy success stories in Braga area and to underline their local impact on people and the economy as well as to discuss implementation challenges and the future of cohesion. We plan to meet Manuel Castro de Almeida (Former Secretary of State for Regional Development), Ricardo Rio (Mayor of Braga), Isabel Damasceno (President CCDR – C), José António da Mota Alves (President ATAHCA), António Cunha (President CCDR – N), Ricardo Costa (President Business Association) and other local stakeholders.

Two distinct working groups will provide the chance to discuss the benefits, problems and future of cohesion policy with all stakeholders impacted by cohesion policy (politicians from rural and urban areas, education institutions, business associations, etc.).

Some of the Mission’s activities will take place at the Forum Altice. The venue is a landmark for the Portuguese northern region of Portugal, and it was co-financed by cohesion policy funds. Inspired by the Roman heritage of the capital of Minho, the Altice Forum Braga is a multipurpose infrastructure, dedicated to holding fairs, exhibitions, congresses and other events of socio-cultural, scientific, recreational and/or sporting nature, as well as all kinds of entertainment and recreational shows.

SPEAKERS

(Listed Alphabetically)

Andrey Novakov

Chair of the EPP Cohesion Monitoring Group

António Cunha

President CCDR-N

Carlos Coelho

MEP

Isabel Damasceno

President CCDR-C

José António da Mota Alves

President ATAHCA

José Manuel Fernandes

Head of the PSD Delegation in the EPP Group

Manuel Castro de Almeida

Former Secretary of State for Regional Development

Ricardo Costa

President Business Association

Ricardo Rio

Mayor of Braga