The Spain-Portugal Cross-border Cooperation Programme Interreg (POCTEP) 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), continues promoting the integrated and sustainable development of the cross-border area.
Within this framework, the Programme has co-financed the development of seven territorial strategies that seek to address the specific challenges and opportunities of the different cooperation areas, aligned with the objectives and priorities of cross-border cooperation established for the 2021-2027 period:
1. CENCYL Strategy: Cooperation for the Development of Northern Castilla y León and Northern Portugal
This strategy, developed within the framework of the project 0002_OP5_CENCYL_3_P, aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation between northern Castilla y León and northern Portugal to boost joint socio-economic and territorial development. It focuses on leveraging the natural, cultural, and economic resources of both regions to foster sustainable growth, emphasizing innovation, rural tourism, and agricultural development. The strategy also seeks to address demographic challenges and depopulation affecting the area by promoting job creation and improving residents’ quality of life.
To achieve this, actions are implemented to improve infrastructure, promote mobility, and strengthen public services, always with an environmentally respectful approach. Collaboration between public institutions, businesses, and local communities is key to consolidating a cooperation space that allows facing common challenges and seizing development opportunities.
2. Espacio Norcyl Strategy: Economic and Territorial Development in Northern Castilla y León and Northern Portugal
This strategy, developed within the framework of the project 0004_ESPACIO_NORCYL_2_E, seeks to build a common cooperation space between northern Castilla y León and northern Portugal to boost the economy and improve social cohesion. It focuses on enhancing key sectors such as sustainable tourism, technological innovation, and the valorization of cultural and natural heritage. The goal is to create a favorable environment for investment, job creation, and reducing territorial inequalities.
Its lines of action include developing transport and communication infrastructure, promoting social and technological innovation, and improving public services. This strategy also emphasizes citizen participation and institutional collaboration to ensure initiatives meet real population needs and contribute to balanced and sustainable development.
3. EUROACE NEB Strategy: Innovation and Sustainability in the EUROACE Region (Central-Southern Portugal and Castilla y León and Extremadura in Spain)
The EUROACE NEB Strategy (developed under the project 0006_EUROACE_NEB_4_P) is oriented towards promoting innovation and sustainable development in the EUROACE cross-border region, which includes central-southern Portugal and the autonomous communities of Castilla y León and Extremadura in Spain. This strategy places special emphasis on transitioning to a green and digital economy, fostering research and technological development in strategic sectors.
Projects prioritizing energy efficiency, the circular economy, and digitalization are promoted to create quality employment and strengthen business competitiveness. Public-private collaboration and strengthening local capacities are also key to fostering balanced and sustainable territorial development.
4. MURTIGAS MAS Strategy: Sustainable Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Areas
This strategy, developed under the project 0007_MURTIGAS_MAS_5_E, focuses on sustainable management of natural resources and climate change adaptation in rural areas of the cross-border zone. It aims to build capacities to address environmental challenges such as desertification, water management, and biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable agricultural and forestry practices.
Projects promoting ecosystem and local economy resilience to climate change are encouraged, with special attention to community participation and knowledge transfer. The strategy also includes measures to improve environmental infrastructure and strengthen territorial governance in collaboration with local and regional authorities.
5. Bajo Guadiana Strategy: Cross-border Socioeconomic Development in the Guadiana River Area
This strategy, developed within the project 0008_OP5_BAJO_GUADIANA_AC5_5_E, aims at sustainable socioeconomic development in the Guadiana River area, linking Andalusia with Alentejo in Portugal. It is based on improving connectivity, promoting sustainable tourism, and boosting traditional sectors such as agriculture and fishing, as well as creating new employment and business opportunities.
Special attention is also given to conserving natural and cultural heritage, efficient water resource management, and active local community participation. The strategy promotes institutional and social collaboration to jointly address challenges such as rural depopulation and balanced regional development.
VÍDEO: Launch event of the Baixo Guadiana Strategy
6. Río Miño 2030 Strategy: Integrated Management and Sustainable Development of the Miño River Basin
This strategy, developed within the project 0011_RIO_MINHO_2030_1_P, addresses the integrated and sustainable management of the Miño River basin, shared between Galicia and northern Portugal. It aims to improve water quality, prevent natural risks such as floods, and promote economic development based on environmental respect.
Actions include promoting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting biodiversity, and creating green infrastructures for tourism and leisure. Cooperation between administrations and citizen participation are key elements to achieving balanced and sustainable development in this cross-border area.
7. EGEXUR 25-30 Strategy: Territorial Development of the Gerês–Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
The EGEXUR 25-30 Strategy, approved within the framework of the project 0340_EGEXUR_1_E, focuses on the sustainable development of the Gerês–Xurés Biosphere Reserve, a territory shared between Galicia and northern Portugal with high ecological value. Its objective is to combine environmental conservation with socio-economic development, implementing measures to prevent forest fires, control invasive species, and improve territorial governance.
It includes 34 specific actions promoting environmental education, community participation, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. The strategy advocates for an economic development model based on sustainability, especially through ecological tourism and valorization of natural and cultural heritage.