At the XVII Luso-Spanish Commission, held in Tordesillas on October 27th, the CCDR Alentejo, I.P., represented by Vice-President Roberto Grilo, highlighted the importance of rail and logistics connections, sustainable management of shared resources, and the implementation of strategic projects, within the framework of the European Cohesion Policy.
CCDR Alentejo advocated for strengthening cross-border cooperation focused on concrete results, capable of transforming common priorities into opportunities for economic development, territorial cohesion, and improved quality of life for the populations. The meeting brought together representatives from the Governments of Portugal and Spain, Regional Coordination and Development Commissions, Spanish Autonomous Communities, and local authorities.
In the session dedicated to EUROACE (Alentejo, Centro, and Extremadura), the strategic opportunity of the Lisbon–Madrid High-Speed Rail connection and its integration with the Port of Sines and international logistics corridors were emphasized. It was argued that these infrastructures should serve as true instruments for regional development, improving accessibility, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
The feasibility of an international passenger station in the Caia area, serving Elvas, Campo Maior, and Badajoz, was also assessed. The Commission's final conclusions include the study of this infrastructure and the reinforcement of multimodal logistics corridors.
Within the scope of EuroAAA (Alentejo-Algarve-Andalusia), cooperation on shared natural resources, sustainable water management, and climate change adaptation was reinforced. The Guadiana River was highlighted as a structuring element, with an emphasis on enhancing its navigability up to Mértola.
CCDR Alentejo underscored the need for concerted responses to challenges such as water scarcity, fire prevention, and ecosystem protection, as well as cooperation in innovation, energy transition, and sustainable tourism. The Commission's final conclusions include coordinated water resource management and improved cross-border connections.
The Commission recognized the importance of strengthening the participation of regions and territorial cooperation structures in the Common Cross-Border Development Strategy, advocating for multilevel governance and the preservation of territorial equity, with special attention to less developed territories.
Roberto Grilo stressed the need to evolve from institutional dialogue to cooperation focused on concrete results that generate economic development and improve quality of life. CCDR Alentejo reaffirms its commitment to Iberian cooperation that is closer to the territories and oriented towards common strategic priorities.
