The European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 has come to an end and, although the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) did not win the RegioStars Award, its participation was marked by international visibility, strategic networking and the sharing of best practices with other European regions.

During the European Week of Regions and Cities, the AMP was present with the stand “Empowering Climate Action: A New Era of Local Resilience in Porto's Metropolitan Region”, where it presented innovative strategies to address climate challenges and highlighted the Climate Empowerment AMP 2030 project.

This initiative aims to strengthen the region's capacity to prevent, adapt to and respond to climate risks by developing a robust Metropolitan Adaptation Plan, supported by credible science and aligned with European guidelines. The project includes the installation of eight new weather stations integrated into the IPMA network, the creation of a Metropolitan Climate Observatory, the implementation of a dedicated warning and forecasting system, and the development of Municipal Climate Action Plans in nine municipalities. With an investment of over €697,000, co-financed by the ERDF, Climate Empowerment AMP 2030 positions the AMP as a pilot territory for the new generation of regional adaptation plans, in line with the European Green Deal, the Climate Act and European Union guidelines.

The project “AMP – Cultural Heritage: Metropolitan Heritage Days”, known as MATER 17, was recognised by the European Commission as one of the five best in the category “A Europe closer to citizens”, among 266 applications submitted across Europe. This nomination recognises the joint work of AMP and its 17 municipalities in promoting citizen participation, enhancing intangible heritage and building innovative and inclusive cultural policies. During the European Week of Regions and Municipalities in Brussels, the project was presented to the jury and the public, reinforcing the role of the AMP as a benchmark in promoting participatory culture, social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. Being among the five best European projects is, in itself, a source of pride and a clear sign of the impact, relevance and capacity for innovation that this collaborative work represents for the region and for Europe.

In 2021, the Metropolitan Heritage Days promoted more than 50 cultural activities, directly involving local communities: heritage visits, traditional games, documentaries, debates and concerts.

Among the results achieved, the following stand out:

• More than 3,300 participants in cultural activities
• More than 2,000 people in the Cor(p)o Metropolitano (Metropolitan Choir/Body) audiences
• More than 400 active community members
• 17 original presentations resulting from artistic residencies
• Hundreds of cultural professionals involved
• Strong media and digital presence, with over 180 radio spots and 1,680 followers on social media

Participation in the European Week of Regions and Cities was an enriching experience, marked by international visibility, strategic networking and the sharing of best practices with other European regions. The AMP returns from Brussels with renewed inspiration to continue innovating and reaffirms its commitment to future projects that promote sustainability, cultural enhancement and citizen participation, consolidating the region's role as a benchmark for cooperation and innovation in Europe.

See the official photos of the event.

Photographs: ©European Union/Gino De Laurenzo