Tui and Valença launch Unicidade 2030 cross-border cooperation project

The Eurocidade Tui-Valença has launched the ‘Unicidade 2030’ project, an initiative involving an investment of approximately 695,357 euros to strengthen cooperation between the Spanish and Portuguese municipalities. The project is 75% funded by Interreg VI A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) funds and is scheduled for execution until December 31, 2028.

A primary objective is to advance toward the creation of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (AECT), which would grant the Eurocity its own legal personality. The plan encompasses several key areas: culture, sports, tourism, infrastructure, and social services.

New components of the project include physical, sensory, and cognitive stimulation activities to promote autonomy for the elderly, alongside the creation of an Intermunicipal Council for the Elderly. Cultural and sporting efforts will continue with eight cultural actions and 16 sporting events. In the tourism sector, the municipalities aim to develop a cross-border ‘micro-destination’ through digital resource inventories and promotional materials.

Infrastructure improvements include the renovation of the Tui Municipal Theater, intended to serve as a shared space and home for a future Eurocity Symphony Orchestra, and the transformation of the former Valença Customs building into a center for information, cross-border cooperation, and services for pilgrims.