# Regional development and social issues in Portugal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/regional-development-and-social-issues-in-portugal > Updated: 2026-09-24T13:35:02.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2. Portugal is addressing various regional developmental, environmental, and social challenges through organized conferences and government initiatives. Scheduled regional conferences in the Setúbal Peninsula, Algarve, and Lisbon are set to focus on economic competitiveness, digital transformation, and infrastructure. These events aim to tackle issues such as climate change adaptation, energy, the blue economy, and the integration of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity into water management. Simultaneously, the government and local municipalities are managing practical regional concerns. These include a pilot project to control wild boar populations to protect agriculture and road safety, as well as efforts to manage urban transit and homelessness in Porto. Housing remains a significant focus, with social housing applications rising in Funchal and new affordable housing construction or rehabilitation projects underway in Vila Franca de Xira and Guimarães. Additionally, local communities are navigating the impacts of infrastructure development, such as high-speed rail requirements in Campanhã. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: PSD and CDS-PP propose SNS access restrictions for non-resident foreigners PSD and CDS-PP have resubmitted a proposal to restrict SNS access for non-resident foreigners in Portugal, requiring them to pay for services or provide proof of insurance. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porto-mayor-defends-volta-deposit-return-system ### 2026-09-23: Portugal hosts regional conferences on economy, infrastructure, and water innovation Upcoming Portuguese conferences will address regional development, economic innovation in the Algarve, and water management technology in Lisbon. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-hosts-regional-conferences-on-economy-infrastructure-and-water-innovation --- Cite as: Regional development and social issues in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/regional-development-and-social-issues-in-portugal