challenges
We face social, economic and environmental challenges that are complex issues that can have far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities and societies as a whole. These challenges often intersect and influence each other, so it is important to address them holistically.
The European Commission Priorities
Europe is an aspiration of living in a natural and healthy continent. Of living in a society where you can be who you are, live where you like, love who you want and aim as high as you want. Europe is an aspiration of a world full of new technologies and age-old values. Of a Europe that takes the global lead on the major challenges of our times.
The European Commission’s Priorities 2019/2024 >
Cohesion, Regional and Urban Policy.
Solidarity is a fundamental principle of the EU and regional policy puts it into practice, especially in regions that are lagging behind, suffer from serious demographic disadvantages or are geographically less favored.
SILVER
ECONOMY
As people age, their consumption patterns, healthcare needs, and financial priorities change, which can have a significant impact on various sectors of the economy. Addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities of the silver economy is essential for businesses, governments, and society as a whole.
YOUNG TALENT
MANAMENT
The management of young talent (retention and attraction) is a crucial aspect in the sustainable development of regions, and especially rural areas where depopulation and aging constitute the main challenges to be faced.
RURAL AREAS
DEVELOPMENT
The development of rural areas refers to the process of improving the economic, social and environmental well-being of regions that are predominantly characterized by agriculture, natural resource-based industries and smaller population centers. Its goal is to improve the quality of life of rural residents, promote economic sustainability and reduce disparities between rural and urban areas.
SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Sustainable entrepreneurship, also known as green entrepreneurship or ecopreneurship, refers to the practice of starting, growing and managing a business while considering and addressing environmental, social and economic sustainability. Sustainable entrepreneurs aim to create businesses that not only generate profits but also have a positive impact on society and the planet.
European Green Deal.
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive and ambitious set of policies and initiatives developed by the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union (EU). Announced in December 2019, it represents the EU's overall strategy to make the European economy sustainable, environmentally friendly and climate neutral by 2050. The European Green Deal aims to address the pressing challenges of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, pollution and social inequality. while promoting economic growth and job creation.
URBAN TRANSFORMATION.
drives change for better cities
Since 2002, URBAN TRANSFORMATION has been driving change across Europe by enabling cooperation and exchange of ideas between cities within thematic networks, developing the skills of local stakeholders in the design and implementation of integrated and participatory policies, and sharing knowledge and good urban practices.
NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS STRATEGY
The New European Bauhaus is a creative and interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences.
Innovation.
Innovation, and in particular its new wave of deep-tech innovation, is the European reply to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, to make our economies more digital and to guarantee Europe’s food, energy and raw materials security.
HORIZON
EUROPE
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion.
It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
SMART
SPECIALIZATION
Smart Specialization, often referred to as "RIS3" (Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategies), is a strategic framework and policy approach promoted by the European Union (EU) to drive regional development, innovation, and competitiveness. The goal of Smart Specialization is to help regions identify their unique strengths, prioritize areas of research and innovation, and make targeted investments to spur economic growth and job creation.
AGROFOOD
INNOVATION
Agrofood innovation encompasses a wide range of advancements and practices aimed at improving the agriculture and food sectors. These innovations are critical for addressing the challenges of feeding a growing global population, ensuring food security, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the food system.
HEALTH
INITIATIVES
These initiatives aim to improve public health, enhance healthcare systems, and address various health challenges.
SME
INNOVATION
At SMI we develop and support solutions aimed at SMEs in order to create innovation ecosystems, develop the single market, adapt to consumer behaviors and promote innovative financing solutions.
Cooperation.
Interreg is a key European Union (EU) instruments that strengthens cooperation between regions and countries within the EU. As part of the EU’s Cohesion Policy, Interreg plays a vital role in promoting regional development, cohesion, and reducing economic disparities. For the 2021-2027 period, Interreg is focused on addressing current challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
INTERREG POCTEP
The POCTEP program promotes cross-border development and cooperation with FEDER funds along the Spain-Portugal border. The acronym POCTEP comes from "Spain-Portugal Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Program", the name of the Program in the period 2007-2013, which is later renamed "Spain-Portugal Interreg Cooperation Program" from the period 2014-2020.
INTERREG SUDOE
The Interreg Sudoe Program is part of the European territorial cooperation objective known as "Interreg", financed through one of the European regional policy funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The current programming period spans from 2014 to 2020, and follows two previous generations: Sudoe 2000-2006 and Sudoe 2007-2013.