Over two days of discussions, new ways to revitalize the role of local authorities in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and dialogue were explored. The “Barcelona +30: Empowering Local Action for Regional Transformation” Declaration was adopted, reinforcing the key role of local governments in driving regional transformation.

This Declaration sets out an action agenda based on six strategic areas: multilevel governance, climate resilience, local economic development, improvement of public services, monitoring of commitments, and local diplomacy for peace.

The Mayor Jaume Collboni inaugurated the conference, and Deputy Mayor Mª Eugènia Gay took part in the session “Cities as Actors for Peace in the Mediterranean.”

The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration, a milestone in the Euro-Mediterranean integration process launched in 1995, which laid the foundations for political, economic, and social cooperation between the European Union and the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries.

The conference was organized by Barcelona City Council, MedCities, and the European Institute of the Mediterranean, with the support of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Barcelona Provincial Council, and Catalunya Internacional, on 26–27 November.

Key points of the Declaration

• Multilevel governance: involve cities in regional policies and provide them with resources and capacity to act.
• Climate action and urban resilience: integrate adaptation and mitigation into urban planning, with nature-based and circular economy solutions.
• Inclusive economic development: promote green jobs, innovation, and support for youth and women.
• Public services and local democracy: ensure accessible services and citizen participation through transparent mechanisms.
• Monitoring and evaluation: establish local indicators aligned with the SDGs and regional frameworks.
• Local diplomacy for peace: foster decentralized cooperation and solidarity for a fairer and more inclusive region.

The Declaration reaffirms the commitment to peace, human rights, sustainability, and climate justice.