Galician and Portuguese business leaders, active on both sides of the border, urged Madrid to adopt a policy similar to the approach taken by António Costa’s government. They argued for clear timing and forms that would unlock the project touching on high speed rail, aiming to connect Porto and Vigo in just 48 minutes. Speed and agility were the watchwords from leaders of organizations such as the Galician Confederation of Entrepreneurs (CEG) and the Portuguese Cooperation (AEP). The focus centers on the future underground southern exit of O Porriño, a crucial piece in the city designed to avoid detours to Redondela and significantly reduce travel and waiting times. The Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion emerged at an event organized by the EGTC, where Xunta de Galicia president Alfonso Rueda voiced these claims. The call underscores what its backers deem essential for regional development and awaits a clear, state-supported commitment. All this is expected to be discussed at the upcoming Iberian summit, anticipated to take place on October 14 and 15 in Viana do Castelo.
Within the CETMAR Building in Bouzas, the regional leader wrapped up the speaking tour led by Beraldino Pinto, vice president of CCDR-Norte. He urged Madrid to honor its mandate and align with the commitments already laid out by the neighboring country in detail. The Porto-Vigo project on Portuguese soil is planned for 2026 and would unfold in two phases, with a completion target around 2030, backed by a budget of 2.2 billion euros. The discussions emphasize a partnership approach that strengthens cross-border connectivity and regional integration.
“Portugal is committed and therefore Spain needs to wake up”
Alfonso Rueda, head of the Xunta, noted that Galicia still awaits clarity on when Avril freight trains will arrive and called for a correction announced by the minister spokesperson on the freight networks map. He argued that Galicia has already faced infrastructure delays and praised the ongoing Galician-Portuguese collaboration, which has seen 85 projects implemented over the past 12 years. The remarks highlight the need for a reliable, timely framework for cross-border transport investments.
Pinto echoed the sentiment, stressing that the integration of the Galician-North Portuguese Euroregion and its alignment with the Atlantic front and European networks requires a renewed, stronger response on connectivity. He described the cross-border link as a key element of regional resilience and European integration, underscoring that a coherent plan enhances regional integrity and accessibility.
Portugal launches Lisbon-Vigo AVE by 2030 without defining Spain south exit
Juan Manuel Vieites, president of the Galician Confederation of Employers (CEG), described the border region and its surroundings as not yet fully competitive, but said cooperation could attract investment and spur industry. He praised Portugal’s work to date and urged Spain to advance its part in high-speed rail, insisting that Galicia is ready to move forward. The message was clear: Madrid and Lisbon must maintain momentum and match commitments on the rail project.
Vieites also noted contact with Isabel Pardo de Vera, Minister of State for Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda, to address practical hurdles that are not captured on paper. The southern Vigo to O Porriño route remains a priority in his view, and its planning must proceed as soon as possible.
Luís Miguel Ribeiro, president of the Portuguese Cooperation, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Spain and Portugal. He reminded audiences that Portugal is a key market for both exports and imports, and that Galicia would be a major economic partner if it were a nation. Ribeiro warned that promises are easy to make, while real progress requires sustained contributions. He stressed that the euroregion’s GDP sits near 120,000 million, reflecting a region with substantial economic potential when cross-border projects are realized.
Luís Ceia, president of the Miño Region Business Confederation (ConfMinho), emphasized the significance of high-speed rail in addressing territorial marginalization. He pointed out the strategic value of the Galicia-Spain-Portugal border for national interests and noted that nearly half of border crossings and over half of goods entering Portugal travel through Galicia, underscoring the corridor’s economic weight.
railway, the Achilles heel
Ignacio Maestro, general manager of the Xunta Mobility department, joined the closing conference with a candid assessment of the region’s mobility dynamics. He highlighted a 23% rise in euro area GDP per capita over the last decade, alongside noticeable imbalances in transport modes. He cited daily cross-border traffic of around 40,000 light vehicles and roughly 100,000 train passengers annually through the corridor, arguing that while overall railway performance is solid, improvements are still needed. He described the rail link as the region’s Achilles heel and urged a stronger, more balanced investment approach to transport infrastructure across the border.