Local governments can achieve meaningful outcomes as well. Ruben Alfaro, President of the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces since 2015, also serves as Mayor of Elda. He believes that regional organizations should engage with Europe and that pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda is a top priority.
A little over a year ago, the Pont a Europa office was announced to guide municipalities in European projects. How has this initiative progressed since then?
In 2019, in line with the new legislature, there was a push to strengthen the European projects department and the Pont Office to Europe. The office is responsible for informing, educating, and guiding municipalities and community associations in participating in European projects tied to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021/2027 and the Next Generation Funds. This was made possible through close cooperation with the Valencian Government Presidency, following a cooperation agreement signed in 2020.
The results have been extraordinary. The Pont a Europa office emerged from a local request. City councils expressed a desire to participate in projects but needed guidance. The goal was to support public officials and municipal technicians so that all municipalities in the Community, regardless of size, could take part in European projects.
Why is it important for small municipalities to engage with Europe and apply for European funds?
At this stage, it is important to distinguish between funds and projects. While economic resources are a focus, the most valuable aspect lies in the access to information generated by these projects. A European project seeks to propose innovative solutions to common problems and share those solutions with other countries. Participation broadens horizons and helps small municipalities realize they are not alone; many face demographic challenges that resonate across Europe.
All municipalities are encouraged to continue participating in projects, and those that are not are urged to stand out.
When SDGs are discussed, community and government policies often come to mind, but substantial impact can happen at a local level. How can municipalities contribute to these goals?
Municipalities hold the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. City councils, closest to residents, promote projects, spread a culture of sustainability, and drive initiatives that support inclusive and balanced development. Everything starts locally, and local contributions create growth aligned with present needs and future environmental priorities.
SDG 11 calls for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements by 2030. Local organizations often pioneer innovative initiatives to advance these goals, coordinating across governments to share knowledge and capabilities among towns and cities.
The expectation is that municipalities continue participating in projects and, where possible, lead the way.
In relation to the 2030 Agenda Local Assets Network, how does it function?
This Local Organizations Network began in September 2019 under the Federation’s leadership. The first meeting took place in October 2020, and since then its growth has been substantial, now including 417 local units comprising city councils and county councils, reaching more than 26 million residents in the region. This growth underscores the strong commitment of local governments to the SDGs.
What is the Spanish Urban Agenda, its main lines of action, and how is it being implemented?
The Spanish Urban Agenda serves as a roadmap for sustainable and resilient urban development. It outlines ten lines of action that help municipalities organize decision-making with a shared strategic vision toward sustainable cities across social, economic, environmental, and regional dimensions. Elda has been chosen as one of 121 Spanish cities to benefit from Next Generation funds for developing the local action plan of the Urban Agenda. The protocol for preparing this plan was recently signed with the Minister of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, and work is underway on its draft.
As a pilot municipality, Elda’s selection reflects the city’s planning and ongoing efforts to create an inclusive urban model through initiatives such as the Elda Rebirth Plan and the Elda 2030 Strategic Plan. This approach aims to position Elda as a pioneer in sustainable urban development and to set an example for other towns seeking to adopt similar models through the Urban Agenda’s framework.
Around 40% of the Valencia Community’s municipalities have populations under 1,000. What projects does FVMP envision to reverse population decline?
FVMP’s efforts began with the Internal Municipalities Forum and expanded in 2020 with the Valencia Office Against Depopulation, created in collaboration with AVANT Agenda. Programs include: Traveller, which brings essential professional services to homes; Review, which assists families starting life projects in rural areas; Digital Citizenship, training residents in small municipalities on new technologies; and Route 99, an ambitious project to promote domestic tourism.
By law, comprehensive measures against population decline are in the drafting stage after completing a citizen engagement process. The draft will be shared with FVMP to contribute knowledge and experience on the subject.
Valencia Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FVMP)
Further information about FVMP projects.