The President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, has committed to consolidating cooperation, promoting transatlantic relations, expressing the interest of the Atlantic regions at the highest level in EU policies and funding programs, and making the Atlantic macro-region a reality. He has pointed out that all these issues are important in the face of challenges such as the search for new sources of energy, the threat of high tariffs, and the uncertainty generated globally, not to mention the serious conflicts shaking the world.
During his speech at the closure of the first Day of the Atlantic Arc Commission held in Seville, he emphasized the leading role that regions should play and their presence in decision-making processes because, as he stated, «being regions allows for close contact with citizens and their concerns, and because international decisions affect them.»
In this regard, he noted that the Atlantic regions have several strengths such as the historical role of Andalusia in maritime trade with America, Africa, and Asia, as evidenced by the importance of the ports of Algeciras, Liverpool, or Bordeaux. He also highlighted the Andalusian community’s capacity for the development of renewable energies and ensuring Europe’s autonomy.
At this point, he referred to the Mercosur agreement, signed last December, which will create the largest free trade zone globally and is an opportunity for Atlantic regions to open the door to new markets and boost relationships not only on both sides of the ocean. «For all these common challenges and opportunities, Andalusia offers its strengths,» he added.
In this context, he affirmed that Andalusia can share its experience of Atlantic cooperation, which is based on Portugal with the Alentejo-Algarve-Andalusia Euroregion for projects in the blue economy, mobility, sustainability, and economic development; in Ibero-America with which it maintains strong cultural, economic, and historical ties; in the southern hemisphere of the Atlantic, where it is in negotiations with the Chilean region of Maule for a collaboration agreement, and in Morocco with whom it shares the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
The Andalusian President highlighted the geostrategic character of Andalusia, as well as its ability to produce and supply clean energies that are essential for attracting investments, economic growth, increasing employment, and improving knowledge.
He also recalled that, in the face of the intense climate change experienced by Andalusia, this community has renewed the Presidency of the working group on climate change of the Conference of Peripheral Regions until 2026.
Moreno participates in the commemorative photo of the event, held on the banks of the Guadalquivir, accompanied by the rest of the authorities.
In conclusion, he highlighted the declaration signed today in which Andalusia participated, which, he said, is a useful document to strengthen cooperation and achieve greater cohesion, sustainable development, and connectivity in both transport and energy and digital matters.
The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism and External Andalusia, Arturo Bernal.
After the event, Moreno held a meeting with the President of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions, Filip Reinhag.
The CPMR brings together more than 150 European or neighboring, maritime or peripheral regions from a total of 24 states representing 200 million people and advocates for a more balanced development of European territory, focusing mainly on social, economic, and territorial cohesion, promoting European governance, energy, combating climate change, neighborhood policies, and development.