València and Lisbon have signed a memorandum of collaboration aimed at strengthening ties in innovation, sustainable tourism, culture, logistics, and urban resilience. The agreement, reached during an official meeting between València’s Mayor María José Catalá and Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas, marks a new stage of cooperation between the two Iberian capitals as they seek to position themselves as leading smart and sustainable cities in Europe.
The mayors met at Lisbon City Hall to formalize the partnership, which will enable both cities to exchange best practices and promote shared development in technology, infrastructure, and tourism. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Mediterranean-Atlantic relations and foster innovation-driven economic growth across southern Europe.
Building an innovation corridor between two cities
During the meeting, the mayors emphasized that innovation will serve as the cornerstone of the partnership. Catalá noted that València is home to one of the world’s top 100 emerging technology ecosystems and highlighted the city’s leadership in urban innovation policies. She also pointed to pioneering initiatives such as the València Innovation Capital strategy, the Sandbox València regulatory framework — which allows innovators to test projects in real-world settings — and the Marina Tech Hub, which offers fiscal incentives for technology firms.
Through this agreement, València will collaborate with Unicorn Factory Lisboa to foster greater connectivity between the two cities’ innovation ecosystems, including incubators, accelerators, and research centers. The cooperation will prioritize areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility, digital health, and public administration transformation. “This collaboration will allow both cities to share knowledge and experiences on innovation, urban development, and resilience,” Catalá said.
Lisbon’s mayor expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen economic and cultural ties across the Iberian Peninsula. “València and Lisbon want to have a strong, connected future through innovation and culture,” said Carlos Moedas. “Innovation is one of the best ways to create employment, so we must deepen cooperation between our cities and innovation systems. It’s one of the best ways to strengthen the economies of our countries.”
The meeting also touched on cultural connections between the two cities, with Moedas referencing the shared heritage of Saint Vincent the Martyr as a symbolic link between Lisbon and València. Both mayors agreed to explore initiatives that promote cultural exchange and collaboration between museums, creative industries, and local tourism bodies.
Expanding transport, tourism, and sustainable growth
The new partnership extends beyond innovation to infrastructure and tourism development. Both cities endorsed plans to strengthen the Mediterranean-Atlantic corridor through the proposed expansion of the rail highway linking València’s port with Madrid and extending it to Lisbon. Catalá said the extension could represent “a qualitative leap in commercial and economic relations, generating wealth and jobs for both cities.”
“València is a strategic port in the Mediterranean that connects the region’s main ports with Madrid,” Catalá added. “Linking this rail corridor with Lisbon would reinforce the strategic position of both cities and create new economic opportunities.” The mayors underscored that the initiative aligns with their shared commitment to sustainable development and carbon-efficient logistics.
The two leaders also agreed to promote an urban tourism model centered on sustainability, local benefit, and quality. They pledged to support tourism that “prioritizes the resident,” positioning València and Lisbon as models for responsible urban destinations. Discussions included the role of technology in managing visitor flows, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing visitor experiences without compromising community well-being.
According to both city governments, the memorandum also supports joint work on urban safety and resilience, particularly in response to climate-related emergencies. The partnership will allow both cities to share strategies for managing risks, improving emergency response, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. These actions form part of ongoing efforts across Europe to adapt urban planning to changing environmental realities.
As part of her official trip to Lisbon, Catalá was accompanied by València’s Councillor for Innovation, Tourism and Investment Attraction, Paula Llobet. The delegation also met with the Luso-Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended by its president Berta Dias da Cunha, as well as José Vicente Morata, president of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, and Nacho Mas, CEO of Startup Valencia. Representatives from startups participating in Web Summit Lisbon 2025 were also present.
During the business meeting, Catalá highlighted València’s growing appeal for investors and entrepreneurs. “Over the past two years, 53 companies have chosen to come to València, bringing a combined investment of more than €310 million and 2,600 new qualified jobs,” she said. “We are a strong city that believes in public-private collaboration, provides legal certainty, and offers an ideal environment for investment and job creation.”
Both mayors described the memorandum as a foundation for long-term cooperation and a step toward building a stronger Mediterranean-Atlantic alliance. Catalá concluded that “this partnership with Lisbon reinforces València’s growing influence and leadership in the European and Mediterranean context.”
