Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona

On September 29, 2023, at the annual forum of the European Metropolitan Authorities Network (EMA), Antonio Balmón, Executive Vice President of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), emphasized the role that metropolitan areas play in the daily lives of people. He stated, "Metropolitan areas are not only physical spaces but, above all, human spaces, and we impact people's quality of life in areas such as mobility, water and waste management, social housing, equal opportunities, security, and climate change."

"At AMB, we respond to the green and digital transition. We work to improve green infrastructure, promote sustainable public transportation powered by clean energy, and prioritize energy efficiency when it comes to housing rehabilitation, among other initiatives. In essence, we strive to make the Barcelona metropolitan area a metropolis that leaves no one behind," Balmón explained. He also acknowledged the need for resources and institutional loyalty, both at the national and European levels, towards metropolitan areas.

Regarding this issue, during a roundtable discussion on EMA proposals to European institutions and states, Balmón pointed out, "Metropolitan areas serve as representation spaces between cities and regions, and we must ensure that states recognize us and provide us with the necessary tools. This recognition can facilitate a greater role within the European Union." As for AMB, the Executive Vice President explained that the metropolitan entity assists municipalities in managing services through economies of scale and engages in dialogue with the central government and the Generalitat (Catalan government).

The EMA 2023 forum, held in Helsinki, focused on climate change mitigation through ecological and digital solutions. Representatives of 25 European metropolises, the Finnish Minister of Climate Change, and representatives from the Metropolis and Metrex networks, as well as UN Habitat, convened in the Finnish capital to discuss common strategic solutions and propose ideas for the future European Commission and European Parliament. The shared objective is to harness the innovation potential of regions, energy and circular economy solutions, as well as green and digital methods as drivers of European development.

AMB Coordinates the European Metropolitan Authorities Network

EMA is a network of political representatives from major European cities and metropolitan areas. AMB introduced this initiative in 2015, which has become a platform for political dialogue among metropolises, European institutions, and national governments.

Currently, EMA includes 57 metropolises from 21 European countries and Turkey, representing 122 million inhabitants. Next year, the Amsterdam metropolitan area will host the EMA forum.