From 28–29 May 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Gathering of the Green Living Areas Thematic Community, held in the stunning UNESCO-listed Sant Pau Recinte Modernista in Barcelona. The event, organized by EMEA, MedCities, and the Green Living Areas Mission under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, brought together over 120 participants from across Europe.
The main goal of the two-day event was to exchange best practices, strengthen inter-project collaboration, and explore innovative solutions for developing green living areas and enhancing climate resilience at both local and regional levels. By bringing together diverse perspectives—from municipalities, research institutions, NGOs, and private partners—the event encouraged dialogue and mutual learning. Participants had the opportunity to present their experiences, reflect on common challenges, and co-create ideas for more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-adapted living environments across the Mediterranean.
The first day featured the ETU Forum, with co-creation workshops, project showcases, and a community-building lab led by Città Infinita. On the second day, participants engaged in hands-on sessions focusing on communication strategies, climate finance, and tools such as the GLA Mission Catalogue of Services. Themed working groups tackled key topics including green mobility, spatial planning, and energy resilience.
This gathering marked another important step toward accelerating the green and just transition across Mediterranean regions, reaffirming the importance of collective action, integrated governance, and local empowerment. It highlighted how collaboration between local actors and EU-funded projects can lead to practical, scalable solutions for greener and more resilient living environments. The event also emphasized the value of continuous knowledge exchange and the importance of adapting strategies to the specific needs of Mediterranean communities.
