The NORTE 2030 program is channeling European funds towards the strategic development of Northern Portugal, with applications open since May 2023. The financing is organized around six major objectives, with the largest budgets allocated to economic innovation and competitiveness, at 29.5%, and to environmental transition and sustainability, at 26.9%. The remaining funds are distributed among proximity to citizens, social sector and employment, connectivity, fair carbon transition and technical assistance.
The Alto Minho sub-region stands out in the program, positioning itself as the second region with the most approved projects and financing volume, right after the Porto Metropolitan Area. This impact represents a global investment exceeding two billion euros, supported by 1.31 billion euros in European funds, with strong dynamics in the municipalities of Viana do Castelo, Ponte da Barca, Paredes de Coura and Valença.
Among the ten municipalities of Alto Minho, Viana do Castelo leads outright with 119 projects and around 365 million euros in investment. Followed by Ponte da Barca with 104 projects and 281 million euros, Paredes de Coura with 81 projects and 238 million euros, and Valença with 72 projects and around 180 million euros. In the middle range are Ponte de Lima, Arcos de Valdevez, Melgaço and Monção, while Vila Nova de Cerveira has the smallest footprint with only 12 approved projects and 37 million euros.
NORTE 2030 was designed through a participatory process and is aligned with the Regional Strategy for Northern Portugal. The program aims to improve the quality of life of populations, strengthen territorial cohesion and build a more competitive and sustainable regional economy, following the general rules of Portugal 2030 and the criteria defined in each public tender.
