The month of June in Braga is a vibrant celebration of culture, history and community spirit, made all the more special as the city proudly holds the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture 2025.
Braga comes alive with a rich programme of events, exhibitions and performances, which fill the streets with music, dancing and colour and reflect the city’s deep-rooted traditions and dynamic creativity.
Adding to the excitement, Braga will also host another major occasion – the Eurocities Conference 2025, on 4-6 June. You can register here. As the new EU institutions roll out their policy agendas, mayors and EU leaders will gather to discuss how they can together build a more resilient and just future for all Europeans.
With the city making its final conference preparations, we spoke to Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, to find out how Braga is helping shape Europe’s future from the local level up.
Building stronger cities for a fairer Europe
The theme of this year’s Eurocities conference – Stronger Cities, Fairer Europe – aligns closely with Braga’s vision. The city is committed to improving the well-being of its residents, guided by the belief that inclusive and sustainable communities are the cornerstone of a thriving Europe.
To tackle the housing crisis, Braga is implementing a comprehensive Local Housing Strategy. “To address the housing crisis, we are implementing a Local Housing Strategy to ensure dignified, affordable homes for families,” says Mayor Rio. At the same time, the city is reinforcing social support through partnerships with NGOs, local associations, and social enterprises.
Urban regeneration in Braga puts quality of life at the centre. From the revitalisation of the city’s East End to the creation of a new Urban Innovation District, each project is designed “with inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability at their core.”
Citizen engagement is woven into every stage of development. “We see these challenges not only as obligations, but as opportunities to strengthen resilience, reduce inequalities, and empower communities,” the mayor explains. “This is how Braga strives to contribute to a fairer Europe – by becoming a stronger, more cohesive city.”
As the new EU institutions plan Europe’s future direction, Eurocities has published its 10 priorities for a better Europe. What are the top priorities for Braga?
Braga fully aligns with the Eurocities vision for a stronger and more citizen-focused Europe. Our top priorities reflect our commitment to the twin green and digital transitions, but also to the social dimension of sustainable development. First and foremost, we advocate for stronger recognition of the role cities play in implementing EU policies and the need for direct investment in local solutions.
We advocate for stronger recognition of the role cities play in implementing EU policies and the need for direct investment in local solutions.
In climate action, we are accelerating our path to carbon neutrality through our participation in the EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. We are expanding our cycling network, electrifying public transport, and investing in energy-efficient buildings and smart infrastructure.
But technology and sustainability must go hand in hand with inclusion. We believe that a fair transition must leave no one behind. That’s why we’re focused on innovation in education, skills development, and social policies, particularly for youth and marginalised communities.
To achieve this, the EU institutions must ensure that funding frameworks are more agile and city-accessible, that regulatory environments empower local experimentation, and that the voices of cities are heard at the decision-making table. This is how we will turn ambition into impact, locally and across Europe.
What is your vision for the ideal European city in 2050? What steps must be taken at the EU level to get there?
The ideal European city in 2050 must be a place where sustainability, equity and innovation coexist as daily realities, not as distant goals. It should be a city that is climate-neutral and nature-positive, powered by clean energy, with resilient infrastructure and zero-emission mobility. But more than that, it must be a city where all residents, regardless of background, have access to quality housing, education, healthcare, and culture.
Such a city thrives on participation. It is digitally connected, but deeply human. Technology must serve people, not replace them. Civic engagement, transparency, and co-creation should be the standard for local governance.
To reach this vision, the EU must reinforce the role of cities as laboratories for the future of Europe. This includes direct access to funding, flexible regulation for innovation, and stronger multilevel governance. EU policies must be designed with cities, not just for them. Cities should not be seen merely as implementation partners, but as strategic actors.
Braga aspires to be part of this future by leading locally and collaborating across borders. We believe that the road to a better Europe begins in cities – and we are committed to building that future, together. The Eurocities Conference in Braga will be a great opportunity to discuss our approach.
How does the city of Braga engage with its residents to promote sustainability and protect democratic values?
In Braga, we believe that sustainability and democracy are deeply interconnected – one cannot thrive without the other. Our strategy begins with listening. Through participatory budgeting, thematic citizen assemblies and open consultations, we involve residents directly in shaping local policies, from mobility plans to green space development and cultural programming.
Braga thrives on the creativity and initiative of its communities, which are at the heart of many innovative projects shaping the city’s future.
To promote sustainability, we invest heavily in awareness and education. Our programme engages schools, families and neighbourhoods in initiatives around recycling, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and circular economy. At the same time, we support community gardens, citizen science projects and local environmental NGOs, recognising the importance of grassroots leadership.
Democratic engagement also means inclusion. We work closely with migrant communities, Roma associations, youth organisations and senior groups to ensure diverse voices are represented in municipal planning.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower citizens not just as beneficiaries, but as co-authors of the city’s transformation. In doing so, we foster trust, resilience and a shared sense of responsibility, values that are essential for the future of Europe.
Are there any community-driven initiatives or projects that have significantly made your city more innovative?
Braga thrives on the creativity and initiative of its communities, which are at the heart of many innovative projects shaping the city’s future. We have a collaborative ecosystem that brings together startups, universities, public institutions, and citizens to co-create solutions in technology, sustainability, and social innovation.
Another inspiring initiative is the BragaHabit project, where residents actively participate in redesigning neighbourhood spaces to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and social interaction. This grassroots effort has transformed previously underused public areas into vibrant hubs of community life. We also have projects like Braga MediaArts, which merges digital art with public engagement, fostering creativity while raising awareness about the digital transformation.
These initiatives demonstrate how Braga’s innovation is not just about technology but about empowering people and communities to lead change. We believe that fostering such bottom-up creativity is essential to building resilient, inclusive and future-ready cities.
What attractions and culture experiences can participants expect in Braga?
Traditional festivals, especially the Festas de São João, are a highlight, filling the streets with music, dance, colourful decorations, and the enticing aromas of local gastronomy. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and the historic city centre, bustling with cafés, shops, and cultural venues.
Throughout June, Braga offers a unique blend of history and innovation, with numerous artistic initiatives tied to its status as Capital of Culture. The mild weather invites leisurely strolls through parks, green spaces, and the scenic surroundings of the Minho region.
Whether drawn by tradition, arts, or nature, June is the perfect time to experience Braga’s vibrant identity and warm hospitality
Whether drawn by tradition, arts, or nature, June is the perfect time to experience Braga’s vibrant identity and warm hospitality. We can’t wait to show everyone what Braga has to offer!
Eurocities 2025 Braga – Register now!
Registrations are open for the Eurocities annual conference 2025, in Braga from 4-6 June. Ninety of our member cities have already registered, so make sure you book your spot now.
The programme will explore how cities’ priorities are reflected in the EU’s new work programme, and how city government can secure funding, influence EU decisions, and drive green, inclusive growth.
Participants will also tackle some of the biggest challenges cities face today, such as the urban housing crisis, creating inclusive public spaces, and shaping the next EU budget.
Other exciting sessions planned include this year’s reimagined Eurocities Awards, spotlighting not only trailblazing urban initiatives but also the people driving change. View the shortlist and their videos.
Meanwhile, young leaders will take centre stage for the Young City Shapers programme, working on a real-world policy challenge: fostering Roma inclusion in Braga.
The deadline to register for Eurocities 2025 Braga is Wednesday 28 May. You can pay your registration fee online, so the process is quick and easy.
To book your place and view the full programme, visit the Eurocities 2025 Braga website.
