Bucharest becomes the focal point for the European metropolitan agenda

At the initiative of the Bucharest-Ilfov Metropolitan Area Intercommunity Development Association (ADIZMB), Romania’s capital will host the METREX Autumn Conference, a major European event that highlights the importance of metropolitan areas in the sustainable and strategic development of Europe. The conference of the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas (METREX) will take place from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 October at ARCUB Gabroveni, under the title “Unlocking the Metropolitan Potential: the benefits of territorial partnerships” bringing together current and former Members of the European Parliament, mayors from various European cities and regions, practitioners and experts of the metropolitan dimension, and local leaders.

“We are proud to host the autumn edition of the METREX conference in Bucharest, which marks an important step one year after the launch of the METREX Manifesto for Metropolitan Partnerships at the European Parliament in Brussels” says Gianina Pănătău, ADIZMB Director and METREX Vice President. “This event brings together local, national, and European authorities to adress critical challenges such as climate change, spatial constraints and economic development, which directly impact the quality of life for citizens. Furthermore, the collaborative efforts between decision-makers are fundamental to the success of our initiatives, and we are excited to showcase the Bucharest-Ilfov Metropolitan Area’s achievements to our international partners.

What is this conference about?

With the words of Henk Bouwman, METREX Secretary General “Metropolitan regions and areas are uniquely positioned to address today’s complex challenges. By understanding the bigger picture and benefitting from a metropolitan scale, we can collaboratively find solutions with local partners. The autumn edition of the METREX Conference will take our commitment to the next level, focusing on how to create a robust organisational framework for metropolitan authorities and institutions by unlocking metropolitan potential and implementing it on the ground. Our members and all stakeholders involved in the future of urban areas need to be better equipped to tackle these challenges by developing organisational skills, a solid institutional framework, and enhancing their teams’ expertise in this field, which is crucial for the future of European citizens”

Local conference with international impact

The METREX Autumn Conference – Bucharest 2024 puts Romania on the map of international dialogue on metropolitan areas by tackling:

– Topics on top of the agenda for all the public administrations in Europe. Among the main subjects of the conference program are the new challenges faced by metropolitan areas and the impact of transport and mobility on their economic development. 

– Imagining and strengthening a European vision for metropolitan area development. The conference marks an important step in building a more united Europe, where metropolitan regions play a crucial role in economic, social, and ecological development. 

– Enhancing European and international participation. Collaboration between public administrations and experts from different international countries allows for the creation of a shared vision on sustainable mobility, economic development, and social cohesion. This transnational cooperation is essential for attracting European funding and implementing green and sustainable policies that contribute to a more competitive, ecological, and equitable Europe. 

Why are metropolitan areas a priority for urban strategies?

Metropolitan areas have become a major topic of interest in Europe, directly impacting cohesion policies, urban development, and economic innovation. According to METREX data, approximately 60% of the European Union’s population lives in metropolitan regions and areas. Over 80% of newcomers choose to settle here, leading to their constant growth—a phenomenon also seen in Romania, in areas surrounding major cities. Nearly 70% of the European Union’s GDP is generated in these regions. At the same time, over 70% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions come from metropolitan areas.

In this context, updating infrastructure, transportation, utilities and services accessible to all population categories is essential. METREX aims to strengthen the capacities and skills of metropolitan authorities and facilitate the exchange of best practices between them.