In October, Bucharest becomes the center of the European metropolitan agenda.

The Metropolitan Area Development Association of Bucharest is organizing the first international METREX conference in Romania..

At the initiative of the Metropolitan Area Development Association of Bucharest (ADIZMB), the capital of Romania will host the autumn edition of the METREX Conference, a significant European event that highlights the importance of metropolitan areas in the sustainable and strategic development of Europe.The Conference of the European Network of Regions and Metropolitan Areas (METREX) will take place from Wednesday, October 23, to Friday, October 25, at ARCUB Gabroveni, under the title ’Harnessing Metropolitan Potential: The Benefits of Territorial Partnerships.’ It will gather current and former members of the European Parliament, mayors from various European cities and regions, practitioners and experts in metropolitan issues, as well as local leaders.

’We are honored to host the autumn edition of the METREX conference in Bucharest, which marks an important step following the launch of the ’METREX Manifesto for Metropolitan Partnerships’ in the European Parliament in Brussels,’ says Gianina Pănătău, Director of ADIZMB and Vice President of METREX.’This event serves as proof that ADIZMB’s activities are relevant at the European level and brings together local, national, and European authorities.Our common goal is to identify solutions to major challenges such as climate change, mobility, spatial limitations, and economic development, which directly impact the quality of life for citizens.Collaboration among decision-makers is essential for the success of projects that shape urban futures, and we are excited to present our international partners with successful examples from the Bucharest-Ilfov Metropolitan Area, made possible through this constructive, partnership-based approach.’.

What does the conference aim to achieve?.

As Henk Bouwman, Secretary General of METREX, states, ’Regions and metropolitan areas are uniquely positioned to respond to today’s complex challenges.By understanding the broader perspective and leveraging the benefits offered by a metropolitan scale, we can find solutions in collaboration with local partners.The autumn edition of the METREX Conference will elevate our commitment by emphasizing how we can create a robust organizational framework for metropolitan authorities and institutions through harnessing metropolitan potential and implementing it effectively.Our members and all stakeholders involved in the future of urban areas must be better equipped to manage these challenges by developing organizational competencies, a solid institutional framework, and enhancing their teams’ skills in this critical area for the future of European citizens.’.

A Local Conference with International Impact.

The METREX Conference – autumn edition, Bucharest 2024, positions Romania on the map of international dialogue concerning metropolitan areas by:

Addressing issues that are priorities for public administrations across Europe.Among the key topics on the conference agenda are the new challenges facing metropolitan areas and the impact of transportation and mobility on their economic development.

Creating and strengthening a European vision for the development of metropolitan areas.The conference represents an important step towards uniting Europe, where metropolitan regions play a crucial role in economic, social, and ecological development.

Increasing participation at the European and international level. Collaboration among public administrations and experts from various countries enables the establishment of a common vision for 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, environmentally friendly, and equitable Europe.

Why are metropolitan areas a priority in urban strategies?.

Metropolitan areas have become a major focus in Europe, having a direct impact on cohesion policies, urban development, and economic innovation.According to METREX data, approximately 60% of the population of the European Union lives in metropolitan regions and areas.Over 80% of newcomers choose to settle here, leading to their continuous growth, a phenomenon also evident in Romania’s areas surrounding major cities.Almost 70% of the EU’s GDP is generated in these regions.Furthermore, more than 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU also originate from metropolitan areas.

In this context, the need to update infrastructure solutions, transportation, utilities, and services accessible to all demographic groups is imperative.METREX aims to strengthen the capacities and competencies of metropolitan authorities and facilitate the exchange of good practices among them.

About METREX.

The European Network of Regions and Metropolitan Areas (METREX) is a non-profit network comprised of nearly 60 regions and metropolitan areas across Europe.It collaborates with European institutions, research communities, governmental organizations, and other networks, connecting public sector professionals in pursuit of a more productive, healthy, inclusive, and sustainable future.Its goal is to forge the necessary strength to accelerate the transitions that Europe needs to thrive.

About ADIZMB.

Established in 2008, the Metropolitan Area Development Association of Bucharest (ADIZMB) is the primary formal arrangement covering the Bucharest and Ilfov County areas through a partnership between the Bucharest City Hall and the Ilfov County Council.ADIZMB is a member of the METREX platform and has been part of its leadership team since 2023, represented by its Director Gianina Pănătău, who serves as Vice President.

Article supported by ADIZMB.