The four provincial councils of Catalonia have formally partnered with the Association of Municipalities for Urban Mobility and Transport (AMTU) to improve sustainable mobility across the region. This agreement was reached during a working meeting held in Lleida on 7 May 2026, focusing on public transport challenges and inter-institutional cooperation.

Presidents from all four provincial councils attended the meeting at the Institut d’Estudis Ilerdencs (IEI) in Lleida. Joan Talarn, President of the Lleida Provincial Council, hosted the event. He was joined by Lluïsa Moret, President of the Barcelona Provincial Council; Noemí Llauradó, President of the Tarragona Provincial Council; and Miquel Noguer, President of the Girona Provincial Council.

The meeting was part of regular coordination gatherings among the four provincial councils, designed to address common issues affecting municipalities. Estefania Rufach, Vice-President of the IEI, and Andreu Vàzquez, the institute's director, welcomed the participants.

Addressing Mobility Challenges

The day started with an institutional reception involving Sandra Castro, Vice-President of the Lleida Provincial Council; Jaume Ars, head of the opposition; Estefania Rufach, IEI Vice-President and ERC spokesperson; and Manel Solé, a Junts-Impulsem deputy.

Following this, the four presidents met with representatives from AMTU, including Director General Juan Manuel Segovia and Deputy Director General of Communication and Institutional Relations, Joan Serra. The discussion centred on institutional cooperation to tackle key mobility challenges in the different provincial areas and throughout Catalonia.

The presidents agreed to associate with AMTU to enhance sustainable mobility options across the territory. This partnership will strengthen institutional coordination, helping to advance shared strategies for better connectivity and more equitable mobility among municipalities, according to officials.

Broader Municipal Concerns and Global Goals

During a subsequent meeting, the four provincial council presidents also discussed other municipal concerns, such as finding solutions for the shortage of secretaries and auditors in local councils. The gathering concluded with guided visits to the IEI Library and the Morera. Lleida Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

This collaboration between the provincial councils aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 11, 'Sustainable Cities and Communities', and number 17, 'Partnerships for the Goals'. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 17 SDGs on 25 September 2015, as part of the global agenda for 2030. The Barcelona Provincial Council, in particular, is committed to meeting these goals and structures its support for local governments in the province accordingly.