Lleida and Mollerussa are working together on the Smart Rural Congress as part of a wider territorial alliance in Western Catalonia. The mayors, Fèlix Larrosa of Lleida and Marc Solsona of Mollerussa, met in Mollerussa on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to strengthen ties and advance shared projects.
The congress, with a possible sub-venue in Mollerussa, is intended to promote innovation and better management of rural areas. Larrosa said it could become a key part of a new path in the exhibition sector, based on cooperation rather than competition between the two cities.
He also said the meeting was meant to pool initiatives that support a shared economic space and to underline Western Catalonia’s capacity to grow and compete within the country. He stressed the need for governance built on inter-municipal cooperation, with projects that have a direct impact on residents. For more local coverage, see our news page.
Solsona said the meeting reflected the good relationship between two municipalities that drive the territory, are pioneers, and share projects in the exhibition sector. Both mayors said attracting and retaining talent is a key goal, and that projects like the Smart Rural Congress can help create opportunities and encourage people to stay, work and start businesses in the area.
The two mayors also discussed mobility, housing policies, youth and service provision, which they see as important for a more cohesive and competitive regional model. They said the alliance should extend to other municipalities and territories, building a network that goes beyond administrative boundaries.
Balaguer, Les Borges Blanques, Cervera, Tàrrega, Mollerussa and Lleida already share a regular agenda to build a common space for larger projects. Larrosa also signed the Book of Honour at Mollerussa Town Hall, and later visited the facilities with Solsona before meeting the municipal government team.
