Portugal
Portuguese Libraries - ESIF
ESIF in Portugal (POs 4 and 5)
The European Structural Funds (ESF) 2021-2027 represent a crucial opportunity for Portugal to boost social and territorial development, in line with the European Union’s priorities. In this context, Political Objectives 4 and 5 play a central role in promoting a more social Europe that is closer to its citizens.
Political Objective 4, dedicated to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, has as its main purpose the promotion of social inclusion, the reduction of inequalities and access to quality services. In Portugal, this objective translates into a number of initiatives, in particular:
Combating poverty and social exclusion: Investment in programmes to combat child poverty, support vulnerable families and promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups such as migrants and refugees.
Promoting employment and skills: Support for the creation of quality jobs, vocational training and the retraining of workers, with the aim of reducing unemployment and increasing employability.
Strengthening health and social protection systems: Improving access to health services, promoting public health and investing in long-term care.
Equal opportunities: Promoting gender equality, combating discrimination and supporting the reconciliation of work and family life.
Political Objective 5 seeks to promote the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas through local initiatives. In Portugal, this objective is realised through actions such as:
Revitalising urban and rural areas: Investment in infrastructure, upgrading public spaces and promoting territorial cohesion. Sustainable development: Support for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources. Strengthening the local economy: Promoting entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and developing local value chains. Preservation of cultural and natural heritage: Investment in the valorisation of cultural and natural heritage, promotion of sustainable tourism and protection of biodiversity.
The National Library used ESIF funds to digitize a vast collection of historical documents, making them accessible to a wider audience online. This project is aligned with PRR's focus on digitalization and cultural preservation. (Source to be found by searching for "National Library of Portugal FEEI project")
The Lisbon Municipal Public Library Network used FEEI subsidies to create a mobile library, serving needy communities in remote areas. This initiative exemplifies the use of FEEI funding to promote social inclusion and equal access to information.
The University of Porto Library used ESIF resources to modernise its facilities and implement self-service technologies, making the process of borrowing and returning books more efficient. This project demonstrates how the ESIF can support innovation and improve the user experience in libraries.
The Galician town of Verín and the Portuguese city of Chaves are connected by more than just the Tâmega river. Just 25 minutes apart, they form the oldest ‘Eurocity’ on the border, which stands as a success story in cross- border cooperation. The aim is clear: to improve the quality of the lives of citizens and exchange cultural experience. The sharing of services, creation of initiatives like the “Eurocitizen Card” allows inhabitants of the two neighbourhoods to enjoy discounts for public services, including swimming pools, hot springs, libraries and much more. In addition, the implementation of a free bus across the border connecting the two towns, the creation of a green corridor along the Tâmega river and the branding of Chaves-Verín as a tourist destination has strengthened the region’s future through smart, inclusive and sustainable growth. Certainly, the project has demonstrated that the institutional, economic, social, cultural and territorial integration of two border towns is perfectly doable and comes with major benefits for the communities concerned.
