SPARK Study Visit in Portugal

Bulgaria Economic Forum took part in an international study visit held on 21–22 April 2026 in Guarda, Portugal, organised within the framework of the SPARK project. The visit was hosted by the Intermunicipal Community of Beiras and Serra da Estrela (CIMRBSE) and brought together project partners to exchange knowledge and good practices in sustainable urban mobility.

The programme commenced with a Knowledge Transfer Seminar at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, where participants explored regional approaches to urban sustainable mobility, including strategic planning, innovation in transport systems, and practical examples from selected municipalities. Experts and practitioners presented solutions focused on improving mobility efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the quality of public transport services.

A key component of the visit was the TET Seminar, where project partners, including Bulgaria Economic Forum and Dobrich Municipality, delivered short presentations reflecting on Local Analysis Reports (LARs) and collections of Good Practices (GPs). The discussions highlighted shared strengths such as strong policy alignment with EU mobility goals, while also identifying gaps related to monitoring, data integration, and long-term governance structures.

On the second day, the delegation travelled to Covilhã to experience innovative mobility solutions in practice. Participants explored the city’s funicular transport system as an example of sustainable urban mobility adapted to challenging terrain. The visit continued at the University of Beira Interior, where researchers presented cutting-edge projects in active, collective, and smart mobility, as well as sustainable urban infrastructure and air mobility solutions.

The study visit provided valuable insights into how integrated planning, digitalisation, and stakeholder collaboration can support the transition to more sustainable and resilient urban mobility systems. Bulgaria Economic Forum’s participation contributed to the exchange of experience and reinforced its commitment to promoting innovative mobility solutions and policy development in Bulgaria and across Europe.