Carlos Moedas was elected Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions during the Group’s meeting held today, bringing to the position a strong European profile and extensive experience at both European and local level.
Following his election, Moedas stated: “I'm very happy to be here to help develop this idea that innovation is jobs, that innovation is the only way that we create jobs, and that link is done by the cities and the regions. I want to use my experience as former commissioner, and currently as mayor, and the president of the Metropolitan Area, to deliver for all Europeans.”
Carlos Moedas currently serves as Mayor of Lisbon and President of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, representing around three million citizens and nearly 40% of Portugal’s GDP. Throughout his political career, he has consistently championed the role of cities and regions in delivering European priorities and bringing Europe closer to citizens.
Before becoming Mayor of Lisbon, Moedas served as European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, where he led the creation of the Horizon Europe programme and helped secure an unprecedented €100 billion investment for innovation across Europe. During that period, he also worked closely with the European Committee of the Regions to strengthen the role of cities and regions in European innovation policy and to increase the resources directed towards local and regional authorities.
Under his leadership, Lisbon has become one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs. The city was awarded the title of European Capital of Innovation and developed initiatives such as the Unicorn Factory Lisboa, aimed at supporting start-ups, entrepreneurship and technological growth. Lisbon has also become a flagship example of European investment in housing, with €560 million dedicated to new housing projects supported through European initiatives.
On sustainability and climate adaptation, Lisbon is implementing major infrastructure projects to address flooding and strengthen urban resilience, including large-scale underground tunnel systems designed to protect the city from extreme weather events.
Moedas has repeatedly stressed that innovation, sustainability and cohesion must translate into concrete opportunities for citizens and jobs for future generations. Drawing on his experience as a European Commissioner, Mayor and metropolitan leader, he has positioned himself as a strong advocate for an EPP agenda focused on innovation, people and the future of Europe.