Artificial Intelligence, Portugal and Europe: Municipalities, Cohesion Policy and Quality of Life

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy at a remarkable pace. In the years ahead, a great many tasks will be automated, and technology will stop being the preserve of a small minority and become accessible to almost everyone.

When technology is everywhere, what matters most?

With that in mind, one question becomes unavoidable: when technology is available everywhere, what will genuinely set places apart?

I do not believe the answer lies solely in algorithms or sheer computing power. The truly scarce elements will be the things no machine can manufacture: quality of life, heritage, culture, identity, security and community.

Portugal and Europe’s opportunity in the artificial intelligence economy

This is precisely where Europe - and Portugal in particular - has a chance we cannot afford to waste. Portugal is a safe country, with exceptional historical and natural heritage, human-scale towns and cities, and a quality of life that is recognised abroad. In a world where work will depend less and less on where it is carried out, people will choose to live where they find the best conditions for themselves and for their families. But this opportunity will not realise itself. It requires vision and investment.

Municipalities, government and a strong European cohesion policy

Municipalities are the leading agents of territorial change. It is local councils that revitalise town and city centres, improve schools, safeguard and enhance heritage, support culture and sport, and put in place the conditions needed to attract businesses and talent while encouraging people to settle and stay. In the new economy, this responsibility only becomes more strategic.

At the same time, the state must keep pace, with a Public Administration that is simpler, more agile and more efficient. Cutting red tape and streamlining administrative processes are essential if municipalities are to deliver investment more quickly - work that has been carried forward by the current Government.

It will also be vital to protect a robust European cohesion policy. Cohesion funds enable municipalities to invest, innovate, reduce inequalities and improve quality of life. Weakening this policy would jeopardise territorial development and undermine Europe’s own competitiveness. I am convinced the future will depend as much on technology as on our ability to create places where people choose to live - a task that begins every day, in our municipalities.

A note of thanks to those on the frontline

Finally, at a time when Portugal is going through difficult days, I want to offer a word of recognition to the firefighters, civil protection personnel, security forces, military service members, health professionals, fellow local leaders, municipal employees and volunteers on the frontline in the fight against the fires. Your courage is an example to us all.