ATLANTIC BRIDGES PROJECT
Building a Reliable Commun Identity
towards a Global Urban Sustainable Development in the Atlantic Area
COUNTRIES
PARTNERS
MONTHS
€ BUDGET
TURNING TRANSITIONS
INTO ACTIONS
Economic transition
Supporting resilient, innovative and locally rooted economic models linked to the blue and green economy.
Social transition
Strengthening cooperation, inclusive governance and opportunities for communities across Atlantic territories.
Environmental transition
Protecting natural resources and testing practical solutions for more sustainable land-sea dynamics.
About the project
ATLANTIC BRIDGES is not merely a research initiative.
It is a transnational operational programme designed to support Atlantic medium-sized coastal cities in developing and testing an integrated urban planning framework based on the land–sea relationship.
The project enables areas to identify, analyse, adapt and replicate successful practices that contribute to the triple transition : ecological, economic and social, through concrete pilot action plans implemented on the ground.
A four-step project
Atlantic Bridges is a 30-month European project supporting five Atlantic partners in strengthening land-sea connections to accelerate the ecological, economic and social transition, and to build lasting cooperation across the Atlantic.
1.
Analyse
We assess each territory’s challenges, assets and governance models. Through comparative analysis and shared learning, partners build a common understanding of land-sea dynamics and identify priority transition issues.
2.
Co-design
Partners work together with local stakeholders to co-design strategic frameworks and action plans. This collaborative phase ensures that solutions are grounded in real territorial needs and shared ambitions.
3.
Experiment
Concrete pilot actions are implemented in each partner territory. These real-life demonstrations test innovative approaches and generate measurable results linked to the triple transition.
4.
Transfer
Results, tools and lessons learned are capitalised and shared across the Atlantic area. The objective is to ensure replicability, scalability and long-term impact beyond the project lifetime.
Objectives of Atlantic Bridges
- Build a common land-sea cooperation framework for Atlantic territories.
- Identify shared transition challenges through comparative territorial analysis.
- Co-design local action plans with public and private stakeholders.
- Implement and test pilot actions linked to the triple transition.
- Transfer and scale solutions across the Atlantic area and beyond the EU.
The Five Partners
The project is bringing together five diverse partners, combining complementary expertise across governance, academia, ports and local development.
Eixo Atlantico
local authorities NETWORK
Leading overall project coordination and developing the strategic framework for land-sea integration.
Atlantic Technological University
RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Leading the Economic Transition pillar and developing and testing local action plans under WP2.
SEM Les Sables d’Olonne Développement
economic development agency
Leading project communication and ensuring compliance with Interreg Atlantic Area visibility requirements.
EM Normandie
Business School
Leading the Social Transition pillar and ensuring project capitalization and transferability at Atlantic Area level.
Porto de Aveiro
PORT AUTHORITY
Co-leading the Ecological Transition pillar and contributing to land-sea integration and biodiversity protection measures.
Porto da Figueira
da Foz
PORT AUTHORITY
Co-leading the Ecological Transition pillar and implementing environmental pilot actions focused on port-city integration.
The project’s outcomes
Our free-access library
Last News
Partner Perspectives
“ATLANTIC BRIDGES represents a bold step towards redefining how Atlantic coastal cities understand their relationship with the sea, not as a boundary but as a shared opportunity.
By integrating ecological, economic and social transitions into urban planning, the project builds a common Atlantic identity rooted in resilience, cooperation and sustainability.”
ANA DEL VALLE COUTO
Project Manager
EIXO ATLÁNTICO – SPAIN
“The EM Normandie territory has undergone major transformations over the past 20 years and is currently engaged in a strong dynamic of urban and port development.
Participation in the ATLANTIC BRIDGES project is fully in line with this trajectory, building on close cooperation with local stakeholders as well as with the project’s international partners.”
ALICE THEBAULT GUET
Project Manager
EM NORMANDIE BUSINESS SCHOOL – FRANCE
“SEM LSOD is proud to be part of ATLANTIC BRIDGES. This ambitious project offers the opportunity to work collectively for the future of our Atlantic territories.
By joining forces, we can develop practical solutions that will benefit cities all along the Atlantic coast.”
RAPHAËL GRANEL DE SOLIGNAC
Project Manager
SEM LSOD – FRANCE